Determining the widths of the maxillary anterior teeth for esthetics: comparison of the Mondelli and Albers formulas, esthetic proportion, and golden ratio.

The purpose of this study was to compare various formulas for idealized proportions of the maxillary incisors to the actual dimensions of natural teeth. The Mondelli formula 1 (MF1), Mondelli formula 2 (MF2), Albers formula (AF), esthetic proportion (EP) for width and height of anterior teeth, and golden ratio (GR) were calculated for a total of 50 dental students (30 women and 20 men) who participated in the study. The following measurements were obtained directly in the participant's mouth with a digital caliper: the mesiodistal and incisogingival dimensions of the maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines; the intercanine distance; and the smile width. The participants were photographed, and the smile width was also measured on the photographs. The MF1 and MF2 were each calculated twice, using both direct measurements and photographic measurements. The projected central incisor widths calculated using the MF1, MF2, and AF were compared among themselves and against the actual measurements using analysis of variance and Fisher test for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). The EP and GR were analyzed using descriptive statistics. There was a statistically significant difference between all of the widths projected by the formulas and the actual widths of the central incisors (P < 0.05). Whether calculated from a direct or a photographic measurement, the incisor widths projected by the MF1 and MF2 were statistically similar to each other (P > 0.05). The EP values were similar to those reported in the literature. Only 2% of the participants had an incisor width ratio (central incisor/lateral incisor) that matched the GR of 1.618, while 86% fell within the range of 1.2 to 1.4. Overall, the proportions calculated with the MF1, MF2, AF, EP, and GR did not exactly match the actual dimensions of natural teeth. The formulas and the proportions available in the literature can assist in esthetic planning, but the individual characteristics of each patient and expertise of the dentist should guide treatment for each case.

Influence of depth of mesio-occlusodistal preparation and mechanical cycling on fracture resistance of restored premolars.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of depth (3.0 vs 5.0 mm) of mesio-occlusodistal (MOD) cavity preparation and mechanical cycling on fracture resistance of maxillary premolars restored with resin-based composite (RBC). Seventy premolars were randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 10): NP, no cavity preparation (control); MOD3, 3.0-mm-deep MOD preparation, not restored; MOD3R, 3.0-mm-deep MOD preparation restored with RBC; MOD5, 5.0-mm-deep MOD preparation, not restored; MOD5R, 5.0-mm-deep MOD preparation restored with RBC; MOD3RC, 3.0-mm-deep MOD preparation restored with RBC and subjected to mechanical cycling; and MOD5RC, 5.0-mm-deep MOD preparation restored with RBC and subjected to mechanical cycling under the same conditions as MOD3RC. All specimens were tested using a universal testing machine, resulting in the following mean (SD) values: NP, 224.65 (35.66) kgf; MOD3, 58.92 (15.48) kgf; MOD3R, 95.58 (13.88) kgf; MOD5, 68.06 (10.12) kgf; MOD5R, 98.49 (13.16) kgf; MOD3RC, 83.68 (14.39) kgf; and MOD5RC, 54.25 (11.56) kgf. Analysis of variance and Tukey test showed no statistically significant difference among MOD3, MOD5, and MOD5RC; between MOD5 and MOD3RC; or among MOD3R, MOD5R, and MOD3RC (P > 0.05). MOD3RC had significantly greater fracture resistance than MOD5RC (P < 0.05). NP had the highest fracture resistance of all groups (P < 0.05). The results showed that the depth of the cavity preparation only influenced fracture resistance after mechanical cycling of the specimens.

Effect of using the New Glass Fiber Pin in Resin Composite Restorations.

AIM: The purpose was to compare the fracture strength between restorations containing the metal pin (MP) and those containing the glass fiber pin (GFP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five healthy bovine anterior teeth were used in this study. A preparation of 4 mm × 4 mm was created on the incisal surface of each tooth. All teeth were prepared in the same way. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15): group I-control: teeth restored with resin composite (RC) only, without reinforcement; group II-Each tooth was restored with a MP and RC; group III-Each tooth was restored with a GFP and RC. The specimens were left in an oven at a temperature of 37°C for 24 hours before performing the fracture strength tests. The fracture strength test was performed in a universal test machine at an angle of 90°. RESULTS: The Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05) showed that for the variable maximum force (kgf), there was no statistically significant difference among the groups (p = 0.272). The chi-square test showed that groups II and III presented over 70% of cohesive-adhesive type fractures when compared with group I (over 70% of adhesive fractures), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The pins tested did not increase the fracture resistance of the restorations (RC) in comparison with group I (without reinforcement); however, with the use of the MP and GFP, there was a predominance of cohesive-adhesive fractures (groups II and III). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Evaluate if the new GFP can generate greater resistance to fracture of RC restorations.

Fracture strength of the remaining dental structure after different cavity preparation designs.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the loss of tooth structure after cavity preparation for direct (retentive) and indirect (nonretentive) restorations and its relationship to the fracture strength of the prepared tooth. Sound human third molars (60 maxillary and 60 mandibular) were randomly assigned into 12 groups (n = 10) according to the type of cavity preparation and the respective buccolingual width. Class II mesio-occlusodistal cavity preparations, for both indirect inlay and direct resin restorations, were prepared with standardized dimensions of one-half, one-third, or one-quarter of the occlusal intercuspal distance. Fracture resistance was lower and weight loss was greater for all nonretentive preparations. Greater losses in weight and fracture resistance occurred when the buccolingual width for both types of cavities increased, except for the weight loss of the one-quarter and one-third indirect cavity preparations in the mandibular molars, and the fracture resistance of the one-half and one-third direct cavity preparations in maxillary molars. Higher tooth structure loss and lower fracture strength were recorded after preparation of the inlay cavities.

A conservative approach for restoring anterior guidance: a case report.

UNLABELLED: One of the most common dental problems in today's clinics is tooth wear, specifically when related to bruxism. In such cases, the esthetics of anterior teeth may be compromised when excessive wear to the incisal surfaces occurs. Anterior tooth wear resulting from parafunctional bruxism can be conservatively treated with the use of direct resin composite restorations. This restorative approach has the advantages of presenting good predictability, load resistance, acceptable longevity, preservation of healthy dental tissues, and lower cost when compared with indirect restorations. The use of resin composites to solve esthetic problems, however, requires skill and practice. Thus, the present article demonstrates a conservative approach for restoring the esthetics and function of worn anterior teeth with the aid of direct resin composite restorations and selective occlusal adjustment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A conservative approach to restore anterior teeth with excessive wear is possible with direct resin composites.

The efficacy of acid etching for removing contamination in layered dental restorations.

Contamination between incremental layers of a composite resin restoration can occur during surgical procedures. The present study sought to evaluate how two decontamination treatments affected the shear bond strength between layers of a saliva-contaminated composite resin surface. Forty disks of a nanohybrid composite resin were prepared and divided into four groups (n = 10). The surfaces of all specimens (except for samples in Group 1, the positive control) were contaminated with human saliva. For the negative control samples (Group 2), no decontamination was performed. For Group 3 samples, acid etching was performed and adhesive was applied. For Group 4, surfaces were roughened with a diamond bur prior to acid etching and adhesive application. The specimens were submitted to a shear bond strength test, and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). No significant differences were detected between the mean shear bond strengths of samples in Groups 1, 3, and 4 (p < 0.05). Shear bond strength was significantly reduced in Group 2 samples (p < 0.05). Acid etching and the application of adhesive improved shear bond strength, producing values similar to those in the positive control group.

Effect of simulated brushing on surface roughness and wear of bis-acryl-based materials submitted to different polishing protocols.

BACKGROUND: Provisional materials must have enough strength to withstand masticatory loads without suffering deformation or fracture, and their surfaces must have good finishing and polishing characteristics to reduce biofilm accumulation. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the best polishing protocol for different bis-acryl composite resins in comparison with a conventional resin composite and a self-curing acrylic resin aiming to obtain a smooth restoration surface and resistance to wear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and four samples (15 mm length x 5 mm width x 4 mm depth) were prepared and divided into four groups according to the material tested: Protemp 4 and Structur 3 bis-acryl composite resins, Dencor self-curing acrylic resin, Filtek Z350XT conventional composite resin. The polishing procedures were performed with Sof-Lex Pop-On discs or Sof-Lex spirals and abrasion procedures were performed on a brushing machine. The surface roughness was analyzed at three periods (initial, post-polishing and post-brushing) and the wear was evaluated after simulated brushing. The results were submitted to ANOVA followed by the Tukey (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Filtek Z350XT groups showed the lowest values of initial surface roughness followed by Structur 3, Protemp 4 and Dencor groups. After polishing and simulated brushing, Filtek Z350XT groups also presented the lowest roughness values, followed by bis-acryl groups (Structur 3 and Protemp 4) and Dencor groups demonstrated the highest surface roughness. Sof-Lex Pop-On discs system exhibited lower roughness values for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sof-Lex Pop-On discs system promoted the best polishing for all groups. Overall, Filtek Z350XT groups presented lower results for both roughness and wear for all periods evaluated, followed by Protemp 4 and Structur 3, meanwhile Dencor groups presented the highest roughness and wear values for all periods. Key words:Acrylic resin, bis-acryl, brushing, composite resin, polishing, roughness, wear.

Assessment of a conservative approach for restoration of extensively destroyed posterior teeth.

OBJECTIVE: Extensive restorations in posterior teeth always bring doubts to the clinicians regarding the best protocol, mainly when structures of reinforcement were lost. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of beveling on the fracture resistance and pattern of class II (MOD) restored teeth. METHODOLOGY: Ninety human premolars were randomly assigned into 9 groups: CTR (control/sound); NC (cavity preparation, non-restored); RU (restored, unbeveled); RTB (restored, entire angle beveling); RPB (restored, partial/occlusal beveling); EC (endodontic access/EA, non-restored); EU (EA, unbeveled); ETB (EA, entire angle beveling); EPB (EA, partial/occlusal beveling). Teeth were restored with Esthet X resin composite and stored in distilled water for 24 h before the inclusion in PVC cylinders. The axial loading tests were performed with 500 kgF at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed until fracture of the specimens. Fracture resistance and pattern were accessed and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Mean (±SD) failure loads ranged from 136.56 (11.62) to 174.04 (43.5) kgF in the groups tested without endodontic access. For endodontically accessed teeth, fracture resistance ranged from 95.54 (13.05) to 126.51 (19.88) kgF. Beveling of the cavosurface angle promoted the highest fracture resistance values (p<0.05) and prevented catastrophic fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Cavosurface angle beveling is capable of improving fracture resistance and pattern for both endodonticaly accessed and non-accessed teeth.

Comparison of visual inspection, radiographic examination, laser fluorescence and their combinations on treatment decisions for occlusal surfaces.

PURPOSE: To compare visual inspection (VI), radiographic examination (RX) and the laser fluorescence device DIAGNOdent (L), as well as their combinations in vitro regarding treatment decisions for occlusal surfaces. METHODS: 72 extracted human permanent teeth (molars and premolars) were used. Treatment decisions were recorded by three calibrated examiners, and the options available were fissure sealant and conservative restoration. For validation of treatment decisions, the teeth were sectioned and examined in a stereomicroscope. Thereafter, dental slices were scanned and the images were edited to facilitate classification of existing carious lesions. Intra and inter-examiner reproducibility for the determination of treatment plans were calculated using Cohen's kappa test (95%-CI). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the area under the ROC curve were also calculated. RESULTS: VI and L provided on average the greatest intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility, respectively. Although the combination of diagnostic methods may decrease both intra- and inter examiners reproducibility, combination of VI, L and RX resulted in the greatest sensitivity, being statistically superior to RX and L. There was more inter-examiner agreement for the option of restorative treatment, while the use of sealants as a treatment option yielded the lowest values. Negative predictive values were numerically inferior to positive predictive values, indicating that the examiners preferred not to restore a carious tooth than to proceed operatively in an intact tooth. The combination of the three methods studied showed the best results in determining treatment plans for occlusal surfaces, when compared to the other types of exams. On the other hand, radiographic examination and laser fluorescence were less efficient when used alone.

Role of additional retention on marginal adaptation and sealing of large resin composite Class II restorations.

PURPOSE: To compare marginal leakage and gap formation in large resin composite Class II cavities with their gingival margins in cementum, using three different additional retentions in the proximal box. METHODS: Standardized large Class II MOD cavities with gingival margins in cementum were prepared in 40 recently extracted molars and divided into four groups according to their retention in the proximal box: (G1) no retention; (G2) vertical grooves in the buccal and lingual walls; (G3) "pot holes" in the gingival wall and (G4) horizontal grooves in the gingival wall. All groups were restored with the incremental technique using the same resin composite (QuiXfil, Dentsply) and a bonding agent (Prime Bond NT, Dentsply). After polishing, all of the restored teeth were immersed in dye solution and submitted to simultaneous cyclic loading. Impressions of the gingival margins were made before and after loading, and epoxy resin replicas were evaluated for gap formation using a scanning electron microscope. The microleakage and gap extension data were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Gap extension before and after mechanical loading was compared by Student's t-test. A correlation analysis was made between the gap extension and microleakage (Pearson's correlation test). RESULTS: All groups with additional retention (G2 = 0.565, G3 = 0.346 and G4 = 0.078) showed fewer gap formations than the control group (G1 = 2.076). Similar results were found for microleakage tests. All groups presented an increase in gap extension after loading, with the exception of the group with gingival retention grooves (G4). G4 showed the best results in relation to both parameters. There was a low correlation between gap extension and microleakage.

Multidisciplinary management of anterior diastemata: clinical procedures.

Anterior diastemata may compromise the harmony of a patient's smile. Consideration of etiologic factors, previous gingival conditioning, and individual treatment planning are essential in the proper management of anterior diastemata. An integrated orthodontic-restorative approach may enhance the aesthetic results when orthodontic therapy itself is not feasible. This article presents integrated orthodonticrestorative solutions of anterior diastemata, associated with the conditioning of the gingival tissue with composite resin, and discusses the most relevant aspects related to their etiology and treatment planning.

Two-year clinical evaluation of resin composite in posterior teeth: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical evaluations as fundamental method to prove the efficiency of restorative materials. AIM: This study evaluated the clinical performance of restorative systems during 2 years of clinical service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study assessed the clinical performance of restorative systems (Filtek Z250 and P60), during 2 years of clinical service, using the US Public Health Service system. The randomized and double-blind study comprising thirty volunteers. The restorations were evaluated at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. It was used the following criteria: marginal discoloration (MD), marginal integrity (MI), superficial texture (ST), wear (W), postoperative sensitivity (PS) and recurrent caries (RC). RESULTS: Statistic analysis was performed using Fisher's and McNemar's exact tests and Pearsons's Chi-square in a significance level of 5%. The results at baseline and 24 months for Group I were: MD - 100, 100%; MI - 100, 88.6%; ST - 100, 94.3%; W - 100, 94.3%; PS - 100, 100%; RC - 100, 100%, of alpha scores; Group II: MD - 100, 97.1%; MI - 100, 91.4%; ST - 100, 94.3%; W - 100, 91.4%; PS - 100, 100%; RC - 100, 100%, of alpha scores. It was observed no statistical difference in the evaluated criteria and period. CONCLUSIONS: After 24 months of evaluation, both restorative systems exhibited acceptable clinical performance.

Endocrown with Leucite-Reinforced Ceramic: Case of Restoration of Endodontically Treated Teeth.

A common problem encountered by dentists is the restorative treatment of nonvital teeth. When the pulp chamber presents appropriate conditions for retention, the endocrown is indicated. This monolithic, ceramic adhesive restoration is singularly used yet warrants wider recognition and use. The endocrown allows preservation of the tooth structure and is minimally invasive. Currently, this treatment option, of a core buildup and full coverage restoration, reduces tooth structure excessively. This treatment presents not only functional limitations but also aesthetic concerns. Recently, the VITA-PM9 system, a leucite-reinforced glass ceramic, has been increasingly used in a variety of clinical situations due to its satisfactory physical-mechanical and aesthetic properties. Therefore, the present study describes a case of surgical restoration of a nonvital tooth using the endocrown technique and the VITA-PM9.

Cleidocranial dysplasia case report: remodeling of teeth as aesthetic restorative treatment.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), is an autosomal dominant disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 1,000,000 individuals. It is generally characterized by orofacial manifestations, including enamel hypoplasia, retained primary teeth, and impacted permanent and supernumerary teeth. The successful treatment involving a timing intervention (orthodontic-maxillofacial surgeons-restorative) is already described. However, the restorative treatment might improve the aesthetic final result in dentistry management for patients with cleidocranial dysplasia. Objective. Therefore, this clinical report presents a conservative restorative management (enamel microabrasion, dental bleaching, and direct composite resin) for aesthetic solution for a patient with CCD. Clinical Considerations. The cosmetic remodeling is a conservative, secure, and low cost therapy that can be associated with other procedures such as enamel microabrasion and dental bleaching to achieve optimal outcome. Additionally, the Golden Proportion can be used to guide dental remodeling to improve the harmony of the smile and the facial composition. Conclusions. Thus, dentists must know and be able to treat dental aesthetic problems in cleidocranial dysplasia patients. The intention of this paper is to describe a restorative approach with the cosmetic remodeling teeth (by grinding or addicting material) associated with enamel microabrasion and dental bleaching to reestablish the form, shape, and color of smile for patients with cleidocranial dysplasia.

Assessment of a conservative approach for restoration of extensively destroyed posterior teeth

Abstract Extensive restorations in posterior teeth always bring doubts to the clinicians regarding the best protocol, mainly when structures of reinforcement were lost. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of beveling on the fracture resistance and pattern of class II (MOD) restored teeth. Methodology Ninety human premolars were randomly assigned into 9 groups: CTR (control/sound); NC (cavity preparation, non-restored); RU (restored, unbeveled); RTB (restored, entire angle beveling); RPB (restored, partial/occlusal beveling); EC (endodontic access/EA, non-restored); EU (EA, unbeveled); ETB (EA, entire angle beveling); EPB (EA, partial/occlusal beveling). Teeth were restored with Esthet X resin composite and stored in distilled water for 24 h before the inclusion in PVC cylinders. The axial loading tests were performed with 500 kgF at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed until fracture of the specimens. Fracture resistance and pattern were accessed and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05). Results Mean (±SD) failure loads ranged from 136.56 (11.62) to 174.04 (43.5) kgF in the groups tested without endodontic access. For endodontically accessed teeth, fracture resistance ranged from 95.54 (13.05) to 126.51 (19.88) kgF. Beveling of the cavosurface angle promoted the highest fracture resistance values (p<0.05) and prevented catastrophic fractures. Conclusions Cavosurface angle beveling is capable of improving fracture resistance and pattern for both endodonticaly accessed and non-accessed teeth.

Conservative approach to restore the first molar with extensive destruction: A 30-month follow-up.

The available options for restoring multiple surface cavities are: amalgam, composite resin, or indirect restorations. Adhesive system and intradentinal pin-retained composite resin restorations should have a similar performance to pin-retained amalgam, regarding resistance to support occlusal forces. Polymerization shrinkage is a major concern when performing direct posterior composite resin restorations and the incremental insertion technique can provide less stress and outstanding margin behavior. Intradentinal pins can potentially enhance composite resin's retention, while reducing gaps caused by polymerization shrinkage. This article reports a clinical case involving an extensive restoration on a posterior tooth with cusp loss that was successfully treated using an intradentinal pin and direct nano-hybrid composite resin restoration.

Recuperando o guia incisal de um paciente com bruxismo: Relato de caso / Recovering the incisal guidance of a patient with bruxism: Case report

O objetivo do presente relato de caso clínico foi descrever a reabilitação estética e funcional dos incisivos anteriores superiores de um paciente com bruxismo. Paciente do gênero masculino, 23 anos de idade, bruxoma, procurou tratamento para os dentes anteriores superiores devido aos diastemas dentários e também por causa dos comprimentos reduzidos dos incisivos centrais superiores. Para isso, foi realizada a gengivoplastia e osteotomia na região dos incisivos centrais superiores com o objetivo de melhorar as posições dos contornos gengivais e aumentar o comprimento desses dentes. Após 90 dias, o clareamento dentário foi realizado. Depois de 1 mês as facetas de resina composta foram confeccionadas nos incisivos centrais superiores. Durante o tratamento as necessidades e perspectivas do paciente foram levadas em consideração para alcançar o sucesso clínico. Após a conclusão dos procedimentos, o resultado final foi satisfatório. Portanto, um plano de tratamento integrado se mostrou de extrema valia, principalmente quando o paciente é devidamente esclarecido das opções disponíveis de tratamento e colabora com o mesmo.

The objective of the present case report was to describe the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of the upper anterior incisors of a patient with bruxism. A 23-year-old male patient, with bruxism, sought treatment for his upper anterior teeth due to diastemas and reduced lengths of the upper central incisors. The gingivoplasty and osteotomy were performed in the region of the upper central incisors to improve the positions of the gingival contours and increase the length of these teeth. After 90 days, teeth whitening was performed. After 1 month the composite resin veneers were made in the upper central incisors. During treatment, the needs and perspectives of the patient were considered to achieve clinical success. The treatments were finalized, and the final result was satisfactory. Therefore, an integrated treatment plan proved to be extremely important, especially when the patient is adequately informed of the available treatment options and collaborates with the treatment.

56-month clinical performance of Class I and II resin composite restorations.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the 56-month clinical performance of Class I and II resin composite restorations. Filtek P60 was compared with Filtek Z250, which are both indicated for posterior restorations but differ in terms of handling characteristics. The null hypothesis tested was that there is no difference in the clinical performance of the two resin composites in posterior teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients were treated by the same operator, who prepared 48 Class I and 42 Class II cavities, which were restored with Single Bond/Filtek Z250 or Single Bond/Filtek P60 restorative systems. Restorations were evaluated by two independent examiners at baseline and after 56 months, using the modified USPHS criteria. Data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests (a=0.05). RESULTS: After 56 months, 25 patients (31 Class I and 36 Class II) were analyzed. A 3% failure rate occurred due to secondary caries and excessive loss of anatomic form for P60. For both restorative systems, there were no significant differences in secondary caries and postoperative sensitivity. However, significant changes were observed with respect to anatomic form, marginal discoloration, and marginal adaptation. Significant decreases in surface texture were observed exclusively for the Z250 restorations. CONCLUSIONS: Both restorative systems can be used for posterior restorations and can be expected to perform well in the oral environment.

Network structures of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resins differ in DC, shrinkage-strain, hardness and optical properties as a function of reducing agent.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of different tertiary amines on degree of conversion (DC), shrinkage-strain, shrinkage-strain rate, Knoop microhardness, and color and transmittance stabilities of experimental resins containing BisGMA/TEGDMA (3:1wt), 0.25wt% camphorquinone, 1wt% amine (DMAEMA, CEMA, DMPT, DEPT or DABE). Different light-curing protocols were also evaluated. METHODS: DC was evaluated with FTIR-ATR and shrinkage-strain with the bonded-disk method. Shrinkage-strain-rate data were obtained from numerical differentiation of shrinkage-strain data with respect to time. Color stability and transmittance were evaluated after different periods of artificial aging, according to ISO 7491:2000. Results were evaluated with ANOVA, Tukey, and Dunnett's T3 tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Studied properties were influenced by amines. DC and shrinkage-strain were maximum at the sequence: CQ

A direct composite resin stratification technique for restoration of the smile.

Composite resins can be used to improve the esthetics of the smile at a low cost and with relatively high clinical performance. The aim of this article was to describe an approach to restore and enhance the esthetic appearance of the anterior dentition through vital tooth whitening and the direct layering of composite resin during predictable esthetic procedures.