A look at dental esthetics

The surge of interest in the use of tooth-colored restorative materials and systems in recent years has been attributed partly to rapid developments in dental materials science and also to patient demand and operator interest. When overall dental appearance is considered, several factors are of significance, including tooth color, shape, and position; restoration quality; and the general arrangement of the dentition, especially of the anterior teeth. Each factor may be considered individually, but all components together act in concert to produce the final esthetic effect. However, although the clinician must be mindful of the patient's desires for a favorable cosmetic result, materials and techniques must be carefully selected, and restorations should be sufficient to withstand the forces of occlusion and mastication and provide long-term function.