Do you have severely stained or damaged teeth? Try porcelain dental veneer treatment at Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. This popular cosmetic treatment is long-lasting and provides flawless results. Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that will fit over the existing tooth. For a secure fit, the dental veneer is bonded into place.
A veneer is very thin but is capable of hiding the following blemishes: severely stained teeth, crooked teeth, teeth with gaps in between them, chipped or broken teeth, and uneven teeth. Dental veneers made of porcelain ceramic offer a benefit over other cosmetic dental procedures. Because porcelain reflects light, the end result looks just like natural teeth.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
Prior to presenting treatment options, we will examine your teeth and gums to see if there are dental issues that need to be addressed, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein will meticulously plan your treatment. They will find the right shade of veneers to match the rest of your smile for a more aesthetic appearance.
To begin treatment, your Chicago cosmetic dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated. This is done to create a proper bonding surface for the porcelain veneers. Then, we will take 3-D digital scans of your teeth. These are used by the dental lab to ensure each tooth veneer will fit seamlessly on the tooth. We will send the scans and the shade of your veneers to a reputable dental lab where they will be fabricated. In some cases, we will apply temporary teeth veneers to the teeth. This is for aesthetic purposes and to protect the teeth until the permanent restorations are ready.
When the veneers are complete, Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein will make sure that the surface of your teeth is clean and then bond each veneer to the affected teeth. After bonding the veneers, they will check your bite and make final adjustments to ensure that the veneers feel comfortable. You will leave our Chicago dentist office with a new beautiful smile.
Deciding on the Number of Porcelain Veneers
Many patients need help deciding on the number of teeth that the porcelain veneers should be put on. Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein will analyze your smile to help determine this. For a complete smile makeover, a greater number of them should be used on the top and bottom teeth. It is recommended that an even number of teeth are treated, starting at the two front teeth and working back toward the mouth. For a total transformation, we recommend placing them on the teeth seen when you smile. This means you can choose between 8 and 10 veneers.
For a more balanced smile, we also recommend placing them on the bottom row of teeth. However, this is completely up to you and your aesthetic goals. Bottom teeth are not seen as much when smiling or speaking. Porcelain veneers can also be used to fix a single tooth or specific problem. We can color-match the veneer so that it will look completely natural next to the neighboring teeth. Essentially, you can place the veneers on whichever teeth you need to achieve your personal cosmetic goals.
Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Patients often have to choose the right treatment that works best for their needs. Oftentimes for cosmetic reasons, dental bonding and porcelain veneers are the two options. They both offer amazing results and can treat the same cosmetic issues. The difference between the two lies in their longevity.
Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent dental treatment, while dental bonding is not. Our veneers are for patients who are ready to commit to a permanent, lifelong change in their smile. Dental bonding is used by patients who need a temporary or quick fix to their teeth. It can be completed in a single visit and allows the patient more time to consider a permanent option, such as dental veneers.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
How do I maintain my new porcelain veneers?
Keeping your porcelain veneers in good shape requires some effort and care on your part. Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally, when flossing, be gentle to make sure the thread does not potentially get caught between the veneers. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, wear a night guard. Finally, be sure to visit our dental office every six months to check for tooth decay as well as to get professional dental cleanings. Taking these precautions will ensure that your porcelain veneers will remain beautiful and healthy for many years to come.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
There are several factors that go into the price of porcelain veneers, including materials (composite resin veneers), the size and location of the tooth, as well as the patient’s cosmetic goals of treatment. If you have more minor cosmetic concerns, we offer tooth bonding as a more economical alternative to dental veneers. Another type of veneer is composite resin veneers.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Our goal is for your porcelain veneers to last as long as possible. It is common to need some minor repair or maintenance on veneers after several years. To ensure long-lasting results, maintain your veneers by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visiting Premier Dentistry at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and tooth and gum examination.
What are the pros and cons of porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a durable and stain-resistant cosmetic treatment that looks and feels like natural teeth. However, some patients may be hesitant about porcelain veneers because they require tooth preparation. If this is a concern, you can try tooth bonding, which requires little or no tooth preparation.
Can I whiten my dental veneers?
Dental veneers treat discoloration and are brighter than your natural teeth. Veneers will not react to a teeth whitening treatment; therefore, you cannot whiten them. If you have old and discolored veneers, we can replace them with new porcelain veneers. We encourage our patients to get a teeth whitening treatment at the same time as they get veneers for lasting bright teeth.
Do porcelain veneers damage natural teeth?
No, we do not need to remove a lot of the tooth structure to accommodate veneers. Some patients may fear that we must file most of their natural teeth down to fit veneers. However, this is false. We etch a small portion of the tooth enamel to ensure that the veneers conform evenly to the teeth. This does not cause damage to the teeth.
Do dental veneers pop off?
Years ago, when dentists first started placing dental veneers, it was not uncommon for them to fall off. However, dental porcelain has improved significantly over the last decade, and the bonding material that holds the veneers to the teeth is much stronger. When our dentist takes the time to use the correct materials and design a well-thought-out smile, your porcelain veneers will be a very successful treatment option.
Request an appointment for Porcelain Veneers in Chicago, IL
Dental veneers are the only cosmetic dentistry treatment powerful enough to fix many dental problems at once. They will completely transform your teeth creating a perfect smile. If you want to restore your smile and dental health, call 312-586-8596 or request an appointment with Dr. Nechama Brand or Dr. Abraham Stein online. We provide cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers, using modern technology in our friendly downtown Chicago, IL, dental office.