Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth. They are an effective way to improve the look of teeth that are discolored, chipped, crooked, or have gaps between them. While getting veneers initially requires some tooth reduction and bonding, many patients wonder if they will experience pain afterward.
Do veneers hurt after they are placed?
Most patients do not report having significant pain or discomfort after getting veneers placed. Here are some factors that determine the level of pain with veneers after the procedure:
- Anesthesia – The use of local anesthesia during the veneer placement procedure helps minimize pain during and immediately after. The numbness wears off within a few hours.
- Level of tooth reduction – More aggressive tooth reduction before bonding can lead to increased sensitivity afterward. Conservative reduction techniques help preserve more tooth structure and nerve endings.
- Bonding technique – Proper isolation and precision bonding of the veneer helps prevent sensitivity from developing later on.
- Veneer material – Composite veneers require more tooth reduction than porcelain. More reduction may result in more postoperative pain.
- Individual pain tolerance – Everyone has a different threshold for dental pain. Some patients are more sensitive than others.
While some mild sensitivity and discomfort can occur in the first few days after veneer placement, severe or long-lasting pain is uncommon. Proper oral hygiene and care of the veneers helps ensure you heal quickly.
What does it feel like to have veneers put on?
The process of having veneers placed takes several steps:
- Numbing – The dentist will numb the teeth and surrounding gums using a local anesthetic like lidocaine. This helps make the procedure comfortable.
- Tooth preparation – The natural teeth are conservatively reshaped by removing 0.3-0.5 mm of enamel. This allows space for the veneer shell.
- Impressions – Molds or impressions are taken of the prepared teeth to fabricate the veneers in the lab.
- Temporary veneers – In some cases, temporary veneers may be placed while the permanent ones are made. This protects the teeth during the fabrication process.
- Placing veneers – At a follow-up appointment, the permanent veneers are tried on, adjusted, and bonded into place. The dentist uses a special curing light to harden the bonding resin.
Patients are awake during the entire process. Most report feeling some pressure during the tooth preparation and bonding steps, but nothing extremely uncomfortable thanks to the numbing medication. Let your dentist know right away if you feel any pain during the procedure.
What’s it like the first 24 hours after getting veneers?
The first 24 hours after getting veneers may include:
- Sensitive teeth – You may notice some sensitivity to hot and cold. This should improve over a few days as you adjust to the veneers.
- Slight discomfort – Your teeth may feel sore or tender from the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve this.
- Awkward feeling – Veneers take some getting used to. It may feel odd having something bonded to your teeth. This usually resolves in a day or two.
- Difficulty eating – Some patients report minor difficulty eating and chewing in the first day due to tenderness. Soft foods are easiest after veneers.
- Need for oral hygiene – Proper brushing and flossing is critical to keep veneers plaque-free during healing. Your dentist can recommend post-op care.
Make sure to follow all of your dentist’s instructions on eating, brushing, and caring for your veneers in the first 24 hours. Report any unusual pain, swelling, or other problems to your dentist’s office right away.
How long does pain last after getting veneers?
Most patients have only minor sensitivity or discomfort that resolves within a few days after veneers. Here is the expected timeline for pain after veneer treatment:
| Timeline | Expected Pain |
|---|---|
| Immediately after | No pain due to numbing anesthesia |
| 2-6 hours after | Mild tooth sensitivity as anesthesia wears off |
| 1-3 days after | Mild to moderate tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold |
| 3 days to 1 week | Minor sensitivity in some cases, but minimal for most patients |
| 1 week+ after | Typically no sensitivity or pain |
However, this timeline can vary. Some patients report experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks for several weeks after getting veneers. Be sure to discuss any lingering pain or discomfort with your dentist.
What helps with pain after veneers?
If you experience pain or sensitivity after getting veneers, there are a few things you can do to get relief:
- Over-the-counter pain medication – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce discomfort.
- Desensitizing toothpaste – Brushing with toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help calm nerve endings.
- Avoiding triggers – Prevent pain by avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and drinks that could aggravate sensitivity.
- Chewing softly – Stick to soft foods and chew gently while you adjust to veneers.
- Good oral hygiene – Proper brushing and flossing prevents particles from getting under veneers that could cause irritation.
- Follow-up with your dentist – Call your dentist if you have persistent or severe pain after veneers. They can check for any issues.
Be sure to call your dentist if over-the-counter remedies do not resolve sensitivity or discomfort within a few days. Lingering pain may indicate an issue with the veneer bonding that needs adjustment.
Do veneers still hurt after a week?
Pain, sensitivity, or discomfort lasting more than 3-5 days after getting veneers is not typical. If veneers still hurt after a week or more, there may be an underlying problem causing the lingering pain, such as:
- Improper veneer fit – Ill-fitting veneers that do not properly conform to the teeth can rub and irritate the gums.
- Residual tooth decay – Unaddressed cavities or decay under the veneer can lead to sensitivity.
- Damaged nerve – Aggressive shaving of the tooth during preparation may have damaged the nerve, causing continued discomfort.
- Cracked veneer – Fractures in the veneer could trap food and bacteria against the teeth.
- Bruxism – Grinding or clenching can put too much pressure on veneers and make them painful.
Do not wait if you experience lingering pain or sensitivity from veneers. Call your dentist promptly so they can evaluate the veneers and check for any issues requiring adjustment, repair, or replacement.
When can I expect total healing after veneers?
While veneers should not be painfully uncomfortable after placement, total healing still takes:
- 1-2 weeks for gums to heal from any irritation during the procedure
- 2-4 weeks for any post-op sensitivity to resolve
- 6-8 weeks for the veneer bonds to completely cure and stabilize
During the first 1-2 months, be extra gentle with new veneers while eating and brushing. Avoid biting nails or other habits that could damage the veneers while the bonds strengthen.
See your dentist at your follow-up appointment about 6-8 weeks after your veneers were placed. They will check how your bite and occlusion have adjusted to the veneers. At that point, the veneers should be fully settled.
Can I prevent pain after veneers?
These tips can help minimize pain and discomfort after getting veneers:
- Choose an experienced cosmetic dentist who will be careful during tooth preparation.
- Opt for no-prep or minimal-prep veneers when possible to preserve more tooth structure.
- Make sure proper local anesthesia is used during the procedure.
- Follow all post-op instructions carefully, including using desensitizing toothpaste.
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
- Stick to soft foods for a few days after veneer placement.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for discomfort.
Proper oral hygiene and dental care can also prevent issues down the road. Be diligent about brushing and flossing your veneers once they are placed.
Should I be concerned about pain with veneers?
Mild to moderate sensitivity and discomfort is normal after veneer placement. However, severe or lasting pain is not expected. Contact your dentist right away if you have:
- Intense throbbing or sharp pain in your teeth
- Pain that prevents you from eating or sleeping
- Pain lasting more than 3-5 days after the procedure
- Sensitivity to hot or cold not improving after a couple weeks
- Pain when tapping on your veneers or teeth
Do not delay reporting any concerning pain or symptoms to your dentist’s office. Unresolved issues with the veneers can lead to dental infections, damage to tooth roots or nerves, and other complications. Prompt treatment is needed.
When to call the dentist about pain after veneers
Contact your dentist right away if you have:
- Severe throbbing or radiating pain
- Bleeding or swelling around veneers
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Hot or cold sensitivity lasting more than 2-3 weeks
- Loosening or chipping of veneers
- Sudden pain while eating that was not present before
Do not try to wait out discomfort or tolerate severe pain. Your dentist needs to evaluate the veneers and your teeth to determine if a problem is present. Prompt treatment will prevent the issue from getting worse.
Conclusion
Experiencing mild sensitivity or discomfort for 3-5 days after getting new veneers is normal as you adjust to having them bonded to your teeth. However, lingering or severe pain is not expected.
Make sure to follow all of your dentist’s instructions on caring for veneers as they heal. Report any unusual, intense, or persistent pain right away for evaluation. Proper treatment can resolve problems and get you comfortable again.
With good oral hygiene and dental care, veneers should feel natural and pain-free once you are past the initial healing phase. You can then enjoy your beautiful new smile for years to come.