Management options and long-term follow-ups for permanent double incisors: six to eleven-year case reports.

BACKGROUND: Double teeth are dental anomalies that can lead to aesthetic and orthodontic problems. CASE PRESENTATION: This report discusses two cases involving the multidisciplinary management of permanent maxillary left lateral incisors fused with a supernumerary tooth in two girls aged 9 and 10. Following intraoral and radiographic examinations, one was diagnosed with fusion, and the other was diagnosed with concrescence. The crown of the fused incisor was separated using a burs and extracted intraorally. The concrescent incisor was separated along its length using a laser and intentionally replanted extraorally. After a 6-year follow-up, no pathological signs were observed in the fused incisor. However, after an 11-year follow-up, external resorption was observed in the concrescent incisor. CONCLUSIONS: Both incisors remained asymptomatic throughout the observation period. This case report highlights two different and effective methods employed to preserve the natural function, form, and aesthetics of double incisors.

Accuracy of an intraoral scanner with near-infrared imaging feature in detection of interproximal caries of permanent teeth: An in vivo validation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of an intraoral scanner with near-infrared imaging (NIRI) feature in the diagnosis of interproximal caries and to compare it with the visual-tactile method (VTM), bitewing radiography (BWR), and panoramic radiography (PR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred thirty-nine interproximal surfaces (mesial-distal) of posterior teeth from 22 volunteers were examined. Results were scored by VTM, BWR, PR, and NIRI. Lesions were scored as 0 for no-caries, 1 for early-enamel lesion (EEL), and 2 for lesions involving dentino-enamel junction (DEJ). McNemar, Kappa, and Fleis Kappa tests were used to evaluate the agreement levels. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the matching rates after validation. RESULTS: A good level of agreement was observed between examination methods (Ƙ = 0.613; p < 0.001). In pairwise comparisons, a moderate agreement was seen between all the methods for lesions with DEJ involvement, while a statistically good agreement was observed between BWR and NIRI (Ƙ = 0.675; p < 0.001). As a result of validation, the accuracy of NIRI for molars was considered 85.2% and 75.7% for premolars in EELs, 85.2% for molars, and 70% for premolars regarding the lesions involving DEJ. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral scanners with the NIRI feature may be used for diagnosing interproximal caries, especially for permanent molars. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Early detection of proximal caries is one of the most essential topics forming the basis of preventive dentistry. This study investigates a caries diagnostic tool integrated into intraoral scanners to diagnose interproximal caries. A caries diagnostic tool integrated into an intraoral scanner may prevent the harmful effects of ionizing radiation in early caries diagnosis and may improve the patient's oral health status.

Assessment of a highly-filled flowable composite for the repair of indirect composites.

PURPOSE: To compare the shear-bond-strength (SBS) of a highly-filled-flowable composite (HFFC) and a paste-type composite for indirect composite repair and to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments (ST), concerning the composite repair protocol. METHODS: Eighty-four 5 × 5 × 2 mm cylindrical specimens were prepared using Gradia Plus and SR Nexco indirect composite materials. The samples were thermocycled 5,000 times. According to the ST, the samples were divided into three groups (control, bur, and air-abrasion). After ST, the sample subgroups were divided into two sub-groups according to the repair material: paste-type composite and HFFC (n = 7). Another 5,000 cycles of aging were performed. SBS values were measured with a universal testing machine (Shimadzu, Japan). Shapiro-Wilk, 3-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD test were used to evaluate data (P < 0.05). RESULTS: ST was considered significant for SBS (P < 0.001). The mean values were (13.9 ± 5.7), (17.0 ± 6.4), (20.4 ± 4.9) MPa for the control, bur and phosphoric acid, and air-abrasion groups, respectively. The surface treatment and repair material interaction was considered significant for SBS (P = 0.044). The highest mean bond strength (24.5 ± 4.5 MPa) was observed for the interaction of SR Nexco, air-abrasion ST, and HFFC repair. CONCLUSION: Repairing with HFFC following air abrasion might enhance the SBS for indirect composite restorations.

In-vitro evaluation of wear characteristics, microhardness and color stability of dental restorative CAD/CAM materials.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the vertical and volumetric wear characteristics of CAD/CAM materials. The microhardness and color stability were evaluated. A polymer infiltrated ceramic network CAD/CAM block, resin nanoceramic CAD/CAM blocks, a resin composite, and enamel tissue were investigated. Samples were loaded in a chewing simulator. Other samples were aged and immersed in coffee. Color change was evaluated using the digital image analysis and a spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney U, Friedman, Spearman's rho tests (p<0.05). The lowest level of wear was obtained in enamel tissue group 0.20 (Q1:0.14; Q3:0.27µm). Resin composite group 2.48 (Q1:2.12; Q3:2.92) showed lower level of discoloration. No agreement was obtained between the digital image analysis and spectrophotometer data (Spearman's rho -0.314, p=0.014). Similar wear rate to the natural enamel tissue was obtained for Vita Enamic. Digital image analysis was considered a promising technique for monitoring the color change.

Romanian dental students' learning experience related to lifestyle changes imposed by Covid-19 lockdown.

Background and aim: The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Romania was followed by the declaration of an Emergency State and the subsequent lockdown. As all the schools and universities ceased onsite activities, the teaching process continued exclusively online, on different platforms, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate how the lifestyle changes imposed by the Covid-19 lockdown and online lectures influenced the learning experience of Romanian dental students, as their point of view could bring new information which might contribute to improving the teaching process. Methods: The questionnaire had 28 items, each with either a Likert Scale or a multiple-choice option and was distributed in April 2020, one month after implementation of circulation restrictions and social distancing. Results: Compared to classical teaching, we found that the online teaching process had a lower efficiency, with a higher satisfaction level for online courses, but lower for online practical teaching activities. The absence of human interaction was found to be detrimental to the teaching process. Conclusion: Despite the lower efficiency of online learning, it was a good alternative that helped students continue their education in the situation created by the outbreak of Covid-19. For higher learning efficiency, a compromise method consisting of online courses and onsite practical training could be a better alternative.

Clinical assessment of various imaging systems for dental plaque scoring after the use of 3 different toothpastes.

Purpose: This study was conducted to compare dental plaque scores obtained through clinical examinations and various imaging techniques, as well as to assess the effectiveness of herbal and conventional toothpastes for plaque removal. Material and Methods: Thirty volunteers were divided into 3 groups. Each group was given a different toothpaste (from 2 herbal toothpastes and a conventional toothpaste) with which to brush their teeth for 21 days. Both initially and after brushing, dental plaque samples were collected, and plaque on the buccal surfaces of anterior teeth was scored using several imaging systems after staining with a disclosing agent. Specifically, digital dental photography, intraoral digital scanning, and FluoreCam imaging were employed to capture intraoral images. The Turesky Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index was used for clinical examination and image analysis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses and correlational assessments between clinical examination and imaging scores were conducted before and after toothpaste use. The Shapiro-Wilk test and Pearson correlations were utilized. Results: The lowest mean value was observed in the clinical examination without staining, while the highest was obtained using the FluoreCam method. No significant change was found in the level of any microorganism assessed following toothpaste use (P<0.05), with the exception of a decrease in S. mutans levels after using conventional toothpaste (P<0.05). Conclusion: Herbal toothpaste demonstrated plaque-removal effectiveness comparable to that of conventional toothpaste. The use of imaging methods for measuring plaque index has been suggested as a means to educate patients about plaque control and promote ongoing oral care.

Effect of prerestorative short-term clear aligner therapy in restorative treatment planning.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: One of the major challenges in restorative dentistry is to provide optimal esthetics in a minimally invasive way. The optimization of dental esthetics and function is directly related to the position and alignment of the anterior teeth, but whether prerestorative clear aligner therapy will enhance esthetics and minimize restorative needs is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of prerestorative maxillary and mandibular second premolar to second premolar clear aligner therapy in minimizing the need for restorative treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty adult patients treated with clear aligners (Invisalign Go; Align Technology) were included in this study. Previously generated 3-dimensional orthodontic simulations and clinical photographs in the ClinCheck/6.0 software program were used. Three restorative treatment plans for each participant were generated for initial (no aligners), Express (after using 7 aligners), and Lite Packages (after using 20 aligners) by 2 blinded restorative dentistry instructors. The maxillary and mandibular teeth in the smile-line (to the second premolars) were included. Assessment criteria were the estimated number of restorations, restoration surfaces and preparations and incisal edge inclusion, and the need for gingival leveling. The Friedman test and Cochran Q test were used for statistical analyses (α=.05). RESULTS: A strong positive correlation was found between the 2 instructors (P<.001). Estimated number of restorations (10 [3 to 16]a) decreased significantly for Express (6 [0 to 14]b) and Lite Packages (4 [0 to 8]c) (P<.001). The estimated number of restoration surfaces (28.5 [9 to 48]a) decreased significantly for Express (15 [0 to 42]b) and Lite Packages (9.5 [0 to 24]c) (P<.001). While the estimated number of teeth to be prepared for recontouring (7 [0 to 16]a) was significantly less for Express (3 [0 to 10]b) and Lite Packages (0 [0 to 4]c) (P<.001), the incisal edge inclusion (10 [3 to 16]a) was significantly less for Express (6 [0 to 14]b) and Lite Packages (4 [0 to 8]c) (P<.001). The need for gingival leveling (26 [52%]a) decreased significantly for Express (20 [40%]a) and Lite Packages (7 [14%]b) (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prerestorative short-term clear aligner therapy might conserve tooth structure and reduce the number of restorations. The application of the Invisalign Lite Package was more effective than the Invisalign Express Package for second premolar to second premolar alignment.

Two-year retrospective evaluation of monoshade universal composites in direct veneer and diastema closure restorations.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective evaluation was to assess the short-term outcome of two monoshade universal resin composites with high chameleon effect in anterior direct veneer and diastema closure restorations, and to investigate the possible reasons for failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients subjected to veneer and diastema closure restorations with two monoshade universal resin composites (Essentia Universal Shade; EU, GC Corp., and Omnichroma; OC, Tokuyama) operated between January 2018 and March 2019 were selected for the present retrospective evaluation. A total of 159 composite restorations (78 veneers and 81 diastema closure restorations) performed by a single operator in 44 patients (mean age: 33.6) were included in the study. Two blinded and calibrated examiners performed 1- and 2-year assessments of the restorations with respect to FDI criteria, using medical/clinical history and dental photography records. Data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square with Continuity Correction, Fisher's Exact tests, and Cox regression (a < 0.05). RESULTS: The cumulative overall survival rates of EU and OC restorations were 94.6% (97.3% for the first year) and 88.6% (95.3% for the first year), respectively, with no significant difference from each other (p = 0.316). The cumulative overall survival rates of direct veneer and diastema closure restoration types were 90.2% (95.1% for the first year) and 92.4% (97.4% for the first year), respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.559). The reasons for failure were evaluated as fracture of the restoration, failure in esthetic anatomical form, and color mismatch. All the failed direct veneer restorations were due to fractures (FDI score of 5.4), whereas 5 of 6 failed diastema closure restorations were due to color mismatch (FDI score of 3.4). Regarding the composite materials, there were no significant differences between the success rates of the restoration types (p = 0.442 for EU, p = 1.000 for OC). With respect to the restoration types, there were also no significant differences between the success rates of the resin-based composites (p = 1.000 for direct veneer restorations and p = 0.228 for the diastema closure restorations). In addition, no significant difference was observed between male and female patients regarding the acceptable and unacceptable scores (p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: The 2-year clinical performance of the two monoshade universal composites in anterior veneer and diastema closure restorations were both considered successful and similar. Despite the lack of shade selection, both monoshade universal composites presented a successful color match. However, the diastema closure restorations might be more prone to color mismatch compared to the veneers over time, while veneer restorations presented more fractures than the diastema closure restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Monoshade universal composites presented successful short-term clinical outcomes regarding both function and esthetics in anterior direct veneer and diastema closure restorations.

Assessment of Micro-Hardness, Degree of Conversion, and Flexural Strength for Single-Shade Universal Resin Composites.

Single-shade universal resin composites (SsURC) are preferred in clinical practice to reduce time for shade selection and obtain good esthetic results. In this study, the static mechanical properties of seven new SsURCs were investigated, their spectral analyzes were performed and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluations were presented. Charisma Diamond One/DO, Admira Fusion x-tra/AFX, Omnichroma/OC, OptiShade/OS, Essentia Universal/EU, Zenchroma/ZC, Vittra APS Unique/VU were used in a three-point bending test to determine flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (EM); Vickers micro-hardness (VHN) and hardness-ratio (HR) were performed with a micro-hardness tester from top/bottom after 24-h/15-days of storage in distilled water at 37 °C (±1 °C). The degree of conversion (DC) was assessed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The structure of the resin matrix and filler content were assessed by SEM. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23 and the R program and the significance level was taken as p < 0.05. The main effect of the tested SsURCs was found to be statistically significant on FS, EM, VHN, and DC values (p < 0.001). Bis-GMA free SsURCs (AFX, DO, VU) showed better DC and HR except for OC. All seven tested SsURCs conform to the requirements of ISO standards for dental resin composites for all tested categories.

Effect of surface sealants on color stability of different resin composites.

Objective: The aim was to assess the effect of surface sealants on the color stability of different composite materials. Methodology: 120 samples were prepared using Filtek Ultimate (3M, USA), Charisma Topaz (Kulzer, Germany), and Clearfil Majesty Es-2 Premium (Kuraray Noritake, Japan) composites. The samples were polished with polishing discs and divided by test groups (n=10 for each), regarding the sealant used; Permaseal (Ultradent Products, USA), Biscover LV (Bisco, USA), Optiglaze Clear (GC Corp., Japan) and control. The samples were discolored for 144 hours in coffee solution at constant 37ºC, renewing daily. Color measurements were performed at the baseline, following the sealant application, and after discoloration procedure, using a spectrophotometer (EasyShade 5, Vita-Zahnfabrik, Germany). The collected L*C*h* coordinates were converted to corresponding L*a*b* coordinates and the color changes (ΔE) were calculated. Results: All the sealants presented perceptible (>1.2) and unacceptable (>2.7) color changes. Biscover LV presented the lowest ΔE among all sealants (p<0.001). The highest ΔE was observed for Permaseal (p<0.001). Color changes for Optiglaze and control groups were similar (p≥0.05). Filtek Ultimate presented the highest color stability (p<0.001), followed by Charisma Topaz and Clearfil Majesty. The combination of Filtek Ultimate with Biscover LV was considered to have the highest color stability, whereas the combination of Clearfil Majesty with Permaseal was considered the lowest, among all. Conclusion: Experimented sealants were considered relatively effective on color stability of resin composites depending on the type of the sealant and the composite material. However, the use of surface sealants may not be advantageous every time. Biscover LV have inhibited the level of discoloration, whereas Permaseal had an increasing effect generally.

Effect of Modeling Resins on Microhardness of Resin Composites.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine the effects of modeling resins on the surface microhardness of composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six resin-based composites (Charisma Smart, Estellite Asteria, CeramX-One SphereTEC, Admira Fusion, Filtek Ultimate, and Clearfil Majesty Es-2) and three wetting agents (Modeling Liquid, Composite Primer, and Modeling Resin) were investigated. In all, 240 specimens were prepared, and wetting agents were applied prior to light curing in the experimental groups. After 24 hours, specimens were polished and Vickers microhardness (VHN) values were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Shapiro-Wilk and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for analyses (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Both modeling resin and composites were determined to be effective factors (p < 0.001). The control group showed the highest VHN (70.37 ± 7.94), followed by Modeling Liquid (64.68 ± 12.07), Composite Primer (59.84 ± 6.33), and Modeling Resin (58 ± 3.52b; p < 0.001). Filtek Ultimate showed the highest VHN (76.62 ± 9.78c), whereas Charisma Smart (58.87 ± 7.95), and Clearfil Majesty (67.27 ± 2.58) showed the lowest (p < 0.001). Clearfil Majesty-Modeling Liquid (46.62 ± 5.33) and Charisma Smart-Composite Primer (50.81 ± 0.39) combinations showed the lowest VHN, whereas Filtek Ultimate-control (87.15 ± 2.12) and Filtek Ultimate-Modeling Liquid (84.24 ± 3.11) showed the highest (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: All tested modeling resins decreased VHN value, and the amount of reduction varied among composites and wetting agents. It might be safer not to use wetting agents unless they are necessary.

The advantages of the dental operative microscope in restorative dentistry.

Magnification devices improve direct and indirect vision and precision being significantly higher in microscope use compared to the loupes. Dental loupes are the most commonly used devices for magnification, due to the more affordable prices and the ease of use without major changes in the working protocol and ergonomics. Loupes primary benefits reported refers to ergonomics and posture, restoration evaluation/detection and overall treatment quality. There are some disadvantages that limit the use of loupes among dentists: lack of fixed position (fine movements of the dentist's head disturb the image of the magnified operating field); the need to change the loupes to achieve different magnification. On the contrary, the use of a dental microscope require minimum adjustment and effort so as to reduce postural deviation while working. It has been more than 30 years since dental practitioners raised the issue of using dental operating microscopes (DOM) in restorative dentistry, identifying the benefits of magnification in diagnosis and treatment steps. The growth is evident in recent years, maybe because of the familiarity of dentists with dental microscopes which have already become implicit endowment for endodontic specialists. Fiber optic lighting is the key factor that complements the magnification offered by the microscope so that treatments can now be performed under increased safety conditions and in conditions of significantly higher quality than in the past. Since the beginning of the 2000s the principles of minimally invasive dentistry have been widely promoted in dentistry. These principles are major impetus for the use of microscope by dentists. Working with magnification leads dentists to be more conservative with dental tissues.

The outcome of direct composite restorations using the dental operating microscope.

Background: The objective of the present study was to compare the outcome of direct composite restorations, with and without the use of additional magnification. Methods: Twenty extracted molars were selected for the study. Class 1 Black cavities were prepared. All teeth were etched, and bonding agent was applied. Teeth were assigned randomly into two groups of ten each. Group I: restorations were done without the use of magnification, first by placing a layer of SDR® flow +Bulk Fill Flowable on the base of the cavity, and then restoring the morphology with Ceram.X SphereTEC® One. Group II: the same protocol was applied, but using the dental microscope. Teeth were then evaluated before and after finishing the protocol by 5 dental professionals using a series of established criteria. The results were documented and statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Results: Statistically significant differences were found when using magnification, before the polishing protocol in "marginal adaptation integrity" and "excess material", and after polishing in "marginal adaptation integrity". Conclusions: Magnification may be used to increase the quality of the final direct posterior restoration by improving the marginal adaptation integrity, reducing excess material, preventing marginal microleakage, and avoiding subsequent failure.

Longevity of direct diastema closure and recontouring restorations with resin composites in maxillary anterior teeth: A 4-year clinical evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical performance of resin composite restorations and to investigate causes of failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The longevity of 216 restorations in 53 patients (mean age, 33.3 years) was retrospectively evaluated according to Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) criteria. Dental history and photographic data were used to evaluate diastema closure (n = 199) and recontouring (n = 19) restorations comprising microhybrid (Essentia Universal, GC Corp.), nanohybrid (Ceram.x One, Dentsply Sirona), and nanofilled (Estelite Asteria, Tokuyama Dental) composites. Data were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier log-rank test, Cox regression analysis, Pearson chi-square test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall survival rate was 90.3 % and the mean survival duration was 46.2 months during the for 4 - year study period. The annual failure rate was 0.9 % - 3.4 %. Mean survival durations for diastema closure and recontouring restorations were 46.2 and 45.9 months, respectively (p = 0.328). Mean survival durations for Essentia Universal, Estelite Asteria, and Ceram.x One were 46.1, 46.7, and 45.7 months, respectively (p = 0.677). If we include failed restorations that were repaired and remained functional, the overall survival rate was 100 %. CONCLUSION: Longevity was similar among composites and restoration types. The long-term clinical performance of monochromatic anterior composite restorations was robust. Composite repair may be suitable for diastema closure and recontouring restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There is a lack of long-term clinical evidence regarding the performance of direct anterior composite restorations. Monochromatic direct composite restorations may meet both the esthetic and functional expectations with even simpler restorative techniques. This 4 - year follow-up study evaluated the clinical performance of monochromatic anterior diastema closure and recontouring restorations with three different composite materials. The longevity of the restorations and the reasons for failure were investigated.

Clinical Quantitative Evaluation of Tooth Wear: A 4-year Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the progression of incisal tooth wear clinically for 4-years, using various diagnostic methods. Effectiveness of occlusal splints (night guards) for patients with nocturnal bruxism was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty maxillary incisors from 10 patients with nocturnal bruxism were selected. Group 1 (n=5) wore occlusal splints for 6 months, whereas group 2 (n=5) didn't. Ultrasound, cast-model analysis (control), digital radiography, FluoreCam and colorimeter were used for measurements. Clinical progression of incisal wear monitored at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 months, respectively. RESULTS: Ultrasound, cast-model analysis and FluoreCam readings gradually and statistically significantly decreased during the overall evaluation period for both groups (p<0.001). Regarding colorimeter, statistically significant differences in periodical measurements were observed from 24 months and 12 months, for group 1 and group 2, respectively (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in readings at evaluation periods, between the groups, for ultrasound, digital radiography and cast-model analysis (p≥0.05); however, statistically significant differences were observed for colorimeter at 24 months (p=0.010) and 48 months (p<0.001), and for FluoreCam at 12, 24, 48 months (p<0.001). Annual decrease in mean crown length was determined as 20-30 µm for group 1 and 40-50 µm for group 2. The decreases in mean crown length were statistically significantly lower for group 1 compared to group 2, regarding the assessments for 1 year, 2 years and 4 years (p<0.001). Positive and good correlations were observed between ultrasound, cast-model analysis and FluoreCam measurements (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound, FluoreCam and colorimeter showed promising results for monitoring any change and progression of incisal tooth wear clinically. Ultrasound might be considered as a quantitative, reliable and repeatable method. Precision of the measurements varied among the diagnostic methods used. Occlusal splints may have a potential preventive effect for progressive tooth wear.

Smile makeover with direct composite veneers: A two-year follow-up report.

Direct composite veneers have gained an important role in dental clinical applications following recently developed materials and techniques in adhesive and restorative dentistry. Direct application on prepared tooth surfaces or even without any preparation, with an adhesive agent and a composite resin material in a single visit is the main procedure as well as the advantage of these restorations. The main aim of this direct procedure is to create minimally invasive and long lasting restorations. As the dental materials and techniques develop, the clinicians also had the chance to mimic the natural dental tissues to create very natural alike restorations in a single appointment. But like all the other dental procedures, direct composite veneers have some indications and contra-indications. These musts have to be understood very well by the clinician before the treatment planning. But this way direct composite veneers would no longer named as 'day savior fillings' and called as minimally invasive, functional and long lasting 'direct aesthetic restorations' that perfectly emulate the natural dental tissues. This article discusses the necessities of direct composite veneers for the ultimate success and illustrates how to perform a minimally invasive, long lasting, functional and natural alike smile makeover with these restorations in a single visit.

Direct Midline Diastema Closure with Composite Layering Technique: A One-Year Follow-Up.

Objective. Maxillary anterior spacing is a common aesthetic complaint of patients. Midline diastema has a multifactorial etiology such as labial frenulum, microdontia, mesiodens, peg-shaped lateral incisors, agenesis, cysts, habits such as finger sucking, tongue thrusting, or lip sucking, dental malformations, genetics, proclinations, dental-skeletal discrepancies, and imperfect coalescence of interdental septum. Appropriate technique and material for effective treatment are based on time, physical, psychological, and economical limitations. Direct composite resins in diastema cases allow dentist and patient complete control of these limitations and formation of natural smile. Clinical Considerations. In this case report a maxillary midline diastema was closed with direct composite resin restorations in one appointment without any preparation. One bottle total etch adhesive was used and translucent/opaque composite resin shades were layered on mesial surfaces of the teeth that were isolated with rubber dam and Teflon bands. Finishing and polishing procedures were achieved by using polishing discs. Patient was informed for recalls for every 6 months. Conclusions. At one-year recall no sensitivities, discolorations, or fractures were detected on teeth and restorations. Direct composite resins seemed to be highly aesthetic and durable restorations that can satisfy patients as under the conditions of case presented.

Direct composite laminate veneers: three case reports.

Re-establishing a patient's lost dental esthetic appearance is one of the most important topics for contemporary dentistry. New treatment materials and methods have been coming on the scene, day by day, in order to achieve such an aim. Most dentists prefer more conservative and aesthetic approaches, such as direct and indirect laminate veneer restorations, instead of full-ceramic crowns for anteriors where aesthetics is really important. Laminate veneers are restorations which are envisioned to correct existing abnormalities, esthetic deficiencies and discolo-rations. Laminate veneer restorations may be processed in two different ways: direct or indirect. Direct laminate veneers have no need to be prepared in the laboratory and are based on the principle of application of a composite material directly to the prepared tooth surface in the dental clinic. Indirect laminate veneers may be produced from composite materials or ceramics, which are cemented to the tooth with an adhesive resin. In this case report, direct composite laminate veneer technique used for three patients with esthetic problems related to fractures, discolorations and an old prolapsed restoration, is described and six-month follow-ups are discussed. As a conclusion, direct laminate veneer restorations may be a treatment option for patients with the esthetic problems of anterior teeth in cases similar to those reported here.