Clinical performance of porcelain laminate veneers without incisal overlapping: 3-year results

The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the performance of 135 porcelain laminate veneers placed on anterior teeth without incisal preparation. Only 0.3-0.5 mm of the facial enamel was removed using a tapered round-ended diamond bur. The veneers were fabricated from a sintered feldspathic porcelain, etched and silanized and then bonded with a light-cured composite lute. The veneers were yearly examined clinically for debonding, chipping, marginal integrity and staining. After 3 years of service all veneers were retained. Incisal chipping occurred in seven veneered teeth. Wear and staining were negligible. It was concluded that this minimal porcelain veneer restoration with no incisal overlapping was conservative, predictable and successful.