What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Dr. Lenny Slepchik may suggest porcelain veneers to a patient who is unhappy with their smile. He has attended numerous cosmetic dentistry conferences and continues today to refine his skills. At his office in downtown Montreal, porcelain veneers are frequently requested by patients looking to improve or change their smile. Depending on what the patient would like as an end result, porcelain veneers are one option in choosing a smile makeover.
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic solution that address many cosmetic concerns. These ultra-thin surfaces completely change your appearance and improve the function of your smile.
What Issues Can Dental Veneers Fix?
Veneers are used for both cosmetic and functional purposes. Because a veneer covers the entire front surface of a tooth (or several teeth), the veneer (or several veneers) can correct multiple problems at once.
Some of the problems solved with porcelain veneers include:
- Spaces between the teeth
- Oddly shaped teeth (too wide or too short)
- Tooth or several teeth that are turning outward or inward
- Minor misalignment which means teeth do not meet properly
- Teeth that are chipped or damaged
- Rough or jagged tooth surfaces
- Staining inside teeth due to tetracycline use
- Stubborn external staining that does not go away
Who Is A Good Candidate For Veneers?
Veneer treatment is an excellent solution for any patient who wishes to improve the appearance of their smile for a long time. Veneers involve minor modifications to your enamel, so the ideal candidate for treatment is a person who commits to lifelong maintenance, including veneer replacement, if it becomes necessary. If you decide to go ahead with veneers as an aesthetic treatment, you must brush and floss daily as well as come to the office for your regular dental cleaning appointments with your hygienist. This appointment will not only remove surface stain on your teeth but also check the health of your gum tissue which is the foundation of your veneers.
Veneer candidates must have good oral health; no cavities (decay) nor gum disease. If needed, restorative treatment can be completed before the veneer process begins.
Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Getting porcelain veneers is a simple process. Initially, we prefer to start with a thorough new patient exam. This is an information gathering appointment for him. Dr. Slepchik will have all the information he needs to prepare your specific treatment plan. Reviewing your digital x- rays, photos, the hygienist’s notes, evaluation of your gums, etc. enables him to understand exactly if veneers are appropriate for you. It is also essential for you to communicate to him what you want in your new smile. Do you want it brighter than what you have now? What problems do you see when you smile? Is there someone’s smile you particularly admire? This treatment planning step is always done after this in-office appointment. We may ask you to return to our office for a consultation with Dr. Slepchik . He will discuss in detail your options, how much time is required, what are the fees, etc. He will also answer all your questions and will encourage you to ask them. There is no extra fee for this consultation, as it is part of our new patient exam. He will also prioritize what is most important in your treatment and what requires immediate attention.
You need to know what needs to be done immediately, what can wait, etc. We encourage our patients to discuss everything from the shade they would like their smile to be to the specific problems they wish to correct and the ideal image they have of their smile, right down to the shape of your teeth.
After confirming good oral health through this comprehensive dental exam, the veneer process can now begin. The first step in treatment involves minor tooth modification in which enamel is subtly reduced. This step is not painful, but you will be frozen to ensure your comfort. It is necessary to remove enamel so the bonded veneers lie flush with the gums. Depending on the number of veneers you choose to do, you may enjoy listening to music with our noise reduction headphones. In addition, please let us know if you would like to use Nitrous Oxide (our relaxing gas) during your appointment to help you relax.
When all the teeth have been properly prepared, we take an impression of your mouth with our ITERO. Along with a model of your current bite, Dr. Slepchik sends specific notes for each veneer, including size, shape, and colour. After Dr. Slepchik has completed his preparation for your veneers, you will then receive your Trial Smile. We want you to wear your Trial Smile and get comfortable with it. You will leave our office with your trial smile at the end of the preparation appointment. This is a temporary smile that is created for you based on all the information you have given him and Dr. Slepchik’s expertise. You will wear this smile for approximately 2 weeks or longer. You will tell us what changes need to be made aesthetically, how comfortable you feel, what you like or don’t etc. We will then take a final impression which is sent directly to our dental lab so that your smile will be made for you in porcelain.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Made?
Dr. Slepchik performs the porcelain veneer procedure with extreme care as it is permanent. You don’t just get to preview your veneers before the final porcelain veneers are made, you get to live in your proposed new smile for at least two weeks. During this time, you can note what you like, what you don’t like, and how your veneers feel. It is only when you confirm complete satisfaction with your trial smile that your specific porcelain veneers are ordered from our dental lab for you.
Can I Preview My Veneers Before They Go In?
Veneers are made in our dental lab using meticulous shaping and polishing techniques that allow the final result to look exactly like natural teeth. Final veneers are placed onto the teeth for one last try-in, and, if needed, slight changes can be made in the office. When our patient has approved their new smile, veneers are cemented permanently to your teeth. The bonding process involves “etching” the teeth with a mild chemical that roughens enamel. The bonding material is then applied, and finally the veneer. The bond is finalized by shining a specific light on each tooth to harden the underlying resin.
Is The Process Of Getting Veneers Painful?
In our downtown Montreal office, patient comfort is our top priority. The first phase of veneer treatment involves minor modifications to the teeth that need enhancement. Dr. Slepchik must remove a small amount of enamel to enable the veneers to bond to the teeth. To ensure your comfort during this part of the treatment, he will use specific instruments to desensitize the nerves. Additionally, if you would like, we can include nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a mild gas that is beneficial in decreasing pain. You will be frozen using our computerized anaesthetic system. You will be very comfortable when you get your porcelain veneers from Dr. Slepchik.
Will I Need Gum Contouring With My Veneers?
Gum contouring doesn’t always coincide with getting dental veneers; in specific cases, it may be suggested. For example, some people have an excess amount of gum tissue that is causing teeth to look small. While dental veneers can help make the teeth more prominent in the smile, it may be necessary to contour the gums so that the veneers rest fully on the teeth. If you have excess gum tissue or an irregular gum line, Dr. Slepchik may discuss how gum contouring can maximize the outcome of this veneer treatment.
Should I Avoid Any Kinds Of Food With Veneers?
Once you have your beautiful porcelain veneers, you want to maintain them. To do so, you may need to make minor modifications to what or how you eat. It is important to avoid biting into very hard or dense foods with your veneers. Instead, you can cut potentially damaging foods into bite-sized pieces to chew . You should also know that alcohol can damage the bonding material that holds your veneers in place, so it it necessary to limit alcohol consumption after having this treatment. Porcelain is strong and stain-resistant, but not impermeable. If you are a daily tea or coffee drinker, develop the habit of swishing water around in the mouth after enjoying your beverage. It isn’t necessary to brush every time you consume food that may stain your veneers. A quick rinse helps prevent stains.
Are Veneers Covered By Insurance?
Dental Veneers are used to enhance the appearance of the smile; therefore they are considered an elective cosmetic treatment. Veneers are sometimes used to address damaged teeth, such as chipped teeth. The treatment is not considered restorative, so you may not be covered. However, our dental concierge will be happy to submit an estimate to your insurance company for you, if you wish. Many patients have additional coverage for elective procedures. If not, your dental treatment may be claimed on your income tax for that year.
Before And After Porcelain Veneers
Patient Testimonial
What People Say About Us!
"This is the best dental practice in Montreal! Quality dental service, excellent communication with their customers, friendly staff and clean environment. Dr. Slepchik and hygienist Kinga are amazing people! Super friendly and professional! I highly recommend this place to anybody!"
Caring For Your Dental Veneers
Dental veneers function exactly like natural teeth. They need to be brushed and flossed daily to prevent debris accumulation around the edges, where the porcelain meets natural enamel. Veneers can be scratched, so they should not be brushed with an abrasive toothpaste. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste for daily use. You must take the time to floss daily to ensure decay does not develop at the margins of your veneers in between the teeth.
Veneers are very strong but the bond between teeth and the veneers is not made to hold up to biting and twisting. Therefore, when you have veneers, DO NOT open packages with your teeth. Periodic dental checkups and cleanings are also essential to veneers.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers can last from 5 to 15 years or more. The lifespan of your veneers is dependent on a number of factors, including the initial bond and your daily care at home. The better care you take of your veneers, the longer they will last.
Cost Of Dental Veneers
Veneer cost varies depending on the type of material selected. Porcelain veneers are more costly than composite veneers because the quality of the material and longevity of results are better. Costs are also based on the number of veneers desired, office fees, and lab fees. During your consultation, we will discuss the total cost of treatment to achieve your desired results.
Schedule A Consultation
If you are interested in porcelain veneers, contact our office at 514-875-7971or use our contact form to email us at reception@smilesbydrslepchik.com to schedule a consultation. Lenny Slepchik, DDS is a downtown Montreal general dentist with a passion for cosmetic dentistry. We are located in Downtown Montreal, next to the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel across from Place Ville Marie. Metro Mc Gill or Metro Bonaventure. We welcome new and returning patients.