One of the most common questions dentists get from patients considering dental veneers is, “Will they feel weird?” It’s a valid concern given that these enhancements can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. After all, you wouldn’t want to be stuck with something that long if it was uncomfortable. So, what do they really feel like day to day? Continue reading to see a timeline of what to expect from your smile enhancements.
The First Few Days
Right after your veneers are placed, it’s totally normal to notice a difference in your bite or speech. During this time, your mouth is adjusting to the new shape and thickness of your teeth. Some patients describe the sensation as “slightly bulky” at first, especially if they’ve never had dental work beyond fillings before.
However, this feeling starts to fade after a few days as your tongue and jaw muscles adjust. In most cases, your dental veneers should begin to feel like natural teeth within a week or two. During this time, there may also be some slight sensitivity to heat and cold. So, try brushing with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth to smooth out this transitional period.
The First Month
Once the adjustment period is over, your veneers should feel indistinguishable from your natural teeth. This is because they’re custom-made to match the contour of your pearly whites after they’re bonded in place.
You may also notice that your veneers feel smoother than your natural enamel. That’s because porcelain (the material used for most veneers) has a polished surface that’s resistant to staining. This is another sensory input that may take some time to get used to.
The Aftermath
Once your mouth has adjusted to your new enhancements, you can eat, talk, and laugh with confidence. Dental veneers are designed to function just like real teeth. In fact, you’ll probably forget you’re even wearing them!
Still, it’s recommended to avoid super-hard foods like jawbreakers or ice to protect your investment, just like you would with natural teeth. If your veneers feel uncomfortable weeks after placement, it’s worth checking in with your dentist. Properly placed veneers shouldn’t pinch, feel too tight, or affect your speech.
Dental veneers are a great way to achieve the smile you want with one simple treatment. Whether you have one problem tooth or several, these enhancements can give you a healthier, more confident smile that feels just right.
About the Practice
If you’re ready to dive into a smile enhancement with veneers, our team at Cedric C Chenet DDS PA can help. Our skilled dental experts have helped many patients achieve flawless smiles with a variety of cosmetic dental treatments, including veneers. Call (321) 253-3136 to schedule a veneer consultation with us or visit our website to explore a menu of all our services.