Extended porcelain veneers in the maxillary anterior region. A retrospective study with an up to 27-year follow-up

Aim: The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term results, including technical and biologic outcomes, of maxillary extended porcelain veneers with an incisal edge thickness above 2 mm.

Materials and methods: Patients treated with extended porcelain veneers performed by a single clinician at University of Geneva between 1990 and 2003 were identified and invited to an examination. Of the 37 identified patients, 10 patients with 50 veneers agreed to be examined and were included. A clinical examination was performed to assess survival rates as well as technical and biologic outcomes (modified United States Public Health Services criteria). Patient records were also reviewed to retrieve patient and reconstruction data and every complication event. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated using a visual analog scale to measure esthetic satisfaction, functional and phonetic comfort, masticatory improvement, tooth sensitivity, and acceptance of restoration replacement in case of failure. Data were descriptively analyzed, and Kaplan-Meier survival estimators were computed for survival rates and complication events.

Results: The survival rate of the veneers was 96% after a mean follow-up of 20.7 ± 3.7 years in function. The technical complication rate amounted to 30%, including two failures, nine repairable fractures, three cracks, and one displacement due to trauma. No cavitated caries lesions or endodontic complications were registered. PROMs were very high for esthetic satisfaction and phonetic comfort.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present retrospective study, extended porcelain veneers appear to be a successful long-term treatment option in terms of clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.