Six months clinical evaluation of prefabricated veneer restorations after partial enamel removal

Thirty-three preformed plastic laminate veneers were placed in maxillary anterior teeth of twenty-one subjects. The indications for veneer placement were intrinsic staining of large conventional composite restorations or discolouration caused by previous endodontic therapy. The veneer restorations were evaluated clinically over a 6-month period for retention, colour match, surface texture, marginal integrity and gingival response. Twenty-nine restorations were available for evaluation at 6 months. Three restorations exhibited bonding failure during the study period, giving an overall retention rate of about 91%. Deep brown discolouration in two teeth could not be adequately matched with the opaquer and shader pastes supplied with the kit. Only one patient exhibited any change in veneer surface texture during the study period. Slight, but clinically inconsequential deterioration of marginal integrity was also noted in several restorations. The gingival response to the veneer restorations was uniformly excellent. It was concluded that restoration with preformed veneers, using the enamel reduction and heat adaptation techniques, provided an aesthetic, conservative and functional alternative to fixed prosthodontic therapy in selected cases.