Clinical Performance of Lithium Disilicate Veneer-Fixed Dental Prostheses for Incisor Tooth Replacement

Lithium Disilicate Veneer-Fixed Dental Prostheses for Anterior Tooth Replacement: Clinical Case Series

This study evaluated a conservative treatment approach for replacing a missing upper front tooth (maxillary incisor). The treatment involved an all-ceramic, resin-bonded fixed dental prosthesis designed as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional bridges.

The prostheses were fabricated from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic and were designed either with a single retainer (bonded to one adjacent tooth) or with two retainers (bonded to two adjacent teeth). All restorations were bonded using light-curing resin cement.

The study assessed the clinical performance of these prostheses over a follow-up period of at least 12 months. Clinical evaluation included assessment of prosthesis integrity and function during the observation period.

This retrospective case series evaluated the short-term clinical performance of veneer fixed dental prostheses used to replace a missing maxillary incisor. The prostheses were fabricated from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max Press).

The retainers consisted of labial ceramic veneers bonded to the enamel surfaces of adjacent teeth. Two prosthetic designs were included: a single-retainer (cantilever) design and a two-retainer design. All veneer retainers were cemented using a light-curing resin cement according to standard adhesive clinical procedures.

Existing patient records were reviewed to assess prosthesis survival and clinical success during follow-up visits. Survival was defined as the prosthesis remaining in situ during the observation period. Clinical success was evaluated based on prosthesis integrity, maintenance of function, and absence of technical complications such as fracture or loss of retention. Follow-up duration was at least 12 months after cementation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a missing maxillary incisor replaced with a veneer fixed dental prosthesis
• Intact adjacent teeth suitable to serve as abutments
• Adequate periodontal health and bone support of adjacent teeth
• Age 18 years or older
• Minimum of 12 months clinical follow-up available

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients younger than 18 years
• Adjacent teeth with extensive restorations, structural compromise, or inadequate enamel for bonding
• Active periodontal disease affecting abutment teeth
• Presence of parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism or clenching)
• Insufficient follow-up (< 12 months)
• Incomplete clinical records