For patients seeking to enhance their smile in a minimally invasive way, minimal or “no-prep” ceramic veneers just may be the answer. Minimal or no-prep veneers can be a good alternative to bonding or traditional dental veneers. However, not all cases are candidates for no or minimal prep veneers.

What are minimal or “no prep veneers”?

Like traditional veneers, the minimal preparation and “no-prep” veneers are bonded to the front surface of the teeth and can easily change the size, shape and color of the tooth. However, minimal and “no-prep” veneers do not require a large reduction in 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.

The placement of traditional veneers often a more extensive removal of tooth structure sometimes beyond the enamel or outermost layer of the tooth. On rare occasions “no prep” veneers can be placed directly on teeth with no reduction of tooth structure and little to no anesthetic. More often, patients will require some tooth modifications. These cases can be addressed with minimal preparation veneers. Typically tooth modifications are minimal and affect only the enamel layer of the tooth. Further reduction into the dentin or layer of the tooth beneath the enamel might be necessary depending on the condition and position of the teeth being treated.

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

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

Considering Your Options

There are a variety of minimal or no-prep veneers on the market today. Lumineers are one of the more heavily marketed brand names. In addition to Lumineers, many other brands of minimally invasive products also are available for smile makeovers, depending upon the case. Some of the different brand names include Vivaneers, Durathin veneers, IPS e.max Press lithium disilicate veneers, as well as many others. 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, we work very hard with the ceramists in our dental laboratory to ensure that each veneer case we do looks exceptional and functions properly. Please visit the smile makeover section of our website to view before and after photos of actual Studio B patients. To determine if you are a candidate for a minimal preparation or “no-prep” veneer procedure, please call Studio B Smiles at 480-860-0092 to schedule a complimentary smile consultation. At your consultation, we will explain the different cosmetic dentistry options available to meet your specific needs. Prior to starting treatment, a comprehensive exam will be conducted to determine the health of your teeth and the specific procedures necessary to give you a happy and healthy smile.

Will Dental Insurance Cover the Minimal and “No-Prep” Procedures?

Typically dental insurance does not cover elective cosmetic procedures such as veneers and whitening. At Studio B Smiles, we are happy to offer our patients several methods of payment. Prior to beginning treatment, we will review your treatment plan with you and discuss all of the various payment options we offer. Currently, we accept cash, check and all major credit cards. We also offer third-party financing through Care Credit 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 for more details.