Clinical Performance Comparison of Prepless and Minimally Invasive Ceramic Laminate Veneer Restorations: A...

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Restorative dentistry
• Clinical research

Background:

• Ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs) are crucial for esthetic dentistry.
• The influence of preparation design on CLV clinical outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the clinical success of CLV restorations fabricated using minimally invasive versus prepless preparation techniques.
• To compare esthetic, periodontal, and complication rates between the two preparation methods.

Main Methods:

• A prospective clinical study involving 110 CLVs (55 minimally invasive, 55 prepless) in 12 patients.
• Restorations assessed at 1 year using USPHS criteria, including adaptation, color, form, and roughness.
• Evaluated fractures, debonding, cracks, chewing pressure, periodontal probing depths, and patient satisfaction (Visual Analog Scale - VAS).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in adaptation, color, form, or roughness between groups (p > 0.05).
• Higher incidence of fractures (9.1%) and debonding (1.8%) observed in the prepless group compared to the minimally invasive group (p = 0.022 for fractures).
• Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the prepless group (median VAS = 10) than the minimally invasive group (median VAS = 9; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Preparation type did not significantly impact esthetic or periodontal outcomes after one year.
• Prepless veneers showed a higher complication rate, suggesting potential benefits of minimal preparation for veneer stability.
• Functional chewing forces did not correlate with complications, indicating veneers can withstand typical occlusal loads.