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