Porcelain Veneers – Wheaton, IL
Covering Up Unsightly Tooth Imperfections
If chips, cracks, gaps between your teeth or minor misalignments are keeping you from the smile you’ve always dreamed of, let Dr. Kathy Lam, DDS, transform your smile with porcelain veneers in Wheaton. These thin, shell coverings hide your imperfections and provide a durable, long-lasting result. Plus, they are designed to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance that is natural. Porcelain veneers are custom-made, so you can expect Dr. Lam to sit down with you to discuss the overall look of the new smile you’ll receive in just two visits! If you’re ready to transform your smile, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
What is the Process of Getting Porcelain Veneers?
In two simple appointments, you can have a brand new smile! How is this possible? Let us explain. First, your initial appointment will consist of a discussion between you and Dr. Lam about what you’re hoping to achieve with porcelain veneers. She will then remove a small portion of your tooth enamel to create an adequate amount of room for the veneer. She’ll take an impression of your bite and send it off to the lab to have your veneers created. During this time, you’ll be provided with a temporary set of veneers.
Once your permanent veneers arrive, you’ll return to have Dr. Lam put them in place.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
If you’re struggling to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you, let us help by providing some great benefits to these unique coverings.
- Porcelain veneers can cover a wide array of imperfections, including chips, cracks, discoloration, gaps between teeth, and even minor misalignments.
- You get to keep more of your natural tooth structure. Yes, a small amount of enamel is removed, but the majority of your tooth is still intact and untouched.
- The process is noninvasive, which means that depending on your needs, you may not need anesthesia during the enamel removal process.
- Veneers are stain-resistant!
- They’re easy to maintain because they act just like regular teeth. Simple brushing, flossing, and rinsing will keep your veneers healthy and clean.
- They’re long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your veneers to last a decade or longer.
Understanding the Cost of Veneers
You don't have to be rich or famous to afford veneers because they can be a cost-effective solution. Many factors affect the cost of veneers, but Dr. Lam strives to keep a stunning smile affordable for everyone. She will help you choose the best option for your goals and budget.
Cost VS Cosmetic Dentistry: What's Right For Me?
There's no cookie-cutter treatment to create an attractive smile because every mouth is as unique as fingerprints. Dr. Lam will examine your mouth and learn more about your situation to determine which treatments are right for you, which may include:
- Braces: Whether metal braces or clear aligners, you can fix bite and alignment problems. Although orthodontics can be partially covered by dental insurance, the average treatment ranges from 12 to 24 months, which can be a long commitment if only a tooth or two is slightly misaligned.
- Teeth Whitening: A professional-grade whitening agent can treat surface and age-related stains. Teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter, with results that can last for many months. While teeth whitening is effective, it can't be used for all types of discoloration.
- Direct Bonding: A composite resin is shaded to match the color of enamel to treat minor imperfections. It provides a quick fix that can last for a few years before needing to be replaced.
- Veneers: A veneer can improve the aesthetics of a single tooth, but bonding them to the teeth visible when smiling corrects many issues at once, like gaps, stains, and chips. You can save time and money because you won’t need multiple or lengthy procedures. After just 2 appointments, you can have dazzling results that can last for a decade or more.
Dr. Lam will help you make the best decision for your smile and will explain your treatment plan. A member of our team will review your estimate, so you'll know exactly how much you’ll have to pay before committing to anything.
How to Make Veneers Affordable
Our office offers many financial solutions to keep our services affordable. A member of your dental team will review all your payment options during your consultation, which includes:
- Traditional Payments: We accept all traditional payment methods, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
- Dental Insurance: It's rare for dental insurance to pay for elective services, but there are exceptions. If treatment is medically necessary, you can use your benefits to offset the cost, which can be the case when needing replacement veneers. Your dental insurance may cover other aspects of your treatment, like any imaging or preliminary procedures. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate coverage.
- Monthly Payments: Pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. You can benefit from little or no interest in financing, based on your credit approval.
If you have questions about your payment options, or you're ready to schedule your consultation, contact our office today.
Veneers FAQs
So, you’re feeling curious about veneers? That’s only natural – these shells have the power to correct a wide range of smile flaws. Even so, you may want to learn more about them first. Doing so before treatment ensures you know what to expect. Luckily, we at Dr. Lam’s office want to help: below are the answers to some frequently asked veneer questions. By reading them, you’ll see how effective our restorations are. Otherwise, just call us for additional details you might need.
What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?
Rest assured, the teeth under veneers are safe. The placement process isn’t harmful to your pearly whites. Furthermore, the bonding material used is non-toxic and has no side effects.
Admittedly, placing veneers does remove a bit of your tooth enamel. This step lets the ceramic layers fit onto your smile seamlessly. That said, treated teeth are protected by the veneer layer. They shouldn’t increase your risk of cavities.
To protect the teeth beneath veneers, remember to follow good oral habits. Namely, brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with mouthwash often.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Unfortunately, no – veneers aren’t actually permanent. Even the longest-lasting ones have a limited lifespan. That said, their placement is considered irreversible.
You see, placing veneers requires that dentists remove bits of your enamel. This action helps the porcelain shells fit effectively over your smile. However, the removal is permanent – shaved enamel won’t grow back. As such, prepped teeth will always need crowns or veneers in the future. Anything less will leave them exposed to potential harm.
Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?
Indeed, some people do develop lisps soon after getting veneers. Such patients will have difficulties with pronouncing certain words, as well as ‘s’ and ‘v’ sounds.
One reason for this shift is your tongue’s muscle memory. Not being used to veneers’ presence, it’ll impulsively cause you to stumble over words. After all, you won’t have adjusted to the extra thickness on your teeth yet.
Thankfully, a lisp is nothing to worry about. The effect itself is temporary and fades after a few days. As such, you’ll soon be speaking clearly in no time.
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
In the end, you can trust you’ll receive enough veneers for flawed teeth. Their number could be as low as one or as high as 12. The final tally, though, should be decided by a qualified dentist.
On average, a patient may only get 6 or 8 veneers to achieve a beautiful, symmetrical smile. Others might need several more for effective results. As such, remember to bring up the number issue during the initial consultation.