Will Your Veneers Make Your Teeth Sensitive Long-Term?

September 17, 2026

Woman getting her veneers

When it comes to a dramatic smile transformation, veneers are often a reliable solution. These shells are designed to cover a wide range of dental flaws in one treatment, so you correct chips, stains, and minor gaps in one go. That said, your teeth will need to be prepped beforehand. But will this cause tooth sensitivity? Here’s what you can expect.

So, Do Veneers Cause Sensitivity?

The first step to your veneers journey is removing a thin layer of enamel on the fronts of your teeth. This will expose the dentin underneath, but this portion has canals that go down to the nerve. Anything hot, cold, sweet, or acidic can trigger them and cause sensitivity you may be worried about.

In short, you’ll likely experience this after you have both your temporary and final set placed. Though it’s oftentimes short-lived and should go away over the next few days after your visits. You might wonder if you can skip this initial step, but it’s crucial in giving you flawless results that can last for over a decade with proper care.

How Can You Relieve Expected Sensitivity?

Since minor tooth sensitivity is normal after getting veneers, there are ways you can ease it. Here are a few tips you can try until it goes away on its own:

  • Use desensitizing toothpaste. These types of products have special ingredients that are designed to relieve this type of discomfort by blocking the channels in your dentin, lessening the intensity the more you use them.
  • Avoid hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods for the time being. These items can trigger this sudden pain, so limit them until they become more comfortable to eat. You will get back to your regular diet in no time.
  • Use over-the-counter medication if you need that extra boost. For the correct dosage, follow the directions on the bottle.

While sensitivity is normal after your placement, there are a few rare cases where it can persist or worsen. If so, then call your dentist. They can determine whether there’s an underlying cause at hand and ensure you’re on the right track to a comfortable, gorgeous grin. So, you shouldn’t let this stop you from considering this treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Kevin Labosky earned his dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry. He has nearly 30 years of experience, which he uses to give patients in State College the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Labosky is here to transform your smile with reliable solutions like veneers. By walking you through the process, you can feel confident about getting lifelike, seamless results. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at 814-237-7004.