Veneer sensitivity refers to the discomfort or pain that you might experience in your teeth after getting veneers, particularly when consuming hot or cold foods. This sensitivity is generally caused by enamel loss, as your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth to help the veneers fit better.
While sensitivity in the beginning is normal, it should fade away within two weeks as your teeth adjust to the veneers. To address this sensitivity, treatment options range from over-the-counter remedies to professional procedures such as modifying or replacing your veneers.
At Bedford Dental Group, our expert cosmetic dentists in Beverly Hills use state of the art technology to provide comprehensive dentistry services, ensuring your veneers are well fitted for functionality and comfort. Having been in the industry for over 30 years, we are highly skilled in handling porcelain veneers from their installation to the aftercare process. To discuss how our services can meet your specific needs, take advantage of our free consultation today.
In this blog, our experts will cover the causes of tooth sensitivity after getting veneers and multiple treatment options available for managing tooth sensitivity.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells for your teeth usually made of porcelain or composite resin. They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes to enhance the appearance of your teeth. Specific issues dental veneers can correct include discoloration, chipping, and misalignment. They provide a natural-looking, durable solution for enhancing your smile by creating an aesthetically pleasing dental appearance.
When considering dental veneers, knowing the types of veneers available can help guide your decision towards the most suitable option for your dental needs. Veneers are generally classified as either composite or porcelain. Patients frequently ask questions about the advantages of porcelain vs composite veneers in order to understand their benefits and limitations. To answer some questions you may have, we will examine the pros and cons of porcelain veneers against their composite counterpart.
Porcelain veneers are crafted from high-quality dental ceramic and bonded to your teeth. They often last 10-15 years or more with intensive care. However, they are costly and require multiple visits to install. This could be linked to the extensive application method of porcelain veneers. Preparing your teeth for porcelain veneers involves slightly reshaping them by trimming off roughly 0.5mm of enamel to ensure proper fitting. While this process is irreversible, it is a necessary step to ensure your veneers blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Composite veneers, on the other hand, involve the direct application of tooth-colored resins on the surface of your teeth. They offer a quick, less expensive solution to your cosmetic dental needs. Composite veneers typically last 5-7 years but are less durable compared to their porcelain counterparts. They also require less tooth preparation and can be installed in a single visit, making them less invasive and relatively easy to repair or adjust.
Causes of Veneer Sensitivity
Immediately after getting veneers, you may experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages which is normal. The sensitivity should be temporary, however, understanding the cause of your sensitive teeth can help you care for your veneers better.
Your tooth enamel plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth from sensitivity. The enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that acts as a barrier from stimuli such as temperature changes. Enamel loss can occur from what you eat, particularly sugary, acidic, and starchy foods. Other causes of tooth erosion are teeth grinding and veneer placement. The application of veneers may leave your dentin exposed, which can lead to heightened sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods. Additionally, when the bonding process is not conducted correctly during veneer placement, it may result in gaps where the dentin is exposed, aggravating sensitivity.
Bad veneers are usually a result of poorly fitted veneers, incorrect bonding, or excess enamel removal, all of which play a role in prolonged sensitivity. Fortunately, veneers are often replaceable and adjustable to improve their comfort and function. If you think you have bad veneers installed call our second-opinion dentists to get an expert assessment.
What Happens if You Ignore Veneer Sensitivity?
When you experience discomfort from your veneers beyond the initial stage, ignoring it could lead to many issues. Continuous sensitivity may be an indicator of poorly bonded veneers or dentin exposure. After a while, the heightened discomfort can hinder eating or drinking and raise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease with poorly fitted veneers trapping food.
If you experience tooth sensitivity after getting veneers for a prolonged period beyond two weeks you should seek professional dental care. Treatment options may involve replacing or adjusting your veneers. As well as address any exposed dentin or bonding issues. At Bedford Dental Group, our expert dentists are fully equipped with advanced technology to offer you the most affordable care possible. Don’t let the sensitivity persist, book an appointment to restore your comfort and smile today.
Symptoms of Veneer Sensitivity You Shouldn’t Overlook
Common symptoms of veneer sensitivity you shouldn’t overlook include a sharp pain when eating, discomfort when biting or chewing, and any sensitivity even when you aren’t eating or drinking.
As we mentioned earlier, temporary tooth sensitivity occurs immediately after getting your veneers and usually goes away within a few days to a few weeks as your mouth adjusts. However, chronic sensitivity goes beyond this initial period and worsens over time. This may indicate your veneers are poorly fitted, or your dentin is exposed.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek professional help. Chronic sensitivity may lead to severe dental problems if left untreated. For urgent attention, consider reaching out to our emergency dentistry services to address the problem promptly and effectively. Taking quick action can prevent further discomfort and ensure the longevity of your veneers.
Prevention and Management of Sensitivity
To prevent and manage sensitive teeth before getting veneers, your dentist may advise you to limit or stop your intake of tobacco, vinegar-based products, and other foods that can erode enamel. If you are not already using fluoride toothpaste, your dentist may ask you to get one as it helps in removing plaque buildup and fighting against tooth decay. Additionally, your dentist should not shave off more than 0.5mm of enamel in preparation for your veneers to minimize prolonged sensitivity.
How you care for your newly installed veneers also factors into how you prevent any unnecessary discomfort. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing regularly, and avoiding certain foods can help you manage tooth sensitivity. Avoid very hot or cold foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits, and sticky or hard candies to protect your veneers. Foods and drinks that can stain your teeth such as coffee, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and pasta sauce should also be avoided. When you can, use a straw for your drinks and rinse your mouth immediately after meals to wash away food particles. You can take a step further to also wear a nightguard at night to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching when you sleep.
By taking these preventive steps, you can minimize sensitivity and ensure your veneers are comfortable over the years to come.
Treatment Options for Veneer Sensitivity
If you are experiencing sensitivity after getting veneers there are several treatment options available to help alleviate the discomfort. Over-the-counter solutions for your pain include using desensitizing toothpaste. This toothpaste is designed to block pain signals from the tooth surface to the nerve. You can also apply fluoride gel to strengthen your teeth’s enamel and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, avoiding eating any food at extremely hot and cold temperatures can help you prevent triggering sensitivity.
There are also a number of professional treatments available for more persistent or severe cases. In cases where your sensitivity is caused by bonding issues or an improper veneer fit they may need to adjust or replace them. If your teeth sensitivity is caused by an exposed dentin, your dentist can cover the sensitive areas and provide relief.
In cases where home remedies and over-the-counter solutions have provided little to no relief over the course of a month, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist. Your pain may be linked to serious underlying issues that can only be solved with professional help. Sharp pains, difficulty eating or drinking, and visible signs of damage to your veneers are all valid reasons to seek immediate help.
Can a Cosmetic Dentist Treat Sensitivity?
Cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance and functionality of your teeth through various procedures including veneers. They can accurately diagnose the cause of your sensitive teeth and suggest treatments that can alleviate the discomfort. By leveraging their knowledge of dental aesthetics and functionality, they can provide comprehensive care that enhances your smile and boosts your overall oral health.
To identify whether your veneers are bad you should watch out for signs such as persistent sensitivity, discomfort when eating food, visible gaps, and uneven edges. You save time and money in the long run when your veneers are installed by a professional cosmetic dentist. A skilled cosmetic dentist ensures your veneers are properly fitted reducing the risk of any future complications. This not only safeguards your dental health but saves you money in the long run as corrective procedures for veneers tend to be expensive.
While the cost of a full mouth of veneers can be a significant expenditure, the benefits outweigh the expense, especially when done by an expert. On average the cost of a full mouth of porcelain veneers may cost $12,000 – $90,000 depending on several factors such as the number of veneers. However, Bedford Dental Group offers a flexible and affordable payment plan to make this procedure attainable for everyone.
Long-term Care of Veneers
To guarantee the longevity of your veneers diligence is necessary. Going for regular checkups can help you monitor their condition and ensure your oral health remains top-notch. During these visits, your dentist may spot issues early on and offer any care that will maintain the appearance of your veneers.
In addition to receiving professional care, it is also important to take up good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing your teeth daily. You should also avoid abrasive substances that could harm the integrity of your veneers. Examples of such substances are hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and baking soda. You also want to steer clear of biting any hard objects and using your teeth as a tool.
Furthermore, your lifestyle choices can also contribute to the durability of your veneers. For example, if you consume tobacco it could stain your veneers after a period of time. Highly pigmented foods such as berries, curry, and beetroots can also leave the same effect. Additionally, drinks like tea, wine, and coffee can also stain your teeth. Porcelain veneers stain just like your natural teeth. But unlike natural teeth, veneers cannot be whitened through your usual whitening methods. This highlights why it’s important to avoid staining your veneers from the go. Veneers can be whitened through professional cleaning sessions that involve polishing your natural teeth and the veneers themselves. However, if you have not been visiting your dentist regularly or you have an old set of veneers, the only option may be to replace your veneers completely.
Have Questions about Tooth Sensitivity or Veneers?
Addressing any sensitivity caused by your veneers is crucial in preventing complications and ensuring your comfort. If you are battling veneer sensitivity you should get expert help from a skilled cosmetic dentist like our Dr. Naysan, who can diagnose and treat your condition. Our team of Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentists in LA can provide an expert assessment of your teeth and determine the best way to give you a bright, confident, and painless smile.
At Bedford Dental Group, our award-winning teams combine 30 years of experience with a holistic approach to oral health. Specializing in everything from general dentistry to smile makeovers we utilize proven treatments to get exceptional results. Experience why we are one of the best dental clinics in the US by booking a free consultation where you can discuss your dental needs.
Living comfortably with veneers involves following ideal dental practices, and staying mindful of your lifestyle choices. By following these guidelines you can enjoy healthy teeth and a beautiful smile for years to come.
