Your Game Plan for Addressing Three Common Complications with Veneers

Veneers may have relatively few side effects compared to more intensive aesthetic treatments like crowns or dental implants, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared for complications just in case. From increased sensitivity to discomfort, the problem-solving guide below covers three common complaints associated with veneers and their simple, hassle-free solutions.

The Problem: Your Teeth Suddenly Feel More Sensitive

The Fix: Try Stronger Fluoride Toothpaste

Since traditional veneers require some tooth prep, a little bit of sensitivity post procedure is perfectly normal. To combat it, ask your doctor for prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride naturally lessens pain and sensitivity by strengthening weakened tooth enamel.

The Problem: You See Slight Discoloration

The Fix: Get a Cleaning and Watch Your Diet

If you spot some dark shading at your gum line a few weeks or even months after getting veneers, the culprit is most likely natural discoloration, which happens especially quickly in people who smoke and drink coffee or wine. Avoiding all three along with committing to regular professional cleanings should help you keep your tooth and veneer color in perfect harmony.  

One important thing to keep in mind is that any staining you notice should be marginal. If it extends below your gum line to the point where it's clearly visible to the naked eye, be sure to see your doctor for an evaluation. Veneers are designed to cover the entire surface of the tooth, so excessive staining can be indicative of problems with fit or bonding.

The Problem: Your Veneers Feel Uncomfortable

The Fix: Get a Timely Adjustment

Whether your veneers seem too tight, bulky or just plain too big for your mouth, speak up as soon as possible. Adjustments are usually easy but with one caveat: They should be done before your veneers are permanently bonded. While that sounds as simple as can be, the tricky part is deciphering between what is true discomfort and what is just your mouth getting used to a new appliance. Generally, if you forget about your veneers when you're going about your day, there's a good chance that what you're experiencing is temporary.

Keep in mind that the type of veneers you choose can affect your ability to fix a minor issue like alignment that feels off. If you want to avoid risking a bad fit that requires a complete replacement, avoid no-prep veneers. While they do have some advantages, like quicker results and reduced impact on natural teeth, no-prep veneers are cemented on immediately, so they're ideal for people who have small teeth with relatively minor flaws.


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