Provisionalization for ceramic laminate veneer restorations: a clinical update

At the inception of ceramic veneer restorations in the early 1980s, provisional veneer restorations were not customarily placed over teeth which had undergone tooth reduction. During the last several years, provisional veneer restorations have been utilized with increased frequency for a variety of valid reasons. The learning objective of this article is to examine the reasons for the increased utilization of provisional veneer restorations and to describe a selection of the clinical methods employed for direct and indirect fabrication. The indications and contraindications for provisionalization are presented. Four case reports are utilized to describe and illustrate the various clinical circumstances, the provisionalization procedures, the appropriate instruments, and the materials that facilitate the fabrication of aesthetic, functionally sound, and biocompatible provisional restorations.