Do Veneers Make Your Teeth Sensitive? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re considering porcelain veneers, you’ve probably done a little research and seen that enamel needs to be removed. But will that process make your teeth sensitive? Well, it depends, but for most patients, any sensitivity is temporary and manageable. Keep reading to learn what happens during veneer treatment and see what you can expect.

Why Sensitivity Can Follow Veneers

As you may know, your dentist needs to remove some enamel from the surface of your tooth to place a veneer. However, it’s not a lot—typically less than a millimeter. This is necessary to create room for the veneer to sit flush and look like a natural part of your smile instead of something “tacked on.”

Because enamel is your tooth’s protective outer layer, removing even a small amount can temporarily expose the more sensitive structures beneath it. That’s the main reason some patients experience sensitivity after their veneers are placed.

What Does It Feel Like?

For most patients, veneer sensitivity shows up as a heightened reaction to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods or drinks. There’s a sharp “sting” that shoots from your tooth up into your gums. Even if it is painful, it’s usually not an overwhelming sensation, nor does it stick around for more than a few seconds.

This heightened state won’t last forever. In fact, most patients say the sensitivity fades within a few days. For others, it might take a couple of weeks as the tooth adjusts to the restoration. If sensitivity lingers beyond that window or feels severe, it’s worth letting your dentist know.

Who Is More Likely to Experience Sensitivity?

Patients who already have sensitive teeth going into the process may notice more pronounced sensitivity after veneer placement. The same goes for patients whose veneers require slightly more enamel removal than average. Your dentist will likely catch these concerns during your consultation and offer guidance, typically:

• Drink liquids at a lukewarm temperature
• Brush with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth
• Cut back on sweet and acidic foods temporarily
• Use less force when brushing and use a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Avoid whitening products

For the vast majority of veneer patients, sensitivity is short-lived and a small trade-off for results that can last a decade or more. If sensitivity is on your mind, talk to your dentist about it at your consultation. A skilled cosmetic dentist will be glad to help make the process as comfortable as possible.

About The Author

Dr. Mark Medaugh earned his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania as a Pierre Fauchard Scholar. Before dental school, he studied painting and ceramics at Bates College, a background that informs his meticulous, artistic approach to cosmetic care. Ready for your new smile? Call Valley Dentists of Belchertown in Belchertown at (413) 323-4335 to learn more.