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Cosmetic Dentistry in Chicago – All About Veneers Part 1
Posted on December 24th, 2021
Dental Veneers in Chicago, IL from Your Periodontist Near the Loop
Between social media, television, and the general importance we put on appearance, is it any wonder so many people strive to achieve the perfect smile? To have bright, white, and perfectly aligned teeth is the optimal look. It showcases good oral health and beauty, but some of us are not blessed with perfect teeth- no matter how much we brush and floss.
In order to obtain a straight, pearly white smile, many people take excellent care of their teeth and also make sure to visit their dentist regularly. These steps are vital to maintaining optimal oral health. However, sometimes there is nothing we can do to fix certain dental flaws, like crooked teeth, gaps, overlapping, discoloration, chips, or teeth that are noticeably shorter than others surrounding them.
In these cases, there are cosmetic dental procedures that allow patients to achieve the beautiful smiles they dream of. Things like traditional braces, Invisalign, and dental bonding are all treatments that aid in improving the appearance of, and repairing, your natural teeth.
Another well known cosmetic dental procedure many people take advantage of when they want to improve their smiles is porcelain dental veneers. Veneers provide numerous benefits to patients looking to achieve that picture perfect, Hollywood smile. If you are interested in porcelain veneers, or just learning about different types of cosmetic dental services, continue reading for more information from Windy City Family Dental, your periodontist in Chicago.
What are Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin caps made of porcelain material that adhere to the front of teeth. They are made to fit each patient’s teeth, customized in shape, color, and size.
Veneers can be used to change the appearance of teeth for reasons as simple as tooth staining, or irregular shape or size. They can also be used to restore damaged teeth, similar to dental crowns.
Veneers are less invasive than dental crowns which cover whole teeth, rather than merely the front surfaces. Veneers still strengthen damaged teeth, like crowns, but without having to remove as much of the natural tooth structure. They can also be used in place of braces or Invisalign on occasion to fix minor bite issues or crooked teeth.
The Process
Applying porcelain veneers typically only takes two dental appointments. When you visit your cosmetic dentist, they will evaluate your teeth and determine if you are a good candidate for veneers, and if you need any dental work beforehand- such as fillings, implants, root canals, etc. They will also be able to suggest teeth whitening if they feel you might benefit from the treatment before getting veneers, since dental veneers cannot be whitened.
During your first appointment for veneers, a very thin layer of your natural teeth will be shaved down, then your dentist will take molds of your teeth. The molds will be sent to a lab where your custom, permanent veneers will be created.
You will receive temporary veneers that you will wear until your permanent ones are finished, which usually takes about two to four weeks. At your second visit, the temporary veneers are removed and the permanent ones are bonded in place.
The entire process should be painless, as your dentist will apply anesthetic. Veneers should have no negative impact on your dental health.
Are You A Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers
Determining whether veneers are a good option for you depends on a few factors. Firstly, you need to have strong, healthy gums and good tooth structure. Extensive tooth loss might not allow for dental veneers until dental implants or bridges are applied.
Additionally, veneers are used to fix specific issues, so be sure you are aiming to use veneers for what they are meant for, such as the following:
- Stains
- Chipped Teeth
- Covering or Fixing Old Restorations/Fillings
- Uneven or Narrow Smile
- Crooked Teeth
- Overcrowding
- Gaps
- Bite Issues
Since porcelain veneers are a special cosmetic dental procedure, be sure to work with a dentist who is familiar with cosmetic dentistry in River North, like the team at Windy City Family Dental, when you decide to schedule an appointment for a veneer consultation.
When are Veneers Not A Good Option
While porcelain veneers are quite versatile, there are situations when they may not work and other options should be considered. Some examples include when natural teeth are worn down, there are very large gaps between teeth, or the teeth are too crowded. Occasionally, a person’s jaw may be too small, causing extreme tooth misalignment. In these cases, and situations where gaps are too large or crowding is too severe, orthodontic work may be recommended before veneers.
Additionally, if you require root canal therapy, it is important to have it completed before veneers are placed because sometimes a root canal can cause discoloration which may be noticeable through a veneer.
Windy City Family Dental – All About Veneers Part 2
If you would like to continue learning about porcelain dental veneers and whether or not they might be right for you, then please click on the link below to continue to Part 2.
