Noninvasive bilaminar CAD/CAM composite resin veneers: a semi-(in)direct approach

Direct composite resin restorations have been recognized for their valuable clinical service and respect of intact hard tissue. The cost-effectiveness and inherent minimally invasive approach of resin-based materials means that they are also gaining popularity for use in computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) procedures. Several cases from the student clinics at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC are presented that could have been resolved either with direct composite resin restorations or with indirect porcelain veneers. A novel semi-indirect CAD/CAM approach, characterized by its absolute noninvasiveness and simplicity, was chosen instead. The bilaminar restoration consists of a customized histoanatomical CAD/CAM dentin base (incisoproximal cutback), and a generic enamel skin. The patients can be treated either in one clinical session (semi-directly) or in two clinical sessions (semi-indirectly). The purpose of this article is to present another tool from the anterior restorative armamentarium to bridge the gap between direct and indirect techniques.