Dentistry

Keywords

1. Laminate Veneers
2. Porcelain Veneers
3. Dental Veneers Survival Rate
4. Adhesive Dentistry Techniques
5. Prosthodontic Research Findings

The dental industry is consistently advancing with new research and developments that aim to enhance oral health care and offer patients aesthetically pleasing and durable solutions for their dental issues. Among the many available options, laminate veneers (LVs) have gained immense popularity due to their ability to transform smiles and the long-term value they provide. As this dental solution becomes increasingly prevalent, a narrative review recently published in the Journal of Prosthodontic Research has shed light on the clinical performance of laminate veneers, citing the survival and success rates of this treatment. The study, led by renowned researchers Futoshi Komine, Mika Furuchi, Junichi Honda, Kei Kubochi, and Hiroki Takata from the Nihon University School of Dentistry in Tokyo, dives deep into a wealth of literature to offer definitive insights on the efficiency and reliability of various LV materials and methodologies.

The research team conducted an extensive electronic search through databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, covering literature from 2000 to April 2023. The search targeted studies using keywords such as “laminate,” “veneer,” “porcelain,” “feldspathic,” “lithium disilicate,” “composite resin,” “zirconia,” “survival,” and “success.” Out of the various studies identified, only 55 met the strict criteria set forth for inclusion in the review, focusing on eliminating case reports, case series, reviews, abstracts, in vitro studies, and observational studies to filter for the highest-quality research.

The review highlights that none of the studies evaluated pertained to zirconia LVs. The remaining studies examined laminate veneers composed of materials like feldspathic porcelain, leucite-reinforced glass ceramics (LRG), and lithium disilicate ceramics (LDS), all of which demonstrated satisfactory results in terms of survival and success rates.

One of the critical factors underlined by the review was the surface treatment of ceramic LVs. The researchers emphasize that treating ceramic LVs with hydrofluoric acid etching followed by silane priming is necessary for improving their clinical outcomes. This combination has been shown to be a quintessential step in ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the veneers.

Additionally, the extent of dentin exposure during tooth preparation was found to significantly impact the success rate of ceramic LVs. This suggests that minimizing or thoroughly sealing dentin exposure is vital for achieving a dependable and long-lasting bond between LVs and abutment teeth. It further underscores the importance of executing an appropriate adhesive luting process, which is recognized as a cornerstone for the long-term success of ceramic LVs.

Based on the data synthesized from the reviewed literature, the authors recommended utilizing silica-based ceramic materials such as feldspathic porcelain, LRG, and LDS for laminate veneers. These materials, owing to their intrinsic properties and surface treatment compatibility, provide a promising combination of aesthetic enhancement and functional resilience.

The study, meticulously documented under the DOI 10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_23_00151, serves as a testament to the rigorous efforts of researchers in the field of prosthodontics and offers an informative guide for dental practitioners worldwide. It is another step forward toward evidence-based practice that supports patient care by informing on the suitable choice of materials and procedures for laminate veneers.

The research conducted by Futoshi Komine and colleagues is not only an asset for the clinical community but also holds significant value for patients considering LVs for their dental care. The confirmation of high survival and success rates associated with certain materials and adherence to meticulous application methods can result in long-lasting smiles and sustained oral health.

References

1. Komine F, Furuchi M, Honda J, Kubochi K, Takata H. Clinical performance of laminate veneers: A review of the literature. J Prosthodont Res. 2024 Jan 12. DOI: 10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_23_00151.
2. Peumans M, Van Meerbeek B, Lambrechts P, Vanherle G. Porcelain veneers: a review of the literature. J Dent. 2000 Mar;28(3):163-77. DOI: 10.1016/s0300-5712(99)00066-4.
3. Guess PC, Zavanelli RA, Silva NR, Bonfante EA, Coelho PG, Thompson VP. Monolithic CAD/CAM lithium disilicate versus veneered Y-TZP crowns: comparison of failure modes and reliability after fatigue. Int J Prosthodont. 2010 Sep-Oct;23(5):434-42.
4. Christensen GJ. Veneer longevity: what’s proven, what’s not. J Am Dent Assoc. 2007 Jan;138(1):34-5. DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.2007.0024.
5. Gurel G, Morimoto S, Calamita MA, Coachman C, Sesma N. Clinical performance of porcelain laminate veneers: outcomes of the aesthetic pre-evaluative temporary (APT) technique. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2012 Feb;32(1):e51-9.

Finally, the cumulative knowledge provided by this review and similar studies encourages a collaborative approach where dental practitioners and researchers work in tandem to refine existing dental restoration techniques. As the field of dental science continues to evolve, professionals continually seek the balance between aesthetic demands and the structural integrity of dental restorations. The evidence-based practice informed by studies like this one plays an instrumental role in guiding these efforts, ensuring that patients receive not only stunning smiles but also restorations that stand the test of time.