“No-Prep” and Minimal Preparation Veneers

Are you looking to enhance your smile in a minimally invasive way? If so, minimal or “no-prep” ceramic veneers may be just what you need. Minimal or “no-prep” veneers are oftentimes a good alternative to bonding or traditional dental veneers; however, not everyone is a good candidate for minimal or “no prep” veneers.

What are minimal or “no prep veneers”?
Similar to traditional veneers, the minimal preparation and “no-prep” veneers are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. These veneers effectively change the size, shape and color of the tooth. Unlike traditional veneers or crowns, minimal or “no-prep” veneers do not require reducing a large amount of tooth structure. A small number of cases can be placed without reducing any tooth structure at all, while many other cases require only minimal reduction of tooth structure. 

Traditional veneers or crowns often involve extensive removal of tooth structure sometimes beyond the outermost layer of the tooth called the enamel. On rare occasions “no prep” veneers can be placed directly on teeth with no reduction of tooth structure and little to no anesthetic. In many cases, a small amount of tooth modification is necessary and can be covered with minimal preparation veneers. Typically, these modifications only affect the enamel layer of the tooth. Further reduction into the dentin or layer of the tooth beneath the enamel may be necessary depending on the condition and position of the teeth being treated.

 

Minimal preparation and “no-prep” veneers may be suitable for patients seeking to effectively address a number of cosmetic dental conditions, such as:

• Small teeth
• Worn teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Slightly discolored or stained teeth
• Slightly misshapen or misaligned teeth
• Gaps or spaces (diastemas) between teeth

Considering Your Options
There are a variety of minimal or no-prep veneers on the market today. Lumineers are one of the most popular brand names because they are heavily marketed. In addition to Lumineers, there are other minimally invasive products on the market such as Vivaneers, Durathin veneers, IPS e.max Press lithium disilicate veneers. If you are researching these products, we urge you to look at before and after photos of real cases prior to making your decision to restore your smile. Just because a certain brand is heavily marketed does not mean that it is the best product for you.

At Studio B Smiles, we work diligently with the ceramists in our dental laboratory to ensure that each smile makeover case we do looks exceptional and functions properly. To view before and after photos of actual Studio B Smiles patients, please visit the Smile Makeover section of our website.

We currently offer complimentary smile consultations to anyone looking to improve their smile. At this consultation, we will explain the different cosmetic dentistry options available to meet your specific needs and we will give you a tentative treatment plan based on the information we receive during your consultation. Prior to starting treatment, a comprehensive examination will be completed to determine the health of your teeth and gums. You will be given your final treatment plan upon completion of this examination.

Will Dental Insurance Cover the Minimal and “No-Prep” Procedures?
Typically, dental insurance does not cover elective cosmetic procedures such as veneers and whitening. We understand that this is an investment, so we are happy to offer our patients several methods of payment. Currently, we accept cash, check and all major credit cards. We also offer third-party financing through Care Credit, Wells Fargo and Lending Club.

If you would like more information about “No Prep” veneers or if you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call our office at 480-860-0092.