Fig.1
Initial situation, incisal third fracture of teeth 11 and 21.

Fig.2
Clinical picture for planning shape and color of the future restoration; for the color matching process a reference was taken in the central part of the cervical area of the tooth thus obtaining the color of the dentin shade (hue and chroma), after that, the color of the chromatic enamel was obtained in the central area of the tooth (value) and finally from the proximal areas and the most incisal part available the achromatic enamel shade was selected (Opalescent effects).
The selected resin shades were A3,5 Dentin, A2 Enamel and Trans 20 (Empress Direct Ivoclar Vivadent)

Fig.3
This image was digitally modified in order to observe more details as the enamel-dentin limits and some natural features, contrast was augmented by +60% and brightness reduced by -60%, that allowed a better perception of the color characteristics.

Fig.4
Initial study model and planning wax-up for 11 and 21, buccal view.

Fig.5
Initial study model and planning wax-up for 11 and 21, palatal view.

Fig.6
Palatal stent construction, which was trimmed in mesio-distal sense preserving the incisal edges, transferring this way the information obtained in the wax-up. This index will be used for the mock-up.

Fig.7
Direct mock-up with composite resin, this was achieved with the silicone index obtained from the wax-up.

Fig.8
After corrections and adjustments done in the direct mock-up and after solving all the aesthetic requirements of the patient, we fabricated a second, more accurate and precise silicone index.

Fig.9
Rubber dam placement for complete isolation from first premolar to first premolar.

Fig.10
Silicone index adaptation, trimming of the excess especially in the areas next to the clamps and gingival papillae, verifying its correct insertion and stability.

Fig.11
Teeth preparation, surface cleaning with 2% chlorhexidine, irregular and non supported prisms removal, 2-3 mm fine bevel preparation using a diamond bur #2135 (bevel should be as long as the fracture extension) and afterwards the finishing of the preparation with coarse and medium abrasive discs.

Fig.12
Palatal wall build-up. When restoring fractured teeth we usually start from the palatal wall when we have a silicone stent, we use a high transparency composite as the achromatic dentins (Trans 20 Empress Direct, Ivoclar Vivadent) or effect enamels in very thin layers; we apply the resin over the stent in a homogeneous way and place it in the cavity, adjust it and polymerize it, many times we reinforce this wall with a small amount of flowable resin before removing the index.

Fig.13
Removal of resin excess with abrasive discs, scalpel blade or diamond bur at low speed without water, in order to achieve a well defined and clean perimeter

Fig.14
Opaque composite resin applied in the incisal edge to create the halo effect (in this case is the same shade used for the dentinal body) to create the counter opalescence present in natural teeth without altering the width or length of the planned restoration (A3,5 Dentin, Empress Direct Ivoclar Vivadent)

Fig.15
A3.5 Dentin (or opaque mass) application (Empress Direct Ivoclar Vivadent) over the palatal wall to star the reconstruction of the dentinal body, reproducing a slight convexity which has more volume on the medium third and covering the bevel partially decreasing the volume towards the incisal. With the help of an explorer or a sharp instrument we start shaping the mamelons, maintaining a small space for the incisal effects with the transparent masses.

Fig.16
The small space between the mamelons and the incisal halo will be covered with a special effect (opalescent) Trans 20, slightly covering the mamelon tips.

Fig.17
Once the body of the restoration is shaped, we will apply a chromatic enamel A2 (empress direct,  Ivoclar Vivadent) over all the surface of the restoration.

Fig.18
Application of achromatic resins in certain areas as the margins or the mesial an distal lobes will allow us to modulate the value and the opalescence of the restoration, achieving this way a better refraction index, more similar to the natural enamel and improve this way the morphology of the restoration.

Fig.19
Finishing and polishing stage with abrasive discs for the perimeter and diamond burs for the texture and micro texture of the buccal area. Afterwards abrasive rubber tips.

Fig.20
Secondary anatomy highlighting the lobes and depressions of the buccal surface.

Fig.21
Micro-texture.

Fig.22
Immediate postoperative picture, dehydrated teeth; a second session is required for the final polishing and integration assessment of the restoration

Fig.23
Five days later, final polishing with felt discs and aluminum oxyde paste, corroborating the shape and color integration.

Fig.24
Digitally modified picture to verify integration. Contrast +60%, brightness -60%

Fig.25
Final restorations.

Conclusions

The main goal of performing direct restorations with composite resins is to handle an easy workflow that allows the clinician to have a predictable, natural, functional and long lasting result. Composite resin is a tooth-friendly material, and it allows a minimally invasive approach; color selection is always a challenge for the clinician, in the present article, a simple method is proposed and on top of that, a digital method to enhance the present characterizations of the natural teeth. Combining science and art and the thorough observation of the natural details must concern the clinician from the beginning to the very end. Said that, a constant quest for natural aesthetics together with a continuous evolution of the adhesive systems and dental materials allow the professional to achieve aesthetic results for long term restorations.

Bibliography

Paolone G, Orsini G, Manauta J, Devoto W, Putignano A, Composite shade guides and color matching. Int J Esthet Dent 2014;9:164-182
Hirata R. Shortscuts em Odontologia estetica:uma nova visao sobre TIPS. Capitulo 3: Restauracaos esteticas e transformacoes anteriores. Quintessence Editora Ltda. 1°Edición. 2016; 236-452
Nocchi E. Visao horizontal: odontología estética para todos. Capitulo VII; Resina composta em anterior: Encontro da arte e da ciencia. Dental Press editora. 1°Edición. 2013; 169-208
Manauta J, Salat A. Layers – An atlas of composite resin stratification. Capitulo 1: Color. Quintessence Editora Ltda. 2013; 26-77
Manauta J, Salat A. Layers – An atlas of composite resin stratification. Capitulo 4: Mid. Quintessence Editora Ltda. 2013; 183-235
Fahl N Jr., Swift EJ Jr. The invisible Class IV restoration. J Esthet Dent.1989;1:111-3
Behle C. Placement of direct composite veneers utilizing a silicone buildup guide and intraoral mock-up. Pract Periodont Aesthet Dent. 2000;12(3):259-66
Hidalgo R. Técnica de estratificación de capas naturales mano alzada con resinas compuestas. Visdent 2008;11(3):412-418
Fahl N Jr. Trans-Surgical restoration of extensive Class IV defectsin the anterior dentition. Pract Periodontics Aesthet Dent. 1997;9:709-20; quiz 22.
Hirata R. Reconstrução de Dentes Anteriores com Resinas Compostas – Uma Seqüência de Escolha e Aplicação de Resinas. Jornal Brasileiro deCclínica & Estética em Odontologia – vol. 5 – n° 25 – jan/fev – 2001
Fahl N Jr. Coronal Reconstruction of a severely compromised central incisor with composite resins: A case report. Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry. 2010;26:1, 92-113
Fahl N Jr. Ultimate aesthetics with composites: When Art and Science Merge. Dentistry Today, p.56-61, Sep. 1999