What is the difference between no-prep and minimal dental veneers?

Veneers are quite common for people who have cosmetic dental issues. Although veneers are a popular choice and many people know about them, most people have little or no knowledge about the application process.  

Cosmetic dentists recommend veneers for cracked, broken, discoloured and chipped teeth. Dental veneers are a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for these dental imperfections, including oral health issues like an overbite.

The common myth about dental veneer

The conventional veneers are made from composite or porcelain veneers and applied to the front surface of the teeth to improve your appearance. Some veneers require preparing the existing tooth by shaping the tooth or removing a small portion of the enamel. This preparation ensures the veneer is stable and secure.

However, fitting some veneers does not require preparing the teeth. Your dentist can install the veneers immediately, and it still gives a long-lasting result.

No-prep dental veneers

No-prep dental veneer options include:

Durathin (0.3mm)

This veneer brand has ultra-thin translucent porcelain layers bonded to the front tooth surface. The fitting doesn’t require prior shaping or grinding down of the tooth.

Ultrathin (0.2 or 0.4mm)

These veneer options are extremely thin and durable. This porcelain veneer does not require shaving your existing tooth.

Lumineers (0.2mm)

Lumineers are the most common no-prep dental veneers. They give a natural result and are extremely thin.

Benefits of no-prep veneers

No-prep dental veneers have the following benefits.

• Easy to install
• Aesthetic
• Improved results
• Can last a lifetime
• Minimally invasive and doesn’t damage the existing teeth structure

What is the procedure for fitting no-pre veneers?

The traditional veneers may require removing about half a millimetre of enamel to create the impression for the veneer, but this step isn’t necessary for fitting no-prep veneers.

Most cosmetic dentists take the digital impressions of the teeth and mouth to make the veneer, which you will get on the same day.

Since no-prep veneers do not involve major tooth alternations like traditional veneers and crowns, you can remove them at any time.

Although placing veneers on your tooth surface may cause some damage, no-prep veneers are semi-permanent and reversible treatment options.

Procedure

The procedure for fitting no-prep veneers includes the following.

• A detailed assessment of your mouth and oral examination to ensure your teeth structure is healthy.
• Taking your dental impressions for your custom-made dental veneers
• Creating individual veneers to give you a new set of teeth
• Matching the veneers to your teeth to give a perfect fit
• Slightly etching the teeth surface to allow the veneer to adhere firmly to the teeth
• Bonding the veneers to your teeth

How much are veneers?

The cost of veneers varies between clinics but usually depends on your oral condition. You may want to check if your dental insurance covers the cost of veneers because most insurance plans do not cover veneers since it is a cosmetic treatment.