The Pursuit of Excellence

in Esthetic Dentistry
Focus on Achieving Esthetics Responsibly,
Utilizing Minimal to Non-Invasive Procedures

Marshall W. Hanson, DDS, AAACD

Abstract
Members pursuing Accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry value the
concept of “responsible esthetics,” and persistently work to achieve optimal esthetic results while
aiming to implement minimal to non-invasive treatment modalities. Accreditation Case Type V,
Six or More Direct Composite Resin Veneers, is a classic example of a contemporary treatment
option that embodies this philosophy. Case Type V integrates the basics of conservative esthetic
treatment with the core of smile design principles, and the micro and macro components of
dentofacial esthetics. Purposeful planning and careful management of the restorative material is
key to a successful result. This article presents a simplified, controlled, and systematic approach
to treating this case type to help ensure consistent, predictable, and favorable outcomes.

Key Words: bonding, composite resin veneers, prepless veneers, Accreditation Case Type V

102 Winter 2015 • Volume 30 • Number 4

 Hanson

…we have the potential ability to create

restorations that may even, in some cases,
rival the look of the ceramic veneer.

Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry 103

Introduction
As the science of dental bonding materials
has advanced over the past few decades, di-
rect resin veneers have become one of the
most conservative and natural-looking re-
storative options clinicians can offer their
patients. Because we have the ability to stack
and layer resin and artistically employ tints
and opaquers chairside in the same way a
laboratory technician would with ceramic,
we have the potential ability to create resto-
rations that may even, in some cases, rival
the look of the ceramic veneer.
The direct resin veneer case gives the re-
storative dentist the opportunity to artisti-
cally demonstrate an understanding of how
the principles of smile design, functional
occlusion, biocompatibility, and both the Figure 1: Pre-treatment, retracted 1:2 view.
micro and macro components of dentofacial
esthetics can harmonize to produce an often
life-changing result for our patients. tion (CR) bite record and model analysis indicated various occlusal interfer-
ences from CR to maximum intercuspation (MI) in the premolar and molar
Patient’s Chief Complaint area. Centric holding contacts were not present on all teeth from CR to the
A 24-year-old female presented with no sig- initial tooth contact upon closing. The slide from CR into MI was slight and
nificant medical history and a chief com- appeared correctable with an occlusal equilibration.
plaint of “chipped and worn-looking front Esthetic evaluation1 of the preoperative smile revealed the following find-
teeth.” She also expressed concern over ings:
some “darkening areas” or “spots” on her • tooth position at repose and at full smile was in an acceptable range
front teeth, especially along the gum line • teeth ##7-10 were chipped along the incisal edge
(Fig 1). She wished to discuss her options • the facial surfaces of the upper anterior eight teeth demonstrated signs
for improving the overall look of her front of erosion and thinning due to a reported repeated exposure to citric
teeth. The patient was otherwise in excellent acid over time, exposing the dentin on #8 and #9
health. • incisal embrasures could be restored to an acceptable degree
• tooth proportion and central dominance also could be restored accept-
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan ably
A comprehensive examination was conduct- • gingival zeniths of the six anterior teeth demonstrated a slight “gull
ed. The patient presented with a complete wing” over the lateral incisors and were harmoniously in balance
dentition, save for unerupted wisdom teeth. • the reveal of the posterior teeth adequately filled in the buccal corridor
Periodontally, the tissue demonstrated gen- • tooth shade was measured at a B1 to A2 range.
eral signs of mild gingivitis. The patient re- After a discussion with the patient about treatment with ceramic veneers
ported that it had been about a year since her versus direct bonding, direct resin veneers were selected due to the conser-
last dental checkup and prophylaxis, but said vative nature of the procedure.2-5 With careful management of the occlu-
that she flossed most days. Radiographically sion and the restorative materials, a lasting and highly esthetic result can be
and clinically, it was observed that the denti- achieved predictably.
tion had been minimally restored. There was The treatment plan was as follows:
no evidence of active caries. • periodontal tissue management
Interdigitation of the teeth revealed a • model analysis and diagnostic wax-up for restoring ##5-12
Class I molar relationship with mild incisal • occlusal equilibration
and occlusal wear. Upon further evaluation, • direct bonded resin veneers, ##5-12.
the patient’s temporomandibular joint was
free of symptoms and hinged easily with
light bimanual manipulation. A centric rela-

104 Winter 2015 • Volume 30 • Number 4

 Hanson

Treatment in an area where there is little restorative space to “build in” that change. The
diagnostic wax-up showed that the use of tints and opaquers was unneces-
Periodontal Management sary for this case because adequate restorative room was available to build in
Periodontal tissue management was im- the characteristics desired with composite resin.
mediately implemented and consisted of
a thorough dental prophylaxis complete Preparation
with oral hygiene instruction to enhance Tooth preparation and restoration to full contour was done one tooth at a
the patient’s regular home care. The proper time to simplify the control and management of the material. A small round
technique for flossing was reviewed and bur was used to remove any soft exposed dentin from the facials of #8 and
practiced with the patient. The benefits of #9. Tooth #8 was then isolated with a thin metal matrix band and the facial,
an electric toothbrush and a tongue scraper incisal, and lingual aspects of the incisor were micro-etched (MicroEtcher
were discussed and the patient was educated II, Danville Materials; San Ramon, CA) with aluminum oxide and rinsed
on their use. (Fig 2). Micro-etching effectively cleans the tooth surface, additionally re-
Next, impressions and a bite record were moving any biologic film, plaque, debris, or even potential oil from a hand-
taken for study models of the patient’s piece that may otherwise interfere with resin bonding. Micro-etching also
dentition and occlusal relation. Photographs creates a micro texture on the tooth surface that increases bond strength to
were taken and a color map was created for enamel.7,8
the new restorations. In addition, a Kois The adjacent teeth were isolated with white polytetrafluoroethylene tape.
facial analyzer transfer (Panadent; Colton, An isolation device (Isolite Systems; Santa Barbara, CA) was placed to con-
CA) was made as a T-reference record. The trol moisture and humidity during the steps of adhesive bonding.9 Subse-
author created a diagnostic wax-up from quently, the enamel surface was treated with 35% phosphoric acid for 15 to
the models as part of the planning and 30 seconds and rinsed well. The excess moisture was removed with a cotton
workup for the restorations of the teeth. A pellet. The bonding agent was then applied in three coats. The solvent was
putty index cut along the incisal edge was removed by air-thinning and vacuum, leaving the tooth surface shiny. The
made from the wax-up as a guide for the bonding agent was light-cured on both the facial and lingual surfaces.
direct placement and bonding of the resin
material.
At a subsequent appointment an equili-
bration was performed, resulting in the
elimination of the CR-to-MI slide and the
creation of stable occlusal holding contacts
on all posterior teeth. Excursive movements
were then evaluated and interferences pos-
terior to the cuspids were removed.6 All ar-
eas adjusted were repolished with fine dia-
monds.

Wax-Up
Prior to the preparation of the teeth, a di-
agnostic wax-up had been done to create a
guide for the functional and esthetic com-
ponents of the restoration. Clinicians can
gain valuable insight with respect to the
needs of their individual cases when they
perform their own diagnostic wax design.
The wax-up confirmed that in this case, due
Figure 2: Tooth #8, micro-etched surface prior to bonding.
to the loss of length and enamel thickness
on the upper front teeth, there would be no
need for any tooth preparation other than
micro-etching of the enamel prior to bond-
ing. Opaquers and tints often can be useful
when a color or value change needs to occur

Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry 105

Layering and Contouring
The first layer of composite was placed using
the putty matrix fabricated from the wax-up.
A thin lingual shell was sculpted into the ma-
trix with a B1 dentin shade hybrid compos-
ite (Four Seasons, Ivoclar Vivadent; Amherst,
NY). The opacity of this composite works
well to mask out the dark background when
building up the length of a tooth. This layer
was pressed in place with the matrix. An ad-
ditional small amount of the same compos-
ite was smoothed onto the incisal-facial of
the tooth and cured (Fig 3). The matrix was
then removed and the composite was cured
from the lingual aspect as well (Fig 4). This Figure 3: Lingual-incisal silicone putty matrix used as a guide for placement of
provided the lingual and incisal form for the the initial layer of composite for #8.
restoration and served as a “canvas” onto
which the subsequent varying layers of com-
posite were later applied and cured.
The facial surface was pre-wet with a small
amount of flowable composite and brushed
thin across the tooth with an artist’s brush.
This helps the packable composite stick
more seamlessly to the prepared surface and
prevent “pull-away” when sculpting with
instruments (the flowable was cured at the
same time as the overlying packable com-
posite).10 A full contour layer of B1 enamel
(Filtek Supreme, 3M ESPE; St. Paul, MN)
was then placed over the facial. This enamel
composite was first rolled into a ball with
clean-gloved fingers to remove any air inclu-
sions or imperfections and then was placed
with a composite instrument. The composite Figure 4: Initial layer of composite cured, dentin shade B1.
was tapped into place with a flat composite
instrument over the facial and then pulled
through the proximal contacts with a clear
mylar strip (Fig 5).11,12 The tooth was con-
toured with a tapered fine diamond bur and
sanding discs to develop the primary anato-
my. Careful attention was paid to ensure that
the midline being created was not canted but
would bisect the central papilla symmetrical-
ly and be parallel to the long axis of the face
(Fig 6). Such a cant can easily and uninten-
tionally occur when the clinician routinely
sits behind the patient at a 10 or 11 o’clock
position. Regularly moving in front of and
facing the patient can help the operator to
assess this more accurately.
Once #8 was contoured, the mesial was
polished with fine sanding strips to prevent
bonding with the buildup of #9. Tooth #9 Figure 5: Second layer of composite cured, enamel shade B1. A mylar strip was
was prepared with a microetcher (Fig 7), and used to “pull” the composite through the interproximal areas and shape the
facial embrasures.

106 Winter 2015 • Volume 30 • Number 4

 Hanson

Figure 6: Primary anatomy refined with a thin, pointed, fine Figure 7: Tooth #9, micro-etched surface prior to bonding.
diamond bur and medium finishing disc on slow speed. Careful
attention was paid to ensure that the midline was correct.

an etch-and-bonding protocol was accomplished as was

completed on #8. The putty matrix was again inserted
with the B1 dentin composite and the lingual buildup
was cured into place on #9 in the same fashion as previ-
ously done on #8 (Fig 8). The enamel shade was sepa-
rately added, sculpted, and cured to full contour (Fig 9).
Note that if too much composite is placed into the putty
matrix, the clinician may have difficulty seating the putty
completely flush with the lingual of the tooth to be re-
stored. This can lead to the creation of a longer tooth than
planned. Even with a putty matrix as a guide for compos-
ite placement, it is important that the clinician verify the
lengths and proportions with the patient’s face and with
the predetermined goals of treatment during the buildup Figure 8: Initial layer of composite cured for #9, dentin shade B1. Putty
phase. Tooth #9 was subsequently shaped in the same matrix used as a guide for placement.
fashion until basic symmetry was established between #8
and #9.
It is critical that the central incisors appear to be mir-
ror images of each other. Use of a mechanical pencil to
highlight the line angles and reflective powder aided in
evaluating symmetry chairside. These simple tools allow
the clinician to see anatomy, line angles, and irregularities
much more easily (almost like an instant stone model)
when comparing contralateral teeth (Figs 10-12).
Teeth #7 and #10, then #6 and #11, and then #5 and
#12 were done using the putty index and the same prep-
aration and layering method. A natural color transition
was created from central to cuspid by using a dentin and
enamel shade with slightly more chroma as we moved
distally (A1 enamel for the lateral incisors and first bicus-
pids, and A2 for the cuspids) (Figs 13-15).
The detailing of the contours was then done as a group.
Photographs were taken along with molds of the upper
arch for study prior to the patient’s next appointment. At Figure 9: Second layer of composite cured, enamel shade B1. A mylar
that time improvements were made to the contours of strip was used to “pull” the composite through the interproximal areas
the teeth based upon changes assessed from study of the and shape the facial embrasures.
model and photographs.

Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry 107

Figures 10 & 11: Reflective powder was used to aid in the evaluation of “mirror-image” symmetry between #8 and #9.

Figure 12: Basic anatomy and symmetry achieved for both #8 and Figure 13: Basic anatomy and symmetry achieved for ##5-12.
#9.

Figure 14: Retracted right lateral view of basic anatomy. Note the Figure 15: Retracted left lateral view of basic anatomy and color
color transition from B1 to A1 to A2 to A1 from central to bicuspid, transition.
respectively.

108 Winter 2015 • Volume 30 • Number 4

 Hanson

Cutback
Once the primary contours had been established, a cut-
back technique similar to what a laboratory technician
does with ceramic was initiated.13 The incisal third of the
incisors was cut back, leaving a very thin frame or “halo”
along the proximal and incisal edge (Fig 16). The pre-
pared area was newly micro-etched and rinsed and dried.
Bonding agent was also reapplied and air-thinned to re-
move any solvent. A B1 dentin to create the appearance of
lobes in the translucent zone was placed. Filtek Supreme
A5 and white effects enamel (3M ESPE) were added
for character and cured (Fig 17). Estelite Omega Trans
(Tokuyama Dental America; Encinitas, CA) was placed
into the incisal area to create the opalescence at the inci-
sal third (Fig 18). Finally, an enamel layer was placed to Figure 16: Incisal cutback completed to create space for incisal
bring each tooth back to full contour (Fig 19). enamel characterization.
The internal incisal characteristics and additional lay-
ering were completed at this stage of the buildup, instead
of during the initial layers prior to achieving the final con-
tour. This was done to make the layering and depth of
final translucency and character more uniform. When the
clinician does not have a facial surface as a reference from
which to work backward into the tooth, the final depth of
the internal character may vary from tooth to tooth once
the final contouring has been accomplished (Fig 20).

Enamelplasty
Once the forms of the maxillary incisal edges were com-
pleted, the patient was again taken through functional
mandibular movements in protrusive, edge-to-edge, and
lateral excursions to confirm smooth transitions and
evenly shared forces during function to help protect the
restorations. To achieve this, very slight enamelplasty was
performed on the mandibular incisors with a fine dia-
mond and polished with a gray Dialite polishing wheel Figure 17: White enamel and A5 dentin placed to help create incisal
effects and emphasize the “halo.”
(Brasseler USA; Savannah, GA). It was noted that a similar
direct resin restoration of the facial-incisal of #24 would
be esthetically desirable in the future.

After a discussion with

the patient about treatment
with ceramic veneers versus
direct bonding, direct resin
veneers were selected due
to the conservative nature
Figure 18: Opalescent/transparent enamel composite added over
of the procedure. incisal effects.

Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry 109

Figure 19: Enamel composite added to the facial to reestablish the Figure 20: Preliminary polish showing incisal “halo” and internal
full contour. incisal effects.

Finishing
Finishing was accomplished with four instruments in the
following sequence: a long tapered fine diamond bur, a
medium Sof-Lex disc (3M ESPE), a “brownie” polishing
point (Shofu Dental; San Marcos, CA), and a bristle brush
(Jiffy Ultradent; South Jordan, UT) (Fig 21). An electric
handpiece set to the slowest setting for each of these four
steps allows the clinician to more easily visualize the care-
ful and thorough removal of fine scratches when proceed-
ing from one step to the next.14
Utilizing a curing light, the restorations were then re-
cured to obtain the highest polymerization at the surface
and a final polish was done with composite polishing paste
(Enamelize, Cosmedent; Chicago, IL). Photographs were
taken for further evaluation and the patient was scheduled Figure 21: Simplified sequence of polishers from left to right, all
to return for a final follow-up (Fig 22). used on an electric handpiece at the lowest setting.

Summary
The effect that a restored and enhanced smile (Figs 23-25)
can have on a patient who may once have felt embarrassed
about their teeth is not easily described. Providing that
type of service is really the root of what makes us passion-
ate about the pursuit of excellence in esthetic dentistry.
Minimally invasive or even non-invasive procedures such
as direct resin veneers, which can enable us to achieve high
levels of esthetics responsibly, truly make us all smile a
little more broadly.

Figure 22: 1:2 retracted view after final polish, composite veneers
##5-12.

110 Winter 2015 • Volume 30 • Number 4

 Hanson

Careful attention was paid to

ensure that the midline being
created was not canted but
would bisect the central papilla
symmetrically and be parallel to
the long axis of the face.

Figure 23: Post-treatment, 1:10 full-face image.

References

1. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). A guide to

Accreditation criteria. Madison (WI): AACD; 2014.

2. Fahl N Jr, Denehy GE, Jackson RD. Protocol for predictable resto-
ration of anterior teeth with composite resins. Pract Periodontics
Aesthet Dent. 1995 Oct;7(8):13-21.

3. Vargas M. Conservative aesthetic enhancement of the anterior

dentition using a predictable direct resin protocol. Pract Proced
Aesthet Dent. 2006 Sep;18(8);501-7.

4. Korkut B, Yanikoglu F, Gunday M. Direct composite laminate ve-

neers: three case reports. J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects.
Figure 24: Pre-treatment, 1:1 retracted view.
2013 Spring;7(2):105-11.

5. Milnar F. A minimal intervention approach to the treatment of a

Class IV fracture. J Cosmetic Dent. 2006 Winter;21(4):106-12.

6. Dawson PE. Functional occlusion: from TMJ to smile design. St.

Louis: Mosby; 2007.

7. Muehleis P. Dental sealants. J Am Dent Assoc. 2011 Jan;142(1):14-

5.

8. Basaran G, Veli I. Modern etching and bonding materials in or-

thodontics. In: Naretto S, editor. Principles in contemporary or-
thodontics. Rijeka (Croatia): InTech; 2011. p. 181-212.

9. Kameyama A, Asami M, Noro A, Abo H, Hirai Y, Tsunoda M.

The effects of three dry-field techniques on intra oral temperature
and relative humidity. J Am Dent Assoc. 2011 Mar;142(3):274-
Figure 25: Post-treatment, 1:1 retracted view. 80.

Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry 111

10. Reddy SN, Jayashankar DN, Nainan M, Shivanna V. The ef-
fect of flowable composite lining thickness with various …if too much composite is placed
curing techniques on micro leakage in Class II composite
restorations: an in vitro study. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2013 into the putty matrix, the clinician
Jan;14(1):56-60.
may have difficulty seating the putty
11. Arnold JF. Direct resin bonding for successful treat-
ment of Class IV fractures: case report. Dent Today. 2007 completely flush with the lingual of
Oct;26(10):110-2.
the tooth to be restored.
12. Fahl N Jr. Mastering composite artistry to create anterior mas-
terpieces—part 2. J Cosmetic Dent. 2011;26(4):42-55.

13. Blank JT, Latta M. Composite resin layering and placement

techniques: case presentation and scientific evaluation. Pract
Proced Aesthet Dent. 2005 Jul;17(6):385-90.

Dr. Hanson is a graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A.

14. Glazer HS. Simplifying finishing and polishing tech- Dugoni School of Dentistry. An AACD Accredited Member, he owns a
niques for direct composite restorations. Dent Today. 2009 private practice in Chandler, Arizona.
Jan;28(1):122,124-5. jCD
Disclosure: The author did not report any disclosures.

BB20653_JCD Ad_Chiche_Winter 2015_v6_JCD Ad 11/26/14 6:46 AM Page 1

112 Winter 2015 • Volume 30 • Number 4