Tooth preparation techniques for porcelain laminate veneers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that two guides to tooth preparation had on an operator's ability to appropriately and consistently prepare teeth for porcelain laminate veneers. STUDY DESIGN: In-vitro study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty typodont central incisor teeth were randomly allocated into three groups and a general dental practitioner was asked to prepare the teeth for porcelain laminate veneers. Group A were prepared freehand while Groups B and C were prepared with the assistance of a silicone index and depth preparation bur respectively. Images of the prepared teeth were used to calculate the mean labial depth of preparation and incisal reduction of teeth in each group. RESULTS: The mean labial reduction for Groups A, B and C was 0.37 mm (SD 0.13), 0.62 mm (SD 0.17) and 0.61 mm (SD 0.15) and the mean incisal reduction for Groups A, B and C was 1.0 mm (SD 0.28), 1.0 mm (SD 0.38) and 1.03 mm (SD 0.26) respectively. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that consideration be given to the use of a silicone index or depth gauge bur when teeth are prepared for porcelain laminate veneers.