Reproducing the natural aspects of dental tissues with resin composites in proximoincisal restorations

Patients who require restorative intervention in the anterior teeth expect esthetics to be integrated with other teeth that compose the smile. Therefore, not only should clinicians have a scientific technique for restoration of dental biology and function, but also their esthetic sense should direct them in the reproduction of polychromatic and anatomic characteristics of the tooth, rendering the restoration imperceptible. The introduction of new resin composites with better mechanical and optical properties, combined with better understanding of the optical behavior of dental tissues, has allowed a more artistic approach for accomplishment of direct bonded restorations with resin composite. Reproduction of optical behavior characteristics in restorations requires proper interpretation of shade variations, with use of resources and effects with resin composite to allow correspondence with the tooth substrates, and correct use of resin composite at the proper place and of exact thickness. This article describes, with the aid of a case report, a technique for shade selection and choice of resin composites. Moreover, a clinical sequence for application of resin composites is presented that allows reproduction of the interaction between tooth structures and light in proximoincisal restorations. With this technique, the restorative procedure achieves a satisfactory and predictable final esthetic outcome. Keywords: hue, opacity, opalescent halo, proximoincisal restorations, resin composite, shade, shade selection, translucency