The Use of Direct Composites in the Conservative Esthetic Correction of the Anterior Dentition

By Dr. Rhys Spoor, D.D.S.

As published in The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry Fall 2006

Abstract

Today's clinicians witness first hand patients' growing expectations regarding the appearance and longevity of the dental restorations. Accordingly the criteria for success include biological integration, function, esthetics, longevity, and a host of related factors, recent innovations in dental materials, such as the classification of microhybrid resin, support clinicians' efforts to achieve these goals for each patient. This article discusses a predictable clinical technique for performing direct resin bonding for the conservative esthetic enhancement of compromised anterior dentition.

Due to today's preparation designs and improved resin materials, adhesive bonding requires virtually no removal of sound tooth structure.

Introduction

Smile enhancement is a goal shared by many patients, owing in part to their greater awareness and understanding of esthetic dentistry as demonstrated in contemporary media. Esthetic enhancement of one's dentition can be accomplished through various procedures, with different degrees of invasiveness (e.g., operative dentistry, prosthetic restorations, implantology). For practitioners, the goal of every such treatment is to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of the patient's condition and to determine the ideal restorative solution that addresses their biological, functional, psychological, financial, and esthetic imperatives.

On the scale of the restorative spectrum, direct resin bonding often represents a conservative treatment option for patients presenting for esthetic enhancement. Due to today's preparation designs and improved resin materials, adhesive bonding requires virtually no removal of sound tooth structure provides predictable bond strength and longevity, and offers esthetics capable of satisfying numerous clinical indications (e.g., Class I through V restorations, diastema closure, direct resin veneers, cosmetic contouring). Even more importantly, such treatment is easily reversible, should the patient later opt for a different or more extensive therapy, such as orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, or indirect ceramic restorations.

This case highlights the conservative corrections of anterior dentition with a combination of bleaching and direct composite restorations. The current generation of microhybrid composite materials (e.g., Venus [Heraeus Kulzer; Armonk, NY] Filtek Supreme [3M ESPE; St. Paul, MN]; Premise [Kerr/Sybron; Orange, CA]) feature enhanced physical characteristics, handling properties, and esthetics. Combined with the clinician's artistic expression, these materials represent tools that can be used to create truly conservative and lifelike restorations. Both packable and flowable composites give the clinician the ability to shape and refine the restorations to a truly natural finish.

Dr Rhys Spoor DDS Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry - Providing services in cosmetic and sleep dentistry to the area of Seattle, Washington.

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