Do you have imperfections in your teeth like chips, cracks, stains, minor gaps, or mild overcrowding? These concerns can make you anxious enough about being judged for your looks that you avoid spending time with others.
Fortunately, your dentist can mask one or several flaws with porcelain veneers. These thin ceramic shells are customized to the right size, shape, and shade to match your enamel, then are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. Although this popular treatment is mainly considered safe, there are 3 potential side effects you should know about before proceeding. Continue reading to learn more!
Concern #1: Sensitivity
Veneers are a versatile solution that can address several aesthetic issues to perfect your smile’s appearance. The durable porcelain can be customized for seamless results, but for them to fit correctly, a thin amount of enamel must be removed. This reveals more of the underlying layer of dentin, which contains tiny tubules that connect to the nerves of your teeth. You might experience some mild sensitivity as a result of this necessary preparation.
Fortunately, this tenderness tends to resolve itself after a few days as your mouth adjusts to the recent changes. Usually, taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol can safely mitigate aches until they subside.
Concern #2: Gum Inflammation
Your dentist will carefully position your veneers to be as close to your gumline as possible, which can cause some minor inflammation and aches for several days once they’ve been cemented in place. This should gradually subside, but if it doesn’t, it could point to developing periodontal disease that requires your dentist’s attention.
Thankfully, you can prevent gum disease with veneers by brushing and flossing twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria buildup that can cause oral issues.
Concern #3: Color Irregularities
One of the reasons veneers continue to gain popularity is because the durable ceramic material can be customized to look incredibly lifelike. However, it’s not made from the same organic substances as your teeth and is less porous, so it doesn’t chip or stain as easily. That means if you consume too many darkly pigmented foods, your enamel will change color faster than your restorations.
Not only that, but these porcelain shells don’t respond to topical whitening treatments. If you want a brighter grin, it’s recommended that you undergo the necessary procedures to achieve the desired results first.
If you’re unsure whether veneers are the best way to enhance your appearance, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Asra Javeed takes pride in helping people of all ages in Virginia Beach build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, where she received several awards recognizing her talent and accomplishments. Today, she offers a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs under one roof, including veneers. She combines art with state-of-the-art equipment to provide realistic restorations intended to last. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or by calling (757) 498-6420.