Direct posterior resin composite restorations: considerations on finishing/polishing. Clinical procedures

In spite of advances in materials and techniques for direct posterior composite restorations, some problems remain, such as occlusal wear rate, marginal breakdown, and marked operator technique sensitivity. To enhance longevity of these restorations, finishing and polishing procedures are commonly indicated. Although these procedures offer advantages, they also have some drawbacks, such as higher marginal breakdown and increased susceptibility to wear following finishing procedures. Faced with the disadvantages brought by finishing and polishing procedures, it seems reasonable to try and find a technique to omit them. This paper presents clinical cases exhibiting a restorative technique that prevents, or at least reduces, the need for instrumentation of the restoration. In cases when finishing procedures are necessary, the restorations should be sealed with a specific resinous agent to impart new strength to the instrumented surface and improve marginal integrity. In addition, the suggested technique promotes a better occlusal anatomy than that attained with the traditional technique.