title: Prefabricated composite resin veneers--a clinical review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This clinical technique article is focused on the use of prefabricated veneers to enhance the esthetic appearance of the anterior dentition in patients who needed an alternative esthetic solution more affordable than traditional porcelain veneers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Because prefabricated composite veneer systems have been recently introduced, they are not widely used. The Componeer system (Coltene, Altstätten, Switzerland) contains thin pre-polymerized hybrid composite shells, several shades of a direct hybrid composite resin, an etch-and-rinse adhesive system, and restorative accessories including finishing points and disks. The prefabricated restorations can be customized in the mouth for color and shape. The technique described in this article can be used to restore function and esthetics in one office visit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prefabricated composite veneer technique has some of the advantages of direct composite restorations, as only one session is required without the need to take impressions to send to the dental laboratory. This new treatment option may open new opportunities for dental professionals and their patients. However, it is paramount to carry out controlled clinical studies with this restorative technique prior to recommending it without restrictions in general practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical technique described in this paper has the potential for being used routinely to lengthen anterior teeth, to correct malpositioned teeth, to mask discolorations, and to close diastemas. The technique can also be used to restore extensive caries lesions and tooth fractures, and to refurbish large old anterior restorations, especially when other treatment options are out of reach for the patient for financial reasons.
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, CCDO, Oeiras, Portugal; Post-Graduate Program in Esthetic Dentistry, University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perdigão
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003188:Composite Resins; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D003801:Dental Veneers; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins