AN INTEGRATION OF COMPOSITE RESIN WITH NATURAL TOOTH STRUCTURE: THE CLASS IV RESTORATION

Recent developments in adhesive technologies, the design of composite resin mate-rials, and contemporary placement techniques have revolutionized the delivery of minimally invasive direct restorations. The improved handling characteristics avail-able from low-viscosity flowable systems, packable composites, and sculptable small-particle hybrid composites have expanded today’s treatment options. In order to achieve a successful and natural-appearing direct composite restora-tion, the clinician must have a comprehensive knowledge of adhesive dentistry and an understanding of the optical properties of the natural tooth. This article describes a methodological approach for preparing, restoring, and finishing the maxillary central incisors with a small-particle composite. Learning Objectives This article demonstrates the restoration of a Class IV fracture and discusses the anatomic variations of the adjacent teeth to produce a direct composite restora-tion in harmony with the surrounding dentition. Upon reading this article, the reader should: • Be aware of the infrastructure considerations of a composite resin system. • Recognize the role of composite resin on development of natural aesthetics and contour