Veneers in Wilmette, IL

Would you love to smile confidently without worrying about broken, discolored, or uneven teeth? If so, dental veneers at Wilmette Dental Institute may be the solution you need. At our dental office in Wilmette, IL, Dr. Nolan Patel offers veneers as an excellent way to address a variety of aesthetic smile concerns.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or ceramic fitted to cover the front surfaces of your teeth. These tooth-colored materials mimic the appearance of your tooth enamel for a natural-looking, seamless appearance.

Smile Concerns Veneers Can Address

Veneers are a versatile cosmetic dental solution because they conceal various aesthetic smile issues, including:

• Discolored or stained teeth
• Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth
• Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
• Small gaps between teeth
• Slightly misaligned teeth
• Teeth that look too small or too short

Porcelain Veneers

This type of veneer is custom-made in a dental lab to fit your teeth precisely. Our patients love them because they are durable, stain-resistant, and can last 10 years or longer with proper care. On the downside, they're more costly than composite veneers and cannot be repaired if they chip or crack—you must replace the entire veneer.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers use a tooth-colored composite resin Dr. Nolan applies directly to your teeth. He then expertly sculpts the material while soft to match the tooth's contours or alter its shape or size. After applying the composite resin, he hardens it using a special curing light and polishes it for a seamless appearance.

Composite, or no-prep veneers, cost less than porcelain and can be repaired if damaged. The disadvantage is that they may stain over time and are less durable than porcelain, typically lasting 5 to 7 years.

Dr. Nolan will consider your unique needs, lifestyle, and budget to recommend the right type of veneers for you.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Nolan listens carefully to your wants and desires for the final result. He will also perform a comprehensive oral health evaluation to ensure veneers are the best choice for you.

Getting porcelain veneers involves the following steps: 

• Initial consultation — Dr. Nolan will discuss your aesthetic goals and perform a comprehensive dental exam.
• Tooth preparation — A small amount of tooth enamel will be removed to create space for the veneers. We will take impressions and send them to a custom dental lab that expertly crafts your custom veneers. 
• Veneer placement — When they’re ready, Dr. Nolan will ensure a perfect fit and appearance, then cement them securely in place.

Caring for Your Veneers

If you get a cavity, we will have to treat it and replace your veneers, so proper care is crucial. Caring for your veneers is the same as caring for your teeth: brush twice daily, floss once, and visit us regularly for routine check-ups.

Avoid eating foods that can damage your veneers, such as crusty bread and popcorn. Don’t chew on pens or ice, and never use your teeth as tools.

If you want to correct broken, cracked, or stained teeth, we would love to meet with you to see if veneers are a good fit for your needs. Contact Dr. Nolan Patel, your cosmetic dentist in Wilmette, IL, to schedule a veneer consultation.