Removal of fractured laminate veneers with Er:YAG laser: report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the efficiency of Er:YAG laser for removal of laminate veneers in case of fracture. Primary modes of failure of porcelain laminate veneers were noted to be fracture, microleakage, or debonding.

BACKGROUND DATA

One of the predisposing factors for the occurrence of fractures is heavy functional or parafunctional loading.

METHODS

Removal of fractured laminate veneers with Er:YAG laser is proposed as a reliable method. Two cases are presented in which fractured laminate veneers were removed with Er:YAG laser. The parameters used for removal were set at 20 Hz/320 mJ, with water irrigation for 9 sec and the chisel-type laser tip was selected (1.2×0.4 mm, rectangular shape). The pulse width was 200 ms.

RESULTS

The laminates were removed without any damage to the underlying tissue. The new restorations were reconstructed and both patients were taken under recall program at 6-month intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

The removal of fractured laminate veneers with Er:YAG laser could be a suitable alternative in routine clinical use.