My porcelain veneers hurt, and I want them removed. I got them in early September, and all eight veneers still hurt. I take ibuprofen twice daily – in the morning before work, then six hours later. I know ibuprofen isn’t good for my stomach, but my dentist seems clueless. He examined the veneers and my teeth and asked me to be patient because the veneers would become more comfortable. How long will it take for the pain to go away? And why didn’t anyone tell me that porcelain veneers hurt for weeks after you got them? Thanks. Dehlia for IN

Dehlia,

Should Your Porcelain Veneers Still Hurt?

Porcelain veneers should not hurt. Although you may experience sensitivity in your teeth after getting veneers, the sensitivity should not linger. Still, the veneers should not hurt. You’ve experienced symptoms for over a month, which is unusual, so we recommend scheduling an exam with an advanced cosmetic dentist.

A cosmetic dentist must examine your teeth and veneers to determine the cause of your discomfort and how to alleviate it. Perhaps the dentist aggressively prepared your teeth by shaving away too much tooth enamel, or you may have tooth infections.

Can You Remove Porcelain Veneers and Return to Natural Teeth?

After a dentist prepares your teeth for porcelain veneers, you cannot have them removed and return to your natural teeth, which would increase sensitivity. You will need some type of cosmetic dentistry to protect your teeth, and veneers are less invasive than dental crowns.

Without an exam and X-rays, we will not guess what is causing your pain, so promptly make an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist. The dentist will explain your options for getting relief.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.