Tooth Preparation for Porcelain Laminate Veneers

Relative to crowns, porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) are a conservative treatment option to improve anterior aesthetics and have a long history of documented success. The preparation for PLVs should be based on the final smile design, with the shade and position of the margin of the restorations being taken into consideration. All efforts should be made to contain the preparation within enamel, as this provides opportunity for a reliable and durable bond between restoration and remaining tooth tissue. The preparation of the labial contour of anterior teeth needs to be addressed in three planes: incisal, middle third and cervical. An overlap or bevel design is often used due to the advantages created by a positive seat during cementation. Bonding veneers onto a composite restoration increases the risk of failure, when the preparation margin is on an existing filling. Using a silicone index prepared from the diagnostic wax-up may assist in assessing the amount of reduction.