Concealing aesthetic dental flaws, such as discoloration, gaps, and chips, can help improve your confidence in your smile. Porcelain veneers instantly change the appearance of your teeth, but some patients will need time to adjust. Here’s what you’ll need to get used to after getting the procedure done.

Adjusting to Your Veneers

Why Might You Need to Adjust?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells placed over natural teeth. They are measured and selected carefully to fit the size, shape, color, and appearance of the surrounding structures in the mouth. These coverings will feel like natural parts of your smile, but only after you’ve become accustomed to them. 

To bond the veneer to your tooth and give it a seamless appearance, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel. This measure, combined with the feeling of porcelain, can require a period of adjustment.

What Are Some Common Issues?

Enamel is the transparent outer layer of the tooth that protects from damage. While the small amount removed to apply veneers will not hurt strong and healthy teeth, it can leave them feeling more exposed. Because of this procedure, the covered teeth may feel more sensitive to pressure and extreme temperatures.

Since a dentist places porcelain veneers over natural teeth, they might feel different in your mouth. Some people can experience minor speaking issues as well. You might be surprised by how your speech sounds or feels with your new veneers, especially if they cover a gap, chipped tooth, or alignment problem.

How to Make the Adjustment Process Easier

Fortunately, this adjustment period shouldn’t last much longer than a week. It is common for patients to grow more comfortable and less sensitive with each passing day.

There are also steps you can take to accelerate your adjustment. Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, and extremely hot or cold foods until your bite starts to feel normal. Instead, stick to soft options like eggs, chicken, pasta, thoroughly cooked veggies, and bananas. Wait for hot foods to cool and stay away from ice-cold items such as ice cream and milkshakes. Chewing slowly and carefully will allow you to be gentle with your teeth.

Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions once they place the veneers, so be sure to follow them closely. Use a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth to reduce discomfort. If you are having trouble saying certain words or phrases, keep practicing until your speech feels natural and returns to normal.

If you’re interested in getting porcelain veneers, contact Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, in Kailua-Kona, HI. Dr. Yokoyama and his team practice general and restorative dentistry and specialize in cosmetic dentistry. They go above and beyond to ensure every patient is comfortable, offering top-quality care and relaxing dental spa treatments. Learn more about their practice online, and call (808) 322-0101 to schedule an appointment.