The injectable composite resin technique: biocopy of a natural tooth – advantages of digital planning

The injectable composite resin technique is a minimally invasive and purely additive procedure that uses a transparent silicone index and flowable composite resin to translate the restorative plan from the wax-up to the final restoration. Its minimally invasive nature means that it can preserve tooth structure as it may not require hard tissue reduction. It is also an indirect/direct molding technique that allows the clinician to perform a direct restoration based on a proper analysis and planning. This case report describes a simple case of reshaping the maxillary lateral incisor and maxillary first premolar of a 25-year-old female patient to close the buccal corridor and restore smile symmetry. Digital planning was used to make a biocopy of the contralateral incisor to mimic the restoration. A printed model was prepared based on the design of the digital wax-up, followed by an analog protocol. Shade selection was challenging due to the high translucency of the incisal edges. This article is a step-by-step description of the injectable composite resin technique. It also compares this technique with other treatment options such as ceramic veneers, prefabricated composite veneers, different molding techniques, and freehand bonding. The significant advantages of the injectable composite resin technique include its predictability, repeatability, simplicity, minimal invasiveness, and financial affordability for patients. Recent studies demonstrate significant improvements in physical, mechanical, and optical properties of specific flowable composite resins, which reinforces the justification for implementing them in different restorative procedures.