The step-by-step cutting techniques used to shape the area around a tooth to be veneered directly affect the long-term success of the veneer and gum health. In stepped cuts, also called chamfer or shoulder cuts, a millimeter-sized horizontal groove (step) is created at the border where the tooth meets the gum. The veneer material sits precisely on this step; thus, the veneer and the tooth surface form a completely smooth, zero-point line, preventing plaque accumulation. In a feather-edge cut, a distinct step is not created; the tooth is finished by tapering upwards. In this case, the edges of the veneer prepared in the laboratory have to extend over the gum (overcontouring). These overextended edges become microscopic food traps, making flossing impossible and creating a breeding ground for chronic gum overgrowth and periodontal destruction.
