A clinical evaluation of direct veneers made with two types of composites

Abstract

Objectives: the aim of this study was to provide a retrospective clinical evaluation of direct composite veneers performed with microfilled or universal composites, through two evaluation criteria (FDI and USPHS). Materials and methods: patients should be in compliance with the inclusion criteria: having a composite veneer in anterior teeth made either with microfilled or universal using composites (microhybrid/nanohybrid), conventional dentin-bonding agents and for a minimum of 6 months period in service. A calibrated blind examiner assessed the veneers using the FDI and USPHS criteria and the results were subjected to statistical analysis by the Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05). Results: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 42.9 year-old) and seventy-four composite veneers were examined. The mean period of time in service was three years, with periods varying from six months up to ten years. Three cases of total failure (veneers lost, universal composites group) occurred in the surveyed patients, out of 17 failures in total. In general, the veneers showed a clinical satisfactory outcome (77% survival rate). Concerning the two composite types, better clinical performance was observed for microfilled in relation to surface luster, surface staining, colour match and marginal adaptation. Conclusion: In this interim evaluation, direct composite veneers demonstrated an acceptable clinical behavior. Microfilled composite veneers showed a better performance compared to universal composites. The two criteria (USPHS and FDI) were similar in the clinical evaluation process. Clinical relevance: direct composite veneers have a good clinical performance, microfilled composites are interesting options regarding esthetic properties.