If you would like to enhance your smile, veneers can be a great option. These thin, custom-made porcelain sheaths can hide a range of imperfections, including chips, stains, small gaps, and so much more. They are even a favorite cosmetic treatment among celebrities! Still, as a prudently cautious individual, you might wonder if they come with any side effects or risks. This blog post explains what you should know.
Common Side Effects of Veneers
After you receive veneers, you may notice a few temporary changes as your teeth and gums adjust. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common side effects, especially when you sip hot coffee, enjoy a cold drink, or bite into acidic foods. This usually fades within a few days or weeks. Mild gum tenderness can also occur while your soft tissues adapt to the shape of your new veneers.
You may also need a short adjustment period as you get used to the feel of your veneers. At first, your bite may feel slightly different, or your speech may feel less natural. In most cases, these concerns improve quickly after the mouth adapts. If something feels sharp, bulky, or uneven, your dentist may be able to make small adjustments to improve comfort.
Rare Complications
Serious problems with veneers are rare, especially when an experienced dental team plans and places them with care. Still, it is wise to know what could happen.
- A veneer can chip, crack, or even fall off if you bite hard objects, use your teeth as tools, or have untreated teeth grinding. The good news is that many damaged veneers can be repaired or replaced.
- Veneers themselves cannot develop cavities, but the teeth beneath them still need daily care. Poor oral hygiene may allow plaque to collect near the gumline or veneer margins.
- In uncommon cases, a veneer that does not fit well can irritate the gums or place stress on your bite. Persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity should prompt a dental visit.
- Rarely, a dentist might remove too much enamel when they are preparing a tooth for a veneer. This could cause long-term sensitivity or negatively affect the veneer’s bond with the underlying dentition.
How to Minimize Your Risk
Most patients have a seamless and positive experience with veneers. Here are some tips to reduce the risk that your cosmetic dentistry journey will run into problems:
- Choose the right dental team: Look for an experienced dentist with a reputation for paying attention to small details. You can also call a practice to find out if the dentist has any special training or experience with cosmetic services.
- Be wary of “bargains”: Some low-priced veneers are made of poor-quality materials or have other inherent problems.
- Follow care instructions: Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and routine dental visits can all help to keep your veneers in good shape.
Dental veneers are an effective and safe way to spruce up your smile! Talk to your care team if you have questions or concerns about this transformative service.
Meet the Practice
At Santavicca Dental Professionals, our highly skilled practitioners offer a range of cosmetic services, including veneers. We pride ourselves on taking a conscientious, detail-oriented approach to care. The goal is to provide top-quality service for each patient. If you would like to change your smile’s appearance, we would be happy to talk to you about your options. To request a consultation, contact our Lebanon, NH, office at 603-215-7108.