What Are Veneers?

Everyone wants a perfect smile! But sometimes, even those who take perfect care of their teeth can’t attain one naturally, for numerous reasons. Fortunately, a dazzling smile can be yours through the technology and artistry of cosmetic dentistry. While there are several options available, veneers may be the right solution – depending upon your oral health, condition of your teeth and the aesthetic goal you want to achieve.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells that fit over the front of your teeth. There are two main kinds of veneers: porcelain and composite. The former are custom-made of porcelain to fit your teeth; the latter are typically made from a tooth-colored resin. Our blog post – “Are Veneers Right For You? Here’s What To Know Before Getting Veneers!” – provides an overview on this topic.

To be more specific, there are three types of veneers:

Direct composite veneers – Also called “composite bonding” or simply “bonding,” composite veneers are sculpted on your teeth directly by the dentist, rather than in an offsite lab. The shaped resin is hardened using a high-intensity light, after which additional layers of resin can be applied and sculpted as needed to create the desired aesthetic result. Our blog post – “Is Composite Bonding Right for You?” – covers this type of veneer in detail.

Advantages: Fast (procedure is typically performed in a single visit); produces overall good aesthetic results; least expensive of veneer types.

Disadvantages: Susceptible to staining and chipping; not appropriate for more extensive cosmetic restorations; not as natural-appearing as porcelain veneers.

Indirect composite veneers – This type is also made of resin, but with each “shell” individually fashioned in a dental lab to be bonded onto your teeth in-office.

Advantages: Less expensive than porcelain veneers; provide good aesthetic results; are longer-lasting than direct composite veneers.

Disadvantages: Also susceptible to staining and chipping; not appropriate for more extensive cosmetic restorations.

Porcelain veneers – Fashioned of porcelain, this type is also individually made in a dental lab, to be applied during your office visit.

Advantages: Porcelain closely mimics the look of tooth enamel, providing a more natural appearance; is better suited for more complex cosmetic restorations, and is more stain-resistant than composite resin.

Disadvantages: Porcelain veneers are permanent (lasting up to 20 years), which means removal is not a practical option; can cause tooth sensitivity and can still be damaged.

What is the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns?

Veneers differ from crowns, which cover the entire tooth down to the gumline (and require the tooth to be significantly ground down, meaning that it can never again be without a crown). Direct composite veneers do not permanently alter the teeth to such an extent that the composite material cannot be removed and replaced as needed.

However, one notable downside to indirect composite and porcelain veneers is the grinding of the tooth’s enamel each time you need a replacement set. Assuming you’ll need several replacements throughout your lifetime, your dentist may eventually recommend an alternative solution.

Why Would I Need Veneers?

Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as:

Stained teeth or teeth with uneven coloring that can’t be corrected by whitening.
Uneven spaces between teeth, or a large gap between the upper front teeth.
Teeth that are chipped, uneven, or have a worn-down appearance.
Teeth that do not have a pleasing uniform appearance across the smile line.
Misshapen/smaller-than-average teeth.

What Does the Process of Getting Veneers Involve?

Getting indirect composite and porcelain veneers is a multistep process that is customized to the treatment plan you and your dentist have discussed during the consultation. The consultation is important because this is the time when you and your dentist will discuss treatment options, as well as the desired color of your veneers. Your dentist may also recommend a whitening treatment before applying veneers.

The basic procedure is as follows – but keep in mind that specific steps may vary depending upon your individual case.

Teeth will be prepared by removing a layer of enamel, which will allow the veneer to fit securely over the tooth, and create a strong bond.
Your dentist will make a mold of your prepared teeth, and make a set of temporary acrylic veneers while your porcelain veneers are being custom fabricated at the dental laboratory. Veneers take approximately two to four weeks to be made and sent back to the dentist.
Once the veneers are back, your dentist will cement them to your prepared teeth using a special bonding solution.

Now That You Have Veneers, Keep Your Smile Beautiful!

After the procedure, follow your dentist’s instructions. However, you should be able to enjoy your new smile immediately! Follow oral care and hygiene practices as always, and use common sense – such as not using your teeth as a tool, chewing ice, etc. And while porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, they can still become discolored over time. Therefore, you may want to avoid foods and beverages that can stain – or brush as soon after consuming them as possible. Of course, schedule regular twice-yearly checkups with your dentist!

What to Keep in Mind if You’re Considering Veneers

While veneers may seem the ideal solution for achieving a terrific smile, there are some things to consider, including the following:

Your teeth and gums must be healthy before you get veneers. Your dentist must treat any disease or decay before your veneers are placed.
Veneers may not be a good choice for patients who clench or grind their teeth, because the thin veneers may chip or break. If you clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend you wear a plastic dental night guard while sleeping.
Although your dentist removes as little tooth enamel as possible for veneers, the process cannot be undone once the enamel is removed.
It is possible for veneers to come loose over time. Should this happen, new ones will be needed.

The Take-Home Message for Your Best Smile Ever

If you are considering veneers, and want to learn how they can enhance the appearance of your teeth, call NK Family Dental. Our team will help address your oral health concerns and needs, and determine the best solution for you. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh, and our endodontist, Dr. Sabek.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!

Causes of Tooth Decay & How to Stop It

As much as we’d like for it to be so, our teeth are, unfortunately, not designed to last forever. Tooth decay will affect every one of us at some point or another. However, there are many actions you can take to prevent it!You may be aware that tooth decay can cause cavities, but do you know what causes tooth decay in the first place, or what other oral results occur due to decay? In this latest dental blog, we’re helping you understand the common causes and results of tooth decay, how your gums play an important part, and how to prevent tooth decay.

Common Causes and Results

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research defines tooth decay, also known as dental caries, as “damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth’s surface, or enamel.” When the surface of your teeth become worn down by bacteria and acids, a cavity can develop. Anyone from children to senior adults can develop tooth decay for a variety of reasons.

Starches and sugars in your diet react with decay-causing bacteria to form acids that attack the enamel, or outer layer of your teeth, which causes a breakdown of important minerals that help keep your teeth strong. Consuming food and drinks high in starches and sugars put your teeth at greatest risk for more frequent attacks on your enamel from these acids.

Foods to avoid or consume in moderation, always followed by proper oral care, include - but are not limited to — sugary cereals, pop or other sugary drinks, hard candy, dried fruits and cookies. Tobacco products should also be avoided.

Over time, plaque will develop from the bacteria and cling to the enamel of your teeth, further wearing them down. This process eventually leads to cavities when the enamel is completely worn away.

Other causes of cavities and tooth decay include dry mouth, not maintaining proper oral hygiene and certain medical conditions. When your mouth is dry and experiences a lack of saliva, bacteria and plaque buildup do not wash away as easily, causing a faster buildup of that same plaque and bacteria. Not maintaining proper oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing your teeth daily and in the correct manner can also speed up the development of bacteria, acids and plaque. Finally, some medical conditions or treatments can promote tooth decay. These include conditions and medications that cause dry mouth, as well as some radiation treatments for cancer that change the chemical makeup of saliva which encourages an increase in oral bacterial growth.

So, what happens when you have tooth decay? Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth pain, infection or, at the most extreme, permanent tooth loss. You may experience a toothache, pressure when chewing or biting, or tooth sensitivity to cold, hot or even sweet food or drink. Signs of an infection from tooth decay include the development of an abscess that can lead to pain, fever or swelling of the face. An infected oral abscess is considered a dental emergency, and you should contact your dentist as soon as you develop signs of an infection.

To detect a cavity and signs of tooth decay, your dentist will examine your teeth for any sticky or soft areas, as well as likely take x-rays to detect any cavities and areas of decay not visible to the naked eye.

What About Your Gums?

Tooth decay and cavities affect your teeth - but your gums also play an important role! Buildup of bacterial plaque causes both gum disease and tooth decay. So, the same sticky plaque full of bacteria and acids that breaks down enamel also irritates your gum line and causes it to recede. This happens when plaque hardens over time into what is known as tartar, which makes it even easier for bacteria to grow.

Gum disease comes in many stages, starting with gingivitis. Plaque built up near your gums will cause them to become irritated, inflamed, swollen or to bleed easily. Further progression of plaque and tartar will lead to bacteria reaching underneath the gum line and attacking the supporting structures of your teeth which keep them in place. This advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. To learn more about the relationship between tooth decay and gum disease, read our blog post, “What Is Periodontal Gum Disease?”

How to Stop Tooth Decay

The best way to stop tooth decay is to prevent it in the first place. Fortunately, most tooth decay is easily preventable. Here are the three primary ways you can prevent tooth decay:

Maintain properly daily oral hygiene. - At minimum, thoroughly brush your teeth twice per day with a fluoridated toothpaste. You should also floss at least once per day and use a mouthwash after every time you brush.
Watch what you eat and drink. - As previously mentioned, sugary food and drinks like pop make it much easier for bacteria and plaque to build up in your mouth. In general, aim for a balanced diet with limited intake of food and drinks high in starches and sugars. Snacking between meals should also be kept to a minimum.
See your dentist regularly for routine check-ups. - Daily oral hygiene is important, but our teeth still need professional cleanings by a dentist to remain as clean and healthy as possible. Seeing your dentist semi-annually ensures that plaque and tartar buildup are removed and that any cavities or other oral conditions can be diagnosed and treated.

Once tooth decay has caused a cavity to form, the emphasis of treatment changes from prevention to restoration. This is because cavities are irreversible. The only option is for the dentist to repair the tooth by cleaning out the affected area and providing a filling after the decayed part of your tooth has been removed. The filling consists of a strong material compatible with your tooth structure. Dental crowns and root canals may also be required to restore the tooth in the case of an advanced cavity.

Looking for a Chicago Dentist to Treat Tooth Decay?

The best way to prevent tooth decay is by seeing a dentist for early detection, treatment and preventive measures. Located between the border of Bucktown and Logan Square in Chicago, NK Family Dental provides a wide range of services, including periodontics and root canal treatment. Our complete checkups include professional teeth cleaning, digital x-rays, oral cancer screenings, DIAGNOdent cavity detection and fluoride applicators - along with examination for diagnosing your overall oral health.

Schedule your next visit with NK Family Dental through ZocDoc, or contact us directly to schedule an appointment or for any questions you may have.