Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments around for transforming a smile from top to bottom. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their shape, size, and color by masking all kinds of aesthetic flaws, and in turn, they help patients achieve the confident smile they’ve been dreaming of. That said, like any dental procedure, they may come with some potential side effects that are worth realizing—but with proper care and planning, these risks are incredibly minimal. Here’s what you need to know.
5 Possible (and Very Minor) Side Effects of Veneers
Since veneers are permanent, it’s wise to go into the process informed about any potential risks, including both rare and common ones.
- Tooth Sensitivity – Some patients experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks after veneers are placed, but this usually fades quickly as the teeth adjust.
- Gum Irritation – The gums may feel slightly sore or irritated at first, and there might be some slight inflammation, but this discomfort typically resolves quickly. It’s important to let your dentist know if things do not improve within a few days.
- Color Irregularities – While there is a chance for the newly-placed veneers to be slightly mismatched in color, it’s rare. Also, keep in mind that although veneers are stain-resistant, the cement used to bond them may change color over time, as well as other teeth without veneers.
- Enamel Removal – It’s also important to remember that since a thin layer of enamel is removed before veneers are placed, the process is technically irreversible. That said, this step is carefully controlled by your dentist to ensure no long-term risks.
- Damage from Poor Habits – Biting on hard objects, grinding teeth, or using your teeth as tools can put veneers at risk of chipping or cracking, just as natural teeth would be. Of course, poor oral hygiene over time can also lead to veneer failure.
Veneers Are Still Worth It
For most patients, the benefits of veneers far outweigh what are essentially very minor risks. Veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and can last for well over a decade with proper care. They provide an immediate transformation, correcting issues like discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and uneven teeth in a way that looks both natural and gorgeous. They’re also very easy to care for and don’t involve complicated techniques or expensive separate products, and if something were to happen to a compromised veneer, it can be replaced.
Simply put, it’s hard to put an actual price on the huge boost in confidence that the treatment leads to—and in any case, working with a skilled cosmetic dentist means any would-be risks are virtually non-existent from the get-go!
About the Practice
Here at Dream Dental, we’ve proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Woodstock and the surrounding area for several years, offering a vast selection of services, including confidence-inspiring cosmetic options like porcelain veneers. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up a consultation, please reach out online or call today to learn more or get started. Telephone: (770) 592-7000.