Mastering No Prep Veneers – Case Study
Minimally invasive tooth enhancement solution
At ADDA, we offer masterclasses to dental professionals, teaching the latest techniques in digital dentistry. Learn to confidently provide no-prep veneers in your practice.
Our comprehensive courses covers cutting-edge technologies like intraoral scanners, CAD softwares and dental 3D printers. As pioneers, we’re the first to offer conservative, non-preparation 3D-printed veneers in West Australia, prioritising tooth preservation and patient satisfaction.
Read our case study below to gain insights into our non-prep 3D-printed dental veneers workflow.
1. Initial consultation and patient assessment
During the initial consultation, we conduct a comprehensive examination to evaluate the patient’s oral health and determine their suitability for no-prep veneers. In this case, the patient presents with minor gaps between teeth, worn or shortened teeth and tooth discolouration. This patient’s goal is to achieve a perfectly natural smile, and he prefers a minimally invasive, fast treatment approach.
2. Dental photographs and digital impressions
We captured photographs of the patient’s face and smile from multiple angles. In addition, intraoral scans are obtained using a high-definition digital scanner to generate an accurate 3D model of the teeth.
3. Facial analysis and smile design
Next, we virtually designed the veneer using a 3D modelling software called exocad Smile Creator. In this smile simulation process, we consider the patient’s facial features, desired aesthetics and the proposed veneer shape, size and position.
4. 3D printing the veneers
Once the digital design was finalised, we transferred it to our Sprintray Pro 55S 3D printer. We use a hybrid ceramic resin for printing, selected for its exceptional balance of aesthetics, strength and flexibility. This material combines the natural look of porcelain with the durability required for creating ultra-thin veneers with superior edge stability.
5. Post-processing
After printing, the veneers undergo a thorough cleaning to remove any residual printing material. Next, we put the veneers in our UV light curing unit, Sprintray ProCure 2, to strengthen the material and prepare it for further handling. After another cleaning, the veneers are characterised with stains and glaze to achieve a natural tooth-like appearance. Lastly, the veneers undergo disinfection to ensure hygiene before bonding.
6. Veneer placement
To ensure proper bonding, we gently roughen the tooth surface and then apply a thin layer of dental cement to the inner surface of the veneer. Carefully positioning it on the prepared tooth, we secure it using a dental curing light, which activates the cement. After placing all veneers, we conduct final checks for fit, bite function and aesthetics, making minor adjustments as needed to achieve optimal results.
7. Final results
The patient achieved a naturally beautiful smile, enhancing their appearance without altering the underlying tooth structure. Our veneers seamlessly addressed minor gaps, concealed discolouration and restored tooth length, all while maintaining a conservative and minimally invasive approach.
Additional notes:
- This process offers a quicker turnaround time than traditional veneers, with a total production time of 45 minutes minimum.
- While generally durable, no-prep veneers may be slightly thinner than traditional options and require particularly good oral hygiene practices for optimal longevity.
Zirconia No Prep Veneers
Printed veneers are great, but transitioning to long-term options remains crucial. The challenge lies in achieving conservative (prepless) yet well-fitting porcelain.
In this case, we approached it as ‘almost prepless’—using aligners to create space for peg laterals and nearly prepless zirconia veneers (without a buccal margin). The patient requested and loved the exceptionally white teeth. We thoroughly enjoyed bringing this vision to life.
Multiple Insert Restoration
One of my favorite applications of clinical dentistry is using 3D printing to create conservative bonded restorations. The process involves bonding all the units together, followed by either removing or polishing off the supports. This significantly simplifies the workflow for these types of cases.
We can pre-design separation lines between each unit, but cleaning between these sections can still be challenging, similar to other restorations with multiple inserts.