Why do people regret no-prep veneers?
In most cases, it's because porcelain was placed on teeth that already stuck out forward. When people say, “I got no-prep veneers, but my teeth seem to stick out more,” it isn't because the work was rough; it's because thickness was added by the amount placed on top. Not being trimmed and not looking prominent are two different things.
Hearing “these days, everyone can get no-prep” is different from whether it works for your teeth. I don't place them on teeth that stick out. The problem of looking bulky is covered further in the article No-prep veneer thickness.
What are the drawbacks of no-prep veneers?
In exchange for not trimming the teeth, they suit a narrower range of cases. In the following cases, even if there's nothing wrong with the procedure itself, you're likely to be unhappy with the result.
| Tooth condition | Problem | Alternative to consider first |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth that stick out forward | Added thickness makes them look more prominent | Move them back with orthodontics first |
| Skeletal protruding mouth | Porcelain can't push bone back | Not placed |
| Teeth with dark underlying color | If thin, the base shows through; if masked, they look flat | Consider other treatment |
| Overlapping or rotated teeth | Thickness builds up on one side | Treatment to move the teeth first |
If the underlying color is dark, I tell you up front that no-prep veneers won't give you the brightness you want. Thin porcelain leaves the base color visible, and masking it with more opaque porcelain makes the tooth look flatter than the neighboring teeth.
Which teeth are well suited to no-prep veneers?
Teeth that sit inward, or cases where there is space to spare.
- Teeth set inward: placing veneers brings them in line
- Undersized teeth (narrow teeth): the width is increased. See also the article Treating undersized teeth
- Small gaps: the gaps are closed
Wonjin Dental's Brinate is placed without trimming; the pressed Basic is 0.3mm, and the hand-layered Build-up and Platinum are 0.1mm. Thin numbers only mean something on suitable teeth, and when a very thin form is needed, the hand-layered method is sometimes the right fit.
Are there cases where teeth were trimmed even though it was called no-prep?
Yes. Just smoothing the surface is different from trimming the tooth thinly and then calling it no-prep. I also see cases where people thought they had no-prep veneers, but when they're removed, the teeth turn out to have been trimmed quite a bit. Trimmed teeth can't be restored, so before starting, ask how much contouring will be done and why.
How should I care for them so I don't regret it after bonding?
Managing the margins and the forces matters more than the ceramic itself.
- Don't bite or tear dried squid, ice, bottle caps, or fingernails with your front teeth
- If you grind or clench, tell us in advance, and wear a protective guard during sleep if needed
- Get floss down to the margin between the porcelain and the gums
- Avoid whitening toothpastes with strong abrasives
There are reports that failures are more common in mouths with grinding. Also, veneers often give no pain signal even when there's a problem, so the later the check-up, the more extensive the repair.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
I put saying no ahead of regret. If the teeth stick out or there is a skeletal protruding mouth, I tell you right there that it can't be done. The bonding process is half the result, so we try the veneers on temporarily to check the color, choose the adhesive, keep the area dry so saliva doesn't touch it, and smooth the margins. If these steps are skipped, the gums tend to swell or the margins tend to stain.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between no-prep and regular porcelain veneers?
The amount of trimming and the thickness of the porcelain differ. Trimming to make space gives more room to change color and shape, while not trimming narrows the range of cases it suits.
Can it be rebonded if it comes off?
If it came off whole without breaking and the bonding surface is clean, it can sometimes be rebonded. If the surface is damaged, a new one is made.
Can no-prep veneers be removed later?
If the teeth weren't trimmed, a relatively large amount of natural tooth remains after removal. However, the bonding surface needs cleaning up, so the tooth doesn't return to exactly the same state as before bonding.
How many years do no-prep veneers last?
I don't state a fixed number of years. Many fractures and debondings are linked to grinding or biting through food with the front teeth, so managing habits and regular check-ups determine their lifespan.
