A Novel Preparation-Free Palatal Veneer Technique with Incisal Seating Lugs for Management of Tooth Surface Loss: A Case Report

Background and Clinical Significance: Tooth surface loss is the irreversible loss of dental hard tissue caused by non-carious processes. Restoration of affected teeth can be challenging, especially on the palatal surfaces of maxillary anterior teeth when severe palatal hard-tissue loss is present without marked clinical crown shortening. In such cases, clinicians must preserve the remaining enamel for predictable adhesive bonding while ensuring accurate seating, complete adaptation, and controlled cementation of thin indirect restorations. To address these challenges, this case report describes a novel preparation-free approach in which two temporary incisal seating lugs were incorporated into the design of indirect resin-based composite palatal veneers; Case Presentation: A 35-year-old male patient was referred by his general dentist for management of extensive erosive tooth surface loss. Clinical examination revealed generalized tooth surface loss, with a distinctive pattern of severe palatal hard-tissue loss affecting the maxillary anterior teeth without marked clinical crown shortening. Restorative treatment was planned at a 2 mm increase in occlusal vertical dimension. The maxillary anterior teeth were restored with preparation-free indirect resin-based composite palatal veneers, each incorporating two temporary incisal seating lugs to provide a positive seating stop during cementation; the lugs were removed after cementation. Other affected teeth were restored using directly placed resin-based composite restorations. At six months, the veneers remained clinically acceptable, with stable occlusion, maintained pulp sensibility, no postoperative sensitivity, and high patient satisfaction; Conclusions: This technique may facilitate restoration positioning during cementation and may represent a useful clinical alternative when seating preparation-free palatal veneers is challenging.