Tooth Preparation for Ceramic Veneers (Mock-up Driven Technique)

فارسی

In modern dentistry, moving toward Minimally Invasive treatments has become a core principle. The philosophy is simple: less preparation means a longer-lasting restoration and a stronger bond to enamel. In this episode we review the Mock-up Driven preparation technique, which prevents unnecessary, excessive tooth reduction.

Why Is Preserving Enamel Critical?

According to studies, the 12-year success rate of veneers on enamel is about 98%, compared to about 68% on dentin — because the bond quality and rigidity of enamel are far higher than those of dentin.

Classification of Tooth Reduction

1. Class 1: No preparation or minimal preparation (preserves about 95% of enamel)

2. Class 2: Minimal preparation (up to 0.5 mm, preserves about 80% of enamel)

3. Class 3: Conservative preparation (0.5–1 mm, preserves 50–80% of enamel)

4. Class 4: Conventional preparation (preserves at most 50% of enamel)

How Does the Mock-up Driven Technique Work?

Instead of preparing the tooth directly, the final tooth form (wax-up) is first implemented on the patient's teeth with bis-acryl resin (a "gun" temporary material), and preparation is then carried out on the mock-up.

The result? If a tooth needs added volume (as in diastema or erosion cases), no sound tooth structure is unnecessarily sacrificed with this method.

Summary of the Clinical Steps

• Initial impression taken and sent to the laboratory for a WAX-UP

• Fabricating a silicone index and placing the mock-up in the mouth (with bis-acryl resin)

• Creating depth grooves on the mock-up to a depth of 0.3–0.5 mm (per the treatment plan)

Key point: marking the groove depth with a pencil before completing the preparation

• Preparing the incisal edge (1–1.5 mm)

• Removing residual bis-acryl and final finishing of the preparation

The content of this page is intended for the educational use of dentists and dental students.