Veneers recovery — week by week

What healing actually looks like — week by week — for veneers.

Recovery timeline

1. Visit 1 (prep day)
   Teeth shaved 0.3–0.7mm. Temporaries placed. Sensitivity expected for 1–2 weeks.
2. Visit 2 (placement)
   2–4 weeks after prep. Veneers bonded permanently. Final bite adjustments.
3. Weeks 1–2 post-placement
   Bite adjustment may be needed. Avoid hard foods on front teeth.
4. Years 10–20
   Average lifespan of porcelain veneers with good hygiene. Replacement is part of long-term cost.

What's normal vs. what to call about

Some swelling, bruising, asymmetry, numbness, and tightness are expected in the first weeks. Sudden severe pain, fever above 101°F, drainage, spreading redness, or one-sided swelling that worsens after improving warrant a same-day call to your surgeon.

See veneers results across the recovery curve on the main Veneers page.