Labial veneers in the management of desquamative gingivitis: report of a case

Desquamative gingivitis is a condition characterized by intense erythema, ulceration, and desquamation of the free and attached gingiva. Approximately 50% of desquamative gingivitis cases occur on the gingival tissues though it is not uncommon at other intraoral and extraoral sites. Though topical corticosteroids are considered the mainstays in the treatment of desquamative gingivitis, the inability of these medicaments to be in contact with the affected sites for longer duration has been implicated as a factor in reducing the efficacy of this mode of treatment. The case presented here is of a 24-year old male with desquamative gingivitis of 3 years duration. Topical corticosteroid therapy using custom-made acrylic veneers was utilized in the patient with remarkable results. This paper highlights the use of acrylic labial veneers over the gingival tissue as a vehicle for delivering medication and as a way to improve aesthetics.