Measurement of enamel thickness in relation to reduction for etched laminate veneers

The etched porcelain laminate veneer is a new conservative treatment that offers a solution to fractured, discolored, and worn anterior teeth. Preparation of enamel should be 0.5 mm to give minimal porcelain thickness and to avoid an overcontoured restoration. At the same time, dentinal exposure is contraindicated, because resin bonds better with enamel than with dentin. One hundred fourteen extracted teeth were measured at the gingival, middle, and incisal thirds. The resulting data reported on labial enamel thickness of anterior teeth may offer guidance in the preparation of laminate veneers.