LOGIN | (800) 336-3053
BURBANK DENTAL LAB / BLOG / Porcelain Veneer Prepping 101

Porcelain Veneer Prepping 101

mm Written by Andrew Sedler

FEE SCHEDULE

RX FORM

SCHEDULE A PICK-UP

SEND YOUR DIGITAL CASE

REQUEST FEE SCHEDULE

DOWNLOAD RX FORM

DOWNLOAD RX FORM PDF

SCHEDULE A PICK-UP

COMING SOON

Veneers have become a permanent solution for achieving the coveted “Hollywood Smile.” 

Veneer Prepping Essentials

Porcelain veneers have revolutionized cosmetic dentistry, transforming countless smiles over the years. Initially, this restoration was developed for actors to enhance their screen appearance. Today veneers have evolved into a permanent solution for achieving the coveted “Hollywood Smile.”

Achieving optimal results with porcelain veneers hinges on meticulous preparation tailored to each patient’s needs. At Burbank Dental Lab, the veneer preparation process should match the patient’s needs and goals. It should also consider the current condition of their teeth.

Understanding the Purpose of Veneer Preparation

Veneer preparation is essential and serves multiple critical functions:

  • Adequate Space Creation – Ensuring sufficient room for the veneer material to achieve the desired esthetics without adding excessive bulk.
  • Defined Finish Lines – Establishing clear margins enhances the fit and longevity of the veneer.
  • Surface Optimization – Roughening the tooth surface promotes a stronger bond between the tooth and the veneer for better retention.

BURBANK DENTAL LAB WAS VOTED

TOP 5 DENTAL LABS

IN AMERICA

SOURCE: DENTAL COUNTRY™

What are the Types of Veneers Available?

Porcelain veneers typically fall into three main categories. At Burbank Dental Lab, we offer three specialized veneer solutions:

  • Nano® Press Veneers – Use when strategic block-out is necessary, Burbank Dental Lab’s proprietary Layered Veneers are recommended. These veneers are made from IPS e.max, a lithium disilicate material with a flexural strength of 470Mpa.
  • SimplyThin Veneers – Use when the teeth are properly aligned and there are minor color adjustments required. These veneers are recommended for cases where minimal or no-preparation veneers are needed. They are made using IPS e.max.  
  • Classic Feldspathic Veneers – Use when achieving moderate color and shape changes. They are made using either the foil technique or directly on a refractory die using feldspathic porcelain.

Each is designed to meet the specific needs of different cases. Choosing the right veneer type is important. It is also crucial to know the right preparation technique. This helps create a stable foundation for long-term success. Veneer preparation usually has three main approaches: minimal, moderate, and aggressive.

Each method is designed for the patient’s dental needs and aesthetic goals.

Porcelain Veneer Best Practices

A diagnostic wax-up is an essential step in the planning and execution of porcelain veneer cases. It serves as a blueprint for the final restoration, allowing both the clinician and the patient to visualize the anticipated outcome before any irreversible preparation is done.

The wax-up provides critical insights into function, occlusion, and esthetics, ensuring that the proposed design aligns with the patient’s facial features and smile dynamics.

Additionally, it helps identify any necessary adjustments in tooth positioning, contour, and symmetry before committing to the final restorations. Skipping this step increases the risk of unpredictable outcomes, patient dissatisfaction, and potential functional issues.

Beyond planning, the wax-up also serves as the foundation for a prototype. This direct intraoral mock-up allows the patient to experience their new smile before committing to the final veneers. This provisional stage is crucial for patient approval and functional evaluation.

Transferring the wax-up design into the mouth using a silicone index and temporary material allows the patient to assess factors such as length, shape, phonetics, and overall esthetics in real time. This step also allows adjustments based on patient feedback before proceeding with the definitive ceramic work.

Key Benefits of a Diagnostic Wax-Up and Prototype

  • Enhanced Case Planning – Allows for proper esthetic and functional assessment before tooth preparation.
  • Patient Communication and Approval – Helps patients visualize and experience their new smile before committing.
  • Predictability and Precision – Reduce the likelihood of costly remakes and chairside modifications.
  • Functional Evaluation – Ensures proper occlusion, speech, and bite before finalizing restorations.
  • Guidance for Dental Lab Technicians – Provides a clear roadmap for creating veneers that match the intended outcome.

Once this step is done, preparation guidelines can be provided to ensure the teeth are prepared appropriately to achieve the approved final results.

Mastering the Art of Veneer Preparation

The debate over veneer preparation is ongoing, with varying opinions on the ideal method. Ultimately, the best approach depends on the patient’s needs and goals. Below, we explore three preparation styles and their ideal applications.

Minimal-Prep Veneers

Minimal-prep veneers are ideal for patients seeking subtle enhancements without drastic changes to their natural teeth.

Indications:

  • Slight discoloration
  • Minor enamel defects
  • Small chips or minor wear

Preparation Guidelines:

  • Facial enamel reduction of 0.3mm to 0.5mm
  • Chamfer margin placed slightly subgingival
  • Incisal edge preservation where possible

Preparation Guidelines:

  • Pressed monolithic ceramic (e.max)
  • Feldspathic layered veneers

Moderate Veneer Preparation

This technique is the most common approach, allowing for moderate shape and shade alterations while maintaining a conservative approach.

Indications:

  • Moderate alignment correction
  • Shade adjustments up to three levels
  • Minor spacing issues

Preparation Guidelines:

  • Facial enamel reduction of 0.8mm to 1.0mm
  • Chamfer margin at or just below the gum line
  • Incisal edge reduction of 1.0mm to 2.0mm

Best Material Options:

  • Layered pressed ceramics (e.max)
  • Hand-layered feldspathic veneers

Aggresive Veneer Preparation

Patients with significant alignment concerns, spacing issues, or extreme discoloration, require a more comprehensive preparation approach.

Indications:

  • Severe misalignment (instant orthodontics)
  • Diastemas exceeding 1.0mm
  • Dark or deeply stained teeth

Preparation Guidelines:

  • Facial enamel reduction of 1.0mm to 1.5mm
  • Interproximal slice preparation extending to the cingulum
  • Incisal edge reduction of 1.5mm to 2.0mm

Best Material Options:

  • Pressed layered ceramics (e.max)
  • Feldspathic veneers

Choosing the Right Veneer Material

The success of a veneer case depends on the material selection, as different ceramics offer varying strengths and aesthetic qualities. The most common materials include:

IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent)

  • Material: Pressed or milled lithium disilicate
  • Strength: 470 MPa (high durability)
  • Best for: Patients needing moderate adjustments with high translucency

Feldspathic Veneers

  • Material: Hand-layered ceramic on platinum foil or refractory die
  • Strength: 100 MPa (more delicate but highly aesthetic)
  • Best for: Cases requiring the most natural translucency and layering effects

Best Practices for Veneer Preparation

To ensure the success and longevity of veneers, consider the following guidelines:

  • Preserve Enamel – Maintaining as much enamel as possible enhances bond strength and durability.
  • Preserve Enamel – Maintaining as much enamel as possible enhances bond strength and durability.
  • Smooth Transitions – Avoid sharp angles, especially at the incisal edge, to prevent stress points that could lead to fractures.
  • Maintain Interproximal Contacts – Preserving these contacts supports periodontal health and veneer stability.
  • Consider Incisal Overlap – Preparing an incisal overlap can help evenly distribute occlusal forces, enhancing veneer longevity.

These practices are essential to improve veneer longevity and ensure a successful outcome.

FREE TO DOWNLOAD – SUCCESS GUIDES

DOWNLOAD SUCCESS GUIDES

DOWNLOAD A GUIDE

Patient-Centered Veneer Treatment

A successful veneer case hinges on a patient-focused approach. Understanding the patient’s aesthetic desires, functional needs, and long-term expectations is crucial. The clinician’s role is to bridge the gap between the patient’s vision and the dental lab’s capabilities, ensuring a customized and precise outcome.

Dentists can confidently deliver veneers that provide long-lasting beauty and function by working closely with an experienced cosmetic dental lab like Burbank Dental Lab.

Ready to elevate your cosmetic dentistry practice? Partner with Burbank Dental Lab to craft high-quality, custom veneers that exceed patient expectations.

REQUEST THE BURBANK DENTAL LAB FEE SCHEDULE

ORDER FEE SCHEDULE HERE

REQUEST FEE SCHEDULE

We Appreciate You Sharing This Product

SHARE X LinkedIn
Previous Post:

Next Post:
NEED HELP CHOOSING THE PERFECT PRODUCT?

Would you like to speak with an expert now?

SPEAK TO TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Would you like to schedule a call?

SCHEDULE A CALL

Speak to Technical Support

Call us at

(800) 336-3035

Schedule A Call

Slide 1

Fabrication
of the future
is here!

Burbank Dental Lab has three new state-of-the-art Carbon M2 printers. We are very excited about the options that these cutting-edge printers will allow us to offer our dental clients. Here are some of the advantages that these printers will begin to deliver to you and your dental practice.

Our New
State-Of-The-Art
3d Printers

Carbon offers a highly dependable 3D manufacturing solution for many dental applications with its breakthrough Digital Light Synthesis™ technology, enabled by a wide range of dental materials.

a new baseline
for innovation
in fabrication.

Burbank Dental Lab has the next generation of Carbon DLS™. Meet our new Carbon M3 and M3 Max printers. These advanced printers enhance fabrication possibilities using Digital Light Synthesis™ technology, enabling us to provide quality and innovation for our clients.

Carbon M3 Printer - Burbank Dental Lab - CA

Meet Our New
next generation of carbon DLS™
M3 Max Printers

The M3 printer is the cutting edge of DLS printing with a true 4K light engine. We save time and improve quality with Automated Print Ppreparation which ensures high-quality assurance and results.