Objectives: The study purpose was to evaluate the clinical performance of etched porcelain veneers. Methods: 55 proximal veneers on 51 teeth and 160 full labial veneers were placed in 73 patients between 1989 and 1992. 181 veneers had margins on tooth structure and 34 veneers had margins on existing restorations. Veneers were evaluated at issue (baseline), 1-, 3-, 6-month post issue and thereafter at 6 monthly intervals till 2002. Besides assessing periodontal parameters and vitality testing, marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, color match and caries recurrence were evaluated using modified USPHS criteria. Differences between veneer type and veneer margin on veneer survival and time to fracture, crack, marginal discoloration, recurrent caries and vitality loss were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Their association with the development of clinical performance parameters was assessed using Chi-Square/Fisher's Exact tests. Results: Four (1.9%) veneers with adhesive fractures were replaced. 17 (7.9%) had cohesive fractures. Four veneers developed cracks; one was replaced. Four veneers developed recurrent caries; one was replaced and three restored. 19 (8.8%) veneers showed marginal discoloration. Of the 81 veneers that were color matched, 62 (76.5%) were well matched at baseline. Two teeth showed vitality loss and one developed endodontic failure. Veneer type had no significant effect on veneer survival and time to development of all clinical performance parameters. Full labial veneers were more likely to have fractures (p = 0.021). Veneers with margins on existing restorations had a significantly shorter time to veneer survival (p = 0.0003), fracture (p = 0.016), crack (p = 0.0015) and marginal discoloration (p < 0.001). They have a significant association with fracture rates (p=0.030), crack development (p=0.013) and marginal discoloration (p=0.001). Conclusions: Porcelain veneer survival in this study was independent of veneer type. Most clinical performance parameters were affected by placement of veneer margins on existing restorations.

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