Traditional Veneers vs. No-Prep Veneers

Veneers are a popular treatment in cosmetic dentistry, as they help to correct flaws and greatly improve the way damaged teeth look. There are two kinds of veneers that patients typically receive: traditional veneers and a kind that are called “no-prep.” Applying traditional veneers first requires that natural teeth be polished and buffed, during which a small amount of dental enamel is removed. This process intimidates some patients who opt for the no-prep veneer variety instead.

There are some things you should know if you’re hoping to get natural-looking and stunning results with cosmetic veneer therapy:

Prepped Veneers are Better at Changing the Color of Teeth

Veneers that require tooth preparation are marginally thicker than no-prep veneers. This thickness does not add bulk to teeth, as enamel is shaped prior to placement, but it does allow your cosmetic dentist to more efficiently improve the color of your natural teeth. For some patients, their teeth have turned gray from aging or the use of certain medications, or are discolored to the point that teeth bleaching doesn’t produce results. For these patients, veneers are the appropriate alternative therapy – but because no-prep veneers are thinner, they are not able to mask the color of heavily stained teeth as well.

Only Traditional Veneers can Alter Alignment

Veneers are also sometimes called instant orthodontics, as they are able to make teeth appear straighter. But this is only possible through the preparation process. When teeth are buffed in order to accommodate a veneer, dentists are able to re-create a tooth shape and position that is more even and well-aligned. This is not possible with no-prep veneers.

No-Prep Veneers Add Bulk to Teeth

While it’s true that no-prep veneers are thinner, anything you add to the surface of a natural tooth –without first preparing it– only creates bulk. No-prep veneers can sometimes produce an effect of unnatural looking teeth.

Choosing the Right Veneers Therapy is about Understanding your Goals

Patients who are interested in conservative treatment, which does not require alteration of teeth, select no-prep veneers; however, patients who need complete smile transformations, which include whitening and changing the shape and alignment of teeth, are best matched to traditional veneers.
Our Dallas dental office helps transform smiles with traditional veneer therapy. If you have any questions about getting porcelain veneers, contact our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jeff Colquitt, for more information.