How To Adjust to Wearing Veneers

If you went to a dentist near you for porcelain veneers to transform your smile, you want to show off that smile freely and confidently right away, right? Of course! From the moment you walk out the door after getting porcelain veneers near you, your smile will look perfect. Even if it doesn’t feel perfect for a week or two.

What will you need to get used to?

Let’s rule out one thing right at the start. If you obtained your veneers from a qualified and diligent dentist in Flagstaff, you won’t have to get used to any bulky or noticeable edges where your veneers end and your underlying tooth begins. Properly placed veneers aren’t like shin pads that add bulk to your legs. They’ll fit seamlessly onto the prepared surface of your tooth. That’s not to say there aren’t a couple of things you’ll need to get used to, though. What are they?

First, the placement of traditional veneers requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. It’s a tiny amount, but removing that enamel can increase your sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Second, there are some cases when people with new veneers notice swollen gums. The culprit in that case is usually one of: excess bonding cement that was not completely cleaned away; the margin of veneer sitting too far away from your gums (allowing bacteria to cause irritation and infection) or too close to your gums or too far beneath them causing irritation); or you’re allergic to porcelain.

Third, your teeth may feel different. Not because you can notice the edge of your veneers, but because your tooth is now a different size or shape (if you got the veneer to change the shape or size of your tooth). Those changes — and how your teeth look in the mirror, feel when you eat and interact with each other and your tongue as you speak and eat — will take some getting used to you even though it’s what you were looking for from the outset.

As a general rule, it takes just a couple of weeks of wearing your veneers to get accustomed to the new sensations of living with them. If your symptoms persist longer than that, worsen rather than improve or are especially concerning — particularly any irritation or sign of infection or allergic reaction — contact the dentist’s office where you got your dental veneers in Flagstaff. Let them know what’s going on and that you’re concerned. They’ll give you advice and arrange an appointment if there’s anything you should be concerned about.

Some tips for learning to live with veneers

During your adjustment period, there are some simple tips to follow that will make getting used to your veneers easier and quicker. Follow these five tips for a quick and successful transition:

• For a couple of weeks, minimize the amount of hard and crunchy foods that you eat
• During the first two weeks, avoid extremely hot and extremely cold foods and drinks
• Brush and floss your teeth and gums regularly — not just for the first two weeks, but always
• If you find your teeth are sensitive, use toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth
• If you notice speaking clearly is harder while you get used to the new shape of your teeth, don’t stop talking! The best way to get past those speech issues is to practice. One great way to do that is by reading or talking to yourself aloud when you’re alone. Of course, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. So chatter away to friends and family and just let them know why you’re even chattier than usual.

Getting used to new veneers is almost always a quick and simple process. That doesn’t mean you should be reluctant to get advice if your adjustment process is a challenging one. Your dentist is ready to help you through the process, and to support you with treatment and advice as required at any point.