Blog

Insightful and informative dentist blog, covering a wide range of dental topics alongside new treatment & clinic announcements.

no-prep veneers by Dr Richard Marques

What are no-prep veneers?

No-prep veneers will cover dental imperfections and brighten your smile. They provide a long-lasting solution for people who want even, white teeth without the need for extensive preparations and anaesthetic.

No-preparation veneers are just that – veneers that don’t require the permanent alterations needed for traditional veneers. With traditional veneers, local anaesthetic is needed because the structure of each tooth will need alteration work in order to prepare it for the veneer. No-prep veneers preserve the tooth structure and are simply bonded to your teeth.

No-prep veneers are perfect if you have good dental health and well-aligned teeth. They can be used to improve the overall look of your smile by covering:

  • Discoloured teeth
  • Gaps
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Worn teeth
  • Misshapen teeth

What are no-prep veneers made of?

No-prep veneers are made from porcelain or composite materials. They are a lot thinner than traditional veneers, making them slightly translucent. If your teeth are extremely discoloured, you may be able to see this through the veneers. In which case, you may be better off opting for traditional veneers which are opaque.

What does the process involve?

On your initial visit, we will make a digital impression of your teeth and send the images to specialist technicians who will custom-make your veneers. On your second visit, we will fit the veneers. Your teeth will be dried, after which bonding materials are applied. Then the veneers will be fitted, and you will be all set to smile! The fitting process takes less time than with traditional veneers, but you will still enjoy long-lasting results – at least 5-7 years if you look after them.

What preparation do traditional veneers involve?

The preparation for traditional veneers is permanent and irreversible. Around half a millimetre of enamel needs to be removed from the surface of each tooth, and any other reshaping work required also needs to be carried out. The work needs to be done under local anaesthetic. With care, traditional veneers could last between 10 and 20 years.

Are no-prep veneers permanent?

Without the need to remove enamel or make structural changes to each tooth, no-prep veneers are considered reversible or semi-permanent. They can be removed, but there is the risk that your teeth may be affected by the process of installation or removal.

How do I look after no-prep veneers?

As with any dental treatment, if you look after your oral hygiene, the results should last longer. With veneers, you need to pay special attention to the gumline in order to prevent debris and bacteria building up in the space where your veneers meet your gums.

Free initial no-prep veneers consultation

We offer a free 30-minute dental consultation with one of our associate dentists. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, for no-prep veneers or any aspect of aesthetic dental treatments.

Additional information

We offer payment plan options and 0% private dental finance.

To find out more, call us on 020 7637 1672 or visit our clinic in the Harley Street area of Marylebone, Central London:

2 Devonshire Place, Marylebone, London, W1G 6HJ