Lincoln Park
939 W North Ave, Suite 890
Chicago, IL 60642
Cosmetic
Veneers & smile makeovers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of the teeth to change their color, shape, length, and apparent alignment. They typically last 10 to 15 years, and longer when the bite is managed and grinding is controlled.
The order we do things in, and why
Why a smile makeover is a sequence, not a product
A smile makeover is not a product, it is a sequence. Most cases combine two or three of teeth whitening, clear aligners, composite work such as Bioclear, and porcelain veneers, and the order matters more than the list. Whitening and alignment come first where they apply, because both change the starting point and both are reversible. Porcelain goes last, because preparing a tooth for a veneer removes enamel that does not grow back.
You approve the mock-up before anything is permanent
You see the result before it becomes permanent. We photograph the teeth, take a digital scan, and produce a wax-up or digital mock-up of the proposed shape and shade, and nothing is prepared until you have looked at that and agreed with it. This is also the point where we will push back. Very white, very uniform veneers photograph well and read as dental work in person, and most people asking for them are describing a result they would not enjoy living with.
How long veneers last, and what they cost
Veneers are not reversible and they are not permanent, which is an awkward pair of facts worth stating together. Ten to fifteen years is the usual service life, longer where the bite is managed and grinding is controlled with a night guard, and at the end of it they are replaced rather than removed. Grinding is the most common reason a case fails early. Elective cosmetic work is rarely covered by insurance, so we quote it as self-pay in writing, with CareCredit and Cherry available to spread the cost.
Photos say more than descriptions here. Our smile gallery has before-and-after cases from our own patients, treated by our own dentists.
Who it's a good fit for
- You want porcelain veneers or a coordinated smile makeover for several front teeth
- You tried whitening but the shade or symmetry still bothers you
- You have small chips or gaps and would rather fix them cosmetically than do years of braces
- You want the conservative option priced next to the porcelain one
- You've thought about a smile makeover for years and want to see a mock-up before anything permanent
What to expect
- Free consult: photos, digital scan, and a conversation about your goals
- Mock-up: wax-up or digital preview you can approve before any prep
- Prep visit: gentle enamel reduction and temporary veneers while the lab works
- Delivery: custom veneers placed about 2–3 weeks after prep
- Night guard where you grind, because grinding is what breaks them
- Follow-up: comfort check 1–2 weeks after delivery
Common questions
- How many veneers do I need?
- Whatever's visible when you smile, usually 6 to 10 on the upper arch. We'll show you photos of your own smile to decide together.
- What order should a smile makeover be done in?
- Teeth whitening first, then clear aligners if the teeth need moving, then any porcelain. Whitening and alignment both change the starting point and both are reversible, so doing them first means veneers are matched to your final shade and bonded to teeth that are already in position. Porcelain goes last because preparing a tooth removes enamel that does not grow back, and because a veneer made before the teeth moved would need remaking afterwards. Not every case needs all three, and we sequence yours at the consultation.
- Do veneers feel like my real teeth?
- Yes, after about a week of getting used to them. They're bonded to your enamel, so they don't move or click.
- How long do veneers last?
- Typically 10 to 15 years, and up to 20 with good care and a bite that is managed. We use durable porcelain and bond conservatively, with no over-prepping.
- Do porcelain or composite veneers last longer?
- Porcelain veneers typically last 10–15 years (sometimes up to 20 with good care), while composite veneers, including Bioclear, usually last 5–7 years. Porcelain resists staining and rarely needs replacing; composite is gentler on the budget and can be repaired in a single visit. We help you weigh both at your free consultation.
- What does a smile makeover cost?
- It depends on how many teeth and which materials. Most plans land between several thousand and the low five figures total. Care Credit, Cherry, and our membership discount can all apply.
- How do I take care of my veneers?
- Treat them like natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss daily, and come in for routine cleanings. Avoid using your front teeth to bite hard things (ice, pen caps, packaging). If you grind at night, a custom night guard significantly extends veneer lifespan. With good care, expect 10 to 15 years, and up to 20.
- Are veneers FSA or HSA eligible?
- Purely cosmetic veneers usually aren't FSA/HSA eligible. When a veneer is placed to restore a damaged or worn tooth (rather than purely for appearance), it's often eligible. We'll tell you which classification fits your case before you use your account.
Book a consultation
Available at both offices. Pick the one that's closer to you.
Schaumburg
501 W Golf Rd, Ste B
Schaumburg, IL 60195
Who provides this care
Veneers & smile makeovers at each of our offices
Hours, parking, and the team differ by office. These pages cover the details for each one.