Clinical strategies for success in proximoincisal composite restorations. Part II: Composite application technique

Reproducing the form, function, and optical characteristics of natural dental structures with direct composites in large and moderately large proximoincisal (Class IV) restorations represents a great challenge for clinicians in general. Understanding color is fundamental to achieving success when restoring these defects, as was discussed in Part I of this two-part article (Volume, 16, Number 6). The proper restoration of the functional lingual contour is also a challenge that cannot be overcome without close attention to the restorative technique. In this second article, the composite application technique is discussed and presented in detail. Clinical photographs illustrate the proposed technique.

The proposed clinical protocol, including a try-in of the shades in a mock-up restoration to more accurately define color and shape, and a silicone guide to transfer the lingual and proximoincisal contour of the mock-up to the final restoration, is of great help to successfully restore proximoincisal defects.