Dental composites placement techniques for direct restorations

Abstract

Colorless dental compositions for restoring the enamel layer of a tooth are disclosed. The colorless enamel compositions are combined with pigmented dentin compositions to provide a true color match and natural esthetics. Methods that utilize the compositions in placement/build-up techniques in direct restorations are also disclosed.

1 . A method for fabricating a direct dental restoration having the color of a natural tooth, comprising: 
 matching the value shade of a natural tooth to be restored to a colorless enamel value restorative material;    preparing the tooth for restoration;    matching the shade of a dentin layer of the tooth to a shaded dentin restorative material;    applying the matched dentin restorative material to the tooth to be restored; and    applying, over the dentin restorative material, the matched colorless enamel value restorative material to the tooth to be restored.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying comprises placing a thin coating of restorative material on the object to be applied and polymerizing the restorative material.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the restorative material is polymerized by light-curing.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein preparing the tooth for restoration comprises removing a portion of the enamel layer and a portion of a dentin layer of the tooth.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein preparing the tooth for restoration comprises reshaping the tooth for a cosmetic restoration.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying a bonding agent to the exposed dentin and enamel when preparing the tooth for restoration to enhance the bonding of the composite restorative material.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising finishing and polishing the restored tooth.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein finishing comprises at least one of shaping and contouring the restoration.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the value shade of the colorless enamel value material is a low, medium, or high value.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the colorless enamel value restorative material includes a polymerizable resin, filler, and catalyst.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the dentin restorative material includes a polymerizable resin, filler, and catalyst.  
     
     
         12 . A method for fabricating a direct dental restoration having the color of a natural tooth, comprising: 
 cleaning the tooth and matching the value shade of the tooth to be restored to a colorless enamel value restorative material;    preparing the tooth for restoration by at least one of removing decayed/damaged enamel and dentin and reshaping the tooth for cosmetic restoration;    matching the shade of a dentin layer of the tooth to a shaded dentin restorative material;    applying a bonding agent to the prepared area;    applying a flowable composite prior to applying the colored dentin material, in order to fill in any voids or irregularities that may exist in the floor of the restoration area;    applying the matched dentin restorative material to the tooth to be restored;    applying, over the dentin restorative material, the matched colorless enamel value restorative material to the tooth to be restored;    applying special effects, including staining or tinting materials or white or blue shade to the restoration prior to the final restorative layer;    applying a translucent material to the external surface of the restoration;    finishing by shaping or contouring the restoration; and    polishing the restoration.    
     
     
         13 . A colorless enamel restorative material having no added pigment and a low value shade; a medium value shade; or a high value shade.  
     
     
         14 . The product of  claim 13 , wherein the low value shade has a CIELAB co-ordinate of 63.  
     
     
         15 . The product of  claim 13 , wherein the medium value shade has a CIELAB co-ordinate of 73.  
     
     
         16 . The product of  claim 13 , wherein the high value shade has a CIELAB co-ordinate of 76.  
     
     
         17 . A cured dental composite restoration comprising: 
 a highly chromatic shaded dentin restorative material and a colorless enamel restorative material having no added pigment and a low value shade; a medium value shade; or a high value shade.    
     
     
         18 . The product of  claim 17 , wherein the low value shade has a CIELAB co-ordinate of 63.  
     
     
         19 . The product of  claim 17 , wherein the medium value shade has a CIELAB co-ordinate of 73.  
     
     
         20 . The product of  claim 17 , wherein the high value shade has a CIELAB co-ordinate of 76.