Fig.1
Initial situation. The patient wished to improve the aesthetics of the anterior region, specifically from lateral incisor to lateral incisor. To ensure a more conservative approach, direct composite restorations were selected. At this stage, tooth 11 already presented a crown.

Fig.2
Occlusal view of the provisional crown on tooth 11.

Fig.3
Tooth preparation of tooth 11 following removal of the existing crown and refinement of the preparation.

Fig.4
Try-in of the definitive crown. The crown was designed with space on the buccal surface to allow for the addition of composite resin. This concept is comparable to a veneer preparation—essentially a crown with a pre-designed buccal reduction. This approach enables better control of the volume and morphology of the adjacent teeth, as all anterior teeth will be restored. Additionally, it ensures optical consistency of the substrate and surface characteristics among the different restorations.
The crown was indirectly fabricated utilizing a hybrid ceramic (Cameo, Aidite, China). This crown was subsequently cut back to facilitate restoration of all anterior incisors with direct composite veneers, thereby ensuring optimal esthetics for the anterior segment.

Fig.5
Surface treatment of the crown. After cleaning, Scotchbond™ Universal Plus was applied, acting both as a silane and as an adhesive.

Fig.6
Adhesive protocol on the tooth preparation. Application of Scotchbond™ Universal Plus followed by light polymerization.

Fig.7
Cementation procedure. Application of the RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement (translucent shade) inside the crown.

Fig.8
Crown seating and stabilization. The crown was inserted and stabilized in position. Excess cement extrusion. Cement excesses were visible after seating.

Fig.9
Tack-curing and excess removal. A short tack-curing (approximately 1 second) was performed to initiate the gel phase of the cement, facilitating both the removal of excess material and the stabilization of the crown.

Fig.10
Excess cement was removed using an appropriate instrument (LM Arte Eccesso), followed by final polymerization after complete removal of all excesses.

Fig.11
Following the crown adhesion, and based on the previously established digital plan defining the desired restorative volume, a staged restorative approach was performed.
Teeth not intended for immediate restoration (teeth 12, 21, and 23) were isolated using Teflon tape. A “skip technique” (every other tooth) was adopted to allow precise control of the incisal edge position and volume. Once the incisal edges of the selected teeth were established in their ideal position, the remaining teeth were restored in a second step.
After isolation, phosphoric acid etching was applied to the bonding surfaces where the flowable composite would be used to build the incisal extension and volume.

Fig.12
Adhesive protocol and matrix positioning. Following etching, Scotchbond™ Universal Plus was applied and light-cured. A transparent matrix, fabricated from the digital wax-up, was then positioned to guide the new incisal edge location and volume. The flowable composite Filtek™ Easy Match Flow was injected into the matrix to build the incisal edges.

Fig.13
Polymerization through the transparent matrix. Light curing of Filtek™ Easy Match Flow was performed through the transparent guide.

Fig.14
Post-polymerization view. The newly established incisal edge and volume are visible on the central incisor (tooth 11) and lateral incisor (tooth 22), showing proper extension and morphology.

Fig.15
Filtek™ Easy Match Flow (Natural shade) was selected for the incisal build-up.

Fig.16
Isolation and adhesive protocol for the remaining teeth. The same procedure was repeated for teeth 12 and 21. Previously restored teeth were protected with Teflon tape, followed by phosphoric acid etching and application of Scotchbond™ Universal Plus.

Fig.17
Index repositioning and composite application. After adhesive polymerization, the transparent matrix was repositioned according to the digital plan. Filtek™ Easy Match Flow was injected into the matrix to reproduce the planned incisal edge position and volume, followed by light curing through the matrix.

Fig.18
Final light curing ensured complete polymerization of the material.

Fig.19
Final incisal edge outcome. All four maxillary incisors present the finalized incisal edge position and volume, providing a precise reference for the subsequent development of the buccal morphology and final restorations.

Fig.20
Following the creation of the incisal edges, anterior sectional matrices (Unica Anterior) were placed on the two central incisors and stabilized using small teflon pellets.

Fig.21
After etching with phosphoric acid and application of Scotchbond™ Universal Plus on the buccal surfaces, the restorative layering was initiated. A thin internal layer of flowable composite, Filtek™ Easy Match Flow, was applied. Over this uncured layer, a higher-viscosity composite, Filtek™ Easy Match (Natural shade), was placed and condensed.

Fig.22
Aspect of the interface between Filtek™ Easy Match Flow and Filtek™ Easy Match.

Fig.23
Condensation of the composite onto the buccal surface.

Fig.24
Spatulation was performed to achieve uniform integration between the flowable and high-viscosity composite.

Fig.25
Outcome after light curing and removal of the matrices on the central incisors.

Fig.26
The same protocol was applied to the lateral incisors. Matrix placement for lateral incisors.

Fig.27
Phosphoric acid etching followed by application of Scotchbond™ Universal Plus.

Fig.28
A thin internal layer of Filtek™ Easy Match Flow was applied along the entire inner surface of the matrix without prior curing.

Fig.29
Aspect of the flowable composite inside the matrix.

Fig.30
A high-viscosity composite, Filtek™ Easy Match (Natural shade), was placed over the flowable layer, condensed, and light cured.

Fig.31
All four maxillary incisors after composite placement and matrix removal. After removal of the matrices, finishing and polishing procedures were initiated to refine the buccal morphology, incisal angles, inclination of the incisal thirds, and the new emergence profile.

Fig.32
Refined incisal angles, buccal volume, and emergence profile.

Fig.33
Medium and high-grit Sof-Lex™ Discs were used for contouring.

Fig.34
Medium-grit burs were used to create surface texture.

Fig.35
Final smoothing with Sof-Lex™ Spiral under continuous irrigation.

Fig.36
Polishing was performed using Sof-Lex™ Spiral Diamond under water irrigation.

Fig.37
Smooth, highly polished surface with appropriate anatomical morphology.

Fig.38
Harmonized anterior dentition from lateral to lateral, with improved form, volume, and overall aesthetic integration.

Conclusions

The integration of simplified composite systems into restorative workflows allows clinicians to achieve highly predictable and reproducible outcomes with greater efficiency. Filtek™ Easy Match Flow proves to be more than a conventional flowable composite, playing a key role in both structural and optical aspects of anterior restorations.
Its ability to facilitate precise incisal edge construction, improve material adaptation, and harmonize the interface between restorative layers contributes significantly to the overall esthetic result. Moreover, when used in combination with a structured protocol and digital planning, it enhances control over morphology, volume, and surface integration.
Ultimately, the use of Filtek™ Easy Match Flow supports a more intuitive, efficient, and minimally invasive approach, aligning with modern restorative principles focused on simplicity, predictability, and long-term success.

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