Direct Coronal restorations of frontal teeth:

Stratification technique of veneers.

Written by: Roland R.

Table of contents:

1. Introduction
1.1 Indications
1.2 Contraindications
1.3 Advantages
1.4 Disadvantages
2. Direct anterior restorations: Stratification
Technique
2.1 Shade Determination
2.2 Restoration Materials
2.3 Mock-up
2.4 Matrixes
2.5 Dental Preparation
2.6 Stratification Method
3. Conclusion
4. References

1. Introduction
The success of free-hand direct composite restorations in anterior teeth depends on a harmonious
integration of various elements, including a thorough understanding of natural function, aesthetics,
characteristics of current materials, and restorative techniques. The selection of composite brands that
offer a variety of shades and provide several opacities is mandatory. By utilizing an anatomic
stratification with successive layers of dentin, enamel, and incisal composite, a natural-appearing
aesthetic result can be achieved in a relatively simple and predictable manner. Attentive use of finishing
methods is still necessary for surface quality and natural appearance of the final restoration. Direct
composite bonding remains an adequate therapeutic modality in traditional Class III to Class V and
localized cosmetic restorations. It can satisfy most aesthetic demands, and it offers an affordable
alternative to more invasive procedures, such as veneers and crowns.

1.1 Indications
In many cases the direct adhesive technique is highly favorable to the patient and the dentist, not only
due to it being applicable in a single-appointment without the need of a technician, it is also minimally
invasive, highly esthetic and long lasting if the procedure is performed properly. Although reports have
been recorded of restorations lasting for 10 to 15 years, this highly depends on the working technique
and the dentists experience.
Todays dentistry, direct restorative procedures are frequently used. It varies from restoring carious
lesions such as Blacks cavity class III, IV and V to restoring dental dyschromias. This technique is also
used for more extensive restoration such as reshaping microdontic teeth, restoring teeth with
diastemas, or to simply satisfy the patients need to obtain an esthetic smile.

1.2 Contraindications of Direct Composite Veneers

The contraindications for the direct and indirect techniques include: patients with a deficient oral
hygiene, patients presenting oral breathing, free dentin across a larger surface, vestibular positioning of
teeth, extensive carious lesions, non-favorable occlusion and patients that will cause excessive stress
upon the restoration.

1.3 Advantages
In the hands of a skillful dentist, the composite veneer can be used to create a beautiful and natural
looking tooth. It costs less than a ceramic veneer and usually only requires one appointment to
complete. If the veneer brakes or chips, it can be repaired. Huge selection of color and shades can be
used to the patients satisfaction. To add up the advantages of an composite veneer, they are functional,
economic, ergonomic, esthetical, mechanical and biological.

1.4 Disadvantages
The first and foremost disadvantage is that the process cannot be altered once the hard dental structure

has been prepared. It requires skill and experience by the dental practitioner to achieve natural results,
due to the use of different layers and colors of composite. Achieving the desired results often occurs
through the means of trial and error, and may take excessive amounts of time to perfect.
The finishing and polishing of the restoration is imperfect and deterioration of the composite is an
important factor. The composite material used is a plastic and plastic will change in color over time. The
bonding material used will also stain in time. There is a risk of the direct veneer to come off if improper
technique was used to place the veneer. In time the junction between the restoration and tooth
structure will become visible due to discoloration.

2. Direct veneers Stratification Technique

2.1 Shade Determination
Analogous to natural tooth tissue, the appearance of dental restorations is influenced by shape, surface
texture, translucency/opacity, value, chroma and hue, with each property combining to affect the final
outcome. While shape and surface texture are still considered of greatest importance, predictable
shade matching is an essential requirement for all practitioners and a number of techniques are
available to facilitate this process.
Shade guides
While shade guides are included with most composite systems, unfortunately they are generally
considered to be inaccurate and unsuitable for precise colour matching for a number of reasons:

The majority of shade guides are not fabricated from the restorative material that they
represent;
Shade guides are generally less translucent than natural teeth and restorative materials;
Most shade tabs are of standard thickness;
Composite nomenclature can be confusing, for example, dentine, body and opaque shades may
be synonymous;
There is poor correlation between composite shades and those used for dental ceramics;
Composite resins frequently undergo a significant shade change during polymerization;
Set composite resin material absorbs water post-operatively and this may result in
unpredictable colour changes;
Various techniques have been described that aim to overcome the limitations of commercially
available shade guides and include:
Placing a sample of the material(s) on the tooth surface (or a suitable adjacent tooth). Ideally,
use the same quantity required for the restoration and the test sample should be light-cured to
account for polymerization shade shift;
Chairside construction of customized shade guides made from genuine materials, which may be
layered in various thicknesses
Practice prototypes copying anticipated proportions of definitive restorations
Purchase of materials with innovative two component shade guides,

Purchase of systems containing shade guides fabricated from composite,

Shade-taking technique

Various technique tips have been identified to improve precision when selecting shades for
direct (and indirect) restorations, including:
Shade should be taken immediately at the start of restorative procedures before dehydration
has occurred (see below);
Study cavity configuration and anticipate optical requirements of the final restoration, ex.
cavities extending from labial to palatal surfaces must transmit light in the same way as the
adjacent tooth tissue;
Assess (or measure) the cavity with regard to the relative quantities of missing enamel and
dentine
Note any discolorations that will require masking with opaque material
Where both enamel and dentine are exposed, take the shade of both
When assessing control teeth, use the middle third to record the basic shade
Take shade quickly. (After five seconds staring at a tooth or shade guide subtle colours blend)
Look away at a complementary colour, ex. blue to re-sensitize the eyes to the
yellow/orange/red spectrum
Use different lighting sources to avoid metamerism, where coloured objects appear the same
under one light source and different under another
Use a colour-corrected light source to select hue and chroma
Use less bright light to select value

Colour mapping
As enamel loses water rapidly, shade selection should be carried out as early as possible and before
isolation. Dehydration blocks the passage of visible light and this decrease in refractive index causes
enamel (and dentine) to become lighter and more opaque, in less than three minutes.
Maximum dehydration is reported to occur 3045 minutes after isolation and complete rehydration may
not occur for 2448 hours. Dehydration also masks the internal colour characteristics. For these reasons,
experienced practitioners refer to a pre-operative photograph or diagram of well-hydrated teeth to
guide their placement sequences. This is commonly referred to as a colour map. A good photograph
used with an appropriate shade guide is reported to be the most precise method of colour
communication. Digital images may be underexposed or manipulated with software to reveal
characteristic internal features, particularly occurring in the incisal third.

Color map for single central

Schwartz J. Shape of Color: Aesthetics from a Physiologic Perspective.
http://www.dentistrytoday.com/aesthetics/7321-shape-of-color-aesthetics-from-a-physiologic-perspective.
Dentistry Today: May 2012.

Colour Map
Fahl N. A polychromatic composite layering approach for solving complex Class IV/Direct Veneer/Diastema
Combination: Part II. http://www.heraeusvenus.de/media/downloads/us/clinicalarticles/4_Newton_200701ppad_fahl.pdf. January/February 2009.

2.2 Restoration Materials

Obtaining the desired esthetic results depends on the choice and correct use, according to indications,
of materials and working techniques adequate to each particular clinical case. In this sense the value of
materials is related to the physical-chemical properties, especially optical properties (multiple colour
shades, opacity/translucence, colour stability), the maneuverability, the quality of final application, the
polishing and finishing of surfaces, and the technique should permit the ability to obtain the form, the
dimension and selection/realization/reproduction of natural coloristic aspect of restored teeth.
The enamel-dentine adhesive systems constitute an important decision in the final result direct anterior
restorations. Their current development and variability offers the possibility in obtaining a superior
value of adhesive force, and optimal marginal seal, which ultimately increase the longevity of the
restoration.
The first existent and readily available composite resins used in practice were those with macrofillers;
having an increasing degree of irregular packed macroparticles, with a less homogeneous distribution
and ununiform in dimension, they present an increased resistance to mechanical stress, but they
present decreased esthetic results, due to optical properties and the aspect of the surface texture
achieved after finishing and polishing. Furthermore, due to these reasons, they are not a suitable
solution for direct restoration of anterior teeth.
In the direct restoration of anterior teeth, for the reproduction of enamel properties and the quality of
its surface, from an esthetic and biological point of view, the composite materials most suitable that
may be used are those based on microfill. These materials contain densely packed spherical
microparticles, with a homogeneous distribution, uniform in dimension, which allow the achievement of
an improved, long lasting luster of the restoration surface, and good resistance in the conditions of
normal wear. Due to these physical properties, they provide an adequate reproduction of natural dental
surface, in terms of texture and the absence roughness, reflection and refraction of light, colour density,
as well as translucence, conferring to natural esthetic aspect of the final restoration. Furthermore, they
do not favor the development of dental plaque due to the smoothness achieved by finishing and
polishing. The principal downfall of microfill composite resin is their decreased resistance to fractures or
to accentuated wear, limiting their use when encountering such situations.
Composite resins based on nanotechnology, with nanoparticles are the most recently developed for the
use of direct esthetic restorations. Today, they are considered universal restoration materials for usual
situations, where esthetic requirements are not exceptional, due to their increased maneuverability,
decreased polymerization shrinkage, resistance to fractures, favorable optical properties for colour and
a similar translucence of natural dental structures, a smooth, lustrous surface similar to enamel. Other
than their use alone, they may be used together with microfill composites, in situations where the
quality of translucence allows the reproduction of natural dental structures. Although composites
containing nanoparticles ensure the above mentioned properties, they do not realize a surface with
extremely close characteristics of natural teeth quasi identical to natural dental surfaces nor do they
reproduce the natural esthetic aspects, comparing to microfill resin composites.

In conclusion to selecting the corresponding material for direct esthetic anterior restorations,
microhybrid composites are optimal for the reproduction and replacement of dentine (resistance,
colour, opacity), nanohybrid composites and those containing nanoparticles are mostly indicated as a
universal material for common situations (with above average esthetic results), and microparticle
composites can best imitate the characteristic aspects of enamel (surface texture and shine,
translucence, light reflection and refraction) meaning they are best suited from an esthetic point of view
for its replacement.

2.3 Mock-up
Composite mock-ups provide a method by which to evaluate the esthetic demands of a patient's
dentition. The techniques of mock-up fabrication can be used as aids in both diagnostic and esthetic
evaluation. When used diagnostically, they allow assessment either on study models or directly on
unprepared natural teeth. When used for esthetic evaluation, mock-ups can be placed directly on teeth,
which are totally unprepared, partially prepared, or fully prepared for the final restoration. They can be
placed immediately before the preparation appointment or in advance so the patient has a trial period
in order to evaluate them functionally and esthetically. The end result is that the dentist is able to
control the esthetic artistry from the beginning to the completion of treatment.
Mock-up materials and techniques
Flowable composite, of any brand, is the material of choice. It is easy to apply, flows readily, and sets
with a smooth, esthetically pleasing appearance. Originally, regular composite was used but because of
its tendency to lift off of surfaces as it is shaped, it was replaced with flowable which remains in place as
it is sculpted. It can be applied as a thin veneer over study models or directly onto natural teeth.
Where gross tooth reduction is required it can be layered into any desired thickness. A fine-bladed
carver can be used to shape the interproximal and gingival areas. Removing the overhead dental light
source increases the working time. After light curing a finishing bur is normally all that is needed for
shaping.
Parameters for esthetics
In esthetic cases the central incisor forms the essence of the smile. The shape and position of the central
incisor is dependent on the general parameters of smile design. These can be dictated by basic
prosthetic principles such as those used in determining denture teeth arrangements. Facial form
dictates tooth form, lip line determines incisal length, and basic phonetics determine the incisal edge
position. The angulation of the incisors, midline position, and gingival height are other factors that must
be considered.
Patient preference is another important factor in determining the final esthetic outcome. It may be
determined by presenting to the patient a number of smile options. These may include: before and after
photographs of previous cases, magazine covers showing smile varieties, and digitally enhanced
photographs. Digitally enhanced smiles can be easily produced using computer programs, which allows
the placement of a variety of smile options into a digital photograph of the patient.

Before presentation to the patient a diagnostic mock-up can also be prepared on study models. It will
often reveal limitations in creating the idealized digital smile due to the patient's arch form or tooth
position. The idealized computerization can then be presented to the patient along with the diagnostic
model to demonstrate the limitations. The opportunity to visualize the treatment limitations enables the
patient to make a more fully informed treatment decision.
Diagnostic mock-up on study models
The preparation of a mock-up on a study model can be a very simple yet effective diagnostic aid to help
in the overall diagnosis of a case. The amount of tooth reduction will often help determine whether
orthodontic or endodontic intervention will be required.
For the study model mock-up a bur is used to create a rough veneer preparation on the tooth to be
treated. Composite is then flowed from mesial to distal in rows beginning at the gingival. In cases where
the incisal is to be lengthened, the operator places a finger lingual to the tooth and flows the composite
up onto the finger. After setting with a curing light a bur is used to quickly shape the incisal to the
desired length and form. In cases where the entire tooth is to be repositioned finger support on the
lingual allows for incrementally set layers to be built up until the desired shape is achieved.
By leaving the majority of the lingual surface unprepared the operator is able to determine the gross
labial reduction required at the preparation appointment simply by examining the study model. The
mock-up aids in the overall diagnosis by helping determine the amount of tooth reduction necessary.
Direct dental mock-up technique
The same technique used on study models can be used directly on teeth to be prepared for veneers
when the length and or shape are to be altered. The amount of tooth removal is determined by the
degree of change required in tooth shape or position. When moderate change is required, primarily to
improve contours, rough veneer prep is first prepared on one of the central incisors. By removing just
the depth of a veneer prep, the flowable composite bead of material extrudes from the syringe tip in a
thickness close to the thickness of the dental structure that was removed. The flowability of the material
results in a very smooth surface after light curing which helps to reduce finishing time on the labial.
Ideally, the only finishing required should be to the incisal edge. This can often be accomplished without
anesthetic. For the tooth requiring the most extensive modification such as in cases where the
diagnostic mock-up indicates that endodontic treatment is required to reposition it, the preparation
may involve removal of the majority of tooth structure. Rebuilding is then done in layers, which are
individually light cured with lingual digital support -- the same technique used on study models.
Immediately after the mock-ups are completed on the teeth they can be analyzed in relation to function
and esthetics. In cases where the treatment was accomplished without anesthetic the incisal edge, lip
position, and phonetic assessment can also be examined at this time. The same direct technique can be
applied in some cases to unprepared teeth. The mock-ups allow the patient to visualize the proposed
treatment. Mock-ups are placed on the unprepared teeth without bonding to give the patient an easily
removable esthetic transformation.

Advantages of direct mock-up

One of the main advantages of direct mock-ups of teeth prior to preparation is that they allow the
dentist to determine the esthetic result directly on the patient. At times this can be done prior to
anesthetic which allows for the visual checking of length and shape according to lip line, as well as
phonetic evaluation of incisal edge position.
The use of indirect mock-ups on study models allows both the visual confirmation of the practitioner's
ability to treat cases in the manner he or she proposes, and the ability to assess computer generated
images. Ultimately, mock-ups may be used to obtain guides/matrices for the finished restoration.

2.4 Matrices
Today, the techniques for realizing direct composite restorations may use different types of guides,
which aid in the reproduction of the finished mock-up and its coronal contours and proximal interdental
contacts, depending on the clinical situations.
Matrix technique
There is a variety of matrices designed for anterior composites restorations involving proximal surfaces.
They are made from a number of translucent polyester materials, commonly referred to by the brand
name Mylar. They are available in a number of shapes including: full contour crown forms, strips and
specially designed sectional matrices designed to facilitate restoration of the complex curvature of
anterior teeth.3 Matrices should be secured with suitable wedges to minimize cervical excess, provide
tooth separation and soft tissue control and stabilize the rubber dam. Thin metal sectional matrices
designed for posterior composites may also be used or dead soft foil wrapped around adjacent teeth.
A popular technique employs plumbers tape (Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape). This inexpensive,
inert, non-sticky material is usually wrapped around adjacent teeth to protect them from etch, adhesive,
and excess composite. PTFE tape is of negligible thickness promoting tight contact formation and it does
not interfere with adaptation of silicone templates.
The majority of authors which recommend and use composite materials for direct dental restorations,
along with using guides (considered mandatory and routine in proximal restorations), the use of freehand sculpting techniques of the coronal morphology represents an essential component of the final
result quality, due to the allowance of creativity and obtaining the artistic component of this result.

2.5 Dental Preparation

In certain clinical situations, tooth preparation may be avoided completely, for example fracture repair
or diastema closure. Where preparation is necessary, it should be minimized and confined to the enamel
to optimize adhesion and reduce the risk of marginal staining.
Natural cavity undercuts or pulp chambers/root canals of endodontically treated teeth may also be used
to enhance retention. Particle air abrasion may be employed to clean cavities and increase the surface
area available for micro-mechanical and chemical retention. In certain clinical situations, it may be

necessary to bevel enamel margins to assist retention and to mask the transition between the tooth
structure and the restorative material.
Opinion varies on the size and form (eg scalloping) of enamel bevels or whether discs, ultrasonic tips or
rubber points should also be used to remove fragile enamel from preparation margins.
In the case of class III and IV preparation of small or medium dimensions, which are only localized in the
enamel, the adhesive cavity only needs have, other than concave walls, a circular marginal bevel of max
0.5 mm in width. If the incisive angle needs restoration, the shape, dimension and the method of
creating the bevel is correlated to the esthetic aspect and extension of the restoration: extensive
preparations justify a larger width of bevel, up to 1mm. The adhesion surface with the enamel should be
as large as possible, in proportionality to the amount of stress the restoration will be exposed to.
To mask the restoration contours on the vestibular surface, any sharp angles of the beveled margin
should be polished and finished, in such a way that there is continuity between the prepared and the
non-prepared portion of the dental surface. When preparing for the first time a class III cavity, it is
advised to avoid the removal of the vestibular portion of the marginal ridge, as it will be more esthetic;
in the case of remodeling a cavity from a previous obturation, it is harder to prevent the extension of
the preparation on to the vestibular surface. In this case, the indicated solution would be to create a
smoothly beveled margin that extends vestibular.
For vestibular class V cavity preparations, the bevel should be minimal in inclination and width, which is
especially important for the surface continuity and visibility between the restoration material and the
dental surface. In the case of hard dental structure lesions due to erosions or abrasion, often the dental
preparation is not needed, only a regularization and finishing of the margins.
Furthermore, along with the complete removal of irreversibly altered hard dental structures, any
portion of unsupported marginal enamel should be removed due to unfavorable effects it may pose on
the adhesion to the surface. Although, keeping a thin enamel layer, after application of composite
obturation, will create the prism effect.
Isolation
While use of a rubber dam is far from commonplace, it is generally considered to be the optimum
method of moisture control for adhesive restorative procedures. Following isolation with a rubber dam,
stabilizing cord, wedges or floss ligatures may be used to optimize the seal and prevent the dam partially
obscuring adjacent teeth which are being used to guide restoration shape. Another useful isolation
technique for Class III, IV and V restorations involves the use of gingival retraction cord, which may be
soaked in an astringent product.

2.6 Stratification Technique

Despite technological advances in contemporary composite systems, the majority of practitioners use
monochromatic materials for anterior composites. Such techniques are ideally suited for small cavities
but they may deliver sub-optimal aesthetic outcomes in more aesthetically important areas.
Although placement of successive increments helps to minimize the effects of polymerization shrinkage
stress, aesthetic layering techniques are considered problematic and less predictable than those that
use a single material. Errors in layering techniques result in restorations, which appear too translucent
or opaque.
The reproduction of a natural aspect of color, translucence, and surface texture is determined by the
propagation of light through the restoration; the composite mass applied on the remaining dental
structures. To create a natural three-dimensional effect, the composite mass should have identical or
similar optical properties as real enamel or dentine.
In comparison to the natural tooth, the multiple morphological stratification application of composite
materials of frontal restorations may be described as predominantly dentine, due to the increased
volume of the central dentine nucleus in comparison to the natural tooth.
The thickness relationship of opaque dentine composites and translucent enamels is the key to
successful layering techniques. The overall outcome is determined by the propagation of light as it
passes through these layers to create an illusion of depth, equivalent to that seen in natural teeth. But it
must not be forgotten that composite resins with microparticles have a different light refraction index
than natural prismatic enamel, and the application of the enamel composite layer in the same thickness
as natural enamel will produce an accentuated grey shade of the final restoration. Furthermore, the
artificial enamel layer should be applied in approximately half the thickness of natural enamel, averaging
around 0.5 mm.
Keeping in mind the similar optical properties of natural teeth, all restorations must present an enamel
composite layer on their vestibular, oral or proximal surfaces. To avoid excessive marginal translucence
effect, in the area between the restoration limit and the natural enamel layer, the composite base (more
opaque) dentine layer should partially extend past the bevel of the preparation margin, and the
composite enamel layer covering this dentine mass must be very thin.
A wide range of composite stratification techniques, of varying complexities, has been described. To
ensure predictable, aesthetically pleasing results, layering concepts should be simple, standardized and
reproducible.
The following basic dual-shade and more complicated multi-layered (polychromatic) placement
sequences are presented as methodical guidelines for all clinicians wishing to create more natural
looking direct anterior composite restorations.

Dual-shade layering technique

Inexperienced practitioners are recommended to develop confidence in layering techniques by
beginning with two material shades, as this simplified technique is reported to deliver an acceptable
colour match in a large number of clinical situations.
Following etching and adhesive application, an opaque dentine material is applied, shaped and lightcured. Most dentine restorative materials (and 80% of natural dentine) are in the shade group A and
selection of the correct chroma is a key to success. Palatal, proximal and labial enamel increments are
then layered, freehand over the opacious central core at approximately half the thickness of residual
enamel.
Polychromatic layering technique
When aesthetic demands are high, the widely accepted stratification technique proposed by Lorenzo
Vanini is recommended. As each clinical situation presents different aesthetic challenges, study of
detailed atlases, describing the comprehensive range of layering options is highly recommended. The
fundamental principle of polychromatic layering technique is to use different composite shades to
replicate the layers seen in natural teeth, which is now described in stages.
1. Palatal enamel layer
As with all restorative procedures, functional integration is as important as that required for aesthetic
blending. Restoration of guiding palatal surfaces using direct techniques presents challenges, but can be
simplified by using a template constructed from a prototype restoration or a pre-operative mock-up.
The initial palatal composite increment may be applied to a template made of conventional silicone
putty or specialized transparent material before or after insertion into the mouth. Once light-cured, the
palatal shell, immediately establishes the three-dimensional form of the whole restoration.
2. Dentine layer
To avoid a monochromatic appearance, dentine lobes are restored using progressively chromatic
increments. The dentine build-up should stop short of the incisal edge and should be shaped into lobes,
leaving room for the incorporation of materials designed to replicate the appropriate optical properties
of the incisal third.
3. Special features
These are very case specific. In natural teeth, they are generally optical properties of enamel, but
materials aiming to mimic these features are ideally placed before the final enamel layer.
Painting these features on the surface layer often appears artificial, because it lacks the quality of
depth and may wear off. When the translucent enamel material is subsequently applied and polished
these features show through, producing very natural appearances, such as the incisal halo effect.

Materials designed to replicate special features may be divided into opalescents, characterizations and
intensives and are usually applied in that order.
3.1 Opalescents
Opalescent materials are placed in spaces left between the dentine lobes and, if required, extended into
mesial and distal proximal spaces.
Opalescent composite transmits light more efficiently and is designed to reproduce the iridescent
optical properties commonly seen in the incisal third. The degree of opalescence is judged by the
amount of blue that the material shows under direct light and amber features seen under transmitted
light.
Two generalized groups of material may be used to create opalescent effects: tinted flowable materials
or artificially achromatic enamel (AAE) composite, which is inherently pigmented and not keyed to the
vita shade system. Either material may be used to impart various degrees of translucency and subtle
hues, ranging through grey, blue, violet, amber, to milky white. Opaque resins are often necessary to
mask discolorations and/or dark backgrounds when restoring anterior teeth.
3.2 Characterizations and intensives
Experienced clinicians are capable of precisely reproducing a diverse range of characterizations.
Intensives are used to recreate white spots or patches in teeth found with hypoplastic and
hypomineralization defects. White features vary in opacity extent and lack opalescence. A range of
tinted conventional and flowable materials may be applied using suitable instruments or brushes or
mixed to copy unusual colourations. It is recommended to use them sparingly to avoid obviously
unnatural appearances and to refer to an adjacent tooth or a pre-operative colour map.
4. Labial enamel layer
The final layer generally comprises an enamel or incisal material with smaller average filler particle size
with translucent (and often opalescent) optical properties that modify those of the underlying layers. It
is advisable to minimize the time spent manipulating superficial increments to reduce the risk of
incorporating air bubbles, which may affect the optical properties and/or be revealed during finishing
and polishing procedures. The final layer may be slightly overbuilt and then finished and polished to the
correct incisal edge thickness. It is recommended that the total enamel thickness should be a maximum
of half of the thickness of the natural enamel that it replaces (or maximum thickness of 0.5 mm) to
prevent restorations being too translucent, too low in value and not life-like.
5. Light-curing
While various alternative light-curing regimes have been proposed, general recommendations include:
regular equipment checks using appropriate light intensity meters; light-curing for a suitable duration
(usually at least 60 seconds) from all angles; keeping the light tip as close to the material as possible and
avoidance of premature polymerization by ambient light. A layer of translucent material, such as

glycerine, may be placed over final increment. This minimizes contact with oxygen which inhibits surface
polymerization.
6. Shaping
Shape is the most important factor in the final appearance of an aesthetic restoration. It is therefore
essential that the primary anatomical features of natural teeth are meticulously reinstated using
appropriate burs, discs and finishing strips. Initial shaping may be carried out using red-stripe (30-40 m)
composite finishing burs. When shaping a single central incisor, the adjacent tooth should be studied to
re-establish symmetry by making the reflective face of both teeth equal. Repositioning of transition lines
can change the appearance of poorly shaped teeth, making them appear aesthetically pleasing even
though their outline remains the same.
Functional surfaces should be designed and contoured so that both the restoration and tooth can
tolerate the anticipated occlusal forces. In patients with parafunction, more fracture resistant, large
particle, hybrid composite is recommended, which may be veneered with a more aesthetic/polishable
microfill or small particle nano-hybrid material. The correct shape must be established before
refinements are made; if this is not done the finishing and polishing process will tend to magnify any
errors.
7. Finishing and polishing
Finishing and polishing are well-researched procedures and play an essential role in the way that light
interacts with the restoration. The natural secondary and tertiary surface texture features may all be
simulated in direct restorations, using a variety of equipment, including:

Finer diamond or tungsten carbide composite finishing burs (yellow/white/purple stripe) to

refine shape and correct marginal; plaque retention factors
Medium finishing discs to smooth the restoration and refine line angles/transition lines;
Fine polishing discs to create the attractive surface lustre seen in natural enamel;
Silicone rubber points and cups to introduce secondary anatomical features such as
developmental grooves;
Abrasive finishing strips to remove proximal excess and refine emergence profiles;
Sharp instruments, eg scalpels or scalers to remove unbonded excess;
Tungsten carbide or coarse diamonds to create a perikymata effect that increases the
restorations value
Goats hair/chamois/felt wheels and brushes to develop a high shine after all other stages have
been completed.
Specialized polishing pastes of varying particle size

A methodical approach is required to complete each finishing and polishing procedure before moving on
to the next.
Great care should be taken to avoid iatrogenic damage to tooth surfaces and adjacent periodontal
tissues. Copious water spray and a light touch should be used as rotary finishing equipment can

generate significant heat. This may damage hard and soft dental tissues, restorative material, and
adhesive interfaces or destroy finishing burs designed for multiple uses.
Restorations should never be painted with adhesive agents containing solvents. Although this will
deliver a shortlived shine, surface degradation will rapidly encourage stain formation. The time taken to
shape, finish and polish anterior composite restorations accurately will deliver reliable, aesthetic, longlasting restorations equivalent to those made from ceramic.

Above Images found at: Fahl Newton. Mastering Composite Artistry To Create Anterior Masterpieces.
http://www.slideshare.net/theaacd/anterior-direct-restorations. AACDs Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry: Winter 2011.

3. Conclusion
Successful anterior composites are satisfying for both patients and clinicians. The time taken to study
dental aesthetics and practice and refine operative techniques2 (Figure 20) will be rewarded on a daily
basis. Direct adhesive procedures have almost limitless potential to restore function and aesthetics,
while preserving healthy tooth tissue and, as such, anterior composites are at the very forefront of
contemporary minimally invasive aesthetic dentistry.

4. References
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