Today, dental veneers are one of the most popular go-to cosmetic dentistry treatments for people who want to change their smile. It’s easy to see why dental veneers are an attractive way to transform your look without painful, invasive surgery. And, it’s natural to have questions about the procedure, such as “do veneers hurt?” before you embark on the process? So, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the experience.
One ugly tooth can ruin your smile. Yet, dental veneers are one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your look. Made either from porcelain or composite resin, veneers are either bonded or applied to the front surface of your teeth, masking stains, chips, and unevenness to give you the smile of your dreams.
What is the difference between porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers?
- Porcelain veneers are long-lasting—up to 10-15 years; Composite veneers generally last between 5-7 years
- Porcelain veneers are custom restorations that are manufactured and applied to the front surface of the tooth. Tooth enamel is also removed to accommodate them. Composite resin veneers are bonded to the existing surface of the tooth, thus filling in any slight chips or cracks. During this procedure, the structure of the tooth is not altered.
- Composite veneers are more prone to chipping than porcelain veneers.
- Porcelain veneers are significantly more expensive than composite.
The dental veneers process
It’s essential to understand what happens during the process of getting dental veneers so you can answer the question, do veneers hurt? So let’s take a look.
Initial Assessment
The initial assessment with the dentist will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for receiving veneers. Your mouth will be examined, and your goals discussed.
If you have some dental health issues, such as tooth decay or active gum disease, these will need to be resolved before veneers can be fitted to ensure your oral health is not compromised. Additionally, if you suffer from bruxism (jaw clenching or teeth grinding), you will probably not be a good candidate for veneers as you are likely to damage them. If your oral health is in good check, then the tooth veneers process should be comfortable.
If you decide to proceed with the veneers procedure, the dentist will talk to you about whether porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers are your preferred choice.
Composite resin veneers do not require any tooth preparation, as the dentist applies the material directly to the teeth in a matter of minutes. The process for porcelain veneers is significantly different and is outlined below:
Tooth preparation
If you decide to proceed with the porcelain veneers procedure, your teeth will be prepared for the veneers. The teeth receiving the veneers will need to have a sliver of enamel removed from the front so that when each veneer is attached, it is in line with the other teeth.
Does removing the enamel hurt? No. You will be given a local anaesthetic and won’t feel any discomfort during or after. Next, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a laboratory where your new dental veneers are made to measure.
Receiving temporary veneers
As it may take some time for your permanent porcelain veneers to be fabricated, the dentist will provide temporary veneers to protect the prepared teeth
Do veneers hurt when they are temporary? For some, yes—but this is probably because of the freshly removed tooth enamel. The discomfort should dissipate after a few weeks.
Receiving permanent porcelain veneers
You will return to the dentist to have your permanent veneers attached. The temporaries are removed, and the dentist places the porcelain veneers to check fit and colour. If everything is satisfactory, they are secured to the teeth with a strong light-activated adhesive that forms a reliable bond.
Do veneers hurt when permanent ones are fitted? Most people don’t experience any pain or discomfort when having permanent veneers fitted, but some tooth sensitivity is expected in the days or weeks following the treatment
Why do veneers hurt after the procedure?
Everyone’s experience is different, but temporary side-effects lasting for a couple of weeks may include:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold due to the loss of enamel
- Tender gums as a result of the process causing irritation
- Increase salivation as your body gets used to the new shape and size of your teeth
- Speech difficulties, which will resolve once you become accustomed to the veneers
How to prevent discomfort?
- Use a desensitising toothpaste
- Avoid hard foods that can place pressure on the teeth and gums
- Take mild painkillers
- If the teeth are very sensitive to hot and cold, consider drinking liquids at room temperature
- Avoid spicy foods and sugary drinks as they can irritate sensitive teeth and gums
- Rinse the mouth several times a day with salty water. Salt is a natural antiseptic and can help to reduce inflammation
How long will the discomfort last following dental veneers?
Sensitivity and discomfort typically subside within two weeks. If symptoms persist, it could signify a longer-term problem, such as a loose veneer or a chip or crack in the veneer. If symptoms do not ease, you should return to see your dentist.
Do Veneers Hurt? The Bottom Line
Dental veneers are a safe and effective way of obtaining a straight, white smile or beautifying chipped, cracked, misshapen, or ugly teeth. It is not uncommon that sensitivity or discomfort may be experienced after veneers are fitted, but this shouldn’t put you off. Any pain following the procedure soon fades, and you will be able to enjoy flashing a beautiful smile with confidence. Discover more and contact us for further information.
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
References
Mayo Clinic – Bruxism (teeth grindig)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095#:~:text=Bruxism%20(BRUK%2Dsiz%2Dum,a%20sleep%2Drelated%20movement%20disorder.
Healthline – what You Need to Know About Dental Anaesthesia
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-anesthesia
