Full veneer versus traditional veneer preparation: a discussion of interproximal extension

Traditional veneer preparation has come to represent an almost universally accepted guideline of veneer preparation. It calls for an interproximal finish line at or just into the contact point. However, in certain situations, such an approach can have functional and esthetic limitations.

This article reviews those functional and esthetic limitations and discusses an alternative technique, the full veneer preparation. The advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed in relation to veneer cases with malaligned teeth, diastema, discoloration, black spaces, restorations, and/or veneers next to crowns.