Provisionals are an important part of veneers fabrication that requires just as much care and diligence as the final restoration. After acquiring diagnostic and lab records and fabricating a silicone matrix, the next step is to clean the preps with a dilute solution of 2% chlorhexidine prep scrub. Use a syringe tip with a fuzzy end for optimal brushing.

Cleaning the Veneer Preps and Loading the Matrix

The latter process ensures you start off with clean, bacteria-free preps. Rinse off the chlorhexidine and thoroughly dry the preps. With this technique you should spot-etch utilizing 35% phosphoric acid for a 3mm diameter spot on the facial or labial of the teeth.

Keep the etch far away from the margins and interproximals. Leave it for 30 seconds, rinse off, and vigorously dry the preparations. You can use an air/water syringe because a little contamination is fine.

You should then apply GLUMA from Kulzer to every prep, which is a combination of antimicrobial glutaraldehyde and HEMA that prevents tooth sensitivity. The GLUMA excess is dried with cotton to prevent it from getting in saliva or mucous membranes.

Now that teeth are ready, you can load the silicone matrix with a bisacryl material. Load the matrix by moving back and forth along the incisal edge and adding layers to minimize the incorporation of air bubbles. Fully seat it. One of the tricks with this matrix is the very flat occlusal table so you can apply even pressure. Additionally, adequate thickness of the silicone provides rigidity and accuracy with less trim needed.

Let the material stay in the mouth for the full set time, which is a little over four minutes. At that point, remove the matrix for completely hard bisacryl on the teeth.

To be continued …

The Shrink Wrap Technique is taught in our hands on course Excellence in Bonded Porcelain.