LONG TERM FUNCTIONAL STABILITY OF CERAMIC VENEERS

Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is long term evaluation according to ADA standard criteria of ceramic adhesively bonded veneers. Material and Methods: One hundred fifty two patients with 283 ceramic veneers were involved in our study. They were divided into two experimental groups and one control group. The pre-treatment of enamel surface of the first experimental group was with 37% phosphoric acid. In the second experimental group, the pre-treatment was provided with laser ablation. The pre-treatment in the control group involved three step adhesive system. Results: After a period of nine years, modified USPHS criteria of the ADA were used to assess the quality of the veneers. We observed one cohesive fracture in ceramics, six marginal discolorations and one loss of marginal adaptation in the first experimental group. We found two marginal discolorations in the second experimental group, one loss of marginal adaptation and one marginal discoloration in the control group. Conclusion: Laser ablation is a minimally invasive method which provides retentive enamel surface and ensures long term functional stability of ceramic veneers.