Fracture resistance and deflection of pulpless anterior teeth restored with composite or porcelain veneers.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence that resin composite and porcelain veneer restorations, associated or not to fiber post placement, have on fracture resistance and deflection of pulpless anterior teeth.

METHODS: One hundred twenty freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected. Teeth were randomly divided into 7 experimental groups (veneer preparation/resin composite veneer placement/endodontic therapy and resin composite veneer placement/endodontic therapy, fiber post and resin composite veneer placement/porcelain veneer placement/endodontic therapy and porcelain veneer placement/endodontic therapy, fiber post and porcelain veneer placement) and a control group (n = 15). Specimens were loaded to fracture recording crown deflection, and data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: Veneer preparations did not significantly influence fracture resistance of incisors. On the contrary, veneer preparation significantly increased specimen deflection values. Fiber posts seemed to significantly increase mean maximum load values for endodontically treated teeth restored with either composite or porcelain veneers.

CONCLUSIONS: A fiber post restoration can be suggested when endodontic treatment is associated with veneer restoration. Veneer restorations seem to be an optimal choice also for endodontically treated teeth.