Does It Hurt to Get Porcelain Veneers?

Many people who want to transform their smile with porcelain dental veneers worry whether there will be any pain during or after treatment.

Their main concern usually revolves around the fact that the procedure entails removal of some tooth enamel to facilitate placement of veneers.

15 September 2021

The Truth is...

In the right hands like Porcelain Veneers Sydney, getting veneers involves little if any discomfort and certainly no serious pain. The answers to the following questions will explain why.

How Much Tooth Enamel is Removed in the Veneers Procedure?

Because modern porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, the procedure entails only minimal trimming of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers.

Just a fraction of a millimetre of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth, and this negligible interference in tooth structure doesn’t go as deep as nerves, so there should be no pain at all.

The enamel removal process typically requires only minimal local anaesthesia or no anaesthetic at all.

Still, to be on the safe side dentists often administer a local anaesthetic for veneers treatment.

How Does the Anaesthetic Work?

If you do get a local anaesthetic ahead of your porcelain veneers procedure, it will numb oral tissue and prevent nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.

A good dentist will ensure the area is completely numb before starting work, so you won’t feel any pain although you may still get a slight sense of pressure.

If you suffer from needle phobia (trypanophobia), your dentist can apply a numbing gel to your gums (topical anaesthetic) before the injection.

Will My Teeth Be Sensitive After Getting Veneers?

Your teeth may be temporarily sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks after getting veneers. This is because your teeth need time to heal after removal of enamel.

In many cases, this dental sensitivity wears off within a few days. Afterwards, your teeth may be even less sensitive than before the procedure – your veneers replace enamel and provide powerful protection against hot and cold temperatures.

Will My Gums Hurt After Veneers?

Any gum soreness after veneers treatment varies with the number of veneers you get.

Two to four veneers, and you’re unlikely to have any problems. Eight or more veneers, and you may feel some tenderness in your gums. This is usually mild and can be eased with over-the-counter medications.

Enjoying Your New Smile

Any minor discomfort during or after treatment will quickly be forgotten as you begin to enjoy the benefits of your new veneers.

Veneers mask dental imperfections to dramatically enhance your smile and protect your teeth from further damage. Porcelain veneers also resist stains – unlike real teeth or composite veneers.

If you still have any concerns about whether getting porcelain veneers is painful, Porcelain Veneers Sydney will be happy to put your mind at rest. Please feel free to get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!