A matrix procedure for reproducing natural or carved tooth contours in porcelain laminate veneers

A procedure is described for making porcelain laminate veneers by using a preformed acrylic resin matrix to reproduce the original tooth form and surface texture. The procedure can be modified to allow alterations to the original contours by adding wax to, or carving, a preliminary cast. A silicone impression is made of either the teeth preoperatively or the altered cast and is used to construct a translucent heat-cured acrylic resin matrix. The matrix is fitted to the working cast and used to condense the porcelain for veneers. A patient's restorations are used to illustrate the procedure.