EFFECT OF USING Er: YAG LASER TOOTH PREPARATION ON MICROLEAKAGE OF PORCELAIN LAMINATE VENEERS

Abstract

The Er: YAG laser was proven to successfully ablate enamel. This study was aimed to investigate the applicability of using this laser in preparing the enamel surface for porcelain laminate veneering in comparison with the high speed handpiece regarding the fracture strength loading of the veneers. Twenty human maxillary central incisors extracted were selected. They were divided into two equal groups [group I and group II], group I: High speed handpiece prepared specimens and group II: Er: YAG laser prepared specimens for measuring microleakage by a binocular stereomicroscope. The results of the microleakage assessment showed significant difference in the microleakage scores at the incisal margins of [Gr. I (group I)] the high speed handpiece compared to [Gr. II (group II)] the Er: YAG laser and significance comparing the microleakage scores at the cervical margins of both groups (Gr. I) and (Gr. II). Also, there were significant differences comparing incisal to those at the cervical margins of (Gr. I) the high speed handpiece, while in (Gr. II) the Er:YAG laser group, a marked significant difference were found between the microleakage scores at the incisal margins compared to the cervical margins. Conclusion: The difference in microleakage assessment between laser and the high speed hand piece specimens was significant and affect the longevity of the porcelain laminate veneers