Point at any celebrity photo from the past few years, and there’s a good chance they’ll have veneers. In the past, teeth whitening was the way to get a nice smile. Nowadays, veneers have become the popular way to get perfect-looking teeth.
Anyone contemplating the procedure might wonder what the pain level is like. After all, getting veneers is a dental procedure that requires shaving down your teeth to apply them. Do veneers hurt at all, and how much?
Here’s everything you need to know about the experience, including what kind of pain you may face.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry that uses ultra-thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They enhance the shape, color, size, or alignment of those teeth.
A dentist may recommend veneers as an option to fix:
- Discoloration or staining
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor misalignments
- Worn-down enamel
Veneers are often made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain is more stain-resistant and lasts longer. Composite veneers are more affordable upfront and easier to repair if chipped or damaged.
Do Veneers Hurt?
The short answer is that it shouldn’t cause much pain at all. In fact, many patients reported a painless veneers experience altogether.
Any discomfort you feel is typically mild and temporary. Modern cosmetic dentistry techniques minimize invasive work and ensure patient comfort. Your dentist should use local anesthesia and pain relievers to numb the area while they work.
That said, your level of discomfort will vary based on:
- Whether you’re getting traditional or no-prep veneers
- Your individual pain tolerance
- The condition of your teeth beforehand
- How many teeth are being treated
Once you have the veneers on, you may suffer gum and tooth soreness for a few days. You may also have tooth sensitivity for a time.
The Dental Veneers Procedure Broken Down
It helps to know what to expect before you sign up for a dental procedure, especially if you have general anxiety regarding the dentist.
The process of getting veneers is one with five main steps:
- Consultation
- Preparing the tooth
- Tooth impressions and temporary veneer
- Placing the veneer
- Recovering after you have them
Consultation and Planning
Your veneers journey starts with a consultation. Your dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if veneers are right for you. X-rays or digital scans may be taken to get a clearer picture.
They are primarily a cosmetic procedure, so you don’t need a medical reason to get them. However, your dentist will likely advise against it if you have underlying dental issues like gum disease or cavities. You cannot get veneers with cavities, though you can once you have fillings.
Expect your dentist to also discuss the procedure’s cost. Only in rare cases will your insurance cover it, such as if it serves a function reason like repairing a fractured tooth.
Tooth Preparation
Traditional porcelain veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed from the front of the tooth to ensure a proper fit. This step may cause anxiety, but it comes with a local anesthetic to numb the area completely. At most, you may feel pressure or vibrations.
No-prep veneers, like Lumineers, remove very little to no enamel removal. It’s much gentler and often completely pain-free.
Impressions and Temporary Veneers
Once your teeth are prepped, your dentist will take impressions to create custom veneers. You may receive temporary veneers to protect your teeth while your permanent ones are being made.
Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold during this time. It’s usually mild and manageable.
Veneer Placement
When your permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will remove any temporaries. They then clean your teeth and bond the veneers using a special adhesive.
Your dentist may use a local anesthetic again to ensure complete comfort during placement. Most patients describe this step as quick and pain-free.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the anesthesia wears off, you might experience mild sensitivity or gum tenderness. This will fade within a few days.
Over-the-counter veneer pain relief options like ibuprofen can help manage any discomfort. You can also use oral gel to numb any gum pain you might feel.
Veneers Recovery Time
Most people feel completely normal within a day or two after placement. That does not mean your veneers are ready for normal use, though.
Within the first few days, expect mild sensitivity or pressure. You should stick to soft food that isn’t sticky.
After four days, sensitivity fades. You can return to normal eating. After a full week, you should be fully adjusted and ready to smile with confidence.
Next, you’ll need to work on maintaining your veneers so they last as long as possible. At most, they should last about ten years before you need replacements.
Avoid grinding your teeth or biting hard surfaces. Brush and floss regularly. Visit your dentist if you experience any issues.
Alternatives to Veneers
It’s important to consider alternative options if you’re unsure about veneers.
Dental bonding is less invasive and typically pain-free. However, it’s not as durable. Teeth whitening can restore the color of your teeth, but it does not affect their shape or alignment.
If there is significant tooth damage, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. These provide a stronger, more protective restoration compared to veneers. They preserve as much of the structure as they can.
Alternatively, too much damage or a dangerous infection may require a dentist to pull the tooth. In that case, you can opt for dental implants for pristine-looking teeth that can last a lifetime.
Take the Leap With Veneers
Do veneers hurt at all during the process of getting them? As long as your dentist does the job, you shouldn’t feel anything more than a slight discomfort. Your teeth may feel more sensitive in the days afterward, but that will pass.
Garden Springs Detail is the premier destination for your dental care. Our team of professionals can help with dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and teeth whitening. Contact us with any questions and to set up your first appointment.
