Porcelain veneer restorations: a clinician's opinion about a disturbing trend

The conservative nature of the porcelain veneer technique introduced in 1982 is becoming less evident today. Even though dentin bonding materials are improving and emerging clinical research is encouraging, intact enamel provides the most reliable substrate for etched porcelain veneer restorations. Preparations can be designed with supragingival finish lines and, with the CLE, can be virtually invisible. Recent trends indicate that some practitioners dismiss the importance of enamel. An alarming number of patients are presenting with partial or complete debonding of porcelain veneer restorations placed for elective esthetics. When such failures do occur, the need for corrective measures is no longer discretionary. For many clinical conditions, porcelain veneer restorations offer dentists and their patients an outstanding, conservative alternative to traditional crowns. Veneers should always be minimally invasive. Dentists should not yield co pressures generated by well-meaning dental technicians and colleagues who disregard the importance of enamel bonding. They should also consider treatment options that preserve natural tooth structure, promote a healthy dentition, and reduce the need for future re-treatment. Sometimes the appropriate option is no treatment. Few dentists would want to have their own teeth aggressively prepared if a more conservative approach were feasible. Their patients certainly deserve the same consideration.