If we enclosed the surface texture among the aesthetic criteria of dental morphology, it should be considered of foremost importance. The brightness, the translucence, the saturation and the hue add up to the amount of elements that we need to be aware of in case of frontal teeth aesthetic restoration.
There are authors who consider that it is possible for a restoration which has a correct shape and a correct surface texture to have aesthetically integration as well, even if there could exist some small differences regarding color (with all its aspects).
The present article illustrates the steps that should be followed in order to create the surface morphology in case of direct frontal restoration: making the contour, making the primary morphology (transition lines), making the secondary morphology (vestibular lobes) and the tertiary morphology (the lines of enamel development).
Fig.1
The initial situation, fracture at the incisal level of 11 and the pronounced surface morphology.
Fig.2
The protection of the natural surface using Correction Fluid applied on the natural tooth.
Fig.3
The surface morphology protected by the excess of bonding and composite material, after removing the Correction fluid.
Fig.4
The surface morphology protected by the excess of bonding and composite material, after removing the correction fluid.
Fig.5
Perfecting the contour at the end of the first treatment session.
Fig.6
Highlighting transition lines. Their direction can be adjusted by using diamond burs, Arkansas stones or abrasive discs.
Fig.7
Highlighting the secondary morphology (dentin lobes) using articulating paper. The secondary morphology can be realized with diamond burs, Arkansas stones and then finished with abrasive rubber. It can be noticed a slight difference from the adjacent tooth.
Fig.8
The secondary morphology after the adjustment with Arkansas stones and abrasive rubbers.
Fig.9
Highlighting the primary morphology and the secondary morphology by using silver powder.
Fig.10
The tertiary morphology (the lines of enamel growth) can be realized by using some diamond drills or green stones.
Fig.11
Fig.12
Fig.13
The correct polish is extremely important for the long term success of the restoration. In this case it was made a polish with small rotary brush and diamond paste of 3 micron (Fig.11) and 1 micron (Fig.12) respectively with felt wheel and aluminum oxide. (Fig.13)
Fig.14
The final aspect of restoration.
Fig.15
Aspects of the surface morphology of restoration.
Fig.16
Fig.17
Conclusions
The surface morphology is the second important criterion beyond the shape of the tooth, which is extremely significant for the final aesthetic result.
