What are Porcelain Veneers? Do Veneers Hurt?
Porcelain veneers are custom-shaped shells made of medical-grade ceramic that transform your smile. They cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance and can change the color, shape, size, and length. Veneers can be made out of multiple materials, but porcelain can efficiently resist stains better than resin. If you wonder if veneers are the right solution for you, there are numerous scenarios where they are a fantastic option.
What Are Porcelain Veneers Used For?
- Teeth that are discolored
- Teeth that are worn down
- Teeth that are broken or chipped
- Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or misshaped
- Teeth with gaps
What is the Dental Veneer Procedure?
Your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss the process from start to finish. Depending on your concerns, they will guide you in the right direction if veneers are the best solution. The veneer procedure will take a few visits for your doctor to complete the consultation, create a veneer mold for your teeth, and apply the veneers. They will make impressions of your teeth and mouth while discussing your desired outcome. When you are ready for veneer application, you will have your teeth prepped for bonding. Many people wonder if veneers hurt, which we will discuss shortly.
Veneer Preparation and Bonding
Your teeth will be reshaped to the thickness of the veneer to prepare the tooth surface. This removes the enamel, so your dentist may apply a numbing solution to the area. An impression of your teeth will be sent to a dental laboratory, which can take a few weeks to complete. Temporary dental veneers will be applied until your permanent veneers are ready.
Once you go back for your final visit, your dentist places the veneer on your tooth to adjust the size and color. Your teeth will be cleaned, polished, and etched for strong bonding. Your dentist will apply durable cement that seals the veneer to your natural tooth. After placement, a strong light beam will be used to activate the cement chemicals and solidify the bonding. After the bonding agent hardens, final touch-ups will be done to check your bite and remove excess cement. This completes the application process, but you may return to get a check-up in a few weeks.
Do Veneers Hurt?
You shouldn’t experience any pain from your veneers. The placement of veneers should not be painful other than minor discomfort. Your dentist will numb the area, so you don’t feel any pain from the etching or enamel removal. When you leave the office with your new veneers, it’s normal to feel slight soreness or mild irritation in your gums. It is often minor and can be treated with over-the-counter medication. Once the procedure and healing are complete, veneers shouldn’t feel any different than your regular teeth. They are a fantastic option for improving your smile with little to no downtime.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
- The gums highly tolerate
- They provide a natural tooth appearance that often goes
- They are customizable in color, shape, length, and
- They don’t require as much shaping as
- They are comfortable and long-
- They aren’t bothersome for long-term