Dental composite in advanced restorative dentistry

Question 1

What could you do with composites in the future?

Answer 1

Polychromatic conformative restoration
Altering morphology (veneering/bonding)
Occlusal rehab 
Repairing failed composite and ceramic
Tooth splinting and temporary bridges

Question 2

Ideal properties of resin composite?

Answer 2

Perfect colour match
High polishability and durable finish
High wear resistance
Low shrinkage and good radiopacity
Compatible with bonding agents
Range of handling characteristics for different clinical situations

Question 3

What makes flowable composite flowable? Negative of this?

Answer 3

Reduced filler, more resin

= more polymerisation shrinkage but can give smooth layer at base of cavity

Question 4

What is the restorative composite selection based on?

Answer 4

Shades and opacity
Filler composition
Physical properties
Handling characteristics
Cost
Greater complexity = greater time and cost

Question 5

Restorative composite classification?

Answer 5

Filler:
Microfilled = amorphous silica
Micro-hybrid = glass particles and microfillers
Continuum filled = zirconia/silica
Nanofilled = zirconia/silica nanofilled and clusters

Question 6

Dual opacity composite features?

Answer 6

Range of dentine and enamels in vita classic matched shades
Low cost intro to layered multi colour techniques
Excellent cosmetic results in selected cases - Ceram.X Duo, Venus

Question 7

Layered composite features?

Answer 7

Complex and costly
2 or more levels of opacity
Intensive and translucent shades
Training for best results
Special instruments

Question 8

Features of Filtek Supreme XT (3M espe)?

Answer 8

4 opacities in 34 vita based shades
Refined shade matching
Mechanical properties of hybrid composites
Polishability - good retention of surface finish
Excellent handling characteristics
High wear resistance
Used in clinic - Enamel, body and dentine shades

Question 9

Anterior layered build technique steps?

Answer 9

Diagnosis - cosmetic trail and/or imaging
Preop wax up or index
Shade and characterisation assessment
Tooth prep
Index build palatal, proximal and incisal enamel
Multiple dentine shades and intensives
Labial enamel, contour and polish

Question 10

Finishing systems?

Answer 10

Fine diamonds and TC finishers
Polishing discs - soflex
Smoothing and high gloss - enhance kit
Fast gloss polishing - occlubrush