People choose to get dental veneers to make their front teeth look straighter and whiter for a more confident smile. Getting veneers involves a low-impact dental procedure, and many people have questions about the process. Do veneers hurt afterward? Are there any problems with veneers that you should know about before getting some of your own?

At EverSmile, we care about your dental health and want you to feel great about your teeth. Here, we'll take a closer look at the dental veneer procedure so you can begin it knowing exactly what type of experience to expect. 

The Veneer Process

Understanding the veneer process can help you know more about how invasive it is and whether you may experience any pain. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect: 

The First Visit With Your Dentist: Pain-Free

It all starts with an initial visit with your dentist to talk about getting veneers. Your dentist will walk you through the process and talk about considerations or customization options, such as choosing between porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers. Your dentist will show you an image of what your smile will look like with veneers so you can decide if the appearance suits your goals for the process. 

If you decide you want veneers, your dentist will initiate the process. This includes shaving an ultra-thin layer of enamel off the teeth receiving veneers. Removing this enamel is essential for giving your veneers the perfect fit against your teeth. Many people worry about this procedure hurting, but the layer of enamel is so small that you should feel little to no pain. Your dentist will likely give you some local anesthesia to remove any chance of discomfort. 

Wearing Temporary Veneers: Possibility for Slight Discomfort

Your dentist will then take a mold of your teeth to ship out, along with a color sample that compliments your natural tooth color. Lab workers at a remote location will use the mold and shade sample to create veneers with the perfect fit and appearance for your unique needs. This process can take several weeks, so you'll receive temporary veneers to wear while you wait until the permanent ones are ready. 

Different people have varying experiences with temporary veneer pain. Wearing temporary veneers can result in increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This is a result of the freshly removed layer of enamel that puts less space between these temperatures and the nerves in your teeth. Although nerve pain after veneers is rare, you should consider the possibility of slight discomfort during the several weeks you wear your temporary veneers.

Receiving Your Permanent Crowns: Mostly Pain-Free

When your permanent veneers are ready, you'll go back to the dentist's office for a second visit. This time, your dentist will remove the temporary crowns and replace them with the permanent ones. The process involves using a drill to remove your temporary veneers and making sure the new veneers have a perfect fit. Then your dentist will cure them to your teeth with adhesive for a secure, reliable bond. 

This step is painless for most people. Although some have reported feeling sore teeth as they became familiar with their permanent veneers, simple over-the-counter pain medications can help. The more veneers received, the higher the chance of experiencing some discomfort. If you choose a dentist who has been providing dental veneers for several years, you'll likely experience this step without any pain. 

Follow-Up Visits and Cleanings: Pain-Free

The rest of your experience with dental veneers should be pain-free. All you have to do is keep visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups to make sure everything is going well. Most professionals recommend two dental cleanings per year. These will ensure you keep plaque buildup to a minimum, and they also give your dentist an opportunity to make sure your veneers are staying in good shape. 

Another thing to consider is that permanent veneers, despite their name, may not last forever. Most people need to replace their veneers with new ones every several years. Keep your dentist updated on your veneers' condition and trust their expertise for when it might be time for a new set of veneers to keep your smile looking its absolute best. 

Do Veneers Cause Sensitive Teeth?

You may feel increased tooth sensitivity when wearing your temporary veneers, and this causes people to wonder if veneers themselves cause sensitive teeth. The short answer is no. Any tooth sensitivity you experience is a result of having a thin layer of your enamel removed at the beginning of the process. If you experience any sensitivity from this, it will be temporary and minimal.

Some doctors actually prescribe veneers as a solution to sensitive teeth. Veneers provide a layer of protection to reduce discomfort from cold or hot foods and drinks. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you may find that eating and drinking is a more pleasant experience after getting veneers. 

How Do I Care for My Veneers?

Once you have your permanent veneers, you can return to your regular dental hygiene regimen. Although your veneers consist of porcelain or composite resin, you still have to keep them clean to limit plaque buildup. Brush twice a day and floss once per day for the best results. Be sure to chew hard, crunchy foods with your molars instead of your front teeth to protect your veneers from premature cracking and damage. 

For a whiter, fresher smile, try adding WhitenFresh from EverSmile to your daily dental cleaning routine. This easy-to-use spray fights stains from coffee, wine and smoking and is safe to use several times per day without rinsing. It's perfect for feeling fresh and confident before a meeting, after a meal or on your way to a celebration with friends and family. 

Invest in Your Dental Health With EverSmile Products

It's clear that veneers hurting is fiction rather than fact. While there's a chance you may experience some minor discomfort at one or two points in the process, it should be a mostly pain-free experience. You can get veneers with confidence knowing they'll help you achieve the smile of your dreams with minimal pain involved. With some help from EverSmile's full line of products, you can take your dental health to the next level. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can supplement your oral hygiene routine. Be sure to stay up-to-date with our blog for the latest tips and information to help you stay on track with your dental goals.