CDEN0109

32 I I industry report _ veneers & composites ensure complete curing of all layers including the top layer. The goal of the layering technique is to pre-empt work-intensive adjustments and to keep the shape of therestorationclosetotheoriginal.Polishingdiscswere employed for contouring of the occlusal outline and verticaldimensionofthemesialcontactareas(Fig.5). Tooth 21 was the second incisor to be restored (Fig.6).Thesametechniqueusedfortherestorationof thefirstcentralincisorwasemployed.Here,particular care was given to the reconstruction of the contact areas between the two incisors. For this purpose, the restorationwasfirstbuiltupwithshadesA2andTuntil contact with the first restoration was established. At this point, the build-up was light-cured, the proximal surfaces were separated, and composite material was applied from the palatal to the vestibular surface by means of a transparent matrix. After the central inci- sors were restored, the lateral incisors and canines were reconstructed according to the same principles. Afterallcompositebuild-upshadbeencompleted,the restorations were finished and polished. Further details may be applied at a later appointment, if desired.First,theocclusaloutlineandmarginalridges were finished using polishing discs. Here, it is impor- tant to pay attention to providing mirror-image sym- metry. In other words, the distance between the marginalridgesofacentralincisorshouldnotonlybe physicallysymmetrical,butthedistanceshouldalsobe optically the same in relation to the other incisor in what is known as symmetrical virtual width. Vestibu- lar lines and depressions can be created with spiral- shaped diamonds (Jota) and a T2 Revo R170 angled hand-piece (Sirona). The 3-step polishing system, Astropol, allows the restorationstobepolishedtoanoptimumsurfacefinish. Finishing is carried out with silicone finishers (Astropol, grey finishing cup) (Fig. 7). The Astropol set is used directly on the composite surfaces in conjunction with indirect water cooling (from a rotating instrument or multifunctional syringe with water spray); a polishing gel or paste is not necessary. Polishing should be performedwithintermittentmovements,whichcanbe easily accomplished with silicone rubber polishers. The grey finishers facilitate the finishing process consider- ably. The green Astropol polishing cups are used to pol- ishthesurfaces,providingaverysmoothsurfacefinish. In some cases, it is necessary to apply additional surfacecharacteristicstothelabialsurface.Avarietyof optionsisavailableforthispurpose.Inthepresentcase, aspiral-shapeddiamondwasutilisedtoapplyirregular, frequentlyinterruptedlinesofvaryingdepthsmainlyon the central third of the incisor (the lines can be marked inpencilbeforetheyarecut).Thelinesareclearlyvisible. After having been cut, they were levelled off with grey finishing tips (Astropol) without, however, eliminating them. The pink polishers (Astropol HP) were subse- quently utilised for high gloss polishing. The resulting surface texture, marginal ridges, and mirror surfaces can be viewed more clearly by dusting dry ceramic powder onto the restorations. After the surfaces had been examined, the powder was removed with oil and waterspray(Fig.8).Finalpolishingwascarriedoutwith aluminiumoxidepolishingpastes. _Conclusion Direct build-ups of composite restorations are suited, in selected cases, to re-establish the aesthetic propertiesandfunctionofworn,aestheticallyunpleas- ing anterior teeth. It is however important to select a composite that offers appropriate optical and me- chanicalproperties.Intheaboveclinicalcase,agroupof anteriorteethwereaestheticallyrestoredwiththeTetric N-Ceramnano-hybridcompositesystem(Fig.9)._ Fig. 7_The restorations are polished with Astropol. Fig. 8_The surface texture is rendered visible with ceramic pow- der. Shortcomings and inadequacies are now easily identifiable and can be corrected if needed. Fig. 9_Completed restoration of the aesthetic anterior region. cosmeticdentistry 1_2009 ProfRonaldoHirata R.CandidoXavin80 80240-280Curitiba–PR Brazil E-mail:ronaldohirata@ ronaldohirata.com.br www.ronaldohirata.com.br cosmeticdentistry _contact Fig. 7 Fig. 9 Fig. 8