Lumineers, Vivaneers & Durathin Veneers: Your Minimal & "No-Prep" Veneer Alternatives
Tooth veneers are cosmetic restorations designed to enhance smile esthetics. These tooth-like porcelain or composite shells are custom fabricated to deliver the ultimate esthetic results; however, effective placement requires significant preparation of natural tooth structure. Cosmetic dentistry patients looking for the esthetic results achieved with traditional dental veneers, but unwilling to submit to "prepping" of their natural tooth structure, have an alternative: minimal and "no prep" veneers.
Minimal and No Prep Veneers
There are a variety of minimal and no prep veneer options for consideration, including popular brands like Lumineers, Vivaneers and Durathin Veneers. By definition, these alternative veneer options require minimal — in some cases no — preparation of natural tooth structure. This can be attributed to the ultra-thin design of the veneer shell. Whereas traditional veneers are thicker, often requiring the removal of tooth structure for a comfortable and esthetically pleasing fit, ultra-thin Vivaneer, Durathin and Lumineer veneers (among others) provide strength, protection and esthetics at a fraction of the size.
Depending on the technology and materials used, and the dentist performing the treatment, a minimal prep veneer option can be as esthetically pleasing as traditional dental veneers. Your minimal and no prep veneer options may depend on the services offered by cosmetic dentists in your area. To determine which option may be best suited for you, consult a qualified cosmetic dentist or the products' manufacturers to learn more.
Am I a Candidate for Minimal Prep Veneers?
Although you may seek a minimal or no prep veneer solution for your smile makeover, you may not be a candidate for the procedure.
Before cosmetic dentistry can be considered, a comprehensive oral health evaluation must first be conducted. Common oral health concerns such as gingivitis, tooth decay, infected root tissue and gum disease — in addition to any serious oral health abnormalities that are detected — must be treated before an esthetic treatment plan can be developed. Similarly, the functionality of your smile must be appropriately evaluated to determine if you have any structural or bite related problems that could affect the quality of your results. Commonly diagnosed functionality concerns include TMJ disorder, malocclusion (improper bite relationship) and impacted wisdom teeth (which may require wisdom teeth removal).
The first step towards determining candidacy is setting up a consultation with a cosmetic dentist offering minimal, no prep veneer options such as Lumineers, Vivaneers or Durathin Veneers.
A minimal or no prep veneer option may be a suitable treatment for patients seeking to correct a variety of dental concerns, including: tooth misalignment, chips, cracks, discoloration, small teeth, gaps and crowding. In addition, people with a healthy smile and otherwise structurally sound teeth may simply seek facial enhancement through smile makeover. A Lumineer, Vivaneer or Durathin Veneer option may be just the esthetic solution if traditional veneers do not interest you.
Minimal and No Prep Veneer Cost Information
The price of Lumineers, Vivaneers, Durathin Veneers, and other minimal and no prep veneers is generally less than the traditional veneers cost. However, price varies depending on your location, your dentist, your treatment and your insurance. Most dental insurance plans do not provide coverage for cosmetic dentistry, meaning that you will be out-of-pocket for all expenses. Ask your cosmetic dentist about any financing options offered through the practice.