Simplifying restorations

The ability to create highly aesthetic direct composite resin restorations in a simplified manner has long been a goal for practising dentists. In the past, difficulties with direct composite resins have included shade matching, handling properties, premature setting under operatory lights, and the overall ease of use. This article will describe a composite resin system (Amaris, VOCO) that has demonstrated desirable properties for use in posterior teeth and especially in the aesthetic zone. Then, a case report demonstrating the use of the material will be presented.

Two-step concept

Tooth colour, with its varying shades and translucencies, is difficult to achieve between composite systems. Resins based on the porcelain Vita classical shade guide (Vident)  cannot achieve the desired results with consistency. Most composite systems work on the principle of matching composite to the basic shade ranges found in dentin and enamel. To create the polychromatic effect found in natural enamel and dentin, several things must happen. To mimic the optical properties of hydroxyapatite enamel rods, composite resin must create the illusion of the way light is reflected in the natural tooth. Dentin is by nature opaque providing teeth with their basic shades of yellow, brown, gray, and blue. Enamel is by nature a white-translucent shade, providing teeth with their natural value. Using this basic principle, aesthetics accomplished when using Amaris is simplified for everyday use with an easy to understand, two-step shade concept with five opaque ‘dentin’ and three translucent ‘enamel’ shades. Choosing the correct shade is simplified by using the custom shade guide, which is made from original light-cured composite material. Colour matching is greatly simplified because one does not have to employ a complicated and time-consuming multilayer shade technique. With minimal effort, colour matching is developed as you go. Because the colour of dentin ‘shines’ through enamel, this system offers a shade system that follows this natural principle, simplifying direct aesthetic composite restorations into two simple steps. The material demonstrates a chameleon-like effect with non-opaque shades and outstanding shade matching on the tooth. This adaptation makes complex (shade) layering techniques unnecessary, and delivers an aesthetic result with fewer shades.