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Fig. 10.8 Types of veneer preparation.
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Fig. 10.9 (a) Teenaged girl with dark, tetracycline discoloration and an enamel
fracture. (b) 5 years' postplacement of composite veneers.
10.2.8 Porcelain veneers
Porcelain has several advantages over composite as a veneering material: its
appearance is superior; it has a better resistance to abrasion; and it is well tolerated by
the gingival tissues. However, it is vital that the porcelain fits exactly and that the film
thickness of the luting cement is kept to a minimum. These luting cements are only
moderately filled composite resins and they absorb water, hydrolyse, and stain. This
coupled with the apical migration of the gingival margin in young patients can result
in an unacceptable aesthetic appearance in a relatively short time.
Instruction in standard porcelain veneer preparation is covered in restorative dentistry
textbooks. If there are occasions when they are used at an earlier age then the same