Cosmetic dentistry
Porcelain Veneers in Arlington Heights
Porcelain veneers in Arlington Heights for stained, chipped or uneven front teeth. Dr. Bilus D Poles DDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA, an AACD member, plans the shade and shape with you before anything is made.
5.0 on Google · 541 reviews
- What it fixesStains, chips, small gaps and uneven shapes
- VisitsA few visits over a few weeks, made by a dental lab
- MaterialGlazed porcelain that resists coffee, tea and wine stains
- How longMany years with good care and regular checkups
The short answer
Porcelain dental veneers are thin, lab made ceramic shells bonded to the front of your teeth to change their color, shape and length. They suit adults with healthy teeth and gums who want a lasting, stain resistant result, and Dr. Bilus Poles plans every shell with you at Omni Dental in Arlington Heights.
Step by step
How a porcelain veneer is placed
The process usually takes a few visits spread over a few weeks, because each veneer is made by a lab for your tooth.
- 1
Exam and planning
Dr. Poles checks your teeth, gums and bite and treats any decay or gum problems first.
- 2
Gentle preparation
A thin layer of enamel is reshaped so the porcelain sits naturally and does not look bulky.
- 3
Lab-made shell
Impressions go to the lab. Temporary veneers may protect your teeth and let you preview the shape.
- 4
Try-in and placement
Fit, shade and shape are checked, then each veneer is attached with a dental adhesive.
What makes porcelain veneers look natural?
Porcelain is a ceramic that takes in and reflects light much like natural enamel. A thin, well made shell can match the soft translucency at the edge of a front tooth. That is why people choose it for a lasting cosmetic change.
The glazed surface also resists stains from coffee, tea and red wine better than resin. Your shade stays closer to the one you chose, and the surface keeps its polish with normal care.
Who is a good candidate for porcelain?
Porcelain is a good fit when your teeth and gums are healthy and you want a lasting change. It works on the teeth that show when you smile, and it often suits:
- Discoloration that whitening has not fixed.
- Worn or chipped edges that leave teeth looking short.
- Small, pointed or oddly shaped teeth next to fuller ones.
- Small gaps you prefer not to close with aligners.
It may not suit you if you have active decay or gum disease, very little enamel or a heavy grinding habit. A badly broken or heavily filled tooth often needs a crown instead.
How is your porcelain smile designed and previewed?
Before any tooth is shaped, Dr. Poles plans the look of your new smile: the shade, the length of each tooth, the shape of the edges and how they follow your lip line. Depending on your case, a model, a trial smile or temporary veneers may let you preview that design and ask for changes.
This is where boutique care shows. You talk through a subtle refresh or a brighter, more even smile, and the plan is adjusted until it feels like you.
Shade is chosen with care. If your other teeth stay natural, many people whiten them first so the porcelain can match a brighter starting point.
How much enamel is removed?
Most porcelain cases need a thin layer of enamel reshaped so each shell sits flush and does not look bulky. The amount of enamel depends on your plan, and teeth that are small or set back may need very little.
Enamel does not grow back, so a prepared tooth will always need a covering. That is why Dr. Poles aims for the most conservative prep that still meets your goal.
Porcelain, ceramic or zirconia: what is the difference?
Porcelain is one type of dental ceramic, so a ceramic veneer and a porcelain veneer usually mean the same treatment. Zirconia is a stronger, more opaque ceramic that is used mostly for crowns.
| Option | What it is | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain veneer | Thin lab made ceramic shell | Lasting change in color and shape |
| Zirconia | Strong, more opaque ceramic | Crowns, often on back teeth |
| Composite veneer | Resin shaped on the tooth | Minor changes with little or no prep |
| Crown | Cap over the whole tooth | Cracked, weak or heavily filled teeth |
The right material depends on the tooth, your bite and the look you want. Dr. Poles explains the trade-offs for your teeth at the exam.
How many visits does porcelain take?
Porcelain usually takes a few visits over a few weeks, because a dental lab makes each shell for your teeth. Any decay or gum problems are treated before the process begins.
- Design visit. Exam, smile planning and your shade and shape choices.
- Preparation. Teeth are gently reshaped with local anesthetic, impressions go to the lab and temporaries may be placed.
- Try in and bonding. Fit, shade and shape are checked with you, then each shell is bonded and your bite is adjusted.
- Follow up. A short visit checks your gums and bite.
Your new teeth may feel slightly different for a few days.
Compare
Porcelain or composite?
Both can change the color and shape of front teeth. Your exam shows which suits your teeth, your bite and your goals.
Porcelain veneersThis page
- Made by a dental lab
- Resists stains with a glazed surface
- Reflects light much like enamel
- Usually involves reshaping a thin layer of enamel
Composite veneers
- Resin shaped directly on your teeth
- Often done with little or no enamel removal
- Can be repaired or added to later
- Can pick up stains over time
Smile gallery
Real smiles from our office
Drag the handle to compare. Every photo shows a real Omni Dental patient.
Meet your dentist
Dr. Bilus D PolesDDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA
Every treatment plan at Omni Dental is led by Dr. Poles, from checkups and cleanings to full-arch implant care.
- MAGDMaster of the Academy of General Dentistry
- ICOIBoard Certified Diplomate, Implantology
- IDIABoard Certified Diplomate, Implants
- LaserCertificate in Dental Laser Surgery
- Illinois license #019.027365
How long does porcelain last, and how do you care for it?
With good care, porcelain often lasts many years before a shell needs repair or replacement. Lifespan depends on your bite, any grinding, your gum health and your daily habits.
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and a low abrasion toothpaste.
- Floss daily, paying attention to the gumline.
- Keep regular cleanings and exams.
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench.
- Do not use your teeth to open packages or bite nails.
When might bonding or composite suit you better?
If you want a minor change, such as one chipped edge or a small gap, porcelain may be more than you need. Bonding or composite resin veneers are shaped directly on the tooth, often with no enamel removed.
The trade is durability, because resin picks up stains more easily and usually needs repairs sooner. Our main veneers guide also covers snap-on shells and other options.
Choosing a dentist for porcelain veneers
Look for careful planning, attention to your bite and honest advice about whether veneers are right for you at all. Dr. Bilus Poles plans porcelain cases as an AACD member and a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry.
He holds dental degrees from the University of Baghdad and the University of Illinois at Chicago, with 22+ years of experience. Omni Dental holds a 5.0 rating from 541 reviews on Google.
What sets the price of porcelain?
The price of porcelain depends on how many teeth you treat, the lab work, any care needed first and whether you whiten beforehand. Our guide to veneers cost explains each factor.
Most dental plans treat veneers placed for appearance as elective. Exams, X-rays and fillings needed first are often partly covered, depending on your plan.
Plan your porcelain consultation in Arlington Heights, IL
Omni Dental is at 305 E. Rand Road, open Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and your first step is a conversation about the smile you want. Read our new patient guide, then contact us or call (847) 483-8833.
Your options
Ways to improve your front teeth
Porcelain is one of several cosmetic options. Dr. Poles helps you pick the one that matches your goals.
Lab Made Porcelain
Ceramic shells that resist stains and suit lasting changes to color, shape and length.
Composite Veneers
Resin shaped directly on your teeth, often with little enamel removed, and repairable if chipped.
Learn moreDental Crowns
Cover the whole tooth when a tooth is cracked, weak or heavily filled rather than only discolored.
Learn moreTeeth Whitening
Brightens natural teeth and is often done first so your veneers match a lighter shade.
Learn more
Trusted and recognized
Affiliated with leading dental organizations
Dr. Poles is a member of leading dental associations and has completed more than 2,500 hours of continuing education.
Proud member of our local chambers of commerce
Insurance
We accept most major dental plans
We accept most major dental plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental and MetLife. Bring your insurance card and we will check your benefits before treatment starts.
Not sure about your plan? Call (847) 483-8833 and our front desk will look it up with you.
- + most other major dental plans
Google reviews
Rated 5.0 on Google
Real words from real patients. Omni Dental holds a 5.0 rating from 541 reviews on Google.
- Katherine BastermajianMay 20, 2026★★★★★
He’s fabulous. Extremely nice and professional.
- AshtarMay 6, 2026★★★★★
I had a really great experience at Omni Dental! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and the office was super clean and organized. Dr.Bilus is very honest and explained everything clearly without pushing unnecessary work. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a good dentist!!!
- George BitarMay 4, 2026★★★★★
The experience was amazing. I came in for a crown and I did not feel a thing. The process from beginning to end was the easiest process and I highly recommend Omni and Dr Poles. Thank you for everything
- SuNnY Mad1omApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Very careful with teeth and they treat you very nicely
- Rami LilouApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Been going to this doctor since I was 5, even at his old office, amazing and smooth experience everytime
- Jorge MendezApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Mayra and Atziri are very helpful with insurance. Isabel and Maribel are great assistants.
- Andrea ArroyoApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Such a mellow and genuine office and staff. Dr poles is genuinely honest and tells things like they are. Mayra at the front was such a sweet person and perfect customer service. Definitely found my dentist
- JessicaApril 28, 2026★★★★★
I had a great experience here ,all the staff is super friendly and great doctor :)
- Carlos Enrique Rodríguez SantanaApril 25, 2026★★★★★
Me fue muy bien con mis brakets muy buena atención muy atentos recomendado
Patient video testimonials
Real patients. Real stories.
Hear how patients feel about their care at Omni Dental, in their own words.
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Joseph L.Joseph shares his experience with Dr. Bilus Poles
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Asja S.Asja's patient experience at Omni Dental
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Ramsen S.Why I keep coming back to Omni Dental
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Lisa K.Lisa shares her experience with Dr. Bilus Poles
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Sarah A.Outstanding dental care at Omni Dental
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do not see your question? Call us and we will talk it through.
Call (847) 483-8833Are porcelain teeth the same as veneers?
Not quite. A veneer covers only the front of a tooth. A porcelain crown covers the whole tooth and suits teeth that are cracked, weak or heavily filled. Both can be made of porcelain, so the material can match while the treatment is different.
Can I preview my veneers before they are bonded?
Usually there are chances to check the look first. Depending on your plan, a trial smile or temporaries may show the shape, and each porcelain shell is tried in so the fit and shade can be checked. That is the moment to ask for changes.
Is the decision reversible?
Usually not. Because a thin layer of enamel is reshaped for most porcelain shells, that tooth will always need a covering. A veneer can be repaired or replaced later, but the tooth cannot go back to how it was. Take your time and ask every question first.
Does getting veneers hurt?
Tooth preparation is done with local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days afterward is common and usually settles. Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions for your case.
Can porcelain chip or stain?
Porcelain resists staining well, but it can chip if you bite something very hard or grind your teeth. The edges where a veneer meets the tooth can still collect stain or plaque, so brushing, flossing and regular cleanings stay important.
Is veneer costly?
Porcelain usually costs more than composite, because a lab makes each shell and it takes more visits. Insurance rarely covers it, since most plans treat veneers done for appearance as elective. After an exam, ask for a written estimate for your teeth.