This study aimed to evaluate the understanding and clinical implementation of the "aesthetics-function balance" concept among dentists in China when performing ceramic veneer restorations, and to provide evidence-based insights for optimizing clinical guidelines and training systems.

A cross-sectional, structured questionnaire survey was conducted nationwide through an anonymous online platform. The questionnaire covered key domains including indication assessment, tooth preparation, material selection, bonding and isolation protocols. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize overall trends, and chi-square tests were applied to compare differences in key clinical behaviors across groups stratified by institution type, professional title, and annual veneer case volume.

A total of 224 valid responses were collected from 31 provinces. Most respondents demonstrated a clear awareness of functional risks: 214 (95.54%) identified "indication selection" as the primary determinant of veneer success, and 216 (96.43%) expressed strong concern regarding occlusal abnormalities and bruxism. Lithium disilicate ceramic was the most commonly selected material 173 (77.23%) . Treatment design favored a balance between minimal invasiveness and functional stability: 195 (87.05%) preferred window-type or butt-joint preparations for color improvement cases, while 179 (79.91%) selected wrap-around preparations when incisal or palatal defects were present to enhance fracture resistance. Although 180 (80.36%) of dentists had read veneer-related guidelines or expert consensus documents, only 80 (35.71%) reported frequent consultations in clinical practice; routine rubber dam use was also low (35.27%) . Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences across institution types, professional titles, and case experience levels in terms of material knowledge, preparation design choices, and guideline adherence (P<0.05) .

While most dentists have established the core concept of balancing aesthetics and function, notable variations persist in material knowledge, preparation strategies, and the practical implementation of clinical guidelines. A gap remains between conceptual understanding and clinical execution, highlighting the need for enhanced training and standardized clinical pathways to improve the predictability and quality of ceramic veneer restorations.