Porcelain Veneer FAQs

Porcelain Veneer FAQs

We offer cosmetic dental treatments that create brighter, straighter smiles. Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for patients who don’t want teeth whitening treatment or braces. We create custom porcelain veneers in Chicago, IL, for patients with discolored, crooked, and misshapen teeth. Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that we bond to the front of the tooth enamel. We can treat one or all of the teeth in the smile line with veneers.

FAQs: Porcelain Veneers in Chicago, IL

We welcome patients to learn more about veneers with answers to commonly asked questions about this cosmetic treatment: 

Do Porcelain Veneers Ruin Healthy Teeth?

No, although we need to prepare teeth for dental veneers, this process will not ruin your natural teeth. We prepare teeth for veneers so patients have veneers that look and feel natural. Tooth preparation also ensures that the teeth offer the proper surface for the veneers. Veneers can actually address problems like tooth damage and protect the teeth. 

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The type of veneer or veneer material and how many veneers are required will impact the cost of veneers. Every patient has different needs when it comes to their cosmetic problems. We work with patients to understand how many veneers they require and the cost of their specific treatment. 

Are Porcelain Veneers Considered Permanent?

Yes, veneers are considered permanent in that you must be committed to covering your teeth with veneers for many years. Preparing teeth for veneer treatment by removing part of the tooth enamel ensures that the veneers stay on the teeth. This preparation also means that you need to cover your teeth for the rest of your life with veneers or similar treatments.

Can You Whiten Dental Veneers?

You cannot whiten your veneers because the porcelain materials do not react to bleaching agents. If you have old or discolored veneers, we can work with you to design new veneers. 

Am I A Candidate For Dental Veneers?

We recommend veneers for patients who are in good oral health but want to treat problems like tooth staining, gaps between teeth, and tooth damage. Additionally, we recommend veneers for patients who have enough tooth structure for tooth preparation. 

Are Dental Veneers Painful?

Because we use a local anesthetic to numb the treated tooth or teeth during treatment, you will not feel any pain receiving veneers. Dental veneers are a minimally invasive treatment.

Is Veneer Treatment Reversible?

Lumineers are thinner veneers and easily reversed because they do not require enamel removal. Traditional dental veneers are not reversible because we need to prepare natural teeth for treatment. 

Do you have any more questions about dental veneers? Call White Glow Dental Studio for treatment with dental veneers today at (773) 549-2881 or request a dental appointment with Dr. Paul Gayed online.

Plaque vs. Tartar: Differences and Treatment

Plaque vs. Tartar: Differences and Treatment

Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that builds on the teeth and gums. Tartar is a hardened plaque. Plaque and tartar form from sugars and starches left in the mouth. This bacterial buildup can lead to gum disease and cavities. Gum disease inflames and irritates the gum tissue, while cavities break down natural teeth. Learn the signs of plaque and tartar, how the two differ from each other, and how we remove plaque and tartar to prevent tooth decay and gum disease in Chicago, IL.

Indicators of Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is a colorless film that builds on teeth. There are several symptoms that accompany plaque buildup: 

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • A “fuzzy” feeling on your teeth 

Common signs of tartar include: 

  • Discoloration due to particles or stains on teeth
  • White deposits on the gums between teeth
  • A rough feeling on the teeth

Over time, plaque and tartar buildup contribute to gum disease and cavities. Ultimately, harmful bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates, creating digestive acids that break down the gum tissue and tooth structure. It’s important to prevent plaque from hardening and becoming tartar. 

How to Treat Plaque and Tartar in Chicago

Sugars and carbohydrates attract harmful bacteria to different areas of the mouth. Drinking water after eating, brushing, flossing, and following a healthy diet can help stop plaque and tartar buildup. It should be easy to remove plaque from the teeth and gums with a good oral hygiene routine. Many patients may skip flossing because they do not think it will make any difference in their oral health. However, flossing before brushing can help remove food debris and bacterial buildup. Flossing and then brushing twice a day for two minutes each time can minimize bacteria in the mouth. 

Only a dental professional can effectively remove tartar. We recommend that patients schedule a dental cleaning every six months to minimize bacterial buildup and prevent bacteria from infecting natural teeth and gum tissue. Our dental hygienists use stainless steel dental tools to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums. They can also use antibacterial rinses and deep cleaning treatments if patients have symptoms of periodontitis or gum disease. 

Do you need a dental cleaning? Call White Glow Dental Studio for treatment today at (773) 549-2881. You may also request a dental appointment with us online. If you have questions about preventing harmful bacterial buildup at home, please let us know at your next visit.

Do I Have A TMJ Disorder?

Do I Have A TMJ Disorder?

Do you often find yourself clenching your jaw in stressful situations? Does it sometimes hurt your jaw to eat hard or crunchy foods? You may be developing a TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) occur when there is an injury or stress to the joints that help you speak and chew. It is important to know the signs of TMD and contact a dentist for treatment as soon as possible. Our dental team can expertly treat TMJ disorders in Chicago, IL, and help patients address painful symptoms. 

What Are Common Signs of TMD?

There are many symptoms of TMJ disorders to look out for:

  • Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
  • Chronic headaches and migraines
  • Jaw popping and clicking
  • Pain in the jaw when eating, speaking, or yawning

Chronic sinus pain, migraines, or cluster headaches may all seem like TMD. Although TMD can cause headaches or migraines, it is more likely that you will feel multiple symptoms if you have a TMJ disorder. Please contact our office if you suspect that your multiple symptoms indicate TMD. We will examine your smile and take your symptoms into account to determine the right treatments for your needs.

How to Treat TMJ Disorders in Chicago, IL

Our treatment options for TMD patients include nightguards or orthodontic care. Nightguards are oral appliances custom-made to fit the upper or lower teeth. TMD nightguards are typically acrylic. Acrylic is a hard substance that prevents patients from chewing on their nightguard. Wearing the nightguard during sleep prevents further wear to the teeth and also stops the teeth from grinding together. Over time, wearing a nightguard can help lessen headaches and jaw pain from TMD.

If you do not experience teeth clenching and grinding, we will recommend Invisalign treatment. Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten the smile gradually. Oftentimes, crooked teeth can exacerbate TMJ disorders. Fixing crooked teeth or an imbalanced bite can minimize TMD symptoms. We do not recommend Invisalign treatment for patients who experience bruxism because they can clench or grind their teeth which can damage the aligners.

Do you think you may have a TMJ disorder? Are you interested in learning more about your symptoms? Dr. Paul Gayed and his team offer complete treatment for TMD patients. Call White Glow Dental Studio for care today at (773) 549-2881 or request a dental appointment with Dr. Gayed on our website. We’re here to help you on your journey to create a more comfortable, functional smile.