Porcelain Veneers in Chicago

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or another substance that's applied to the fronts of the teeth to even out minor issues, such as:

• Size and Shape: If you have a significant event for which you want to appear your best, then veneers can change the color and, to some extent, the shape of your teeth so that you have a beautiful smile full of white, evenly spaced and aligned teeth. If bruxism has damaged or shortened your teeth, porcelain veneers can restore their length. If your teeth are too big, small, round, or square, veneers can alter their shape to be more pleasing.
• Alignment and Spacing: If you have small gaps between your teeth, veneers can compensate for that so that your teeth appear evenly spaced. This can be particularly important if you don't want to wear braces but would like the benefits they provide.
• Discoloration: Lifestyle habits can cause teeth to become dingy, discolored, or yellowed, and over-the-counter whitening products may not provide a satisfactory solution. If you have dental appliances such as caps, fillings, and so forth, they may not respond well to the whitening solutions, and you'll have unevenly colored teeth. Veneers can resolve this issue and provide you with a mouth full of white, straight teeth.

Although not everyone is a good candidate for veneers, our Chicago dentist will examine your teeth during your initial consultation to determine whether they're the best solution.

What Is the Porcelain Veneers Procedure?

If you and your dentist have determined that veneers are a good option for you, we'll make a mold of your teeth to ensure that your veneers fit well. Occasionally, we may have to remove less than 1mm of your tooth enamel to ensure the best fit for your veneers. However, this isn't always necessary; it depends on the type and brand of veneers you select. However, removing the enamel is painless, and once your veneer is in place, it won't move around and will look and feel the same as your natural teeth. Veneers don't stain either, so you needn't worry about eating certain foods. If you have additional questions, call our office, and we'll be happy to answer them.

How Does a Veneer Differ From a Crown?

Although both are permanent installations, a crown covers your entire tooth from the top to the gums. A veneer covers only the front surfaces of the teeth.

Porcelain crowns are typically used to compensate for a loss of tooth structure due to age, bruxism, decay, or trauma. They supply structural reinforcement to weakened teeth and require the removal of more tooth enamel – at least 2 mm – for the crown to fit correctly. Crowns are often used for back teeth because of their structural strength. Call our Chicago office for more information.

What's the Lifespan of Veneers?

With proper dental hygiene and maintenance, your veneers can last for decades. They're available in several materials and options, but porcelain is the most popular and looks the most natural.

How Do I Maintain My Veneers?

Be sure to maintain good dental hygiene with brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups; don't use your teeth for other than their intended purpose, such as opening a bottle.

If you have bruxism or other dental issues, you might consider a night guard to protect your veneers. Be sure to have a custom-made night guard, though, not an over-the-counter model. Otherwise, it can fall out during the night, and you won't reap the benefits of the night guard. Be careful about biting into very hard foods, especially if you have veneers on your front teeth.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

There's no set cost for porcelain teeth because there are too many variables. Veneers are priced according to the tooth; the more you need, the higher the cost. There are several options for the materials used to make your veneers, but when it comes to veneers porcelain is the most popular. Since veneers are usually considered cosmetic, your insurance may not cover them. However, cosmetic dental insurance is available should you want to research that option. If the issue of what porcelain veneers cost is holding you back, call our Chicago office. We'll help you get the smile you want at an affordable price.

Want to Schedule a Consultation?

If you're dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth and would like to change it, we can help. Call our Chicago office, and we'll answer all your questions and schedule an appointment. We'll help you have the beautiful smile you've always wanted, so call us today!