Laminate veneers for the aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth

The conservative aesthetic restoration of unsightly anterior teeth has been revolutionized by the introduction of laminate veneers. Although direct composite veneers and pre-fabricated acrylic veneers have been used, the long-term clinical results are not as completely satisfactory as the laboratory-fabricated veneers. At present, indirect laboratory-made resin veneers and porcelain laminate veneers have become the two major modalities of treatment when conservative aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth is needed. In this article, details on these two types of veneers and steps of bonding them to the teeth are presented. Furthermore, colour modifications prior to veneer cementation, temporization of tooth preparations, long-term gingival response to veneer margins, and durability of the veneers have been reviewed.