Clinical Use of Modeling Resins in Minimally Invasive Restorative Dentistry: A Case Report and Brief Review

Although the use of modeling resins for sculpting resin composites is not a recent development, it is still not widely practiced, either because of a lack of knowledge or because of concerns about the potential deleterious effects induced by its use. This study presents a clinical case illustrating how the use of modeling resins, in conjunction with minimally invasive techniques, can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes in the treatment of deep, unsightly enamel stains.

A case of severe fluorosis affecting the maxillary anterior segment was treated using a minimally invasive approach. Techniques included microabrasion, macroabrasion, resin infiltration, and resin composite layering with modeling resin. Once discussed, this case will also serve as the basis for a review on the use of modeling resins in restorative dentistry.

This clinical case was successful. The use of modeling resin made it easier to carry out the resin composite layering, thereby helping the clinician to achieve a highly esthetic clinical outcome.

A minimally invasive approach combining microabrasion, macroabrasion, resin infiltration, and resin composite layering can achieve very good esthetic results. Modeling resins appear to be useful in facilitating resin composite placement, although clinical and in vitro studies still seem necessary.