How Long Does it Take to Adjust to Veneers?
When it comes to enhancing smiles and helping people look their very best, one of the best options is the use of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can treat stains, crooked teeth, chips, cracks and other cosmetic flaws affecting your smile. Dr. Bruce Wilderman has enhanced the smiles of countless patients in the greater Philadelphia, PA area thanks to the use of porcelain veneers.
Of course, whenever a new restoration or appliance is used in the mouth, it can take a little getting used to. With that in mind, the team at Artistic Expressions Dentistry would like to consider the adjustment process when a person receives porcelain veneers.
How Porcelain Veneers Work
To understand why there’s an adjustment period to porcelain veneers, we should describe how they work first.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are affixed to the front of the teeth. When in place, the cosmetic flaws of a tooth are masked from view, allowing you to smile with confidence. To place a veneer, a small amount of tooth structure must be removed to accommodate the thin ceramic shell.
Why You Need to Adjust to Veneers
Since a veneer is essentially a mask worn by a tooth, it can throw off the feeling inside of your mouth by just a bit. As you run your tongue over the treated tooth, it may feel different in size and shape than what you’re used to. Additionally, the removal of some tooth material can increase tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Sore gums may also be an issue in some patients.
Common Complaints After Getting Porcelain Veneers
After getting porcelain veneers, some patients may have the following issues or complaints:
- Changes in bite feel
- Weird sensations when chewing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Speech impediments
How Long Will the Adjustment Period Last?
Typically patients will only experience these issue for two weeks or so. As they get used to their new porcelain veneers, the above issues should no longer be a major problem.
Tips for Adjusting to Porcelain Veneers
When you first get porcelain veneers, keep the following advice in mind for the first two weeks. The following tips should help with the adjustment process:
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods
- Avoid foods that are hot or cold in temperature
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed
If you do notice speech impediments, continue talking and saying the word or words that give you a problem. You should notice these speech issues be less apparent after a week or so as you become more accustomed to your porcelain veneers.
What If My Issues Persist?
If you still notice problems with your teeth and gums more than two weeks after getting porcelain veneers, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your dentist. They will be able to look into your issues in greater detail and help determine an ideal option for treatment and revision of the veneers if necessary.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
For more information about porcelain veneers and why they may be right for you, be sure to contact Dr. Bruce Wilderman. Our entire team is here to help you. You can also reach Artistic Expressions Dentistry by phone at (215) 631-3085.