Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to analyze and compare the most up-to-date information
available on long-term, medium-term, and short-term survival rates of porcelain laminate
veneers (PLVs) and investigate the homogeneity in current studies or lack of it. An
electronic search was performed using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web
of Science, EBSCO, Science Direct, Wiley, and Scopus databases. Based on the PRISMA
guidelines, the main inclusion criteria consisted of research articles published after
the year 2000, in vivo studies with a follow-up period of at least 1 year and reporting of the Kaplan–Meier
estimated cumulative survival rates. Quality assessment of the included studies was
performed using the modified systematic assessment list consisting of 24 items. Thirty
full-text articles were reviewed in detail. A total of 30 articles met the inclusion
criteria and were selected for qualitative synthesis. The remaining 27 publications
were retained to discuss the heterogeneity in the current literature and reported
longevity of veneer restorations. A conclusive estimation of the longevity of PLVS
beyond 20 years is lacking. The availability of evidence in the current literature
is limited in terms of sample size and duration of follow-up. However, the majority
of studies have concluded that PLVs have high-success rates and predictable patient
outcomes. The present literature indicates an increased heterogeneity among research
study designs. Researchers should aim for homogeneous study designs that can be included
in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Keywords
porcelain laminate veneers - longevity - follow-up - failure - ceramic - restorations
- homogeneity
