Can composite really outperform ceramic in the right case?

Do you know when to choose an inlay over an onlay?

What makes occlusal veneers so effective — even at just 0.6 mm thickness?

After years of anticipation, Dr. Pascal Magne finally joins Jaz Gulati on the podcast for an episode packed with adhesive dentistry gold. They dive deep into occlusal veneers, material selection, and why indirect composite may be the best-kept secret for worn, root-filled molars.

They also unpack the full bonding protocol step-by-step—from air abrasion and IDS to silane application and cementation with preheated composite. Whether you’re doing full rehabs or composite repairs, this episode is your go-to guide for smarter biomimetic dentistry.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: After applying silane, don’t just let it evaporate—let it react for 30 seconds, then air dry, and crucially, use a heat source (like a hairdryer) for 60 seconds to activate it properly and achieve optimal bond strength. This enhances the effectiveness of silane and significantly improves the bond strength of indirect restorations like composite or lithium disilicate.

Key Takeaways:

• Occlusal veneers can be as thin as 0.6 mm.
• Indirect composite is often a superior choice for restorations.
• Proper bonding protocols are crucial for successful restorations.
• Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses is key in dentistry.
• Conservative approaches in dentistry can preserve tooth structure.
• The vital tooth is always preferable to a non-vital tooth.
• Composite resin has wear properties similar to enamel.
• Occlusal veneers provide excellent protection for compromised teeth.
• Porcelain veneers have long-term durability compared to composites. The evolution of composite materials has led to better options for restorations.
• Zirconia is strong but difficult to adjust and bond effectively.
• Immediate dentin sealing is crucial for successful bonding and patient comfort.
• The Dahl principle allows for minimal preparation in certain cases.
• Composites can be as effective as ceramics when used correctly.
• Understanding the properties of materials is essential for successful restorations.
• Thin occlusal veneers can be successfully bonded with proper techniques.

Highlights of this episode:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 02:52 Protrusive Dental Pearl
• 04:42 Dr. Pascal Magne on His Current Focus
• 10:16 Understanding Cusp Coverage and Material Choices
• 15:48 Conservative Approaches in Dentistry
• 23:16 Unsupported Enamel: Can it Still be Reinforced?
• 28:05 Occlusal Veneers Indications
• 37:00 Material Selection: Composite vs Ceramic
• 01:24:42 Outro

Referenced Studies – all below are available to download on Protrusive Vault in Protrusive Guidance

• Effect of immediate dentine sealing on the aging and fracture strength of lithium disilicate inlays and overlays 
• Short-fiber Reinforced MOD Restorations of Molars with Severely Undermined Cusps 
• Ultrathin CAD-CAM glass ceramic and composite resin occlusal veneers for the treatment of severe dental erosion 
• Strains in the marginal ridge during occlusal loading 
• Antagonist Enamel Wears More Than Ceramic Inlays 
• Outcomes of resin-bonded attachments for removable dental prostheses
• Performance of ceramic laminate veneers with immediate dentine sealing 

Keep the learning going with Magne Education

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss A Geeky Discussion on Adhesive Onlays – that’s PDP161!

This episode is eligible for 1.25 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and C.

AGD Subject Code: 250 OPERATIVE (RESTORATIVE)DENTISTRY (Indirect restorations)

Aim: To provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance on occlusal veneer indications, material selection, and conservative restorative protocols—emphasizing the role of adhesive techniques and biomimetic principles in long-term success.

Dentists will be able to –

1. Differentiate between inlays, onlays, and occlusal veneers, and select the most conservative option suitable for each clinical scenario

2. Make informed decisions on material selection based on occlusal anatomy, antagonist material, and long-term clinical performance.

3. Assess the biomechanical behavior of composite vs ceramic materials, including their effect on stress distribution and enamel wear