Getting veneers is a big decision. You want to be sure they look right, feel right, and fit your smile perfectly. That’s where temporary veneers come in. They’re like a test drive before committing to the final set. If you’re wondering what they are, how they work, and whether they’re worth it, here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Temporary Veneers?
Temporary veneers are short-term covers placed over your teeth while your permanent veneers are being made. They protect your teeth and give you a preview of how your new smile will look. Think of them as placeholders that help you adjust before the final transformation.
They are also used in cases where a person wants to test the aesthetics of veneers before committing, for patients undergoing cosmetic dental planning, and for those needing a temporary cosmetic improvement for an event or photoshoot. Temporary veneers allow small tweaks in shape and size to ensure the final veneers fit comfortably and look exactly how you want them to.
How Do They Work?
They’re made from acrylic or resin and are bonded to your teeth with a mild adhesive. Because they’re temporary, they’re not as durable as the final veneers, but they serve their purpose—keeping your teeth covered and letting you see what your new smile might look like.
They are recommended for people getting permanent veneers who need protection after enamel reshaping, those testing out the aesthetics of veneers before committing, and patients experiencing sensitivity while waiting for their custom veneers to be completed. They also help in fine-tuning the shape and size to ensure the final veneers look and feel perfect.
What Are They Used For?
Temporary veneers aren’t just for those getting permanent ones. They are also used in cases where someone wants to trial a new smile before committing to a full veneer treatment, for patients undergoing cosmetic dental planning, or in cases where dental conditions cause short-term sensitivity and require a protective solution.
- Protecting your teeth after enamel removal
- Helping you adjust to the feel of veneers
- Testing the shape and look of your new smile
- Preventing sensitivity while waiting for your permanent veneers
- Temporary aesthetic improvements before a big event or photoshoot
- Trialing different shapes and sizes before finalising a cosmetic dental plan
What Do Temporary Veneers Look Like?
They look similar to permanent veneers but aren’t as refined. Since they’re made from acrylic or resin, they lack the translucency of porcelain. They’re a little thicker and might not match your final shade exactly, but they still give you a solid idea of how your new smile will look.
Do They Look Fake?
Not necessarily. They won’t have the same natural shine and texture as porcelain veneers, but they’re designed to look as close as possible to the final result. If they seem too bulky or the colour isn’t quite right, that’s what the test phase is for—adjustments can be made before the real veneers are placed.
What to Expect?
- Slight discomfort for the first few days as your mouth adjusts to the new shape and texture
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods due to temporary exposure of enamel before final veneers are placed
- A slightly different feel when biting and speaking, which may take a few days to get used to
- Possible mild irritation around the gums as they adjust to the temporary material
- A chance to see if you like the shape, size, and fit before committing to the permanent veneers
How Much Do They Cost?
Temporary veneers are usually included in the cost of your permanent veneers. If you need them separately, they can range from £100 to £400 per tooth, depending on the material and the clinic.
How Long Do They Last?
They’re designed to last a few weeks—just long enough for your permanent veneers to be made. Most patients wear them for one to three weeks, but in some cases, they may be needed for longer.
If you take care of them, they should hold up without cracking or falling off before your final veneers are ready. Avoid biting into hard foods, and be mindful of excessive staining from coffee, wine, or sauces to keep them looking as natural as possible until your permanent veneers are placed.
Pros and Cons of Trial Veneers
Pros
- Let you test the look and feel before committing
- Protect your teeth after enamel removal
- Help you adjust to the sensation of veneers
- Allow for changes before the final version is placed
Cons
- Not as durable as permanent veneers
- Can stain more easily
- Might feel bulkier or rougher than the final veneers
- Adhesive is weaker, so they can sometimes come loose
How Are They Different From Other Types?
Temporary veneers are just that—temporary. They’re made for short-term use and aren’t meant to function like permanent veneers. Unlike composite or porcelain veneers, they’re not custom-crafted for long-term wear and don’t offer the same level of durability, fit, or aesthetics. They serve as a temporary solution to protect reshaped teeth, allow patients to preview their final smile, and help them adjust before committing to permanent veneers.
Temporary vs. Permanent
- Material: Temporary veneers are made of acrylic or resin, while permanent veneers are porcelain or composite.
- Durability: Temporary ones last weeks; permanent veneers last years.
- Look & Feel: Permanent veneers are thinner, more natural-looking, and custom-fitted for comfort.
Do Temporary Veneers Replace Permanent Ones?
No, temporary veneers do not replace permanent ones. They are a short-term solution designed to protect your teeth while your final veneers are being made. Their purpose is to help you adjust to the look and feel of veneers before committing to the permanent version. They are not as durable, refined, or long-lasting as permanent veneers and should only be worn for a few weeks.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Trial Veneers?
Typically, one to three weeks. This gives enough time for the dental lab to craft your permanent veneers and for you to test the fit, look, and feel of the temporaries.
Can You Eat Normally?
Eating with temporary veneers requires a bit of caution. Since they aren’t as strong as permanent veneers, avoiding certain foods can prevent damage or dislodging.
Safe to Eat
- Scrambled eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, yoghurt, fish
- Soft fruits like bananas and ripe avocados
- Well-cooked vegetables
- Soups and stews
- Soft bread (without a tough crust)
- Smooth nut butters (avoid chunky varieties)
Avoid
- Hard foods like nuts, raw carrots, and apples
- Sticky foods like caramel, toffee, and chewing gum
- Crunchy foods like chips, popcorn, and hard bread crusts
- Very hot or very cold foods that may trigger sensitivity
- Staining foods like coffee, red wine, curry, and soy sauce
If in doubt, choose foods that don’t require much chewing or excessive force on your teeth.
Do’s and Don’ts With Temporary Veneers
Do’s
- Brush gently but thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums or dislodging the veneers.
- Floss carefully using a sliding motion rather than pulling up and down to prevent them from coming loose.
- Eat softer foods to prevent damage, and avoid anything too hard, sticky, or chewy.
- Rinse after meals with water or a gentle mouthwash to reduce staining and remove food particles.
- Check in with your dentist if anything feels off, like discomfort, looseness, or unexpected sensitivity.
Don’ts
- Bite into hard foods like nuts, apples, or crusty bread—these can crack or dislodge the veneers.
- Chew gum or sticky candies—they can pull the veneers off or weaken the adhesive.
- Use your teeth to open packages or bite on non-food items—this can cause damage or loosen the veneers.
- Drink excessive coffee, red wine, or other staining beverages—temporary veneers stain more easily than permanent ones.
- Eat tough meats or foods that require a lot of chewing—this puts extra strain on the temporary veneers and may cause discomfort.
How to Know if You Need Them
Your dentist will assess your teeth and determine if temporary veneers are necessary. If your enamel has been reshaped in preparation for permanent veneers, temporary ones will protect your teeth from sensitivity and damage. They also help you adjust to the look and feel of veneers before committing to the final version. In some cases, they may be used for patients exploring cosmetic changes before making a final decision on permanent veneers.
Conclusion
Temporary veneers are a practical step in the veneer process, helping you transition smoothly to your permanent smile. They protect your teeth, allow you to test the aesthetics, and help with sensitivity while you wait for the final set.
While they’re not as durable or refined as permanent veneers, they serve an important purpose. Treat them with care, follow the recommended guidelines, and use the opportunity to ensure your final veneers are exactly what you want.
If you're considering veneers and want a test run first, Dr Vishal Patel at Dental & Wellness Islington is an expert in cosmetic dentistry, ensuring your smile looks great and feels right.
FAQs
Are temporary veneers any good?
Yes. They’re not as polished as the final veneers, but they serve their purpose—protecting your teeth and giving you a preview of your new smile.
Do they feel weird?
At first, yes. They might feel slightly bulky or rough. It takes a few days to adjust, but after that, they should feel more natural.
Why do they hurt?
Mild discomfort is normal at the start. Your teeth might be sensitive because of enamel removal. If the pain is severe, check with your dentist.
Why are they turning blue?
Sometimes, the adhesive or the material can react to certain foods and drinks. If they start changing colour, mention it at your next appointment.
Do they fall off?
They can, but they shouldn’t if they’re properly fitted. If yours feel loose, avoid hard foods and see your dentist for a quick fix.
What to eat with temporary veneers?
Stick to soft foods—scrambled eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, fish, yoghurt. Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or sticky.
Are they thick?
Yes, slightly. Temporary veneers are usually thicker than permanent ones because they’re made from a different material and aren’t as precisely fitted.
What stains them?
Coffee, tea, red wine, curry, soy sauce—basically anything that stains regular teeth can stain temporary veneers even faster.
What are temporary veneers called?
They’re sometimes called trial veneers or provisional veneers. Same thing, just different names.
Dr. Vishal Patel
I’m a dentist with a passion for creating beautiful, natural-looking smiles. With a Master’s in Aesthetics and Restorative Dentistry, I’ve honed my skills in treatments like Invisalign, clear aligners, fixed braces, veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening. Combining precision with a keen eye for detail, I aim to help patients achieve smiles they can feel proud of, using techniques that are tailored to each individual.
