Replacing failed composite resin veneers with ceramic veneers: a case report

Currently, esthetics is an important reason for a patient to seek dental treatment. Based on the previous reports, more than half of the patients are dissatisfied with the general appearance of their teeth.1,2 Several factors affect the dental esthetics, such as the tooth color, shape, quality of the restorations, and arrangement of the dentition, especially the anterior teeth.3 Unesthetic anterior teeth could be treated by tooth bleaching, microabrasion, and composite resin restorations or ceramic veneers, depending upon the severity of the case. The direct composite resin veneers are applied to the teeth in a single visit, cost less and easier to repair in comparison to the ceramic veneers. However, they are prone to staining and shrinkage that may cause postoperative complications such as microleakage.4 Although debonding, chipping of the ceramic veneers, and difficulty to repair are the major failures of ceramic veneers,5,6 they are considered to be one of the most common treatment options; this is due to their excellent esthetics, smooth surface finish, and the stability of the color and contour of the restoration.7,8 Moreover, they are known to provide predictable, stable, and satisfactory results for both the patient and the dentist.9