Perfect your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Consider for a moment those celebrities or notables with great smiles. Chances are, those smiles have been created by skilled dentists like our professionals at West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, Illinois, Drs. Susan Mazzei, Kelsey Esposito, and Ashley Nguyen. The “magic” behind their impossibly “perfect” smiles is often in the veneers! Yes, porcelain veneers are often the choice to fix many cosmetic imperfections. These irregularities include:

• Chips
• Small cracks
• Stubborn discoloration
• Deep stains that do not respond well to teeth whitening
• Minor gaps
• Uneven spaces between teeth
• Wear and tear, which presents as overly short teeth
• Problems with the shape that detracts from attractive proportion and uniformity in the smile

Why are porcelain veneers so coveted?

Dental ceramics, such as porcelain, are renowned for their ability to mimic the natural tooth enamel’s unique details and properties. In addition to its unbelievably natural appearance, porcelain is not brittle; it is very strong. Many patients feel porcelain veneers are an excellent investment in their smile, confidence, and wellbeing because the material holds up so well.

Now, with that being said, the veneers process is very technique-specific. The results you get from veneers, and your overall satisfaction with the process depend on the skill of the person designing, fabricating, and placing them. At West Suburban Oral Health Care, we are experienced in smile design. We also use advanced technologies to aid in treatment planning. In doing so, the veneers placed on the front surfaces of your prepared teeth look and feel natural. They do not jut out or protrude, nor do they look “plastic” overly large for your face and smile, or “too perfect,” often too white. Some of these features may translate well on the big or small screen. But, in real life, these characteristics can look fake.

Our dentists also work closely with patients through every step of the process and following treatment to assure their ultimate, ongoing satisfaction. For instance, to get the most out of your veneers and prevent damage, we may recommend customizing oral appliances or nightguards to protect your veneers from chips and fractures as the result of chronic teeth-grinding during sleep. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but they are still vulnerable to fractures from habits such as chewing fingernails or ice. The natural tooth underneath the veneer is also susceptible to decay. So, it is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home and maintain professional cleanings at our practice.

Alternatives to porcelain (indirect) veneers include direct composite resin veneers or dental bonding. The latter option is more affordable upfront, but resins stain and are not as lifelike and robust as porcelain veneers. We encourage you to weigh your options. Please call 630-393-3045 to schedule an appointment with one of our talented dentists, Drs. Susan Mazzei, Kelsey Esposito, and Ashley Nguyen.

Dr. Susan Mazzei is a skilled dentist specializing in prosthodontics. A graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, she completed a Certification in Prosthodontics before joining the faculty of Northwestern University Dental School as a Clinical Assistant Professor, where she served for 12 years and became Assistant Professor Emeritus. Dr. Mazzei believes that excellent oral health begins with education and prevention and is committed to continuing her education. She is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, a Charter Fellow in the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and has completed the Bale and Doneen Method Preceptorship Program.

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Dr. Kelsey Esposito worked in healthcare advertising and communications before realizing that her passions were dentistry and patient care. She holds a BA in Economics and Fine Art from Kalamazoo College, a Premedicine Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from Northwestern University, and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Illinois in Chicago. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Chicago Dental Society (CDS), Illinois Dental Society (IDS), Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and AAOSH.

Dr. Marco Fajardo is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, where he also served as a part-time Assistant Clinical Instructor. He was a member of the University Dental Associates of the University of Chicago too. In 1994, he formed the basis of West Suburban Oral Healthcare with Dr. Mazzei. He is now its Team Leader.

Dr. Ashley Nguyen studied at the University of Buffalo and Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL (dental school). She is a member of the ADA, CDS, IDS, and other local organizations. She continues her education by attending dental conferences and seminars.