From Volume 46, Issue 4, April 2019 | Pages 353-360
The philosophy and procedure of functionally guided anterior restorations is not a new one. The concept does, however, require small points of explanation and detail that the General Dental Practitioner needs to consider in order to secure success in such restorations. This article aims to explore, identify and explain such details with application of a clinical case carried out in general practice.
The restoration of anterior teeth poses challenges due to aesthetic and functional considerations. When attempting to assess and diagnose anterior teeth that are in need of restoration, clinicians are required to make important decisions regarding tooth shape, surface texture and shade, to name but a few, and must also aim to replicate the surrounding natural dentition in a time span that is suitable for both patient and clinician.
Historically, restoring the complicated optical properties of anterior teeth were solely within the realm and skillset of the dental technician. Indeed, the clinical application of modern composite resin systems has led to the clinician having to scrutinize the natural dental form more than ever, just like the dental technician. Recent innovations in composite resin materials and adhesives, and improvements in the teaching of minimally invasive operative techniques, have enabled dentists to place highly aesthetic direct restorations, that functionally integrate seamlessly with the patient's residual dentition, routinely at a much lower biological and financial cost.
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