Learn about Minimal Prep Veneers

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers from your Park Ridge cosmetic dentists may be a great option for obtaining the stunning smile you desire. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain which are custom fabricated to fit your teeth. Dr. Maria Loukas or Dr. Thanasi Loukas will place them on the surface of your teeth with dental cement, and they can mask cosmetic flaws such as chips, cracks, and severe stains. In some cases, your dentist may use veneers to close the gaps between teeth or correct the shape of worn down teeth. At Loukas Family Dentistry, we offer both traditional and minimal prep veneers. The type you choose will be based largely on your personal preferences and cosmetic goals.

The Scoop on Minimal Prep 

If you choose traditional veneers, your cosmetic dentist will trim and shape your tooth, removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the porcelain. This layer typically will be between .5 and .7 mm thick. When the necessary enamel has been removed, the dentist will make impressions of your teeth.  These impressions will be sent to an offsite dental laboratory where experienced technicians will custom create veneers to match the shape of your teeth. When the veneers are complete, you will return to the office. The dentist will lightly etch the surface of your teeth to create a stronger bonding surface. Then he or she will check the fit of the veneers and attach them to your teeth. Minimal prep veneers require a shorter procedure and can often be placed in one day. Because these veneers are much thinner than traditional restorations, the dentist will not need to remove any enamel. Instead, impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a reputable lab. The placement of the veneers involves minimal etching, if any, and the dentist will adhere the discs using the same dental cement used in the traditional procedure.

Choosing the Right Procedure for You

Many patients choose minimal prep veneers because they do not require any enamel removal, maintaining more of the natural tooth structure and making veneers a potentially reversible procedure. Minimal prep veneers are highly effective in treating discoloration, small gaps, chips, cracks, and misshapen teeth. However, because minimal prep veneers are much thinner, and therefore, more translucent than traditional veneers, they are not ideal for treating severely discolored teeth. They are also too thin for correcting the appearance of crowded teeth, or for closing larger gaps between teeth. For patients with these cosmetic problems, traditional veneers are often a great choice.

Visit your Park Ridge Cosmetic Dentists

The best way to decide which veneers are right for you is by scheduling a thorough consultation with your cosmetic dentist. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas will explain the advantages of both types of veneers and help you choose the right one for your smile. To schedule an appointment call Loukas General Dentistry at (847) 696-1919.