Dental veneers

At Dr. Jean-Pierre Tabah Dental Clinic, located in Montreal’s Marché Central, we offer our patients general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite that your dentist places over your natural teeth. It is a widely used technique to improve the aesthetic appearance of a smile. In fact, dental veneers can be the ideal solution for:

• Correct the color of discolored or stained teeth;
• Modify the shape of teeth to give them a more harmonious appearance;
• Mask a tooth that is worn or broken;
• Close gaps between teeth that are too large.

Dental veneers are made of porcelain or composite. Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite veneers and will not stain or change color. For these reasons, they generally have a longer life span than composite veneers. However, the advantage of composite veneers is that they only require one appointment with your dentist to be placed.

How are composite veneers applied?

Composite dental veneers can be applied in one appointment and are available in several shades. They will match your natural tooth color. To apply them, your dentist must:

• Apply a mild chemical solution to the teeth that will receive the veneers. This chemical solution will roughen the enamel of your teeth and facilitate the adhesion of the veneers to your teeth. Sometimes, your dentist must first remove a thin layer of enamel from the teeth that will receive the veneers in order to create enough space;
• Choose the composite that best matches the color of your natural teeth;
• Apply the resin in several layers. Each layer is hardened with a light;
• Shape and polish the composite when the last layer has hardened. This way, the veneers will have a smooth, natural appearance.

How are porcelain veneers placed?

As mentioned earlier, porcelain veneers require two appointments. To place them, your dentist must:

• Remove a thin layer of enamel from the teeth that will receive the veneers. This step can be done under local anesthesia;
• Take an impression of your teeth and send it to the laboratory where the veneers will be made. Temporary veneers will be placed;
• During the second appointment, he will apply a chemical solution to your teeth to roughen the enamel and help the veneers adhere;
• Apply the porcelain veneers one by one with a resin cement.

Other important information

Dental veneers must be properly cared for and it is important to brush your veneered teeth at least twice a day and floss them at least once a day.

Veneers are a permanent treatment because part of the enamel is removed. Therefore, if a veneer breaks or becomes loose, it must be repaired. Also, care must be taken when chewing very hard foods with veneers to prevent them from breaking.

At Dr. Jean-Pierre Tabah Dental Clinic, we can tell you if veneers are the best option for you to improve the appearance of your smile. We will also explain to you all the details regarding the advantages and disadvantages of proceeding with such a procedure.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Tabah, your dentist at Marché Central in Montreal.