Dentin bond shear strength and microleakage for Syntac/Heliomolar: a comparison between the manufacturer's and total etch technique

Recent improvements in formulation have led to significant improvements in the bond strength and clinical performance of dentin bonding agents. The growing interest in the concept of total etch prompted a comparison between manufacturer-recommended procedure and that of total etch for the product Syntac. An in vitro study to examine shear bond strength to dentin and microleakage and an in vivo component to investigate the micromorphologic relationship between restoration and tissue was conducted. No statistical significance was observed in bond strength values for the nonetched versus the etched group. Significantly, however, a larger number of specimens in the nonetched group exhibited microleakage. In vivo, only the etched group exhibited a zone of hybridization although both nonetched and etched restorations showed no interfacial gaps. It was concluded that total etch does not compromise the shear bond strength of Syntac but it appears to significantly reduce microleakage possibly due to the formation of a hybrid zone and may have merit clinically.

IPS Empress veneers. Color communication, laboratory fabrication, and cementation

Once considered to be revolutionary, porcelain veneers are now the foundation of most aesthetic dental practices. Requiring only conservative preparations, porcelain veneers can dramatically change a smile. This article discusses the technique necessary to prepare and place porcelain veneers, using a new pressed-ceramic system. Close and thorough cooperation and communication between the clinician and the laboratory are essential throughout the procedure, and this article is coauthored by a dentist and a ceramist.

A functional and aesthetic direct resin technique

Placement of composite resins is technique sensitive, requiring strict attention to procedural detail in order to achieve a functionally sound restoration. This article presents an incremental placement technique which provides a suitable alternative to amalgam restorations that is aesthetically consistent with the color of tooth structure.

Color communication, laboratory fabrication, and cementation

Once considered to be revolutionary, porcelain veneers are now the foundation of most aesthetic dental practices. Requiring only conservative preparations, porcelain veneers can dramatically change a smile. This article discusses the technique necessary to prepare and place porcelain veneers, using a new pressed-ceramic system. Close and thorough cooperation and communication between the clinician and the laboratory are essential throughout the procedure, and this article is coauthored by a dentist and a ceramist.

An esthetic, conservative reconstruction technique for an endodontically prepared tooth

A reconstruction technique is presented for endodontically treated teeth in which a minimally invasive procedure is desired. A resin-bonded, laboratory-fabricated, heat- and pressure-cured composite resin onlay was used to achieve tooth support as well as esthetic results.

A conservative alternate to single tooth replacement: a three-year follow-up

This article discusses a clinical procedure/technique for placing a conservative bridge in posterior teeth, using a heat-and-pressure-cured resin, reinforced with plasma-coated fibers. Several cases are used to illustrate the procedure. The learning objective of this article is the understanding of the technique and the materials used, thereby enabling implementation.

Cooperative treatment planning in creating IPS Empress SMILES

With the continued increase in patient expectations for appearance-related restorations, the final result may be deficient in aesthetic qualities, such as color, contour, and shape. This is generally due to a breakdown in communication among the patient, dentist, and laboratory technician with regard to basic smile design principles prior to fabrication of the restoration. With the introduction of advanced porcelain systems (IPS Empress System, Ivoclar Williams, Amherst, NY), the clinician and technician can produce restorations that mimic the optical characteristics and color vitality of natural teeth. This article presents methods to improve communication, effectively evaluate smile design principles, and fabricate aesthetic all-ceramic restorations.