Now that you’ve chosen to experience the life-changing benefits of porcelain veneers, it’s time to plan ahead for the days and weeks following the placement of your new veneers. Porcelain veneers are often referred to as “instant orthodontics” because of the drastic reshaping and whitening that results from placement.
While side effects are rare, some patients report minor temperature sensitivity and other forms of sensitivity in the days following their cosmetic procedure. The vast majority of patients who experience these minor side effects naturally adjust within a few days or weeks.
To schedule your cosmetic consultation to discover if porcelain veneers are right for you, call us at 512-346-4690.
How Will I Feel After My New Veneers Are Placed?
To understand why there might be an adjustment period, it is important to explain the potential cause of your sensitivity following veneer placement. In order to make room for your new veneers, a small amount of enamel on the front-facing portion of your teeth (typically less than 1 millimeter) needs to be removed.
There is no pain typically associated with the “prepping” portion of your cosmetic procedure, but the change in the surface of your teeth can create heightened sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in the days following the placement of your veneers. Over time, your mouth will adjust to the porcelain shells.
The First Few Days
More often than not, your new veneers may be slightly larger than the natural teeth thy cover. This feature allows your new porcelain attachments to reshape your teeth in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Shortly after your veneers are placed at our Austin clinic, you may notice that your tongue and inner cheeks can feel the features of your porcelain shells. These will be momentary distractions that will fade over the following days.
Some patients report heightened sensitivity to heat and cold. This sensitivity may be most noticeable when eating ice cream, for example. A small number of patients report that their speech is slightly impeded due to the porcelain veneers. This is no different than what our patients report after having braces or another attachment or prosthetic placed. Any chance to the surface of the teeth can require that your palate readjusts.
The First Few Weeks
Each patient will have a unique adjustment period timeline. Some patients report zero side effects following their cosmetic procedure. Others require days or even weeks to fully adjust. Dr. Helen Ragsdale will closely monitor your progress while offering tips and advice along the way. If your side effects are still a concern after a few weeks, please notify Dr. Ragsdale.
Tips For Adjusting to Veneers
If you wish to prevent side effects following your cosmetic procedure, these proven tips can help!
- Avoid hot drinks or cold foods
- Stay away from hard foods until your teeth adjust to the new veneers
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Use a straw when drinking cold liquids
- Keep Dr. Ragsdale posted on your side effects
- Be patient
Contact our Austin practice for information on Porcelain Veneers!
If you want to enhance your smile through teeth porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation with Austin’s Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale. Our practice is proud to offer the newest cosmetic dentistry techniques and treatments that offer less invasive, yet dramatic results. Contact our practice today to schedule your consultation.
