Dental Case of the Month – Single Ceramic Veneer Dental Restoration

Single Ceramic Veneer Dental Restoration

This patient’s upper right incisor has been bonded many times over the years since he fractured his tooth as a child. The restorative options presented to the patient were bonded ceramic or composite restorations. Porcelain veneers are made from ceramic materials. Composite is a synthetic resin. The patient chose a ceramic restoration. It is difficult to match a single central incisor (with either material) but it was the best option for this patient, since his remaining teeth are healthy.

Ceramic Veneer Fabricated in the Dental Laboratory

The ceramic restoration was fabricated in the laboratory by Mitchell Nussbaum. Ceramics offer increased strength and better wearability than composite resin restorations. Material selection is based on the greatest longevity and health to the patient and restoration. Small defects in a tooth are often repaired with composite resins which typically need little to no tooth preparation. In general, porcelain veneers have a more natural appearance when compared to composite resins, especially when covering an entire tooth.

Dental Bonding

Both restorative materials are “bonded” to the tooth using the same adhesive materials. Dental bonding is the procedure which “chemically adheres” the porcelain veneer or composite resin to the tooth. An adhesive resin is applied to the tooth after it is etched with a mild acid. The resin is cured with a high intensity light. It bonds the restorative materials to the tooth. The best bond strength is to enamel, although dentin bonding can also be achieved.