Composite resin restoration: A conservative approach to esthetic dentistry

Abstract

Composite resins have been advocated for decades as a means to conservatively restore minor, moderate and even large defects in teeth caused by decay or trauma. Their indication is predicated on the need to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while using the synthetic composite resin materials to completely replace and augment lost to its structure by adhesive dentistry. Composite resins are tooth-colored materials that can be applied to the remaining surfaces of teeth to replace lost tooth structure in such a way as to actually make them one, blending and exactly matching the physical characteristics and color of natural teeth, and strengthening them in the process.Modern composites physically adhere by actually bonding to the two elements that teeth are composed of, dentine and enamel. Major advances have resulted from the study and understanding of how the crowns of teeth actually flex or give under biting force and how restorative materials can be used to the greatest effect in the way they interact. Composites can be used to restore teeth directly—they are applied directly to the teeth in the dental office in a single appointment. These are considerable improvements both from medical/biological aspect as well as social/economic aspect as these newer materials are more conservative and cheaper.Three cases have been presented in this paper to highlight the advantages of composite resins. The objective of the paper is to show how tooth restoration can be done with minimum tooth preparation.