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Do's and Don'ts of Porcelain Laminate Veneers

Course Number: 333

Philosophy of Esthetic Dentistry

Recolor: The first option is tooth whitening.

Reposition: The second option is orthodontic repositioning.

Recontour: The third option is to recontour teeth and equilibrate.

Restore: Once the above options have been explored, the last option is to restore the teeth with veneers or crowns.

Advantages of veneers include:

  • Minimal tooth preparation required

  • Porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable than composite veneers

  • Alternative to full coverage restoration in case of incisal fractures or tooth discoloration

  • Color stability

Disadvantages of veneers include:

  • Potential for over-contouring

  • Requires laboratory procedures

  • Porcelain enamel margins may be thin and difficult to finish

  • Brittle margins

  • Pitting by acidulated fluoride treatment

  • Cannot be repaired easily

  • Can sometimes be difficult to temporize

  • Color cannot be altered substantially after placement

  • Placement is difficult and time-consuming