Successful strategies for matching one or two indirect restorations to natural dentition

One of the most difficult and noble undertakings of a dental restorative team is to provide an indirect restoration for a compromised tooth surrounded by otherwise healthy, natural dentition. Matching one or two indirect dental restorations to adjacent healthy teeth is a herculean task for both the dentist and laboratory technician. The team must be knowledgeable of the natural dentition's characteristics to best mimic and recreate those same characteristics in a man-made restoration. Knowledge of principles in smile design, dental anatomy, color, characterization, material selection, doctor-technician communication, and clinical acumen are necessary to achieve a successful outcome when matching one or two indirect restorations to natural dentition.