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.