Adjusting to Porcelain Veneers
If you have chipped teeth, cracked teeth, dental stains, tooth gaps, or other types of cosmetic flaws affecting your smile, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. At Ridgewood Dental Associates, porcelain veneers are used as a versatile smile makeover procedure, able to address numerous cosmetic dentistry needs.
After getting porcelain veneers, patients will have a brief adjustment period that involves a few side effects. The team at our Ridgewood, NJ practice would like to go over this adjustment process and offer some tips on how to deal with the temporary side effects of porcelain veneers.
Why an Adjustment is Necessary for Porcelain Veneers
To discuss why patients must adjust to porcelain veneers, we should briefly go over the process of placing porcelain veneers. A small amount of enamel structure will be removed from the tooth. This allows dentists to take impressions and craft a ceramic shell to mask imperfections from view.
Since a little enamel is removed, it can lead to a number of issues with the feel of a tooth and the sensitivity of the tooth to various stimuli.
Common Issues After Having Porcelain Veneers Placed
Some of the most common issues patients mention after getting porcelain veneers placed include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth discomfort
- Changes in mouth feel
- Speech impediments
How Long Does It Take to Adjust?
Thankfully, the above issues are only temporary. Most patients only experienced these side effects for about a week before they resolve on their own. That said, there is a lot a person can do in order to make this adjustment period much easier to handle.
Adjusting Your Diet
In the first few days after getting porcelain veneers placed, you should avoid crunchy, crispy, or tough foods. The pressure from biting and chewing these foods can leave a tooth with a veneer feeling quite sore. Try to eat soft foods for the time being, slowly transitioning back to harder foods as the initial sensitivity goes down.
In addition, you should try to avoid hot and cold temperature food items and beverages. These temperature extremes can lead to bouts of tooth sensitivity. Aim for lukewarm and room temperature foods and beverages until you can tolerate hotter and colder temperatures.
Oral Hygiene Advice
You need to brush and floss to keep your teeth and your veneers clean. We suggest using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This will reduce the discomfort you may experience as you keep your teeth clean.
Attend Follow-up Visits When Scheduled
Follow-up visits will be scheduled with the dentist to ensure you are recovering properly. Be sure to attend these follow-up visits. This will give us a chance to see how you’re adjusting to the veneers and to offer additional advice if needed.
What If I Keep Having Issues with My Porcelain Veneers?
If you notice no improvements in comfort or bite stability after a few days, be sure to bring that up with us. It may be the sign of a complication with the veneers that requires professional attention.
Contact Ridgewood Dental Associates
To learn more about porcelain veneers and how they can improve the appearance of your smile, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. You can reach our office by phone at (201) 652-2474.
