Rubber Dam Isolation for Bonding Ceramic Veneers: A Five-Year Post-Insertion Clinical Report

Abstract

It has been well-documented that uncontaminated ground enamel provides the most predictable substrate for the bonding of ceramic veneers, and thus conservative tooth preparation with complete isolation using a rubber dam is key to the long-term success of the restorations presented with five years of follow-up. Rubber dam isolation provides several advantages to the clinician, such as preventing contamination of the working field by saliva, blood, and sulcular fluids, and improving direct visibility. However, it may be a challenge to the younger clinician to properly isolate teeth prior to bonding ceramic veneer. The present case report demonstrated the sequence and some clinical tips for a case in which the rubber dam is placed from a second premolar to the opposite second premolar and held with clamps, the rubber dam is gently invaginated into the sulcus, and clamps are selected and placed on each tooth to create an ideal situation for the adhesion of the ceramic veneer. This step-by-step sequence may help the younger clinician in understanding how to gently manage soft tissue in order to properly provide complete isolation with rubber dam for future bonding of ceramic veneers. Following these methods, the clinician can achieve complete isolation, invaginate the rubber dam in the sulcus without causing tissues to bleed, and reduce the time needed for bonding procedures.