Introduction
What clinical controversy prompted this systematic review and meta-analysis?
There is no consensus on whether incisal coverage is a risk factor or a protective factor in the preparation of ceramic veneers.
Which guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic review?
The PRISMA guidelines and the PROSPERO registry protocol.
How many studies were included in the final qualitative and quantitative synthesis?
8
Why might incisal coverage be considered a less conservative preparation design?
Because it requires removal of more tooth structure.
What overall recommendation does the study make regarding incisal coverage?
Both preparation designs with and without incisal coverage are safe and effective.
What was the primary objective of the study?
To evaluate the survival rates of preparation designs for ceramic veneers with and without incisal coverage.
What was the minimum follow-up period required for study inclusion?
A minimum follow-up period of three years.
How many veneers were evaluated in the group with incisal coverage?
1,186
What clinical conditions may negatively affect veneer survival regardless of incisal coverage?
Parafunctional habits, occlusal loading, veneer thickness, bonding quality, and improper case selection.
Was there a statistically significant difference in survival between veneers with and without incisal coverage?
No, there was no statistically significant difference.
What factors vary among protocols for ceramic laminate veneers?
Thickness, crown length, type of material, incisal coverage, and preparation methods.
What types of studies were included in the review?
Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies.
How many veneers were evaluated in the group without incisal coverage?
188 veneers.
What preparation design principle is emphasized for long-term veneer success?
Preservation of enamel and minimizing aggressive tooth reduction.
What key message do the authors emphasize regarding preparation design choice?
Preparation design alone may not be the most important factor influencing veneer survival.
Why is incisal coverage debated in veneer preparation?
Because it is unclear whether incisal coverage increases veneer survival or contributes to mechanical complications and failures.
What PICO criteria were used to define the research question?
Population: Patients receiving ceramic veneers
Intervention: Veneers with incisal coverage
Comparison: Veneers without incisal coverage
Outcome: Survival rate
A) What was the estimated cumulative survival rate for veneers with incisal coverage?
88%
Why were clinical failures with incisal coverage sometimes observed?
Due to insufficient preparation space leading to ceramic fractures.
What future research do the authors recommend?
Randomized clinical trials comparing preparation designs with standardized descriptions and long-term follow-up.
What was the null hypothesis of this systematic review regarding incisal coverage?
The null hypothesis was that incisal coverage has no influence on the survival rates of ceramic laminate veneers.
What was the estimated cumulative survival rate for veneers without incisal coverage?
91%
Why do the authors suggest that enamel preservation may be more critical than preparation design in veneer longevity?
Because bonding to enamel provides more reliable adhesion than bonding to dentin, which contributes more to long-term veneer survival than the presence or absence of incisal coverage.