Ivoclar introduces IPS Empress Direct and IPS Empress Color, the perfect solution for highly aesthetic anterior restorations.
For many dentists, class IV restorations are rather unpopular. They shy away from these anterior restorations because they are considered difficult and time-consuming.
Obtaining highly aesthetic results in class IV restorations presents a challenge because the essential features of anterior teeth – such as the mamelons, incisal edge and surface morphology – differ from patient to patient.
However, a simple technique can help you reproduce these characteristics faithfully. Dr Markus Lenhard shows you how.
Imitating nature aptly
The goal of a highly aesthetic restoration is to imitate nature as closely as possible. Or in other words, to mirror the natural impressions as faithfully as can be.
Harmonious integration of the restoration always has priority. It is important to bear in mind that anterior teeth have certain features that can differ significantly from patient to patient.
The three most important features are:
- Varying degrees of translucency and opacity in the incisal edge
- Distinct mamelons
- Surface morphology.
Highly aesthetic anterior restorations
It is relatively difficult to reproduce these features to obtain a highly aesthetic restoration if a conventional universal composite is used.
However, if you bear a few expert tips in mind, you may find it easier to achieve aesthetically pleasing class IV restorations.
To start with, turn the tables. Consider this type of restoration as an excellent opportunity to show all your aesthetic skills. This is easier than you think if you have a good understanding of the material that you are going to use and you know how to use it to its best advantage.
Guide by Dr Markus Lenhard gives hands-on advice
In his new guide to highly aesthetic class IV restorations, Dr Markus Lenhard (Switzerland) shows you how to master this demanding task with style and efficiency.
Using practical clinical examples, Dr Lenhard takes you on a fascinating journey. You will learn step by step how to proceed and achieve impressive results.
The author deals with a wealth of issues, ranging from accurate shade selection and tooth analysis to the layering technique and efficient finishing and polishing of anterior restorations in conjunction with the composite material IPS Empress Direct. You can pick up many helpful tips and recommendations whilst reading the guide.
Here are a few tasters:
- Did you know that the correct reproduction of translucency is more important than the correct selection of shade?
- Do you always remember not to make the oral wall thicker than 1 mm?
- Why it is important to look a patient straight in the face when restoring a class IV defect in the upper jaw before you apply the dentin material.
You can download the guide here.
