Porcelain Laminate Veneer

Non-abrasive Porcelain Veneers

A look at non-abrasive aesthetic dentistry

The phenomenon of adding materials to teeth to change their appearance is not unfamiliar to dentistry. In the traditional method, teeth are prepared to allow the placement and retention of restorative materials such as fillings, veneers or crowns. Tooth reduction is often necessary to create space for the placement of an aesthetic and functional restoration, as well as to replace lost or damaged natural tooth enamel, which may be the result of tooth decay or trauma.

The purpose of this article is to provide a better understanding of“non-abrasive porcelain veneers“, an alternative aesthetic treatment option where abrasion is not necessary to achieve a better smile. It will also attempt to clarify many of the confusions associated with this form of treatment. Most importantly, this article will examine the case selection process, i.e. when abrasion-free veneers will work and when they will not. As with almost all dental and medical procedures, there are risks, benefits and alternatives. With the help of a dentist experienced in these advanced techniques, in addition to your own goals and understanding, you will be able to make the decisions that are right for you.

Abrasion-free Dental Veneers: Is it really possible?

“Non-abrasive veneers” is a concept that generates various reactions and disagreements among dentists! Some dentists argue that this method does not result in effective restorations, while others appreciate and recommend this advanced method. Positive opinions about this new approach to aesthetic dentistry are more common, and for good reason. “Additive Only” restorations intuitively cause experienced clinicians to be concerned about overly bulky and thick appearances, because it suggests a bulky and overly contoured/contoured tooth appearance. Unfortunately, images circulating in the media of some impromptu/abrasion-free techniques and products have placed thick and bulky-looking restorations in the minds of some dentists and consumers, causing skepticism

Despite these concerns, there is an undeniable trend among many cosmetic dentists to add minimally abrasive and non-abrasive restorations as treatment options and alternatives.

In recent years, new advances in techniques and materials have opened up new aesthetic possibilities for the option of non-abrasive porcelain veneers. Cases performed by skilled dentists and laboratory technicians have created results that meet the highest standards in cosmetic dentistry. Part of advanced non-abrasive veneers training is about case selection. Not every case is suitable for a non-abrasive approach, but when the case is, the results are not only beautiful but also stable and reversible!

The promotion and endorsement of “no-abrasion” laminate veneers is based on the following paradigm and beliefs:

• It is not necessary to prepare the tooth to create a boundary, known in dental terminology as a margin. Competent dental technicians are able to design a customized veneer that is placed on the tooth outside the gum line.
• In addition to the other obvious benefits of non-abrasive veneers, they are not placed under the gum tissue. This eliminates the risk of negative effects of the restoration on periodontal health (gum tissue).
• In most cases, only an additive approach is possible to create natural and good-looking restorations without reducing tooth structure.
• Clients who want to have a better smile are more inclined to accept this approach, which does not require a difficult enamel removal process, as long as a dentist with the necessary skills is available.
• There are a significant number of patients with small teeth for a variety of reasons, including external causes such as acid erosion, genetic factors that lead to low and gapped teeth, and mismatches between jaw and tooth size. All these conditions are potential candidates for “off-the-shelf” restorations. [Figures 3 and 4].
• Orthodontic cases involving the removal of teeth to solve a crowding problem result in narrow arches where the teeth are tilted inwards.
• Short, worn teeth — can cause a smile with a more visible tooth length, which can be a negative for someone who has worn down their teeth with clenching and grinding.
• Narrow smiles – Often the teeth on the sides of the smile are positioned inward and are not visible from the front view.
• Teeth that should be more visible; for example, the lips may be more dominant than the teeth, or the teeth have less space in the smile.
• Genetically misshapen teeth, such as peg/latch laterals, is a common case where one or both of the teeth next to the upper front tooth are very small and peg-shaped.

Potential Cases for Non-abrasive Veneers

Cases where non-abrasive veneers won’t work – Although non-abrasive veneers can lead to many positive changes, there are some cases that this method cannot correct. Orthodontic treatments are required to mechanically move the teeth in cases such as uneven tooth position, large discrepancies in root position, poor bite relationships or facial profile. If orthodontic treatment is refused, some tooth preparation may be required to create the illusion of proper alignment. An understanding of the limitations and risks should be ensured when veilers are required to camouflage irregular tooth positions.

Unfortunately, not all smiles can be improved with non-abrasive veneers. Teeth that are already relatively large or positioned forward in the smile do not allow the addition of a separate layer of thickness. In these cases, you should discuss other options with your dentist, which may include tooth preparation and orthodontics.

Various cosmetic techniques cannot replace the skills and expertise of a specialist dentist. The skills of the dentist, combined with a diagnostic assessment of the individual’s goals and clinical needs, are the right steps towards a successful smile.

Test Your Smile: Another Benefit of Abrasion-Free Veins

Porcelain veneersrequire commitment and faith on the part of the patient because once the teeth have been reduced, the decision to start designing the veneers is irreversible. With non-abrasive veneers, on the other hand, the process is not irreversible and is risk-free (although they are not easy to remove and are best done with the use of a laser).

If the patient is suitable for non-abrasive veneers, the dentist can make prototypes that can be previewed and tested. In this prototype stage, changes to the tooth-colored materials can be easily made and a sample can be created for the technician who will create the final product.

Although the same approach can be used for traditional veneers, the difference with non-abrasive ones is that these prototypes can be easily removed and returned to the original appearance.

Front View of Smile Design

After discussion of the goals and outcomes of the improvement, detailed diagnostic records are collected before any dental restoration is started.

A comprehensive smile analysis is performed to gather information on the function and health of all dental structures, including lip and facial features in the surrounding area. In some cases, a simple model is created to determine the suitability of a non-abrasive approach. Prototypes make it possible to evaluate the results of the temporary materials before making the final veneers. At this stage, the experienced cosmetic dentist’s understanding of the natural shapes and contours of the tooth allows him or her to make the necessary changes to provide a natural appearance.

The prototype stage gives individuals the opportunity and excitement to take part in the design process. Patients interact with their dentists by giving feedback on shape, size and color. Prototypes can be tested for several weeks while the final porcelain veneers are copied.

Once the laboratory technician has made the customized porcelain restorations, the prototypes are removed and the final veneers are bonded directly to the enamel on the front of the tooth. The contours of the porcelain are then carefully drawn and polished to exactly mimic natural teeth.

Porcelain Veneer Dental Veneers, Result

Although additive-only techniques cannot be used in all cases, non-abrasive veneers offer effective solutions for full or partial application, given their benefits. An unprepared approach requires a strong sensitivity to natural tooth contours and specialized skills and training in the application. Those who wish to explore this method as an option should consult with a dentist whose credentials and experience prove that he or she is familiar with this delicate technique. Dentistry, like medicine, seeks to be as conservative as possible while achieving the best possible results. Unprepared or no-abrasion veneers are a way to enhance smiles without the disadvantage of drilling/abrasion of healthy tooth enamel.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Getting Porcelain Veneers

1. Am I a candidate for non-abrasive veneers?
2. Can you make a prosthetic so I can test how my smile looks?
3. How much will non-etched or unprepared veneers cost me?