Minimal Prep Veneers

Veneers are one of the most popular and versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments. Porcelain veneers bond to the facial surface of the teeth to conceal superficial blemishes that detract from the smile’s beauty. Veneers effectively address imperfections such as tooth discoloration, dental stains, gapped teeth, and minor chips, cracks, and fractures.

Traditional porcelain veneers require the removal of a small layer of tooth enamel, which makes treatment irreversible. As an alternative to traditional veneers, Dr. Jean E. Barthman offers minimal prep veneers. Minimal prep veneers allow Dr. Barthman’s Redwood City, CA, patients to hide dental flaws and enhance the smile’s appearance without permanently altering tooth structure.

What Are Minimal Prep Veneers?

Minimal prep veneers, also known as “no-prep” veneers, are thin, shell-like dental restorations. Like traditional veneers, minimal prep veneers adhere to the facial surface of the teeth to conceal imperfections and create the appearance of a bright white, straight, uniform smile. Minimal prep veneers are similar to traditional veneers but much thinner, so they require the removal of little to no dental enamel.

Placement of Minimal Prep Veneers

The placement of minimal prep veneers is fast and painless. During an initial appointment, Dr. Barthman takes molds of the patient’s teeth. Molds are used to design and fabricate veneers that fit comfortably in the mouth while providing necessary cosmetic adjustments. Design specifications are sent to a dental laboratory where the veneers are created. Because little to no tooth structure is removed in preparation for minimal prep veneers placement, patients do not need to be fitted with temporary veneers while they wait for their permanent veneers to be complete.

A patient’s veneers should be complete in a matter of weeks, at which point they return to our Redwood City dental practice for placement. Dr. Barthman applies a tooth-colored dental compound to the surface of the teeth and attaches the minimal prep veneers. The compound is hardened to act like cement and bond the veneers in place.

Benefits of Minimal Prep Veneers

Minimal prep veneers offer several benefits that make them appeal to our Redwood City patients. Some of the most notable advantages of minimal prep veneers include:

• Comfortable treatment
• Fast treatment
• Preservation of natural tooth structure
• Restoration of the smile’s appearance
• Long-lasting results (with proper care, minimal prep veneers should last 10 years or longer)

Am I a Candidate for Minimal Prep Veneers? 

Minimal prep veneers address most of the cosmetic flaws treated by traditional veneers, so they are appropriate for many of our patients. Minimal prep veneers may be a particularly good option for patients who are anxious about the removal of the natural tooth structure and the preparation required for traditional porcelain veneers. Minimal prep veneers tend to be best suited for patients with naturally smaller or thinner teeth and those who do not grind or clench their teeth, as this could cause premature damage to dental restorations.

Contact Us

Veneers hide cosmetic dental flaws to transform the smile. If you are interested in learning about the differences between traditional veneers and minimal prep veneers, and which may be right for you, Dr. Jean E. Barthman would be happy to provide you with more information. To schedule an appointment, contact our dental practice at your earliest convenience.