Fig. 4
Click here to enlarge imageWhen I send a study model to my laboratory technician, this is what the technician does to instruct me as to where to prep on a minimal-prep case. In Figure 2, note that the only potential facial limiting factor is the facial surface of tooth No. 7 and the distal of tooth No. 8. In this instance, after my lab technician looked at the models and pictures, he cleared it for a no-prep case.
Of the four photos provided, my favorite ones are Figures 2 and 4. As I mentioned, Figure 2 is the one photo I need to determine whether or not a particular case is going to be no-prep or minimal prep. With this single occlusal picture and a study model, one can make many decisions about what type of veneer cases are possible for this patient. Figure 4 sums up several of the good aspects of well-done no-prep veneers.
To me, there is no doubt that these veneers are 0.3 mm in the spots where they need to be. For all of the talk about how bulky and ugly poor no-prep veneers can look, Figure 4 shows few bulky areas. I was concerned about the facial of tooth No. 7 and the distal of No. 8, but the technician handled these areas well. When I placed an orthodontic arch wire on the postoperative models of this case, the ideal arch form had been achieved.
Dr. Michael DiTolla is the Director of Clinical Research and Education at Glidewell Laboratories in Newport Beach, Calif. He lectures nationwide on both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. DiTolla has several free clinical programs available online or on DVD at www.glidewell-lab.com. For more information on this article or his seminars, please contact him at www.drditolla.com.