International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
VOLUME 29(23) (2026)
Material Type, Restoration Thickness and Marginal Adaptation of Occlusal Veneers: A Narrative Review
Shorouk Ahmed Abdelhamid Bonna, Maged Mohammed Zohdy, Ghada Abdelfattah
Fixed Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt.
Abstract
The preservation of natural tooth structure represents a fundamental principle in contemporary restorative dentistry. Occlusal veneers, also known as tabletop restorations, have emerged as a conservative treatment modality for managing worn posterior teeth, offering the advantage of maximum preservation of sound tooth structure while restoring function and aesthetics. The long-term clinical success of occlusal veneers depends critically on marginal adaptation, as inadequate marginal fit exposes the luting cement to the oral environment, leading to cement dissolution, microleakage, secondary caries, and eventual restoration failure. Advances in dental materials and fabrication technologies have expanded the available options for occlusal veneer construction, including lithium disilicate glass-ceramics, polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) hybrid ceramics, and additively manufactured composite resins. Restoration thickness represents another critical parameter, particularly in the context of minimally invasive preparations where reduced material volume may compromise marginal integrity. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the effect of material type and restoration thickness on the marginal adaptation of occlusal veneers, examining the underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and the influence of thermocycling aging on marginal integrity. The evidence demonstrates that material type significantly affects marginal adaptation, with lithium disilicate exhibiting higher marginal gap values compared to hybrid ceramics and reinforced composites, particularly at reduced thicknesses. Restoration thickness influences marginal adaptation in a material-dependent manner, with thinner restorations generally showing higher marginal gap values. A multimodal approach combining careful material selection, appropriate thickness, and optimal fabrication technique is essential to ensure restoration longevity.
Keywords: Occlusal veneers, marginal adaptation, lithium disilicate, hybrid ceramics, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, thermocycling
Full length article *Corresponding Author, e-mail: Shoroukahmed98@yahoo.com; Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/32-IJCBS-26-29-23-32
Submitted: 11-06-2026; Accepted: 03-09-2026; Published: 04-09-2026