Five-year study of all-porcelain veneer fixed partial dentures

Improvements in enamel-dentinal bonding systems combined with the introduction of new ceramics have encouraged replacement of missing anterior teeth in specific patients with porcelain veneer fixed partial dentures. Metal substructures are not needed, and more natural tooth structure can be preserved because the preparation of abutments is conservative. Twelve porcelain veneer fixed partial dentures were monitored for 5 years, and fractures attributed to degradation of the gingival margins occurred in the veneer surface of the fixed partial dentures. The success rate of 75% was dependent on rigid patient selection criteria, strength of the major connectors, and precise adjustment of occlusion to prevent overloading. The failing margins were attributed to the degeneration, attrition, and deterioration of the composite resin cements. Despite these limitations, patients were extremely satisfied with the esthetics. Improvement in the mechanical properties of composite resin cement will ameliorate the prognosis with this approach.