In Fear of Veneers: Why Having Porcelain Veneers Fitted Rarely Hurts
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, you should know that there are many cosmetic dental treatments that can improve the quality of your smile. Porcelain veneers are one such option. Teeth that are badly stained, chipped, broken or misaligned can be covered with porcelain veneers to give you a much-improved smile. However, if you fear the pain that might be involved, you first need some reassurance.
There Is Little to no Pain for Standard Cases
In cases where patients are opting to have veneers fitted to cover up stains or chipped teeth, there is generally little pain involved. Dentists make sure that your procedure is pain-free by offering you anaesthesia to numb the area while your teeth are prepared.
To make room for the porcelain shells, a cosmetic dentist will remove a small amount enamel. Removing only a small amount of enamel should not cause much pain at all—if any.
The More Severe the Case, the More Pain Involved
When teeth are severely overcrowded, a patient's best option is orthodontic treatment; although this is often a slow process; the end result is worth it. Moreover, no enamel needs to be removed. However, braces aren't for everyone. Maybe your time is limited, or you worry how braces may affect your appearance. Whatever your reason, if your teeth are overcrowded and you opt to solve the problem with veneers, you should expect some pain.
The pain arises because more enamel needs to be removed. With so much enamel removed, it will be easier for pain signals to reach the nerve in the centre of your teeth. Due to the risks associated with removing so much enamel, for example the possibility of the need for root canal therapy if the nerve becomes irritated, many dentists will advise that you first get braces, then veneers if you still want them.
You Could Opt for Prepless Veneers Instead
Prepless veneers, sometimes known as Lumineers, do not require the removal of enamel. If pain is a big issue, you could explore the possibility of having prepless veneers fitted instead. However, ensure that you do your research when opting for this option, as these veneers require an expert touch if they are to give you the look you desire.
Are you put off the idea of veneers because of pain? Don't be. Talk to your cosmetic dentist beforehand about your fears, and they will put your mind at ease by talking you through the procedure so that you know what to expect.
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