ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The longevity of oroincisal veneers on canines of IPS-Empress ceramic for the restoration of lost canine guidance was determined in a retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1992, all ceramic restorations made in the Department of Operative Dentistry have been entered in a data base. In that time period, 17 patients with 36 oroincisal veneers on canines to restore lost canine guidance have been documented. The survival rate of the restorations was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 6.74 years. The 6.5-year survival rate was 76%. The 6.5-year survival rate of canine oroincisal ceramic veneers in the maxilla was 74%, and in the mandible 78%. The difference in the survival rate of maxillary and mandibular restorations was not statistically significant. In the follow-up period, 8 of the 36 IPS-Empress canine veneers failed. Reasons for failure were ceramic fracture, fracture of the adhesive bond, and loss of function. CONCLUSION: In view of the longevity, the excellent properties of the IPS-Empress ceramic material, i.e., minimum abrasion of the opposing teeth, and good esthetics, we consider the restoration of lost canine guidance using this technique a viable alternative to the classical precious-metal pinledge or composite buildup.
