Whether you’re considering porcelain veneers for purely aesthetic reasons or you need them to correct dental problems, you likely have one burning question on your mind: do porcelain veneers hurt?
Dental anxiety is quite common and the fear of pain can prevent many people from undergoing necessary procedures. So we got in touch with a prosthodontist in Torrance to learn more about porcelain veneers and what you can expect during the procedure, read on!
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or have gaps between them. Veneers are an alternative to dental crowns, which are used to cover the entire tooth.
They are made from medical-grade ceramic that looks exactly like our natural tooth enamel. Each veneer is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your teeth for a 100% natural look. You can opt for one or more veneers depending on your needs.
The Process of Getting Porcelain Veneers

The procedure to get veneers is divided into two parts according to this dentist who does cosmetic dentistry in Irvine. During the first sitting, the dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine how many veneers will be needed based on your smile goals. Then a thin layer of the natural tooth enamel will be shaved to make room for veneers. This is crucial to help the veneers fit in without any protruding.
The dentist will then create a mold for the teeth and send it off to a dental laboratory that crafts these veneers. In the meantime, a temporary veneer will be attached to the tooth to protect the shaved enamel.
It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the veneers to be crafted by the laboratory. Once they are ready, your dentist will call up for another sitting. The temporary veneers will be removed and the new veneer will be glued to the teeth. Some final polishing and shaping will be done to ensure the veneers blend in and feel comfortable.
Are Porcelain Veneers Painful?
The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple yes or no. While the porcelain veneers attachment procedure itself is relatively painless, the preparation process can be uncomfortable for some. The only preparation required is the shaving of the enamel. This part is painful for some people but on your request, the dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area.
The rest of the procedure is minimally invasive and thus, you should not feel any discomfort or pain.
But it is best to have a chat with your dentist before you undergo the procedure to discuss your choices about sedatives if needed.
The Recovery Process
Once the veneers have been attached to your teeth, some people experience soreness in the teeth since it’s a new sensation. This is commonly seen in people who opt for 4 or more veneers. But in a few days, the soreness will resolve itself once your mouth gets used to the veneers. In the meantime, you may stick to eating softer food items and drinking cold juices to find relief.
While veneers are quite durable and sturdy, they are not indestructible. In case of a mouth injury, the veneer may crack and turn painful. If such circumstances occur, see your dentist at the earliest to repair the veneer.
Are Veneers Worth It?
Porcelain veneers are one of the best cosmetic procedures these days to get a beautiful smile. But the procedure has its pros and cons. It look extremely natural and can help your smile look amazing. They are also stain-resistant and made from safe, study materials. They also last quite long, even up to 20 years with proper oral hygiene practices.
So there are many reasons to choose porcelain veneers over other cosmetic procedures that take longer and are invasive. On the other hand, the procedure is irreversible since a part of your enamel is shaved down to make room for veneers. So you have to stick with them for the rest of your life. They can be replaced, and reshaped but cannot be removed.
Despite this, porcelain veneers are still a great choice and are highly recommended by cosmetic dentists to get a long-lasting beautiful smile. And apart from some mild soreness and discomfort, the procedure is not hurtful. They are a fantastic option to achieve your smile goals.
If you need to get porcelain veneers in Torrance, Ca, you can visit South Bay Prosthdoodntics for more information. Their specialists have great expertise and skills to get you a beautiful smile with the least discomfort. They offer both porcelain and zirconia veneers. So you can discuss the difference between the two and make the right decision.
South Bay Prosthodontics also has an in-house dental laboratory for fabricating high-quality veneers. So you won’t have to wait for two weeks for the veneers to arrive. So call them up today to schedule an initial consultation with their specialists for porcelain veneers.
Also read: Adult Braces Dentist: 4 Tips to Aid You in Choosing an Excellent Orthodontist