Let’s say you’re thinking of getting porcelain veneers from a Skokie dentist. However, you have a question: “Do veneers cause teeth sensitivity?” After all, the procedure supposedly removes some of your tooth enamel. It only makes sense that your teeth would become more fragile and vulnerable. Whatever the case, you won’t firmly commit to treatment without knowing the answer.
To learn the truth of the matter, here’s a summary of sensitive teeth and veneers. By reading it, you’ll know how treatment can lead to tooth sensitivity, prevent it, and benefit you regardless.
So? *Do* Veneers Increase Sensitivity?
The short answer is “sometimes, for some people.” As mentioned above, veneer placement shaves away your enamel, the outermost surface of your teeth. While this typically isn’t an issue, the process occasionally exposes a tooth’s dentin — its second layer —to external forces. The result? Said layer can then be stimulated by hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods that prompt it to send pain signals to the brain.
Any sensitivity from treatment is normal and temporary. After a few days or weeks, it fades away on its own. Even so, it’d be best to have persistent or intense aches checked out. Sharp and long-lasting pain could indicate a bigger dental problem.
Veneers Can Also *Prevent* Sensitivity
If your teeth were already sensitive due to poor enamel, porcelain veneers could help the issue. The porcelain layer would keep hot or cold foods from reaching the damaged areas by covering the tooth surface.
Your dentist can determine if veneers would help prior sensitivity, though it’d depend on your smile’s condition.
4 Benefits of Getting Veneers
Whether your veneers lead to sensitive teeth or treat pre-existing sensitivity, their benefits outweigh the risks. Their most noteworthy features include the following:
- Tooth-Coloring: Your dentist will match your veneers to the color of your teeth, ensuring that your smile looks natural and uniform.
- Low maintenance: Veneers don’t require any special cleaning guidelines. Just do as you would for natural teeth — brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with mouthwash. Plus, visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
- Stain-resistance: Porcelain veneers are made to be stain-resistant. They could keep your smile white for upward of twenty years with proper care!
- A healthy, beautiful smile: Veneers fix cosmetic issues like tooth gaps, discoloration, chips, cracks, and more. Sensitive or not, treated teeth will shine and impress everyone around you.
While porcelain veneers can cause or stop tooth sensitivity, their advantages are consistent. Contact your dentist to see if treatment is your best choice!
About the Author
Dr. Brad Weiss is based in Skokie, IL. A graduate of Indiana University’s School of Dentistry, he has practiced dentistry for over twenty years. He’s also continued his dental education through the L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida, having been part of their visiting faculty since 2008. Dr. Weiss has even been a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Dentists for over ten years! He currently practices at Weiss Dental Arts and can be reached at his website or by phone at (847)-864-0188.