Porcelain Laminate Veneers. A Retrospective Evaluation After 1 to 10 Years of Service: Part I--Clinical Procedure

Purpose: Currently available clinical studies on porcelain laminate veneers seem to support their use as a standard treatment method in modern restorative dentistry. The purpose of this study, which comprises 3 parts, was to evaluate the clinical applicability and the survival probability of porcelain laminate veneers for an observation period of up to 10 years. This first part of the study describes the step-by-step clinical procedure. Materials and Methods: The reasons for provision of porcelain laminate veneers were mainly for the treatment of worn anterior teeth, surface enamel defects, intrinsic discolorations, and hypoplasia. As the treatment time for try-in, cementation, and finishing of veneers differs significantly from that needed for conventional restorations, the total time required for veneer treatment was evaluated. Results: A total of 205 porcelain laminate veneers, 117 in the maxilla and 88 in the mandible, was placed in 72 patients (43 females and 29 males). Mean cementation time was 38.7 minutes, which increased significantly to 43.9 minutes if single discolored teeth were being restored. Clinical experience and a familiarity with the strict step-by-step procedure followed throughout the study reduced the mean treatment time from 40.8 minutes during the first 5 years to 36.7 minutes in the following years. Conclusion: The porcelain laminate veneer concept provides excellent esthetic and conservative restorations, but it should be stated that the cementation and finishing procedure is highly time consuming.