How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Veneers?
Teeth affected by cracks, chips, misalignment, or discoloration can mean you are less likely to share your smile with others. One way to dramatically improve your smile and self-confidence is with porcelain veneers. These ultra-thin shells of porcelain are cemented over the front surface of the teeth to conceal cosmetic dental flaws.
Dr. Roni S. Berbari offers porcelain veneers at his Montreal, QC practice for patients who want a uniformly bright, even, and beautiful smile. If you are considering this treatment, you may be wondering, how long does it take to adjust to veneers? Read on to learn more about how your mouth will feel after having porcelain veneers placed.
How Will Veneers Feel Different?
After your veneers are placed, your smile will immediately look and feel different. Your mouth should feel comfortable, but you the new positioning and alignment of the porcelain veneers may feel different compared to previous shape and alignment of your natural teeth.
How the porcelain veneers touch the sides of your mouth may feel new. Additionally, your tongue is very sensitive to small changes in the mouth and changes to teeth alignment. When you slide your tongue over your veneers, or when you are speaking or eating, there will be no discomfort, but it will likely feel a little different.
How Long Does the “Different” Feeling Last?
How long it takes to adjust to your new porcelain veneers depends on how sensitive you are to changes to the positioning of your teeth, and how much the porcelain veneers changed your tooth shape and alignment.
It may take some patients only a few days to adjust. In other cases, patients report taking up to two weeks to become accustomed to their new smile. Most patients take about a week to get used to how the veneers feel in their mouth.
Patients who experience longer adjustment periods typically have porcelain veneers placed to address crooked or deteriorated teeth. In these cases, patients may be used to feeling their teeth out of line or worn down. When these issues are corrected, it may take a little while to get used to the slightly new position of the veneers in the mouth.
Caring for Tender Gums
Your gums may be a little tender for a few days after having porcelain veneers placed. If this is the case, be sure to floss and brush gently around this area. You can also rinse your mouth with salt water or with non-alcohol mouthwash.
To make a saltwater mouthwash solution, simply mix about a teaspoon of table salt in an eight-ounce cup of warm water and stir until the salt is dissolved. (While adding more salt may seem like it is therapeutic, it is not necessary. Less salt does the job fine and will be more appetizing.)
Swish the saltwater in your mouth for about 30 seconds, taking care not to swallow it. Your dentist will go over these and other simple aftercare instructions in advance of your treatment to ensure your optimal comfort.
Learn More about Porcelain Veneer Placement
Porcelain veneers are fabricated with dental-grade porcelain for years of exceptional function. Learn how this treatment can transform your smile by calling us at (514) 733-3933 or using our online form.
