Why does sensitivity occur after porcelain veneers?
In many cases, it is because dentin was exposed during shaving. The dentin beneath the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, has fine tubules connected to the nerve, so when this layer is exposed, the tooth becomes sensitive to cold and hot. So sensitivity comes not from the name “porcelain veneer” but from how much was shaved.
The worry, “I want to do it, but what I've heard about sensitivity and swelling bothers me,” has a basis. However, when the tooth isn't shaved or the shaving stays within the enamel, there is little sensitivity.
The bonding process also has an effect. If saliva or moisture touches the surface during bonding, the bond weakens, and if a tiny gap remains at the margin, stimuli can pass through that gap and the sensitivity can continue. So during bonding, the tooth is kept dry and the margin is smoothed.
How many days does sensitivity last?
| Timing and pattern | Common meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Brief twinges for a few days after bonding | A temporary reaction right after bonding | Usually just monitor it |
| Lasts more than 2 weeks | Possible issue with shaving depth, bonding, or bite | Check again |
| Hurts even at rest | The nerve is significantly irritated | Come in right away |
A bite where one tooth touches first can also cause sensitivity and pain, so I look at the bite again after bonding. If sensitivity drags on and you just put up with it without knowing the cause, it can lead to a nerve problem, so it's better to let us know instead of enduring it.
Why do gums swell after porcelain veneers?
If the line where the porcelain meets the gum lifts away, or the edge is left thick and pushes on the gum, that spot is constantly irritated. The gum gets red and bleeds when brushing, and sensitivity can come along with it. Floss needs to be able to reach the margin for the swelling to go down and not come back.
I don't push the margin deep into the gum; I fit the edges thinly. If bleeding keeps recurring after bonding, I don't just blame brushing; I look at the margin again. That is because receded gums don't come back up. Gums that look dark are covered in Gum discoloration with porcelain veneers.
Which teeth are suitable to reduce sensitivity and swelling?
| Current teeth | Treatment | Sensitivity and gums |
|---|---|---|
| Set inward with even alignment | Placed without shaving | Little sensitivity, and the margin is fitted thinly |
| Slightly protruding or large teeth | Reshaped within the enamel only | Placing without shaving would look bulky |
| Very protruding or skeletal protrusion | Not placed | Rather than sensitivity, a more protruding mouth would remain |
The more enamel remains, the less sensitivity and the stronger the bond. Bonding to dentin weakens the adhesion, and the more is shaved, the shorter the veneers last. The amount of shaving itself is covered in How much tooth is shaved for porcelain veneers.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
I don't open into the dentin just to make teeth look pretty. If teeth are large or slightly protruding, I reshape them very slightly within the enamel only, and I don't place veneers on very protruding teeth or a skeletal protruding mouth. Brinate, which is placed without shaving, involves no anesthesia and no temporary tooth, and comes in Basic 0.3mm (same day possible), Build-up 0.1mm (about 1 week), and Platinum 0.1mm (about 2 weeks). After bonding, I check the bite and margins again. Once porcelain is bonded, the tooth isn't exactly the same as before even if it is removed, so to avoid sensitivity and swelling, the amount of shaving and the margins have to be taken care of from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Should I avoid cold water after porcelain veneers?
If the teeth are sensitive for a few days right after bonding, cutting back on very cold or hot foods for a while makes it more comfortable. Once the sensitivity settles, you can eat as usual, and if it lasts a long time, we check the cause.
Can I use desensitizing toothpaste for sensitivity after porcelain veneers?
It can help. However, if it continues for more than 2 weeks, don't mask it with toothpaste; have the cause checked. Avoid toothpastes with strong abrasives.
If my gums are swollen, should I brush gently?
On the contrary, the margin area needs to be cleaned thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and floss for the inflammation to go down. If bleeding continues after a few days, we check the margin.
Do thin veneers come off easily?
Thin porcelain is fragile before bonding, but once it is bonded to the tooth and the bite is adjusted, the tooth shares the load. If the bite has one tooth touching first, that spot is adjusted first.
