Porcelain Veneers FAQ
In Chicago, IL

Patients have the option to choose a single veneer, multiple veneers, or a complete smile makeover based on their individual needs, goals, and budget. During the consultation, a thorough assessment of your smile will be conducted to create a tailored plan for your veneer treatment. Those opting for a single veneer typically aim to address a specific tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or damaged (such as chipped or cracked). The veneer will be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth for a natural appearance. In some cases, achieving the best results may involve placing veneers on adjacent teeth to ensure a uniform and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Since every patient’s needs are unique, so is each veneer treatment. To explore the most effective approach for enhancing your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation.

The longevity of your porcelain veneers will largely depend on the type of veneers chosen for your smile enhancement. Extremely thin, minimal-prep, or no-prep veneers require very little, if any, removal of tooth enamel to accommodate their thickness. Even with minimal removal of enamel, the procedure is still not reversible and will require new restorations at some point in the future. Our traditional veneers are designed for very minimal removal of healthy tooth material, typically 0.5 mm at the most, because of our extensive design process. If you decide to remove porcelain veneers in the future, then replacing them with new veneers or another form of restoration to maintain tooth protection and integrity will be required.

It's important to discuss the permanence or reversibility of your cosmetic treatment during your consultation. Generally, porcelain veneers are viewed as a long-term investment that delivers enduring results.

Porcelain veneers are typically not covered by insurance, as they are classified as a cosmetic procedure. However, there may be instances where veneers are used for both aesthetic and restorative purposes, potentially allowing for some insurance coverage.

To find out if your insurance plan offers any benefits for veneer treatment, our knowledgeable office staff can review your coverage details. If your plan does provide any financial support, we will supply you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses.

We also offer financing options for up to 12 months 0% interest to those who qualify.

Properly placed porcelain veneers typically do not affect your speech. While it may take a few weeks to adjust to the new veneers, they generally do not alter speech patterns. Most patients find that after two to three weeks, the veneers feel completely natural, and they no longer notice them while speaking or eating.

Porcelain veneers are designed to be resistant to stains. Unlike natural teeth, the non-porous porcelain used in veneers is less susceptible to discoloration. With proper care and good oral hygiene, most patients can enjoy a bright, white smile for many years. To maintain their pristine appearance, it’s advisable to avoid tobacco products and limit the consumption of staining substances like coffee and red wine.

Both over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening treatments are ineffective at lightening the color of porcelain veneers. Depending on your aesthetic goals, your veneers will be color-matched to your natural teeth or customized to your preferred shade. For those who want their veneers to be whiter than their natural teeth, it's often recommended to complete a whitening treatment before placing the veneers. This ensures that the porcelain blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. If you wish to achieve a whiter appearance for your veneers in the future, replacing them with a new set will likely be necessary.

For individuals seeking a straighter smile, porcelain veneers can be an excellent solution for concealing mild to moderate misalignment, gaps, and crowding. Unlike braces, the veneer process does not involve extensive orthodontic treatment, making it a quicker option for aesthetic enhancement. However, for patients with more significant misalignment or bite issues, traditional orthodontic options, such as Invisalign®, may be more appropriate.

High-quality porcelain veneers, crafted from advanced ceramic materials, are renowned for their exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care and protection from excessive bite forces (such as using a nightguard), and when placed on strong, healthy teeth, these veneers can remain intact and securely bonded for many years. While the strength of veneers can vary based on factors like material, fabrication techniques, thickness, and tooth position, you can rely on a personalized treatment plan designed to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and durability of your new smile.

The process for getting porcelain veneers typically involves three appointments. During the initial visit, your smile is assessed for both health and cosmetic suitability, and a customized smile design and treatment plan are developed.

The second visit focuses on preparing your teeth and fitting temporary veneers, which will remain in place while the permanent veneers are crafted in the dental lab. In the final appointment, the temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth, completing your smile.

For patients requiring additional treatments to enhance oral health before veneer placement, adjustments to this timeline may be recommended.

Patients often seek to replace their existing porcelain veneers for various reasons. Common motivations for an upgrade include:

• Veneers that are chipped, cracked, damaged, discolored, or detached.
• Outdated, low-quality veneers that no longer meet aesthetic expectations.
• A desire for a new smile design using the latest techniques and high-quality materials.
• Dissatisfaction with previous veneer work done by less experienced practitioners.
• Transitioning from a few veneers to a complete smile makeover.
• New dental or cosmetic issues that create an opportunity for a fresh veneer application.
• Financial readiness to invest in a dream smile.

If you’re considering replacing your current veneers, skilled professionals can help deliver a stunning and satisfying new smile.

You can absolutely preview your smile before your porcelain veneers are placed. Your preferences, goals, and concerns are integral to every phase of the smile design and veneer process. Before finalizing any treatment, you'll have the opportunity to review digital previews of your new smile and provide your approval.

Once your custom temporaries are fitted, you can "test drive" your new look. If you want any changes, adjustments can be made to the design of your permanent veneers before they are created.

While gum contouring (often referred to as a “gum lift”) is not required for receiving porcelain veneers, it can provide additional aesthetic benefits. This procedure, performed by a skilled dentist, helps minimize excess gum tissue, creating a more balanced and pleasing relationship between your gums and visible teeth. If you're considering adding gum contouring to your treatment plan, be sure to discuss it during your consultation.

While there isn’t a specific diet for porcelain veneers, it’s wise to be cautious with certain foods and drinks that could stain or damage them. Items like nuts, ice cubes, red wine, coffee, and berries are known for their potential to affect the appearance or durability of veneers. If you choose to indulge in these, try to do so in moderation and avoid biting down too hard on particularly tough or dense foods.