Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the satisfaction of p
atients with respect to the aesthetics of veneer restorations (VRs) an
d to identify potential factors influencing their satisfaction. Materi
als and Methods: One hundred and eighty VRs of three different types (
direct composite, indirect composite and porcelain) were placed on ant
erior teeth. Patients were asked to fill in questionnaires at baseline
and at one-and two-year recalls. Results: At baseline the overall sat
isfaction was 76%, after two years this was 78%. The variable 'type of
VR' was the only factor measured that had a significant influence on
the satisfaction of the patient. At the two-year evaluation patients w
ith porcelain VRs were more satisfied than those with direct composite
VRs (P<0.05). Conclusions: From the results of this study it is concl
uded that differences in clinical procedures had no effect on satisfac
tion. Also the number of VRs had not influenced the level of satisfact
ion. After two years a significant difference was observed for the var
iable 'type of VR', with the best results for porcelain. (C) 1997 Else
vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.