Dental Veneers | O’Fallon IL

Dental veneers, also called porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers, are a cosmetic dental procedure in which custom-made “shells” are bonded to the surface of your natural teeth in order to change the size, shape, color, or length of your teeth. Laminates give patients an improved smile and often increase their confidence.

What Problems Do Porcelain Veneers Address?

Veneers can be used to fix a number of dental problems including:

  • Discolored teeth.

Stains caused by drugs such as tetracycline, root canals, excessive fluoride, smoking, or other causes disappear.

  • Worn teeth.

Sometimes teeth become shorter over time due to natural wear. Veneers can be created to add length to those teeth, giving them a more desirable appearance.

  • Broken or chipped teeth.

Because veneers cover the surface of the natural tooth, chips and broken teeth no longer look damaged.

  • Misaligned or misshapen teeth.

Laminates offer a good solution for people who are not happy with the shape or alignment of their teeth.

  • Gaps between teeth.

Gaps are no longer visible with properly placed veneers.

Getting Dental Veneers

At Lake Pointe Dental Group, the process for getting dental veneers generally requires three visits.

During the first visit, Dr. Greiff or Dr. Bean will meet with you for a consultation to determine if this procedure will give you the results you desire. We will likely take x-rays and impressions of your teeth.

During the second visit, your teeth will be prepared. Your dentist will remove some of the enamel from the surface of your tooth or teeth, and molds or impressions will be taken so that your veneers can be created in the lab. You may be given a temporary set of tooth caps that will remain intact until your next visit, usually 2 to 4 weeks later.

The third visit will be the most exciting, because it will be the day you receive your new smile. Each veneer will be bonded to your existing tooth with a very strong cement created for veneers. The cement is hardened with a special type of light. Finally, your dentist will make any adjustments necessary, ensuring that your bite is correct and that your veneer looks and feels natural. You may be asked to return in a couple of weeks to make sure all is well.

Whether you are receiving a single veneer or several, you’ll leave Lake Pointe Dental with something to grin about!

Advantages of Veneers

Laminates are a good option for many people because:

  • They look natural.
  • They don’t irritate gum tissues.
  • They are stain-resistant.
  • The color can be customized.
  • They don’t require extensive work below the gumline.

How Long do Veneers Last?

Dental veneers usually last between 7 and 15 years. Proper dental hygiene, including routine check-ups, will help ensure that they last longer.

Ready to find out if dental veneers are right for you?

Dr. Richard Grieff and Dr. Harold Bean are trained and experienced in creating beautiful smiles with porcelain dental veneers, implants, bridges, and crowns. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry for teeth that make you smile, call us or schedule an appointment online.