Traditional veneers often involve some prep work, including an initial consultation, having the veneers prepared by the lab and having your teeth shaped and the veneers fitted. There are some new alternatives to traditional veneers, known as no-prep veneers, such as Lumineers and Vivaneers. These treatments are ideal for patients looking for an alternative to traditional porcelain veneers or for those unsuitable for bonding.
The minimal preparation veneers are applied to the front surface of the teeth using an adhesive in much the same way as normal veneers; however there is no need for the dentist to reshape the tooth through filing or grinding. In some cases there may be a little work required, but the vast majority of people can have them fitted straight away.
Depending on the patient and the treatment involved, there may be cases where local anaesthetic isn’t required, further reducing the treatment and recovery time. This will depend on the individual and how the dentist wishes to proceed with the treatment.
Who Can Have No Prep Veneers Fitted?
Like most cosmetic treatments, minimal-prep veneers are generally only suitable for adults. They can be used to treat a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, including:
- Gaps between teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Misshapen or slightly misaligned teeth
- Small or worn teeth
They can also be applied as a purely cosmetic procedure, helping a patient improve the overall look and feel of their smile.
While some instant veneers are marketed as a solution for just about every dental issue, there may be cases where orthodontic treatment is required before veneers are applied. This is usually the case when a patient has severely misaligned teeth, and treatments like dental braces or Invisalign may be required before further cosmetic treatment is given.
Cosmetic dentists who work with no prep veneers generally view them as a viable alternative to traditional veneers or certain patients. They are typically more affordable than traditional veneers, and can offer patients the kind of smile transformation without the potentially painful preparatory work involved in porcelain veneers.
How Much Do No Prep Veneers Cost?
While the cost of no-prep veneers will vary depending on where you live and how much your dentist charges, the price will generally range between £350 and £750 per tooth. While it’s still a fairly expensive procedure, it’s a fraction of the cost of porcelain veneers and offers largely similar results in terms of appearance and functionality.
Many cosmetic dentists offer financing options for those requiring a substantial amount of work, so you may be able to pick up interest-free credit if you need multiple veneers and cannot afford the payment outright.
This type of treatment is perfect for those who either fear the drill or don’t want to invest the time of the money in traditional veneers. They can transform the way your smile looks within a short period of time, and have given thousands of people the teeth they’ve always wanted.