Do Veneers Hurt Afterwards? Pros, Cons, Costs and What to Expect

Do Veneers Hurt After the Procedure?

Getting dental veneers can greatly improve your smile and appearance. But a common concern people have is, "do veneers hurt afterwards?" The good news is that with today's advanced techniques and anesthetics, veneers should not cause much if any pain or discomfort following the procedure.

What to Expect with Veneer Pain

During the actual veneer placement appointment, your dentist will numb the teeth so you don't feel any pain as they bond the veneer shells onto your teeth. Most patients report little to no pain during this process thanks to effective local anesthesia.

However, as the numbing medication wears off over the next few hours, some minor post-procedure discomfort is normal. This may present as slight throbbing or tenderness around the veneered teeth. Patients often describe it like the feeling after having a filling placed.

Any pain or sensitivity typically reaches its peak in the first 24 hours. It then gradually improves over the next couple days as you continue to heal. With today's thin veneers, pain is usually minimal compared to older style thicker veneer options.

Tips to Minimize Veneer Pain

While some mild sensitivity is common after getting veneers, the following tips can help minimize discomfort:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed by your dentist.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods during initial healing, as they could aggravate sensitivity.
• Practice good oral hygiene to prevent infection and inflammation.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste for the first few weeks.
• Give your veneers time to settle - discomfort typically improves within a few days.

Signs of a Problem After Veneers

Though unlikely, moderate to severe pain after veneers could signal an underlying problem. Contact your dentist right away if you experience:

• Pain or sensitivity that worsens after 2-3 days instead of improving.
• Bleeding, swelling, redness, sensitivity to hot/cold around veneered teeth.
• Loose veneer or one that broke or chipped.
• Pus, discharge or foul odor from around tooth.

These could indicate an issue like infection, nerve inflammation, or improperly seated veneer that requires adjustment. Your dentist can determine the cause of ongoing pain and remedy it accordingly.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers offer an appealing and convenient solution for transforming a flawed smile. But like any procedure, they have both advantages and disadvantages to consider before getting them.

Benefits of Veneers

Some top reasons people opt for veneers include:

• Dramatic smile makeover - Veneers can cover stains, gaps, chips, and more for beautiful new smile.
• Stain-resistant - Porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural enamel.
• Little tooth reduction - Unlike crowns, most veneers don't require much drilling of natural teeth.
• Quick procedure - Placing veneers usually requires only 2-3 dental visits.
• Natural looking - Thin veneers replicate the light reflecting properties of natural enamel.

Potential Veneer Disadvantages

Some possible downsides of veneers include:

• Higher cost than other options like bonding or whitening treatments.
• Irreversible tooth reduction - though minimal for most veneers, a little natural tooth must be removed.
• More susceptible to damage than dental crowns if not cared for properly.
• Eventual need for replacement after around 10-20 years depending on wear and tear.

Preparing for the Veneer Procedure

While veneers don't typically cause much long-lasting pain or discomfort, preparing properly for your veneer placement appointment can help minimize any issues both during and afterwards.

During the Consultation

At your initial veneer consultation, your dentist will:

• Evaluate your teeth to see if you're a candidate for veneers based on health and structure.
• Discuss your smile goals and options to determine if veneers are the best solution, or if alternatives like braces or tooth bonding would better suit your needs.
• Take impressions of your teeth and perhaps digital images to plan out your new enhanced smile.
• Review payment options, as veneers are usually considered a cosmetic procedure not covered under dental insurance plans.
• Provide home care instructions for preparing for your veneer appointment.

Steps to Take Prior to Treatment

Be sure to follow any prep guidelines from your dentist such as:

• Proper dental hygiene - Thoroughly brush and floss to prevent issues like decay or infection after veneers are placed.
• Whitening beforehand - If you desire whiter teeth, get ideal whiteness first before custom veneer shade matching.
• Schedule accordingly - Plan veneer treatment when plenty of time for follow-up and healing afterwards to monitor for problems.

Recovering After Getting Veneers

Allowing enough recovery time and following your dentist's at-home care instructions after veneers helps promote proper healing and adjustment to your smile transformation.

Caring for New Veneers

Be diligent about dental hygiene and protecting veneers while you heal by:

• Brushing and flossing very gently around veneers.
• Avoiding hard, sticky foods that could loosen or damage veneers.
• Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
• Seeing your dentist promptly if a veneer feels loose or damaged.

Monitoring Healing Progress

Schedule a follow-up appointment about 2-4 weeks after veneer placement to allow your dentist to:

• Check the veneers for proper seating and bite alignment.
• Make any needed adjustments to the shape, size or color for a perfect smile.
• Assess your healing progress and oral tissue health.
• Discuss any sensitivity or discomfort issues.

Attending follow-up visits ensures your veneers heal properly for a smile that looks natural and functions optimally long-term.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.