I was wondering if no-prep porcelain veneers can work for any patient or if it is best with a certain type of smile, such as someone with thin, tiny teeth? I told my dentist I wanted a smile makeover and he is suggesting the Lumineers brand because they are no-prep. I just want to make sure that my teeth won’t look bulky as a result. I have a big smile.

Candice

Dear Candice,

I am glad you wrote. While no-prep porcelain veneers can work in some cases, most smiles will need some type of tooth preparation. One of my concerns with your dentist suggesting that brand right away is that Lumineers is a brand that is highly marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. While not prepping teeth does make the placement a bit easier, it has nothing to do with the skill necessary to make them look beautiful.

I would be cautious here. Ask your dentist to show you before and after pictures of Lumineers’ cases he has actually done himself. Many patients have complained they were too bulky and opaque. Some even have gone so far as to compare them to horse teeth.

If it turns out you are a good candidate for no-prep veneers, most skilled cosmetic dentists prefer different brands of porcelain veneers. This is because the Lumineers’ parent company insists dentists use their lab, which is not known for its artistic results. There are many different brands, including no-prep. Each has different qualities, so which brand your dentist picks will depend on the type of smile you want to create.

If you look at your dentist’s smile gallery and are not blown away, do not let him give you your smile makeover. This is a huge investment and you want it done by someone who has the technical training and artistry to give you the stunning smile you’ve been dreaming about.

This blog is brought to you by Marietta Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.