Summary: Veneer crowns have represented a standardway of treatment in fixed prosthetics for several decades. Veneer materials’ properties significantly influence the stability of the crown. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes of occlusal surfaces, quality of the crown margin, stability of the veneer shape and colour and the gingival status. A group of 102 metal crowns with both ceramic and plastic veneers was evaluated. The initial state of the crowns and changes after the two years of use were compared.The authors have used the United States Public Health Service System criteria, the results were processed statistically. After two years of function, 94 % of metal-ceramic crowns and 98 % of metal-polymer crowns were clinically intact.The crack has been found in three ceramic veneers and in one composite veneer. Significant differences between these two materials were found regarding the changes of crown margin and the gingival status.The colour changes have been detected in the composite veneers; the ceramic veneers have changed neither in shape nor in colour.

        Key words: dentistry – fixed prosthetics – metal alloy – ceramics – plastic