What to Expect from Your Veneers

You can expect dental veneers to instantly and dramatically improve your smile and change your life

In the weeks or months leading up to your decision to get dental veneers in Scottsdale, you probably spent quite a bit of time looking at your teeth in the mirror and imagining how great your smile will be after you get veneers. If you are like many people, however, you may not have given much thought as to what else to expect from your new dental veneers. 

Fortunately, our cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale has helped countless people just like you get dental veneers and understand exactly what they can expect from this amazing cosmetic improvement. 

Dental veneers are very thin wafers made of porcelain or composite resin. After taking great measures to ensure that your veneers match the shade and shape of your other teeth, our dentist permanently adheres the dental veneers to the front visible surface of the tooth. 

Getting dental veneers takes two to three short office visits. After a consultation in which you and your dentist determine if dental veneers are right for you, one visit will involve preparing your teeth and another will focus on placing and bonding the veneers to the surface of your tooth or teeth. 

Getting Dental Veneers? Here’s What You Can Expect

You can expect a more attractive smile

You’ll always remember the first time you see your new smile in the mirror. Your dental veneers can permanently resolve a number of cosmetic and functional issues with your teeth, such as:

• Discoloration and stubborn stains
• Cracks
• Chips
• Gaps between your teeth
• Irregular shape
• Crooked teeth

Tooth sensitivity

Preparing your teeth for the placement of dental veneers involves removing a very small portion of the front tooth surface to create enough room for the new veneers. The amount of enamel removed is quite minimal – only 0.3 millimeters to 0.5 mm – but it is enough to cause some sensitivity to hot or cold for some patients. For other patients, the placement of the dental veneers can cause tooth sensitivity.

Our dentist may provide you with helpful hints to reduce tooth sensitivity after placement of your dental veneers. We may recommend that you use special toothpaste that reduces sensitivity, for example, or drink beverages that are closer to room temperature rather than very hot or very cold. Tooth sensitivity usually goes away on its own after a few days or weeks. 

Gum discomfort

Sometimes our dentist will remove a small amount of gum tissue to ensure that the dental veneers fit nicely to create an attractive smile. Some patients experience a small amount of gum discomfort for a day or two following the placement of their dental veneers. 

Tooth discomfort

Some patients feel a slight bit of tooth discomfort when they apply pressure to the treated tooth while biting or chewing. The discomfort develops as the result of sensitivity from placement of the veneer. 

This tooth discomfort should go away on its own after two to three weeks. Our dentist recommends eating soft foods for the first few days or weeks after placement of your veneers, or at least as long as tooth discomfort persists. 

Getting used to the veneers

While dental veneers are only about as thick as a contact lens, it may take some time to get used to them. The veneer may have a different texture against your tongue, or it may feel “thick” when you talk.  This effect usually goes away very quickly – often in a matter of just a few hours or days. 

Long-lasting benefits

Veneers can last from 7 to 20 years – or even longer with exceptional care. You should have your veneers checked if you experience changes to the tooth structure underneath the veneer, or if you notice receding gum tissue or other changes in the surrounding gum. 

Caring for your new dental veneers

You can care for your new veneers just as you would your natural teeth: simply brush and floss as normal, avoid using your teeth as tools, and visiting our dentist regularly for checkups. 

Keep in mind that the veneer itself is resistant to staining and decay, the tooth underneath the veneer is vulnerable to cavities and other dental issues. 

For more information about what to expect from your new dental veneers, consult with Sarko Dental Associates. Our Scottsdale cosmetic dentist is the area leader in a number of smile makeover procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and more.