Color matching with conservative porcelain laminate veneers: a case report

In aesthetic dentistry, porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) have demonstrated excellent clinical behavior in terms of periodontal reaction and durability. Of the ceramic systems presently available for the fabrication of PLVs, among the most commonly used are feldspathic porcelain applied via the traditional powder-slurry method, heat-pressed leucite-reinforced ceramics, and CAD/CAMprocessed ceramics. The success of the PLV is greatly determined by the nature of the bond established between the tooth surface and the PLV. For this purpose, silicon oxide etchable ceramics are generally the most reliable. As their glassy phase is selectively dissolved by the acid and the crystals become exposed, an excellent retentive surface is created. Silicon oxide ceramics can be processed according to the pressed technique. This method enhances strength, homogeneity, and fit. All-ceramic systems (eg, OPC, Pentron Laboratory Technologies, Wallingford, CT; Authentic, Microstar Corporation, Lawrenceville, GA; IPS Empress, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY), are examples of pressed ceramics obtained from evenly dispersed leucite crystals. This article presents the treatment of severely compromised aesthetics in the anterior region using a combination of tooth whitening and contemporary composite and porcelain restorative materials.