Porcelain veneers have become a popular option for those looking to improve their smile. At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Chaiken provides expert porcelain veneer services to patients in Chicago and Skokie, IL, and surrounding areas. You can dramatically alter your smile with veneers.
Our team can discuss your needs and help you achieve your desired results. If you’re ready for a brand new smile, talk to Dr. Chaiken about porcelain veneers. He also provides additional cosmetic dentistry services to new and existing patients.
Porcelain Veneers in Chicago, IL
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that attach to the front surfaces of your teeth. These veneers are custom-made to match your teeth. They are a great option if you want to fix:
- Small gaps between teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Worn down teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
You may be a good candidate for veneers if you have any of these problems.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer many great benefits for patients who want to improve their smile, including:
- Natural Look: One of the biggest advantages is that they can make your teeth look beautiful and natural. Veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. They can cover up chips, cracks, stains, gaps, or teeth that are uneven, giving you a brighter and more even smile.
- Stain-Resistant: Another great benefit is that porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. That means they are less likely to get discolored from things like coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. This helps your smile stay white and fresh-looking for a longer time.
- Last For Years: Thanks to modern dental technology, veneers are also very strong and long-lasting. Porcelain veneers can last for many years with proper care. This makes them a smart and durable choice for people who want to improve the way their smile looks.
Are Veneers Right For You?
Porcelain veneers might be a good choice if you want to improve the way your teeth look. They can help if you have teeth that are chipped, stained, uneven, or have small gaps between them. Veneers are also great for people who want a whiter smile that looks natural.
You should have healthy teeth and gums before getting veneers. If you have cavities or gum disease, our dentist will need to treat those problems first.
Patient Review
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
The journey to a new smile with porcelain veneers begins with a consultation with Dr. Paul Chaiken at North Dental Professionals. During this visit, Dr. Chaiken will examine your teeth and discuss your goals. He will determine if porcelain veneers are the right solution for you.
Tooth Preparation
If you and Dr. Chaiken decide to move forward, the next step is tooth preparation. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface of your teeth. Tooth preparation will ensure the veneers fit properly and look natural.
Impressions
After tooth preparation, Dr. Chaiken will take digital impressions of your teeth. He sends these impressions to a dental lab where your custom veneers are created. Dr. Chaiken will provide you with temporary veneers to cover your teeth in the meantime.
Veneer Placement and Bonding
Once your veneers are ready, you will return to our practice for the final placement. Dr. Chaiken will check the fit and color of the veneers to ensure they meet your expectations. The veneers are then bonded to your teeth using a special adhesive. A curing light is used to harden the adhesive, securing the veneers in place.
Aftercare
Taking care of your porcelain veneers helps them last as long as possible. This includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and using non-abrasive toothpaste. Flossing daily is also important to maintain gum health and prevent decay around the veneers.
Certain foods and habits can damage your veneers. We recommend that you avoid eating hard foods like ice or hard candy. You should also avoid bad habits like nail-biting and using your teeth to open packages. These could chip or break your veneers.
Continue to make regular visits to North Dental Professionals for check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Chaiken will check the condition of your veneers and make any necessary adjustments. Cleaning by a professional helps to maintain both your veneers and teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients have questions about porcelain veneers. We want our patients to have all the information possible to make an informed decision. Read answers to popular questions about porcelain veneers in our Skokie and Chicago, IL, offices.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are designed to be durable and can last many years if cared for properly. On average, veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. You can keep your veneers looking good with an oral hygiene routine and regular dental check-ups.
How long does it take to get veneers?
The total time to get veneers usually adds up to several hours spread over multiple visits. At your first visit, we’ll examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and prepare your teeth over one to two hours.
Then it takes 30 minutes or more to take your digital impressions. When we place your veneers, it can take 1 to 2 hours based on how many veneers you get. We want to fit, adjust, and bond the veneers.
Can I eat and drink normally with veneers?
Yes, you can eat and drink normally with veneers. Once your veneers are placed, you can enjoy most of your favorite foods and drinks just like you did before. Veneers are strong and made to handle everyday chewing. But try not to bite into very hard foods like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels. You can chip or damage your veneers.
Will veneers affect how I talk and eat?
No. At North Dental Professionals, we create custom veneers that are made to fit your teeth perfectly. Because they match the shape and size of your natural teeth, most patients adjust quickly and can speak and chew normally. There may be a short adjustment period, but custom veneers are designed to feel comfortable and natural in your mouth.
Can I whiten my veneers?
No, the veneer materials won’t respond to the whitening agents in store-bought or in-office treatments. But veneers can lighten the appearance of dull or discolored teeth. If you have old veneers that have discolored over time, we can offer replacements. We can also recommend teeth whitening before you get veneers, so we can match your treated teeth with your new tooth color.
Can you remove veneers?
Porcelain veneers can’t be removed without replacing them. Before we place your veneers, we remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth so the veneers can fit properly and look natural. Because veneers cover the front of your teeth permanently, taking them off would expose the prepared tooth underneath. If you want a different look in the future, we can craft new veneers can be made to replace the old ones.
Can veneers fix crooked or uneven teeth?
Yes, veneers can help fix mildly crooked or uneven teeth. They cover the front surface of your teeth and make them look straighter and more even. But if your teeth are very crooked, we might suggest braces or Invisalign before getting veneers for the best results.
Why Choose Dr. Paul Chaiken for New Porcelain Veneers?
When considering a transformative cosmetic procedure like porcelain veneers, the skill, vision, and experience of your dentist are paramount. Dr. Paul Chaiken offers a uniquely qualified approach, blending artistic expertise with advanced interdisciplinary science to deliver stunning, healthy, and lasting results.
1. The Art and Science of a True Cosmetic Expert
Porcelain veneers are where dentistry meets artistry. Dr. Chaiken isn’t just a general dentist who offers veneers. He has completed advanced, dedicated training in cosmetic dentistry. This specialized education ensures he understands the nuanced principles of smile design, color matching, and facial aesthetics. He listens intently to your unique desires, translating your vision into a beautiful smile that complements you.
2. Backed by Interdisciplinary Excellence
As an active member of the Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy, Dr. Chaiken practices evidence-based dentistry at its finest. This means your veneer treatment is planned with a comprehensive understanding of your overall oral health, including your bite (TMJ), gum tissue, and jaw function. This holistic approach ensures your new smile is not only beautiful but also healthy for the long term.
3. Proven Experience You Can Trust
With over 30 years of clinical practice, Dr. Chaiken has a deep well of experience. He has seen and successfully treated a vast array of cosmetic challenges, from simple enhancements to complex smile makeovers. This experience, recognized by his fellowship awards from the American College of Dentists and the Academy of General Dentistry, gives you the confidence that you’re in capable and respected hands.
4. A Commitment to Your Comfort and Confidence
Dr. Chaiken’s advanced training in sedation dentistry means your entire experience can be relaxed and anxiety-free. Furthermore, his expertise in TMJ therapy and Invisalign® allows him to address any underlying alignment or functional issues before or alongside your veneer treatment, ensuring the best foundation.
5. The Rigor of an Educator and Advisor
Few cosmetic dentists bring Dr. Chaiken’s academic rigor to the chair. As an Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine and a clinical advisor for leading dental and medical publications, including the American Medical Association, he stays at the very forefront of dental techniques and materials. You benefit directly from this commitment to excellence and current science.
Choose a dentist who sees the complete picture. Dr. Chaiken combines an artist’s eye for beauty with a scientist’s dedication to health and function, all delivered with the trust and caring he has been known for throughout his career.
Ready to explore your smile possibilities? Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chaiken.
Protect Your Teeth with Veneers Today
Porcelain veneers in our Skokie, IL, and Chicago, IL, offices are a fantastic way to enhance your smile. At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken offers expert care so your veneers look natural and last for years.
Contact our Skokie office at 224-267-8083 or request an appointment in Skokie online. You can also call 708-274-4192 or request an appointment in Chicago on our website.
