Korea Economic Culture Research Institute (KECI) Listed Director Kim Yuna’s Health Column - “Veneers Without Tooth Damage?” ... Discussing Minimal-Prep Veneers, the Answer to a Healthy Smile

Column/Opinion

[Health Column] “Veneers Without Tooth Damage?” ... Discussing Minimal-Prep Veneers, the Answer to a Healthy Smile

Korea Economic Culture Research Institute ・ 2025. 8. 11. 10:41

The latest aesthetic dentistry trend that achieves both tooth preservation and aesthetics

The most important topic in modern aesthetic dentistry is undoubtedly the preservation of natural teeth. In the past, a certain amount of tooth reduction had to be accepted for a beautiful smile, but aesthetic treatment today is different. It continues to evolve toward achieving satisfying aesthetic results while preserving as much of the tooth as possible, and at the center of this is “minimal-prep veneers.”

“What’s different about ‘minimal-prep veneers’? Isn’t no-prep veneer better?”

Veneers have long been a popular treatment in aesthetic dentistry. Traditionally, it was common to reduce the tooth surface by about 0.3 to 0.7 mm in order to create the desired tooth shape and color. However, with recent advances in ceramic processing technology and bonding systems, minimal-prep or even no-prep procedures at the 0.1 to 0.2 mm level have become possible. This can be said to be the result of combining patient-specific 3D design planning, ultra-thin ceramic materials under 0.1 mm, and bonding technology that is precisely implemented down to microscopic units.

Recently, the number of patients wanting “no-prep veneers” has been steadily increasing. However, the clinical conditions under which no-prep is possible are strict. For example, no-prep approaches may be possible in cases such as ▲ naturally small teeth ▲ spaces between teeth ▲ or well-aligned teeth.

However, if these conditions are not met, a no-prep procedure can instead make the teeth look too large or cause the mouth to protrude, harming overall harmony. Not only aesthetics, but patient satisfaction would also inevitably decline. In the end, there is no absolute rule that no-prep veneers are the “better method.” What matters is a custom design that comprehensively considers the patient’s oral condition and facial harmony. This is why sufficient consultation and precise diagnosis before treatment are essential.

What 기준 should be used when choosing a clinic?

The key to veneer treatment is to predict the result in advance and remove only the parts that are truly necessary with minimal reduction. You should choose a clinic with a doctor who has the skill to preserve natural teeth as much as possible by reducing unnecessary tooth removal while producing the best aesthetic results. In fact, Dr. Kim’s patients express satisfaction with less reduction than expected and a custom design, and even the appearance after tooth reduction, before veneer placement, receives positive reactions.

Regarding the recently spotlighted “one-day veneer” method completed in a single day, the clinic takes a cautious stance. This is because a certain amount of reduction is unavoidable for same-day fabrication and placement, and in many cases more tooth structure is removed. Dr. Kim explains, “If too much tooth structure is removed, it may create a big change in the short term, but in the long term, the risk of damage can increase.”

In addition, the minimal-prep method has the advantage that, if necessary, it can be removed and restored to its original state. In terms of maintenance and management, it also shows a more stable prognosis than conventional veneers, and regular checkups alone can help maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for a long time.

“As an aesthetic dentistry specialist, I feel the greatest sense of reward when I create a smile that satisfies the patient,” Dr. Kim says. Aesthetic treatment is not simply something to “look prettier.” It is a treatment that has a positive impact on life by helping restore confidence and improve quality of life through a beautiful smile. This is the essence of aesthetic treatment. In that sense, minimal-prep veneers are a treatment that offers a meaningful answer for both patients and dentists. However, beauty requires more than just “technology”; it also requires “accurate diagnosis and judgment.” Unlike general dental treatment, aesthetic treatment is not essential care but treatment “to become more beautiful,” so accurate diagnosis, delicate design, and precise procedures tailored to the patient’s condition are essential. Veneers may not be the right answer for everyone, but if these conditions are met, they can be the best choice for your smile.

Kim Yuna, CEO Director of Gangnam Cléa Dental Clinic