When preparing for any cosmetic treatment, it’s normal to get excited about your future results. Envisioning what your smile will look like can help you stay motivated to follow the guidelines provided by your dentist. But when choosing veneers, you may wonder why wearing temporary ones between your appointments is necessary. Find out why this step is important and what they can do to prepare you for life with a new set of teeth.

Why Are Temporary Veneers Necessary?

While waiting for your finalized veneers to be created, your cosmetic dentist will put temporary restorations in place. There are several reasons why this is necessary:

• A small portion of tooth enamel must be removed to ensure a natural, uniform appearance once your veneers are put into place. This means that the underlying layer, the dentin, is more likely to be exposed. To prevent increased sensitivity, temporary veneers are required.
• There will be a short adjustment phase you will go through after your custom veneers are attached. By wearing temporary ones, your mouth can become more well-adjusted beforehand.
• Temporary veneers offer a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like.

What Can I Expect While Wearing Temporary Veneers?

Wearing temporary veneers between appointments requires following the instructions provided to you by your cosmetic dentist. It is during this time that your teeth can be more vulnerable to injury, decay and sensitivity, so you’ll need to make sure that you are careful when eating and cleaning your teeth.

What you can expect is:

• Some slight sensitivity. Since these are not attached in the same way that your permanent veneers will be, you may feel some minor sensitivity when eating or drinking certain foods and beverages. It’s best to avoid extreme temperatures as well as items that are highly acidic or sweet.
• Inability to floss. Regular veneers are placed on each tooth, but temporary ones usually come in one piece, so there is no way to floss between teeth. You’ll have to wait until your custom veneers are put in place to resume your normal flossing regimen.
• Food restrictions. Apart from the sensitivity certain foods can cause, you’ll also need to be mindful about staying away from those that are hard, crunchy or sticky. These can easily damage your temporary veneers.

When it comes to dentistry, there are many steps, guidelines and requirements that often lead to many questions, especially as it pertains to cosmetic dentistry. Wearing temporary veneers is a beneficial component of this process – one that will set you up for greater success once you’re enjoying your finalized smile.

About the Author
Dr. Michael Kelliher is a cosmetic dentist who has been with Flagship Dental Group since 1998. Graduating with his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1993, he delivers first-rate care and service to patients interested in transforming their smile. Using custom veneers, he and his colleague, Dr. Lainie Foerster, use an artistic eye and skilled hand to carefully craft beautiful, uniform smiles. If you are interested in whether veneers might be a suitable cosmetic option for you, contact us via the website or by calling (413) 567-1221.