Is composite repair suitable for anterior restorations? A long-term practice-based clinical study

Objectives

This study investigated the impact in survival, when repair is seen as failure or not, in anterior composite restorations with a retrospective 15-year follow-up study.

Materials and methods

Data was collected from patients’ files of a private dental practice, including patients with direct composite restorations placed in anterior teeth (class III, class IV, or veneer) between January 1994 and December 2009. Data were analyzed considering or not repair as failure. Statistical analysis was performed with log rank test, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox regression (p < .05).

Results

One hundred forty-four patients’ files were included, with 634 restorations. At 15 years, Class III / IV restorations showed 69% survival and 2.4% annual failure rate (AFR) when repair was not considered as failure, and 64% and 2.9% AFR, respectively, when repair was seen as failure. For direct veneers, at 5 and 10 years of follow-up, survival dropped from 85% to 74% and from 52% to 38% respectively, when repair was considered as failure. In general, restorations placed in the upper jaw showed increased risk for failure compared to the lower jaw (p < .01), and restorations in central incisors presented a higher risk for failure compared to canines (p < .01).

Conclusion

Composite repair seems a suitable alternative for class III, class IV, and veneer restorations since it was able to increase the survival of restorations performed in anterior teeth.

Clinical relevance

Composite repair for anterior restorations is a suitable restorative treatment option and presents benefits over replacement, including the preservation of sound tooth structures, reduced clinical chair time, and patient anxiety.

     

Five year clinical outcomes and survival of chairside CAD/CAM ceramic laminate veneers — a retrospective study

Purpose

The aim of this clinical study was to compare the survival, modified California Dental Association (CDA) criteria, and periodontal parameters of laminate veneers made with Empress CAD and emax CAD over 60 months.

Randomized controlled trial on the performance of direct and indirect composite restorations in patients with severe tooth wear

ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate survival and failure behavior of Direct Composite Restorations (DRC) and Indirect Composite Restorations (ICR) on molars and anterior teeth, in a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).MethodsPatients with generalized severe tooth wear were included, and randomly assigned to one of 2 protocols: (1) DCR: All teeth were restored with directly applied micro-hybrid composite restorations (Clearfil AP-X, Kuraray) for load bearing areas and nano-hybrid composite restorations (IPS Empress Direct, Ivoclar Vivadent) for buccal veneers; (2) ICR: First molars were restored with indirect composite ‘tabletop’ restorations and maxillary anterior teeth were restored with indirect palatal veneer restorations (Clearfil Estenia C&B, cemented with Panavia F, Kuraray). Remaining teeth were restored directly. Restorations were evaluated after 3 years, focusing on clinical acceptability. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier curves, Annual Failure Rates (AFRs), and univariate Cox regression analyses (p < 0.05).Results41 patients (age: 36.6 ± 6.6y) were evaluated after 3 years (40.0 ± 2.2 m). 408 restorations on first molars and palatal veneers on maxillary anterior teeth were part of this RCT, with 220 DCRs and 188 ICRs. No differences in survival between treatment modality for palatal veneers for any failure criteria were found. Tabletop restorations on first molars showed a considerable higher failure rate for ICR compared to DCR (p = 0.026, HR: 3.37, 95%CI = 1.16–9.81).SignificanceIn this RCT, directly applied composite restorations showed superior behavior compared to the indirect composite restorations, when used in the molar region.     

Clinical survival and performance of premolars restored with direct or indirect cusp-replacing resin composite restorations with a mean follow-up of 14 years

ObjectivesThe objective is to evaluate the long-term clinical survival and performance of direct and indirect resin composite restorations replacing cusps in vital upper premolars.MethodsBetween 2001 and 2007, 176 upper premolars in 157 patients were restored with 92 direct and 84 indirect resin composite restorations as part of an RCT. Inclusion criteria were fracture of the buccal or palatal cusp of vital upper premolars along with a class II cavity or restoration in the same tooth.ResultsForty patients having 23 direct and 22 indirect composite restorations respectively, were lost to follow-up (25.6%). The cumulative Kaplan-Meier survival rates were 63.6% (mean observation time: 15.3 years, SE 5.6%) with an AFR of 2.4% for direct restorations and 54.5% (mean observation time: 13.9 years, SE: 6.4%) with an AFR of 3.3% for indirect restorations. The Cox regression analysis revealed a statistically significant influence of the patient’s age at placement on the survival of the restoration (HR 1.036, p = 0.024), the variables gender, type of upper premolar, type of restoration, and which cusp involved in the restoration had no statistically significant influence. Direct composite restorations failed predominantly due to tooth fracture, indirect restorations primarily by adhesive failure (p < 0.05).SignificanceThere was no statistically significant difference in survival rates between direct and indirect composite cusp-replacing restorations. Both direct and indirect resin composite cusp-replacing restorations are suitable options to restore compromised premolars. The longer treatment time and higher costs for the indirect restoration argue in favor of the direct technique.     

Performance of ceramic laminate veneers with immediate dentine sealing: An 11 year prospective clinical trial

ObjectiveIn this prospective clinical trial the survival, success rate and patient satisfaction of ceramic laminate veneers with special interest on existing restorations, immediate dentin sealing and endodontically treated teeth was evaluated.MethodsA total of 104 patients (mean age: 42.1 years old) received 384 feldspathic ceramic laminate veneers on maxillary anterior teeth. Veneer preparations with incisal overlap were performed using a mock up technique. Existing resin composite restorations of acceptable quality were not removed but conditioned using silica coating and silanization. Immediate dentin sealing (IDS) was applied when more than 50% of dentin was exposed during preparation. Endodontically treated teeth were not excluded. After adhesive cementation, restorations were evaluated by calibrated evaluators at baseline and final follow-up using modified USPHS criteria.Results225 Laminate veneers were bonded onto teeth without existing restorations, 159 on teeth with pre-existing resin composite restorations, 87 to teeth with more than 50% of exposed dentin surface and 43 to endodontically-treated teeth. In total, 19 failures were observed in form of debonding (n = 3), fracture (n = 15) and extraction due to endodontic complications (n = 1). In teeth with more than 50% of dentin exposure, a significant increase in survival rate was observed when IDS was used (96.4% versus 81.8%). No significant difference was found between teeth with and without pre-existing composite resin restorations (84.6% versus 95.5%) or between vital and non-vital teeth (95.6% versus 88.1%). Laminate veneers luted to endontically-treated teeth had a significant mis-match in color compared to vital teeth. Patients who smoked presented with significantly more marginal discoloration, but no intervention was needed. Patients scored favorably values on the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire and were generally satisfied with the treatment. In this clinical trial, the ceramic laminate veneers had a relatively high survival rate.SignificanceTeeth with more than 50% of dentin exposure significantly benefit from IDS. Pre-existing restorations or endodontic treatments do not have an effect on the survival rate of ceramic laminate veneers. However, smoking habits and previous endodontic treatments negatively affect the success rate due to color changes.Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03645551     

Effect of immediate dentin sealing on load-bearing capacity under accelerated fatigue of thin occlusal veneers made of CAD-CAM glass-ceramic and resin composite material

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the influence of immediate dentin sealing (IDS) on the fatigue behavior of laminate occlusal veneers fabricated with CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramic and resin composite.MethodsForty sound human molars were prepared and randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10): RC–IDS+ (IDS and resin composite occlusal laminate veneer); RC–IDS- (resin composite occlusal laminate veneer without IDS); LD–IDS+ (IDS and lithium disilicate laminate veneer); LD–IDS- (lithium disilicate occlusal laminate veneer without IDS). The restorations were obtained using a digital workflow. After surface conditioning and bonding, thermocycling and accelerated fatigue tests (20 Hz, 5000 cycles with an initial load of 300 N, step-size of 100 N for 10,000 cycles, up to 1000 N, and then a step-size of 50 N until failure) were conducted. Fatigue data were recorded for both outcomes (crack or fracture) and statistically analyzed. Fractographic and adhesive interface analysis were conducted.ResultsThe indirect resin composite groups showed better fatigue behavior compared to lithium disilicate. IDS only had a positive effect for the survival of resin composite restorations for the ‘fracture’ outcome. Evident presence of micro-gaps at the adhesive interface in the LD–IDS- group could be noted.SignificanceImmediate dentin sealing improved fatigue resistance behavior of resin composite occlusal veneers. However, this effect was not observed in lithium disilicate veneers.     

Influence of the preparation design on the survival probability of occlusal veneers

ObjectivesThe fracture resistance of ultrathin computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) occlusal veneers with different preparation designs was investigated under cycling mechanical loading and via finite element analysis (FEA).MethodsEighty molars were prepared with a circular enamel ring until complete exposure of the occlusal dentin occurred. Forty were prepared via additional circular chamfer preparation. The teeth were restored with 0.5 mm-thick occlusal veneers. Each group received a CAD/CAM fabricated occlusal veneer with a low modulus of elasticity (composite, CeraSmart) and a high modulus of elasticity material (ceramic, Celtra Duo). The restorations were adhesively luted and underwent 2000 thermocycling cycles. The samples were loaded at 50 N under 1,000,000 cycles in a chewing simulator and were checked for failure after various cycles. A visible crack was defined as failure, and the Kaplan-Meier survival rate was used for data analysis.One sample per group was digitized using microcomputed tomography, and FEA was performed using open-source software. The comparative stresses were analyzed for specimens with and without chamfer preparation.ResultsThe survival probabilities were 60% for occlusal ceramic veneers without preparation and 40% for veneers with chamfer preparation, with no statistically significant differences. Composite veneers achieved 95% survival probability regardless of the preparation method.The main principal stress in ceramic restoration was visualized via FEA. In composite veneers, stress was also visible in the luting composite and dentin.SignificanceThe preparation method had no influence on mechanical fatigue. Minimally invasive preparation can be recommended. The restoration material is crucial for survival.     

A prospective,multi-center,practice-based cohort study on all-ceramic crowns

ObjectivesThe aim of this prospective, multi-center, practice-based cohort study was to analyze factors associated with the success of all-ceramic crowns.MethodsAll-ceramic crowns placed in a practice-based research network ([Ceramic Success Analysis, AG Keramik) were analyzed. Data from 1254 patients with (mostly in-office CAD/CAM) all-ceramic crowns placed by 101 dentists being followed up for more than 5 years were evaluated. At the last follow-up visit crowns were considered as successful (not failed) if they were sufficient, whereas crowns were considered as survived (not lost) if they were still in function. Multi-level Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between a range of predictors and time of success or survival.ResultsWithin a mean follow-up period (SD) of 7.2(2)years [maximum:15years] 776 crowns were considered successful (annual failure rate[AFR]:8.4%) and 1041 crowns survived (AFR:4.9%). The presence of a post in endodontically treated teeth resulted in a risk for failure 2.7 times lower than that of restorations without a post (95%CI:1.4–5.0;p = 0.002). Regarding the restorative material and adhesive technique, hybrid composite ceramics and single-step adhesives showed a 3.4 and 2.2 times higher failure rate than feldspathic porcelain and multi-step adhesives, respectively (p < 0.001). Use of an oxygen-blocking gel as well as an EVA instrument resulted in a 1.5–1.8 times higher failure rate than their non-use (p ≤ 0.001).SignificanceAfter up to 15years AFR were rather high for all-ceramic crowns. Operative factors, but no patient- or tooth-level factors were significantly associated with failure.The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00020271).     

Estimation of stress distribution and risk of failure for maxillary premolar restored by occlusal veneer with different CAD/CAM materials and preparation designs

Objectives

To compare stress distribution and failure probability in maxillary premolars restored by simple occlusal veneer (SOV) and buccal-occlusal veneer (BOV) with 3 different CAD/CAM materials.

Materials and methods

A maxillary premolar was digitized by a micro-CT scanner. Three-dimensional dynamic scan data were transformed, and finite element models of 2 different models (SOV and BOV restored teeth) were designed. Three different CAD/CAM materials, including lithium disilicate glass ceramic (LD) IPS e.max CAD, polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) Vita Enamic, and resin nano-ceramic (RNC) Lava Ultimate, were designated to both veneers. Maximum principle stresses were determined by applying a 300-N axial load to the occlusal surface. Weibull analyses were performed to calculate the failure probability of the models.

Results

LD-restored teeth showed the highest stress in the veneer, lowest stress in substrate teeth, and lowest failure probability for the overall system; RNC-restored teeth showed the lowest stress in the veneer, highest stress in substrate teeth, and highest failure probability. No significant differences were found in the cement layer among the different models. No significant differences of stress and failure probability existed between SOV and BOV preparations.

Conclusions

CAD/CAM composite resin occlusal veneers bear lower maximum stress than ceramic veneers. Teeth restored by composite veneers are more prone to failure than those restored by ceramic veneers. Additional reduction of the buccal surface did not increase the stress on the occlusal veneer under axial load.

Clinical relevance

Both occlusal veneers could be used under physiological masticatory force. CAD/CAM glass ceramic was safer than composite resins.

     

Porcelain laminate veneers: Clinical survey for evaluation of failure

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of the failure of porcelain laminate veneers with factors related to the patient, material, and operator.MethodsThis clinical survey involved 29 patients (19 women and 10 men) and their dentists, including undergraduate and postgraduate dental students and dental interns. Two questionnaires were distributed to collect information from participants. All patients were clinically examined. Criteria for failure of the porcelain laminate veneers included color change, cracking, fracture, and/or debonding.ResultsA total of 205 porcelain laminate veneers were evaluated. All of the restorations were fabricated from IPS e.max Press and cemented with Variolink Veneer (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Principality of Liechtenstein) or RelyX veneer cement (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). The preparations were generally located in enamel (58.6%), and most veneers had an overlapped design (89.7%). Ten patients (34.48%) showed veneer failure, most often in terms of color change (60%). Overall, 82.8% of patients were satisfied with their restorations.ConclusionInsufficient clinical skills or operator experience resulted in restoration failure in one-third of patients.     

Long term clinical performance of ‘open sandwich’ and ‘total-etch’ Class II composite resin restorations showing proximal deterioration of glass-ionomer cement

ObjectivesTo compare clinical performance of resin composite posterior Class-II restorations placed with etch-and-rinse adhesive or open sandwich technique using glass-ionomer cement.MethodsData on Class II restorations placed by one dentist between 1990 and 2016 were collected from patient files, including caries risk, tooth related variables, applied materials and dates of last check-up visit and restoration placement.Open sandwich restorations were placed before 2001, while after 2001, a total-etch technique using etch-and-rinse 3-step adhesive was used when placing a Class II composite restoration. For statistical analysis, Kaplan-Meier statistics and a multilevel Cox-Regression was conducted (p < 0.05). Annual Failures Rates (AFR) were calculated.Results675 Class II restorations were placed in 91 patients, 491 total-etch restorations (observation time 2–18 y), and 184 open sandwich restorations (observation time 19–29 y) showing AFRs at 15 years as 2.9 % for total-etch and 9.7 % for open sandwich restorations.Secondary caries as failure was equally distributed among the 2 groups and 27 % of the failures in the open sandwich group were due to proximal deterioration of glass-ionomer cement. The Cox-regression showed a significant higher risk for failure for the open sandwich technique compared to total-etch class-II composite restorations (HR = 2.9; p < 0.001).SignificanceApplication of glass-ionomer cement using the open sandwich technique cannot be recommended for class-II restorations as being more complex and showing poorer clinical performance.     

Retrospective clinical evaluation of a no-prep porcelain veneer protocol

Statement of problemPorcelain laminate veneers without tooth preparation (no-prep veneers) might represent a convenient and conservative option for the esthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth. However, controversy exists about their predictability.PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to retrospectively evaluate the performance of no-prep porcelain veneers placed as per the recently proposed “CH no-prep” protocol, which claimed to overcome many of the drawbacks of previous no-prep veneer solutions.Material and methodsOne hundred eight no-prep porcelain laminate veneers based on the CH no-prep protocol were placed in 21 patients between 2015 and 2017. All participants were contacted, and 15 received a recall examination: a total of 78 veneers were evaluated as per the Clinical-Photographic-Micromorphologic coding. Plaque and gingival indexes and any increase in gingival recession were recorded. Pulp vitality was verified. A survival rate based on the count of absolute failures and a success rate summarizing the effect of both absolute and relative failures were calculated.ResultsThe mean observation period was 43.1 months, with an observation interval of 36 to 60 months and a survival rate of 97.4%. From the 5 relative failures (3 minimal fractures or chips and 2 limited marginal discolorations) and the 2 absolute failures (unrepairable fractures), an overall success rate of 91.0% was recorded, with 71 restorations that were judged excellent in terms of clinical acceptance after the recall examination. From the Clinical-Photographic-Micromorphologic evaluation, 5 restorations (6.4%) showed minimal issues for marginal integrity, while a limited porcelain overhang was identified on 2 restorations (2.8%). Micromorphologic analyses confirmed the clinical evaluations. No periodontal recession was observed, and plaque and gingival indexes appeared stable.ConclusionsPorcelain laminate veneers placed as per the CH no-prep protocol demonstrated excellent performances after 36 to 60 months of clinical service. The achieved outcomes, in terms of color match and overall esthetic and anatomic integration, confirmed that a prepless approach may be safely adopted provided that strict rules for patient selection and finish line placement are adopted.     

烤瓷贴面和计算机辅助设计与计算机辅助制作瓷贴面的应用效果比较

目的通过对烤瓷贴面和计算机辅助设计（computer aided design，CAD）与计算机辅助制作（computer aided manufacture，CAM）瓷贴面修复3年后的临床观察和比较，评价CAD—CAM瓷贴面的临床效果。方法选取23例患者制作CAD—CAM瓷贴面65个，25例患者制作烤瓷贴面105个。修复3年后采用改良加利弗尼亚牙科协会一瑞格标准对两种贴面的各项临床指标、存留率及患者满意度进行比较分析。结果烤瓷贴面和CAD—CAM瓷贴面3年存留率分别为96．2％和93．8％；患者满意度分别为92．4％和90．8％。两种贴面在颜色匹配、边缘着色、边缘适合性方面差异无统计学意义。CAD—CAM瓷贴面表面质地优于烤瓷贴面。结论CAD—CAM瓷贴面是一种成功的修复方式。     

离体下颌前磨牙预备状况与贴面抗折性的关系

目的:旨在比较下颌前磨牙牙体预备和不预备后制备全瓷贴面和复合树脂贴面的抗折力。方法:40个新鲜离体下颌前磨牙随机分为4组(n=10):NPR组(牙体不预备直接0.2 mm厚树脂贴面修复);NPC组(牙体不预备直接0.2 mm厚铸瓷贴面修复);P2C组(牙体预备0.2 mm,修复0.2 mm厚铸瓷贴面);P5C组(牙体预备0.5 mm,修复0.5 mm厚铸瓷贴面),预备面均包绕颊侧延伸颌面1 mm。所有试件常规粘接后进行冷热循环实验(10000次/5~55℃),在万能材料试验机下进行抗折测试(2 KN,0.5 mm/min),断裂面放大10倍分析,数据方差检验。结果:各组抗折力均值分别为:NPR=(690.33±233),NPC=(790.52±408),P2C=(1131.34±341),P5C=(983.56±202)。所有组均有统计学差异(P<0.05),NPR、NPC组抗折力均小于P2C,然后P5C组抗折力与其余各组差距不明显。断裂分析显示断裂面呈现混合断裂(60%),内聚断裂(20%),根裂(15%),粘接断裂(5%)。结论:微量(0.2 mm)的前磨牙牙体预备后修复全瓷贴面可获得最大抗折力,当预备超过0.5 mm时可能会发生牙体折裂。     

Fatigue resistance of simplified CAD–CAM restorations: Foundation material and ceramic thickness effects on the fatigue behavior of partially- and fully-stabilized zirconia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the fatigue failure load, number of cycles until failure and survival probability of partially (PSZ) and fully-stabilized (FSZ) polycrystalline zirconia disc shaped specimens with different thicknesses adhesively cemented onto foundations with distinct elastic moduli.MethodsDisc-shaped specimens (n = 15, Ø = 10 mm; thickness = 1.0 and 0.7 mm) of CAD/CAM PSZ and FSZ blocks were adhesively cemented onto discs with different foundations (Ø = 10 mm; thickness = 2.0 mm) made from epoxy resin, composite resin or Ni–Cr metallic alloy. The cemented assemblies were subjected to fatigue testing using a step-stress approach (600?2800 N; step-size of 100 N; 10,000 cycles per step; 20 Hz) and the data was submitted to specific statistical tests (α = 0.05). Fractography and finite element (FEA) analyzes were also performed.ResultsPSZ and FSZ presented higher fatigue failure load, number of cycles until failure and survival probabilities when cemented onto metallic alloy. All PSZ specimens survived the fatigue test when cemented onto Ni–Cr alloy (100% probability of survival at 2800 N; 230,000 cycles). Regardless of the foundation type, PSZ had better fatigue behavior than FSZ. For thickness, thinner PSZ restorations underperformed when bonded to softer foundations, while FSZ groups and groups bonded to metallic foundations had no statistical difference.SignificanceThe foundation material strongly influences the fatigue performance of PSZ and FSZ restorations, which presented mechanical behavior improvements when bonded to a metallic foundation. PSZ restorations showed better fatigue behavior than FSZ, while the ceramic thickness only influenced PSZ restorations bonded to softer foundations.     

Clinical performance of posterior resin composite restorations after up to 33 years

ObjectivesThis retrospective study evaluated the performance of posterior composites after up to 33 years of clinical service and investigated factors associated with the risk of failures over time including patient- and tooth-related variables.MethodsPatients who received at least one Class I or Class II direct composite restoration in a private office in 1986–1992 and had follow-up appointments were included. Failures and interventions over time were investigated using the dental records. A follow-up clinical recall was carried out in 2020. Two scenarios were considered: restorations that did not require any intervention (success) or restorations that were repaired and still functional (survival). Multivariate Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier curves were performed using success and survival rates (p < 0.05).ResultsOne hundred patient records and 683 restorations were included. A total of 353 failures were reported (success rate= 48%). Main reasons for failure were fracture and secondary caries. Most interventions after failures were repairs. Replacements were registered in 183 cases (survival rate= 73%). Annual failure rates were below 2.5% (success) and 1.1% (survival). Larger restorations and maxillary molars had higher failure risks. No significant differences in success rates among different resin composites was observed. A typical observation in this sample of restorations was the presence of moderate to advanced signs of aging, including marginal and surface staining, wear, chipping, changes in anatomical shape and translucency. Clearly aged restorations were still clinically satisfactory. Significance: This long-term, practice-based study indicates that resin composites can be used to restore posterior teeth with a long-lasting durability.     

Longevity of composite restorations is definitely not only about materials

ObjectivesThis review study provides an overview of factors that influence the longevity of all types of direct resin composite restorations.MethodsA systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for articles reporting data from primary longitudinal clinical studies on composite longevity published 2011–2021. Prospective or retrospective studies with restorations in permanent dentition, with follow-up periods of at least 5 years were included.ResultsIn total, 33 articles were included with different study designs, practice settings, datasets, countries of origin, and sample sizes. Annual failure rates of restorations ranged from 0.08% to 6.3%. Survival rates varied between 23% and 97.7%, success rates varied between 43.4% and 98.7%. Secondary caries, fractures, and esthetic compromise were main reasons for failures. Risk factors for reduced restoration durability included patient-level factors (e.g., caries risk, parafunctional habits, number of check-ups per year, socioeconomic status), dentist factors (different operators, operator’s experience), and tooth/restoration factors (endodontic treatment, type of tooth, number of restored surfaces). Patient gender and the composite used generally did not influence durability.SignificanceA number of risk factors are involved in the longevity of composite restorations. Differences between composites play a minor role in durability, assuming that materials and techniques are properly applied by dentists. Patient factors play a major role in longevity. The decision-making process implemented by dentists relative to the diagnosis of aging or failed restorations may also affect the longevity of restorations. Clinicians should treat patients comprehensively and promote a healthy lifestyle to ensure longevity.     

Composite laminate veneers: a clinical study

A 2-year clinical trial of a composite laminate veneer system for masking discoloration or hypoplasia on the anterior teeth of patients has been undertaken. Three hundred and twenty restorations were placed in seventy-nine patients, of these 273 restorations in sixty-eight patients have been followed over a 2-year period. The technique produced an acceptable improvement in the aesthetics of the patients in the trial. However, the veneers were susceptible to chipping (52% of lateral incisor veneers and 79% of central incisor and canine veneers showed some evidence of material loss after 2 years) and marginal staining (75% of veneers showed some evidence of marginal staining after 2 years) during function. The veneer restorations had a deleterious affect upon the gingival health of the teeth on which they were placed.