Dental Veneers
Dentist McHenry, IL
 Dental veneers are thin covers that are placed over the teeth to correct various cosmetic concerns. We have a couple of different types of dental veneers available at McHenry Smile Center. Dental veneers are a purely cosmetic treatment. They can be used for tooth discoloration that cannot be fixed with a whitening treatment, cracked, crooked, or misshapen teeth, and large gaps between the teeth.
Candidacy
Prior to getting veneers, you will consult with our dentist to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. We do require you to have good overall and dental health. In addition, you are not a good candidate for veneers if you tend to grind your teeth at night. We can explain how to maintain them properly, but you do need to remember that they are susceptible to breaking.
Types of Veneers
There are two types of veneers that we can use; porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more durable and do not require a lot of tooth enamel to be removed for placement. They have a natural look and are stain-resistant. Composite resin veneers are cheaper and easier to fix if damaged. These veneers require even less tooth enamel removal and the process is usually quicker. However, they are more susceptible to stains.
Procedure
The process for porcelain and composite resin veneers is similar but slightly different. Composite resin veneers are simpler to place. First, our dentist will remove some enamel so that there is a base for the veneer. They will place the composite resin directly onto the tooth and sculpt it into the proper shape. Once this is done, they can use a special type of light that “cures”, or hardens, the resin instantly. Finally, our dentist will polish and smooth the veneer as needed.
Porcelain veneers are a bit more complex. Once again, our dentist will need to remove a bit of the tooth enamel to make space for the veneer. We will get a dental mold of the teeth and forward it to our dental lab. At the lab, they will customize your veneers so that they look natural on your teeth. We will call you when we receive the veneers back from the lab. Our dentist will place the veneers at the next appointment and check their fit. They will make adjustments as needed and polish the veneer. To finalize, our dentist will bond the veneer to your teeth using the same composite resin mentioned previously.
Maintenance
Veneers can chip, so you will need to maintain them carefully to avoid any chipping. Avoid chewing on your nails or hard objects, including hard and sticky foods. It is very normal, for the first few days, to feel a slight discomfort as you get used to having the veneers on your teeth. Continue maintaining oral hygiene for the veneers as you do with your natural teeth. This includes routine cleaning appointments every six months, brushing twice daily, and flossing once daily. Let us know if your veneer breaks so that we can schedule you for a fix. Call (815) 578-1000 for more information on dental veneers. |
