Ceramic partial laminate veneers in anterior teeth: A literature review

Partial laminate veneers, defined as small ceramic restorations adhesively luted onto unprepared anterior teeth, are an interesting and conservative alternative to conventional ceramic and composite resin veneers in the anterior region. This literature review aimed to summarize the available laboratory and clinical data on ceramic partial laminate veneers. An electronic search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science databases was conducted. The keywords used were "partial veneer," "partial laminate veneer," "ceramic fragment," and "sectional veneer." The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the QUIN tool.

Of the 266 identified articles, only 16 met the inclusion criteria (ten clinical reports, five laboratory studies, and one retrospective clinical study). To date, no randomized controlled clinical trials have been conducted. Most laboratory studies displayed a low risk of bias, with partial laminate veneers rendering adequate strength and color stability. Clinical reports have shown large variability in material selection, luting, and finishing/polishing protocols.

Low-quality evidence is available for ceramic partial laminate veneers. Available data from laboratory studies suggest good mechanical and optical performances comparable to those of conventional ceramic and composite resin veneers. Further clinical studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted.