No Prep Veneers – Case Study
Minimally invasive tooth enhancement solution
As digital dentistry pioneers, Leeming Dental are the first to offer conservative, non-preparation 3D-printed veneers in West Australia. We take pride in our use of cutting-edge digital dentistry technologies, including intraoral scanners, digital design software, dental 3D printers and hybrid resin materials to maximise your oral health in a minimally invasive and non-destructive manner.
Our innovative approach prioritises tooth preservation, aligning with our commitment to long-term oral health. Unlike traditional drilling and injection methods, non-preparation veneers are directly applied to the tooth surface with little to no alteration of the natural tooth structure. This preservation maintains tooth integrity and keeps future treatment options open.
With precise customisation and advanced materials, our non-preparation 3D-printed veneers offer a conservative and effective solution for achieving a natural-looking smile while ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction.
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.