Case Study
A Real Smile Makeover with No Prep Milled Zirconia Veneers
How we helped a patient achieve a natural, comfortable smile—with no injections and no drilling.
At Leeming Dental, we believe that aesthetic dentistry is about more than just appearances—it’s about helping patients feel confident, comfortable, and like themselves again. While traditional cosmetic procedures often require significant tooth preparation, injections, and lengthy appointments, advancements in digital dentistry now allow us to achieve beautiful results with far less disruption to the natural teeth and to the patient’s experience.
This case highlights a transformative smile makeover we completed using a no-prep approach and cutting-edge digital tools.
The patient’s concern
Our patient—let’s call her Charlotte for privacy—came to us with composite veneers that were still in good condition but never quite felt right. She had originally opted for a more “cosmetic” flat-edge look, but over time, she realised it didn’t reflect the softer, more natural appearance she truly desired.
Charlotte was hoping for a smile that looked and felt more authentic—something that complemented her face, expressed her personality, and didn’t feel artificial.
How we restored Charlotte’s smile using digital dentistry
Thanks to recent advances in dental technology and materials, we were able to offer this patient a completely different experience—one that was more conservative, more comfortable, and incredibly precise. Here’s how we did it:
Because this was a no-prep veneer case, we didn’t have to alter or drill into her natural teeth. That meant no injections, no discomfort, and no recovery time—just a completely pain-free, stress-free experience from start to finish.
We carefully removed the old composite veneers using high-precision rotary instruments and micro-abrasion tools. These allow us to safely lift away the old material while preserving the natural teeth underneath and maintaining full control over the surrounding gums and soft tissue.
Using a high-definition intraoral scanner, we captured accurate 3D images of her teeth. We also recorded her facial features to design a smile that would match her unique anatomy.
We used advanced design software to digitally plan every detail of her new smile—shape, length, curvature, symmetry, and harmony with her lips and facial structure.
We fabricated her veneers in-house using a 5-axis milling machine and high-translucency zirconia. This material is known for its strength, biocompatibility, and lifelike appearance. The advanced milling strategy helped us capture fine surface texture and natural detail, even in ultra-thin veneers.
Instead of simply luting (cementing) the veneers in place, we used advanced bonding techniques that form a much stronger connection. This meant a secure, durable result without drilling or removing healthy tooth structure.
Why we chose zirconia for Charlotte’s smile
Traditionally, many no-prep veneer cases used lithium disilicate (e.g., e.max), but in this case, we chose zirconia for several reasons:
- When treated and bonded properly, zirconia provides strong, reliable adhesion and excellent long-term performance.
- It offers superior strength in thin layers—ideal for no-prep veneers.
- Its natural translucency (especially with newer 5Y formulations) delivers a beautiful, lifelike appearance that matches enamel.
- It resists staining and wear over time and is very gentle to the gums.
The result: A smile that finally feels like her own
Charlotte was thrilled with her new smile. It looked natural, felt comfortable, and truly reflected her personality. Most importantly, the entire experience—from start to finish—was minimally invasive, pain-free, and completed with precision and care.
Experience modern dentistry that values your natural teeth
At Leeming Dental, we’re passionate about using digital dentistry to improve outcomes for our patients. It allows us to offer:
- More conservative treatment options
- Faster turnaround times
- Greater accuracy and personalisation
- A more comfortable experience from beginning to end
Not every case is suitable for no-prep veneers, but with the right diagnosis, planning, and technology, we can now offer life-changing smile makeovers that preserve your natural teeth and give you confidence that lasts.
If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile but worry about discomfort or damaging your teeth, we’d love to show you what’s possible.