Tooth preparation techniques for porcelain laminate veneers

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that two gu ides to tooth preparation had on an operator's ability to appropriately and consistently prepare teeth for porcelain laminate veneers. Study design In-vitro study Materials and methods Thirty typodont central incisor teeth were randomly a llocated into three groups and a general dental practitioner was asked to p repare the teeth for porcelain laminate veneers. Group A were prepared free hand while Groups B and C were prepared with the assistance of a silicone i ndex and depth preparation bur respectively. Images of the prepared teeth w ere used to calculate the mean labial depth of preparation and incisal redu ction of teeth in each group. Results The mean labial reduction for Groups A, B and C was 0.37 mm (SD 0.1 3), 0.62 mm (SD 0.17) and 0.61 mm (SD 0.15) and the mean incisal reduction for Groups A, B and C was 1.0 mm (SD 0.28), 1.0 mm (SD 0.38) and 1.03 mm (S D 0.26) respectively Conclusion It is suggested that consideration be given to the use of a sili cone index or depth gauge bur when teeth are prepared for porcelain laminat e veneers.