Laminate veneer provisional restorations: A clinical report

Abstract

T h e popularity of porcelain laminate veneers has increased since their introduction in the early 1980s for two reasons: a conservative tooth preparation and impressive esthetics with the ultrathin porcelain laminate veneers retained with resinous cement. 1,2 The laminate veneers can be used to restore stained, fractured, or malformed and malpositioned teeth. 3,4 Reduced chair time, increased patient compliance, economic feasibility, minireal discomfort or sensitivity after treatment, and esthetics have all contributed to their increased use. >a,s Glazed porcelain is a biocompatible and esthetic dental restorative material and the material of choice for laminate veneers. The porcelain etching technique with bonding to a composite cement has been confirmed as an acceptable treatment. 2&6 Some dentists routinely place provisional restorations, whereas others do not, mainly because of time constraints or concern about the durability o f the interim restorations. 7 The need for provisional coverage can be justified because of the patient's appearance and occlusion. Provisional restorations may be required to prevent drifting of the prepared teeth and the extrusion o f teeth in the opposing arch. ~,8 Patients with high expectations may not be as willing to tolerate the appearance o f the anterior dentit ion without provisionalization. Various procedures are available to facilitate short-term biologically acceptable interim restorations. Direct and indirect venee r t e c h n i q u e s have been desc r ibed ; t hey use autopolymerizing acrylic resin, 9 visible l ight-curing resin, ~° and composites2 ~ This clinical report describes a technique for provisional restoration that uses a clear plastic vacuform matrix or putty matrix system and a preformed polycarbonate crown. The technique is less time consuming and expensive and has a more esthetic result than other techniques do.