Different Techniques for Porcelain Veneers
Dental porcelain technology and veneer techniques have evolved significantly since they became a common procedure over 20 years ago. Individuals who are shopping for veneers now have a number of different manufacturers to choose from, each offering various claims of superior quality and cutting edge technology. Although every experienced cosmetic dentist has their own methods of creating natural-looking porcelain veneers to enhance their patients’ smiles, there are two main options to choose from – prep and non-prep veneers. So, what is the difference?
Prep veneers
Prep veneers are the same as traditional veneers – “prep” indicates that the tooth is prepared before the veneer is applied. A cosmetic dentist prepares a tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel and roughening the tooth so the veneer can be placed without adding to the bulk of the tooth. One of the primary reasons some veneer treatments look fake is because the veneer makes the tooth look bigger than it originally was. This may be desirable in some cases, but for the most part, it is not.
Cosmetic dentists have more flexibility with prep veneers. For example, if a veneer is being applied in order to correct a misaligned tooth, a traditional prep veneer will allow for a grater correction. Furthermore, if tooth discoloration is a factor, a prep veneer will give the dentist more control over color matching. Non-prep veneers are too thin to treat most severe discoloration problems. Since most veneer treatments are done to correct more than just one cosmetic issue, prep veneers are the most common, and most preferred by dentists.
Non-prep veneers
A number of brands and manufacturers – Lumineers, for example – now offer non-prep veneers. As the name suggests, these veneers are cemented to the teeth without any prior preparation or removal of tooth enamel. Since there is no prep involved, these veneers are quite a bit thinner than prep veneers, and are not a good option for those who wish to treat tooth discoloration. Non-prep veneers are often a good choice for those with gapped teeth or small teeth. In addition, this procedure requires no local anesthetic and involves no temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent veneers to be manufactured.
A consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist will help determine which option is best for you. You may end up with a combination of prep and non-prep veneers depending on your particular needs.
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