ReversFix-Technology-A Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating Laser Versus Conventional Removal of Ceramic Veneers...

Objectives: The purpose of this prospective, randomized clinical study (RCT) was to investigate laser removal of ceramic restorations in terms of its effectiveness and potential advantages compared to conventional methods. Methods: In two study groups, with 20 patients each, veneers (study group V) and single crowns (study group C) made of lithium disilicate were adhesively fixed to vital, asymptomatic teeth. Following a period of wear of 7 ± 2 days, the patients were randomized into either of the two study arms (n = 10). In the control arm, the restorations were removed conventionally with diamond-coated rotary burs in combination with crown removal instruments. In the intervention arm, removal was performed with a pulsed Er:YAG laser (ReversFix-Technology). Results: In group V, all restorations were successfully removed in both study arms, with a significant time advantage observed in the intervention arm (p = 0.002). In group C, all ten restorations were removed conventionally, while in the intervention arm, seven restorations were removed initially and a further two after an additional week of wear; the time required for removal was comparable between the study arms. Using the laser-assisted technique, two veneers and seven crowns could also be removed completely in one piece. Conclusions: ReversFix-Technology can be considered an alternative to conventional methods for removing ceramic restorations. Laser removal even offers a time advantage, particularly for removing veneers. Moreover, in the case of non-destructive removal of the restorations, the option of recementation is possible.