Veneers are a very popular way that thousands of Americans have already used to enhance their smiles. However, some patients worry that the treatment might lead to tooth sensitivity. But is there any merit to this fear? Or is it just another dental myth? Continue reading to learn more about porcelain veneers and whether they cause sensitive teeth.
What are Veneers?
To understand why some patients might think that veneers cause tooth sensitivity, you should know how the treatment is done. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are shaped and bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They effectively mask multiple dental imperfections like cracks, chips, gaps, and slight misalignments.
However, to accommodate the veneers, your dentist must remove a very thin layer of enamel from the teeth being treated. This is usually only around .5 millimeters of material—about the equivalent of the width of a human hair. Once this is done, the veneers are bonded in place and completely cover the surface of the teeth.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Your teeth aren’t solid pieces; they consist of multiple layers, each having a specific purpose. On the outside, you have enamel which provides protection. Under that is dentin, which gives structure to the tooth. At the center is the pulp which contains all the blood vessels and nerve endings.
Multiple factors such as cavities, cracks, drinking acidic drinks, and some dental treatments can cause enamel wear. When enamel thins, it can allow excessive temperature and pressure to get closer to the pulp. This causes your nerves to react, creating pain.
Do Veneers Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
While a little enamel is removed during the veneer process, it is replaced with porcelain. This means that the surface of treated teeth should become less sensitive, not more. Many times, the discomfort that patients feel after veneer treatment is due to the procedure itself.
This uncomfortable sensation should disappear after a few days, or possibly a few weeks as your teeth recover. Afterward, your smile may become less sensitive than before because porcelain isn’t as reactive with temperature changes as natural enamel.
So, while tooth sensitivity is a valid concern for patients considering veneers, it’s temporary and more from the procedure than the treatment itself. With proper care, you should be able to manage any discomfort with generic pain relievers and a soft diet for the first few days. If the pain continues, call your dentist. They can help you pinpoint and secure the source for a happier and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Thomas Pogue is a proud and highly skilled dentist with a dental doctorate from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He enjoys helping his patients learn to love going to the dentist, providing comfortable experiences at his practice with advanced dental technology and techniques. Call (563) 332-7734 to schedule a veneer consultation at Pleasant Valley Dentistry or visit the website to discover other services and treatments.