2026 Mastering the Art of Smile Restoration with Ceramic Veneers: Prep versus Prepless

Restoring a patient’s smile with ceramic veneers remains one of the most demanding aesthetic procedures in modern dentistry. The increasing expectations of patients—driven by heightened aesthetic awareness and media influence—have significantly raised the demand for indirect veneer restorations.

Ceramic veneers offer a combination of strength, durability, biocompatibility, and exceptional aesthetics, all while preserving natural tooth structure. Various preparation designs have been described in the literature, ranging from aggressive reduction to ultra-conservative or even no-preparation techniques. Yet, critical clinical questions persist: How should veneer preparations be classified? What are the specific indications for each approach? And where should the finish line be placed?

The presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key steps required to achieve predictable and successful outcomes using ceramic veneers. Through a series of well-documented clinical cases, we will explore each phase of the process—beginning with a customized digital smile design and continuing through to final cementation.

Common complications and failures associated with veneer restorations will also be addressed, along with evidence-based strategies to manage and prevent them.

This session is designed to equip clinicians with practical guidance and clinical insights to confidently navigate the complexities of ceramic veneer treatment and deliver consistently excellent aesthetic outcomes.

The hands-on part of the program will recap the theoretical session, giving the participants the opportunity to prepare, impress and temporize different maxillary anteriors on a typodont using IOS and digital impression technique. A step by step, systematic approach to tooth preparation, impression, temporization and cementation will follow. Numerous clinical examples of porcelain veneers will be demonstrated in the presentation.