Reporter Lee Yong-hak (yonghak@vegannews.co.kr) ㅣ Published: 2026.07.30 17:02:08

[Enamel preservation range, alignment, and occlusion must be examined together]

Laminates are a treatment that adjusts the shape and color of teeth by bonding thin porcelain veneers to the front surface. While many patients look for "no-prep" (no-cut) options due to concerns about tooth reduction, the state of the enamel, tooth alignment, and occlusion should be checked first rather than focusing solely on whether or not reduction is performed.

No-prep laminates involve attaching prosthetics while hardly trimming the tooth surface. Although this preserves natural tooth structure, in cases where teeth are protruding or there is insufficient space for the veneer, it can make the teeth look too large and affect the margin and occlusion. A minimally invasive approach that trims the surface only within the necessary range focuses on securing space for the prosthetic while preserving as much enamel as possible.

Before treatment, factors such as tooth alignment, color, enamel thickness, gum condition, biting force, and habits like teeth grinding or clenching must be examined together. The lifespan of a prosthetic depends not only on the amount of reduction, but also on the remaining enamel range, the bonding process, materials, occlusive conditions, and oral hygiene management.

▲ (Photo provided by Lucid Dental Clinic)

A study published in the 2025 international journal Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry tracked 672 ceramic laminates applied to 189 patients over 1 to 15 years. The analysis showed that cases with a large extent of exposed dentin had a higher risk of failure compared to cases bonded solely to enamel, highlighting the preservation of enamel during treatment as a crucial factor.