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Update to Preparation Design and Clinical Concepts Using the LeSage Veneer Classification System

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Esthetic Oral Rehabilitation with Veneers

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Abstract

Historically, preparations for ceramic veneers have varied from extremely aggressive to a minimal reduction or a lack of preparation. The concept of no-preparation or minimal-preparation veneers is nearly 40 years old. The trend in dentistry today is toward minimally invasive dentistry with the philosophy that less is more. It is no longer acceptable to over-prepare teeth for convenience or lack of understanding of alternative treatments. In recent years, laboratory techniques have evolved to produce ultrathin ceramic veneers, which has increased the popularity of “no-prep” veneers. This so-called “no-prep” approach has been described for more than 10 years in the literature and ideologically reiterates the methodologies of when veneers were first introduced as conservative, additive restorative procedures for which slight or no preparations were required. However, these days, it is no longer acceptable to limit veneer descriptions to no-prep or conventional all-ceramic designs.

In 2013, the author of this chapter proposed the LeSage veneer classification system (LVCS), which categorized the extent of preparation for different veneer treatments based on an assessment of the amount of enamel available and the amount of dentin exposed. It provided clear-cut guidelines for technical procedures and for case selection. In this chapter, the LeSage veneer classification system is expanded on and explained, and examples for implementing the system are presented. In addition to “no-prep” and conventional all-ceramic design, this chapter explores two additional, distinct classifications that should aid dentists, lab technicians, and patients in their ability to provide better communication, consent, diagnosis, treatment planning, material selection, education, and tooth structure preservation.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Brian P. LeSage

  2. Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics, Beverly Hills, CA, USA

    Brian P. LeSage

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  1. Brian P. LeSage
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. College of Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA

    Richard D. Trushkowsky

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LeSage, B.P. (2020). Update to Preparation Design and Clinical Concepts Using the LeSage Veneer Classification System. In: Trushkowsky, R. (eds) Esthetic Oral Rehabilitation with Veneers. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41091-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41091-9_1

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