Keywords
lithium disilicate veneers - esthetical proportions - worn teeth
Introduction
Veneers can be made of different ceramic materials, especially of feldspathic ceramic
and lithium disilicate.[1] Advantages of all-ceramic dental restorations are the high-performing esthetical
results alongside recognized biocompatibility and integration in oral environment
thanks to low solubility of material,[2] reduced plaque accumulation properties,[3] and satisfying marginal fitting.[4]
Lithium disilicate is a glass ceramic with a high concentration of ceramic crystals,
approximately 70% of the substrate.[5] This structure allows to obtain a flexural strength similar to enamel (360–400 MPa)[5] and a biaxial flexural strength three times greater than feldspathic ceramic.[6] Translucency is made possible despite the high concentration of crystals thanks
to their low refractive index.[5] The high translucency helps to achieve natural results also in cervical portion
of restoration where, conventionally with metal-ceramic restorations, a dark shadow
could be visible. Lithium disilicate has a distinctive property, called “Umbrella
Effect” by Magne et al,[7] that allows light to cross the material and be adsorbed in part. This feature provides
lithium disilicate high esthetical properties and makes possible facilitating adhesive
procedures and a more conservative dental preparation.[8]
[9]
[10]
IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent Manufacturing SRL) is a lithium disilicate material that
could be machined with computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15] or simply pressed. Dental practitioners and technicians can choose the most suitable
and proper procedure without undermining biomechanical and esthetical properties.[16]
[17]
Considering the location of restorations, IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent Manufacturing
SRL) can be used as monolithic or multilayered. Restorations are usually monolithic
in posterior rehabilitations because of the lower esthetical requirements, whereas
for the anterior teeth, to reach esthetical goals,[18] the stratification technique is preferred.
Different kinds of IPS e.max core can be chosen to satisfy every single case giving
a large spectrum of colors. With respect to the rehabilitation, tooth’s color,[19] and preparation’s thickness, the operator can choose many lithium disilicate cores.[20]
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of veneers made by
lithium disilicate in anterior teeth with a mean follow-up of 3 years.
The secondary aims were:
-
Assessment of change in proportions (mean percentage ratio) of covered teeth before
and after the restoration’s placement and comparison with the literature.
-
Evaluation of thickness of material in different sites of restorations.
Materials and Methods
Seventy-nine lithium disilicate lower and upper veneers in the anterior area were
performed in 13 patients (6 men and 7 women, aged between 30 and 70 years) from May
2013 to November 2018. Inclusion criteria to be enrolled in the observational study
at baseline were: teeth abrasion and loss of dental tissue in the anterior area, dental
misalignment, diastemata, and teeth discoloration. Provisional posterior rehabilitation
was required before the anterior rehabilitation in all patients. The exclusion criteria
were poor oral hygiene, restrictive dietary habits,[21] parafunctions, active periodontitis, and probing depths more than 4 mm.
Rehabilitations were planned on a dental wax-up, and before teeth preparation, a temporary
mock-up (Tetric EvoFlow; Ivoclar Vivadent Manufacturing SRL) was placed in all patients
to show patient the prospective final result and clinician volume and proportions
of rehabilitation.
Slight chamfer, axial reduction from 0 to 0.8 mm, and incisal reduction from 0 to
1.5 mm were performed.[22] Interproximal contact points were modified during preparation only where Class III
composite restorations, diastemata, or interproximal black triangles were present.[22] Palatal side was prepared in its coronal one-third with 90-degree butt-joint finishing.[23]
[24]
[25] The preparation margin was preferably located over the gum line to make easier taking
the impression and the maintenance of periodontal tissue’s health. Margins were placed
at the gingival crest or slightly into the crevice when the outline preparations required.[22]
Impressions were taken with a simultaneous dual-mix one-step technique (3M Imprint
II Garant Heavy Body and Light Body, 3M ESPE) and the interocclusal relationship was
registered by a silicon index (Occlufast Rock, Zhermack SPA).
All restorations were made of IPS e.max Press (Ivoclar Vivadent Manufacturing SRL)
with a core of lithium disilicate and a superficial stratification using fluorapatite-based
ceramic.
Adhesive cementation was performed for all restorations after isolation of operative
field by a rubber dam. The inner layer of restorations was etched by hydrofluoric
acid 9.6% (ENA etch, Micerium SPA) for 30 seconds and then rinsed and dried. A silane
coupling agent (ESPE Sil–3M ESPE) was applied for a minute onto the inner surfaces,
and then air-dried. A bonding layer was applied on inner veneer surface (Adper Scotchbond
1 XT 3M ESPE). Dental enamel was conditioned with 37% orthophosphoric acid (Total
etch; Ivoclar Vivadent Manufacturing SRL) for 30 seconds, then rinsed and air-dried.
A bonding layer was placed on enamel (Adhese Universal VivaPen, Ivoclar Vivadent Manufacturing
SRL) but not polymerized to avoid incongruous thicknesses on the tooth/restoration
surface. Cementation was performed with Variolink Esthetic DC Refill (Ivoclar Vivadent
Manufacturing SRL) placed on the inner surface of the veneers. The overburden was
removed by a dental probe and floss before the polymerization (30 seconds per side)
and occlusion relationships were carefully checked and stabilized.
[Figs. 1]
[2]
[3] show a representative case of this study. Survival was defined as a restoration
being free of all complications over the entire observation period[26] and was calculated as the ratio between the number of veneers that did not present
complications and the number of total veneers examined. Each complication was considered
as a statistical event, cumulate survival was recorded using Kaplan–Meier analysis.
All evaluations of potential failures were performed by the same operator at 3-month
checks during the observation period, following advices from the literature to detect
chipping, fractures, and other causes of failure.[27]
Fig. 1 Patient’s conditions at baseline.
Fig. 2 Mock-up placement.
Fig. 3 Final restorations cemented and finished.
Proportions of teeth (width/length) were determined before and after restorations
with a digital software elaboration (ImageJ, U.S. National Institutes of Health) of
photographs.
For measurements, the major points of width and length were identified on pictures
of tooth and the distances were measured. The evaluated teeth were upper and lower
canines and incisors ([Fig. 4]).
Fig. 4 Measurement of distances and calculation of proportions on software.
Analysis of percentage ratio was performed comparing the following ratio (width/length
x 100):
-
ratio of width/length of upper right incisors before and after restoration;
-
ratio of width/length of upper left incisors before and after restoration;
-
ratio of width/length of first upper right incisor and upper right canine before and
after restoration;
-
ratio of width/length of first upper left incisor and upper left canine before and
after restoration;
-
ratio of width/length of lower right incisors before and after restoration; and
-
ratio of width/length of lower left incisors before and after restoration.
Measurements of linear distances on software were performed twice by the same operator.
A single-measures interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to evaluate the repeatability
of these measurements was performed. ICC values change from 0 to 1. 0.01 indicate
“poor” agreement; from 0.01 to 0.20 indicate “slight” agreement; from 0.21 to 0.40
indicate “fair” agreement; from 0.41 to 0.60 indicate “moderate” agreement; from 0.61
to 0.80 indicate “substantial” agreement; from 0.81 to 1.00 indicate “almost perfect”
agreement; and 1 indicate perfect agreement.
The collected data were also compared with those present in the literature. Comparisons
of upper teeth was based on golden proportion proposed by Lombardi[28] and on Recurring Esthetic Dental (RED) introduced by Raj.[29] We stuck with Reynolds[30] for evaluation of lower arch teeth.
A single sample t-test analysis was then performed to clarify differences between data. All tests were
considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.
Thickness of veneers was first-hand measured by a caliber before placing them. Measurements
of thickness were performed at different landmarks: incisal edge, middle of crown,
and cervical area.
All values are expressed in mm as mean ± standard deviation.
All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
Version 22.0 (SPSS Inc.)
Ethical Consideration: The procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards and with the
Helsinki Declaration of 1975.
Results
In this study, 79 veneers were observed in 13 patients, 45 veneers in the upper arch
and 34 in the lower arch ([Table 1]). Sixty-six veneers were made with an IPS e.max Press LT core and 13 veneers with
MO 0 core (Ivoclar Vivadent Manufacturing SRL).
Table 1
Patients’ distribution (n = 13) according to the location of restorations (n = 79)
|
|
Veneers
|
Gender
|
|
|
Male
|
6
|
40
39
|
Female
|
7
|
Age (y)
|
|
30–50
|
6
|
11
68
|
51–70
|
7
|
Restoration site
|
|
Upper arch
|
45
|
Central incisors
|
13
|
Lateral incisors
|
30
|
Canines
|
8
|
Lower arch
|
34
|
Central incisors
|
12
|
Lateral incisors
|
12
|
Canines
|
10
|
Survival Rate
Anterior layered veneers showed cumulative survival rate of 98.7% with a medium follow-up
of 3 years (from 14 to 66 months).
Only one complication occurred, which was a detachment in the lower arch. The restoration
was immediately bonded and it was still in situ at the end of observation period.
Esthetical Analysis and Proportions
The ICC value obtained in this experiment was 0.931, with confidence interval included
between 0.791 and 0.977, indicating almost perfect repeatability of measurements.
[Tables 2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7] show percentage ratios of teeth examined before and after restorations and their
comparison with the literature.
Table 2
Percentage ratio (±SD) of upper right incisors before and after restorations
Tooth 1.2/Tooth 1.1
|
|
|
Before
|
After
|
p-Value
|
Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.
Note: Comparison with literature data and p-value results.
aStatistically significant.
bNot statistically significant.
|
Ratio (width/length)
|
|
0.61 ± 0.06
|
0.65 ± 0.05
|
0.26b
|
Golden proportion
|
0.62
|
p = 0.71b
|
p = 0.31b
|
|
Red proportion
|
0.70
|
p = 0.02a
|
p = 0.10b
|
|
Table 3
Percentage ratio (± SD) of upper left Incisors before and after restorations
Tooth 2.2/Tooth 2.1
|
|
|
Before
|
After
|
p-Value
|
Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.
Note: Comparison with literature data and p-value results.
aStatistically significant.
bNot statistically significant.
|
Ratio (width/length)
|
|
0.63 ± 0.06
|
0.64 ± 0.03
|
0.72b
|
Golden proportion
|
0.62
|
p = 0.71b
|
p = 0.21b
|
|
Red proportion
|
0.70
|
p = 0.05a
|
p = 0.01a
|
|
Table 4
Percentage ratio (±SD) of first upper right incisor and upper right canine before
and after restorations
Tooth 1.1/Tooth 1.3
|
|
|
Before
|
After
|
p-Value
|
Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.
Note: Comparison with literature data and p-value results.
aStatistically significant.
bNot statistically significant.
|
Ratio (width/length)
|
|
0.48 ± 0.04
|
0.56 ± 0.05
|
0.02a
|
Golden proportion
|
0.38
|
p = 0.003a
|
p = 0.002a
|
|
Red proportion
|
0.49
|
p = 0.79b
|
p = 0.05a
|
|
Table 5
Percentage ratio (±SD) of first upper left incisor and upper left canine before and
after restorations
Tooth 2.1/Tooth 2.3
|
|
|
Before
|
After
|
p-Value
|
Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.
Note: Comparison with literature data and p-value results.
aStatistically significant.
bNot statistically significant.
|
Ratio (width/length)
|
|
0.54 ± 0.05
|
0.54 ± 0.05
|
0.88b
|
Golden proportion
|
0.38
|
p = 0.002a
|
p = 0.002a
|
|
Red proportion
|
0.49
|
p = 0.10b
|
p = 0.09b
|
|
Table 6
Percentage ratio (±SD) of lower right incisors before and after restorations
Tooth 4.1/Tooth 4.2
|
|
|
Before
|
After
|
p-Value
|
Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.
Note: Comparison with literature data and p-value results.
aNot statistically significant.
|
Ratio (width/length)
|
|
1.00 ± 0.14
|
1.04 ± 0.08
|
p = 0.42a
|
Reynolds
|
1.10
|
p = 0.16a
|
p = 0.14a
|
|
Table 7
Percentage ratio (±SD) of lower left incisors before and after restorations
Tooth 3.1/Tooth 3.2
|
|
|
Before
|
After
|
p-Value
|
Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.
Note: Comparison with literature data and p-value results.
aStatistically significant.
bNot statistically significant.
|
Ratio (width/length)
|
|
0.94 ± 0.08
|
1.05 ± 0.06
|
p = 0.001a
|
Reynolds
|
1.10
|
p = 0.001a
|
p = 0.13b
|
|
There were no statistical differences between measurements taken before and after
restorations in the upper right incisors as well as in the lower right incisors, neither
when compared with results reported in the literature ([Tables 2]
[6]).
Proportions of upper left incisors before and after restorations were not significantly
modified. Comparison with the golden proportions showed no statistically significant
differences in the upper left incisors; however, proportions obtained compared with
those of RED were statistically different ([Table 3]).
Differences in percentage ratio of the first upper right incisor and upper right canine
before and after restorations were statistically significant in our results, and also
when compared with golden and RED proportions ([Table 4]).
Differences in percentage ratio of the first upper left incisor and upper left canine
before and after restorations were not statistically significant both in our results
and also when compared with RED proportions, but were statistically different from
golden proportion ([Table 5]).
In lower left incisors were detected differences in percentage ratio before and after
restorations; however, proportions were found to be not statistically different compared
with proportions in the literature ([Table 7]).
Thickness of Restorations Material
The mean thickness at incisal point was 1.66 mm ± 1.00; at middle point was 1.16 mm
± 0.32; at cervical point was 0.77 mm ± 0.40. All values are reported in [Table 8].
Table 8
Thickness (mm ± SD and mm) of veneers at different landmarks
|
Cervical
|
Incisal
|
Middle
|
Mean thickness
|
0.77 ± 0.40
|
1.66 ± 1.00
|
1.16 ± 0.32
|
Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.
|
Maximum thickness of upper restorations
|
2.0
|
4.4
|
2.1
|
Maximum thickness of lower restorations
|
2.0
|
3.0
|
1.5
|
Minimum thickness of upper restorations
|
0.4
|
1
|
1
|
Minimum thickness of lower restorations
|
0.3
|
0.8
|
1
|
Discussion
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of veneers made of
lithium disilicate in the upper and lower anterior area with a mean follow-up of 3
years. With regards to this aspect, results were encouraging and only one episode
of detachment in the lower arch occurred during the observation period. In detail,
this detachment could be due to a slight miscalculation of functional guides and of
Spee curve in the planning phase. As expected, survival rates in our study were in
agreement with current data from the literature, taking into account the shorter follow-up
of our study.[31]
[32]
In this study, the survival rate of lithium disilicate restorations was 98.7% with
a mean follow-up period of 3 years. The result can be overlapped to other published
scientific works; however, comparison with the literature is difficult because only
few research discuss lithium disilicate veneers, meanwhile most of them focus on single
crown or lithium disilicate unspecific rehabilitations.[33]
[34]
[35]
[36] Furthermore, our restorations were all performed in damaged or eroded anterior teeth,
this means not having standard conditions and subsequently making it difficult to
compare our results of survival with other results provided in the literature where
initial conditions are not specified. Two retrospective studies evaluated multilayered
lithium disilicate veneers: Fabbri et al report 97.5% of survival rate in a maximum
period of 6 years of follow-up,[37]and Sulaiman et al observe a survival rate of 98.47% for multilayered veneers with
a mean follow-up of 4 years.[38] In our opinion, stability of our anterior restorations was, in addition, closely
related to a good posterior rehabilitation that allowed achieving occlusion stability
and proper posterior contacts, especially in patients with compromised occlusal conditions.[39]
[40]
[41]
Clinical evaluation of potential failures was performed by the same operator in this
study, and no questionnaires were administered to patients. This is a critical point
to highlight; however, the choice was due to reduce chair-side and checks time and
to keep the patients’ cooperation during the entire observation period, considering
the mean age of patients and the reluctance to fill out forms or answer questionnaires.[42] We are well aware that the literature encourages to administer questionnaire to
deeply evaluate failures and their reasons, as well as satisfaction of patients[43]
[44] however, the primary aim of this work was limited to investigate clinical complications
of veneers.[45] In this regard, we assumed Anusavice criteria to detect chipping, fractures, and
other causes of failure even if his method was proposed for posterior prosthetic restorations.[27]
The decision to deeply focus our attention on proportions of teeth was due to the
main importance of this aspect in esthetical rehabilitations in dentistry[46]; our data were found to be generally in accordance with those in the literature.[47] However, some clarifications are needed. Change in percentage ratio was calculated
between first and second incisor and between first incisor and canine in both arches
as advised in the literature; this allowed comparing results of our restorations with
golden and RED proportions in the upper arch and benchmarks proposed by Reynolds for
the lower arch.[28]
[29]
[30] Variations from proportions provided by the literature were highlighted in some
groups of teeth (first upper left incisor and canine, upper left incisors). Lower
left incisors were found to be changed in proportion before and after our restorations
and the percentage ratio of the first upper right incisor and upper right canine was
significantly different both before and after veneers placement if compared with two
literature parameters. These findings are most likely related to initial worn status
of these teeth; lower incisors, upper canines, and incisors are actually more involved
in abrasion processes than upper lateral ones.[48] The most remarkable differences between before and after status and from data in
the literature were detected in upper incisor/canine comparisons. In our opinion,
it might be taken into account that restored canines in the upper arch were only eight,
and therefore also this aspect should be responsible for differences highlighted and
it could affect the power and effectiveness of our analysis, providing not so strong
results.
However, even though statistical differences were found, clinical results and esthetical
patterns were not affected by these findings. In our opinion, statistical results
are strongly related to measurements collected in every single tooth; nevertheless,
the esthetical feature is absolutely related to overall view of smile,[49]
[50]
[51] and therefore in our opinion minimal changes in proportions did not affect esthetical
performances of rehabilitation.
Another limitation in comparing data with the literature is the initial conditions
of rehabilitated teeth, considering that among the inclusion criteria of this study
were teeth abrasion and loss of dental tissue in the anterior area; therefore, results
in proportions before and after restorations were determined also by need to recover
these clinical statuses.
One of the secondary aims of this work was to evaluate thickness of veneers at different
landmarks. As literature suggests, dental preparations were performed following the
criteria of dental and periodontal tissues preservation, to guarantee space of manufacture.[52] The major thickness of restoration material was measured in incisal portion of veneers,
according to the need of restore abrasions and loss of dental substance. Literature
reports thickness of just under 1.26 mm for incisal portion of porcelain veneers;
however, difference in our findings might be due to initial conditions of abrasion
of teeth restored.[53]
Furthermore, it may be appropriate to administer questionnaire of satisfaction and
comfort to patients to obtain more specific information about esthetical perception
of restored smile and to deeply investigate realistic awareness of change in proportions
of rehabilitated teeth.
Use of lithium disilicate in esthetical rehabilitations of eroded teeth proved to
be effective in a medium follow-up of 3 years and survival rate was found to be according
to the literature.
Proportions of restored teeth seemed to be maintained and esthetical and functional
aspects improved with a minimum amount of dental tissue removed.