Dental Veneers | Top Chicago, IL, Dentists

Chicago Porcelain Veneers: Restore Your Smile’s Confidence

It’s nearly impossible to prevent age-related wear and tear from diminishing your smile’s appearance. Teeth may appear stained or worn down, making it difficult to feel confident in your smile. If you’re looking for a convenient way to transform your smile, porcelain veneers may be the ideal solution for you.

At Contos Smile Center, our cosmetic dentist in Chicago, Dr. Peter Contos, is proud to offer this simple cosmetic dental treatment to patients looking to conceal cosmetic imperfections in their smiles. Call (773) 973-0531 to learn more about this treatment and see if you may benefit.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain, a strong and durable dental material. These shells are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth to conceal cosmetic imperfections and enhance your smile’s appearance. They offer a natural-looking solution for various dental concerns, providing a significant boost to your confidence.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers come with various advantages, making them a popular choice for smile transformations. Here are some key benefits:

Enhanced Aesthetics: Dental veneers mask cosmetic flaws like chips, cracks, discoloration, uneven spacing, and minor misalignment. They can also improve the overall shape and size of your teeth for a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Stain Resistance: Unlike natural tooth enamel, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, wine, and other beverages or foods that can discolor teeth. This allows you to maintain a brighter, whiter smile for longer.
Durability and Longevity: Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 30 years with proper care. They are bonded securely to your teeth and withstand normal wear and tear associated with chewing and speaking.
Natural Appearance: High-quality porcelain veneers are meticulously crafted to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. This ensures a seamless integration with your surrounding teeth for a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.
Improved Confidence: By concealing cosmetic flaws and creating a more symmetrical and attractive smile, porcelain veneers can significantly boost your confidence. You’ll feel more comfortable smiling, talking, and interacting with others in social settings.

What Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?

Porcelain veneers offer a versatile solution for addressing cosmetic dental concerns. Here are some common issues they can effectively address:

Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Veneers can effectively cover minor to moderate chips and cracks on your teeth, restoring their appearance and functionality.
Discolored or Stained Teeth: Stubborn stains or deep discoloration that cannot be addressed with teeth whitening can be masked with veneers for a brighter smile.
Uneven Spacing or Gaps: Veneers can close small gaps between your teeth or correct minor misalignment issues, creating a more even and symmetrical smile.
Worn-Down Teeth: Over time, teeth can become worn down due to grinding or other factors. Veneers can restore their size and shape for a more youthful appearance.
Minor Misalignment: In some cases, porcelain veneers can address minor misalignment issues, offering a less invasive alternative to braces for specific cases.

The Porcelain Veneer Procedure

Initial Consultation

You’ll first undergo an initial consultation with Dr. Contos at our Chicago office so he can determine if porcelain veneers are right for you. He’ll evaluate your teeth and oral health for any underlying problems that may complicate your veneer procedure.

Porcelain veneers may not be appropriate for patients who tend to grind or clench their teeth, as this may damage the veneers over time. In some cases, Dr. Contos will recommend a mouth guard to wear at night to prevent chipping or friction that will wear away the surface.

Creating Your Porcelain Veneers

Our Chicago cosmetic dentist will first administer a local anesthetic so your experience will be virtually painless. He’ll then prepare your teeth by shaving down a small portion of enamel to make room for the veneers.

After your teeth are prepped, our Chicago, IL cosmetic dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental lab and used as a blueprint for creating customized veneers. You’ll receive temporary veneers to wear in the meantime.

Placing Your Porcelain Veneers

You’ll return to our Chicago office once we receive your restorations from the dental lab. Dr. Contos will remove your temporary veneers and place a bonding agent over your teeth. He’ll then attach your permanent veneers, ensuring they fit comfortably and naturally. After your veneers are secured to your teeth, you’re free to leave our office with a beautiful, restored smile!

Caring for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a fantastic investment in your smile, offering a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution. However, proper care is essential to ensure their longevity and maintain their beauty. Here are some key practices to follow:

Brushing and Flossing Regularly: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of the veneers.
Mind What You Eat: While veneers are stain-resistant, it’s still wise to limit your intake of heavily staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries. If you consume these items, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize staining.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, nuts, popcorn kernels, or candy.
Wear a Mouthguard (if needed): If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your veneers from damage caused by clenching and grinding.
Maintain Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist. This allows them to monitor the condition of your veneers, address any potential issues early on, and ensure your oral health remains optimal.

Financing Porcelain Veneers

Considering porcelain veneers but worried about the veneers cost? Contos Smile Center offers flexible financing options to fit your budget:

Insurance: We work with major insurers and out-of-network providers.
Payment Plans: We tailor plans to your needs and accept major credit cards.
Outside Financing: CareCredit and Lending Club offer manageable monthly payments.

Let’s make your smile dreams a reality! Contact us at (773) 973-0531 to discuss financing options with our friendly financial coordinator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do veneers last?

With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last between 10 and 30 years. This involves brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and attending regular dental checkups and cleanings. Proper care helps prevent chipping, staining, and underlying oral health issues that could affect the veneers.

Does getting veneers hurt?

The procedure itself shouldn’t be painful. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area before removing a small amount of enamel to prepare the tooth for the dental veneer. You might experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

What if my veneer gets damaged or falls off?

Veneers are durable but can chip or break under certain circumstances, like biting down on hard objects. If you experience damage, contact your dentist immediately. In some cases, minor chips can be repaired, while severely damaged veneers may need to be replaced.

Do tooth veneers look like natural teeth?

High-quality porcelain veneers are designed to mimic the natural appearance of teeth. They are crafted to match the color, size, and shape of your surrounding teeth for a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.

Discover How Dental Veneers from Our Chicago Dentist Can Refresh Your Smile!

Minor cosmetic imperfections in your smile can make it difficult to speak, smile, and chew with confidence. Traditional porcelain veneers are a convenient and effective cosmetic dentistry treatment to conceal these imperfections and restore your smile.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Contos, call our Chicago office at (773) 973-0531. You can also request an appointment online by filling out our contact form. We welcome patients from Bucktown, Oak Park, and West Town, IL to transform their smiles.