Direct Composite Veneers for Esthetic, Conservative Dentistry

Patient demand for esthetics and conservative dentistry has greatly increased over the past decade. Today, an attractive smile is highly desired by many patients, as it can influence one's self-esteem and psychosocial well-being. Direct layered composite veneers offer an appealing, cost-effective solution for esthetic rehabilitation in the anterior region. Such restorations can be performed in a single session treatment and be modified during the stratification process to meet patients' needs. Additionally, the evolution of composite materials has led to improved mechanical properties and wear resistance. The author uses Venus^® composites (Kulzer, kulzerus.com) when performing direct restorations in the anterior region, as shown in the cases presented. Venus PURE is a new universal composite with patented TCD-urethane molecule technology, which provides high strength and durability with low shrinkage stress. Four shades allow for monochromatic layering and fillings with only one shade, even in the anterior, without the need for additional blockers. The composite material provides an ideal balance of translucency, hue, and chroma that reflects light in such a way that the four shades can be used for both monochromatically placed anterior and posterior restorations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Venus PURE portfolio of restorative products offers a variety of solutions in esthetic dentistry to address restorations ranging from simple to complex.

The advanced tricyclodecane-urethane (TCD) matrix, unique to Kulzer composites, enables low shrinkage stress for a reduced risk of marginal gap formation and secondary caries. The high level of cross-linking in the TCD matrix increases the strength and durability of the composites.

Venus PURE Shades are available in Venus^® Diamond (firm, low-stick consistency) and Venus^® Pearl (creamy, low-stick consistency). With the continued advancement of composite materials, direct composite veneers are a valid, quick, and less expensive solution for esthetic anterior restorations.

Jordi Manauta, DDS
Private Practice, Sestri Levante, Italy; Author of Layers and Layers 2; Active Member, Styleitaliano

Figures and Images

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Figure 1

Fig 1. (Case 1) Two endodontically treated central incisors after trauma.

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Fig 2. A realistic mock-up was fabricated with Venus Pearl PURE, Medium shade. After verifying the color match, the mock-up was removed and polished. The mock-up was completed with no bonding adhesive in place.

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Fig 3. The mock-up sections of the restoration were finished and polished outside the oral cavity and then cemented in place with a resin cement.

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Fig 4. The cemented restorations after finishing and polishing.

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Fig 5. (Case 2) Diastema caused by a peg-shaped lateral incisor and small canine. The patient wanted the space closed.

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Fig 6. Restoration of the lateral incisor (tooth No. 10) with Venus Pearl PURE, Light shade, and the canine (tooth No. 11) with Venus Pearl PURE, Medium shade.

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Fig 7. (Case 3) Young adult with ankylosed tooth No. 8. The patient displayed a low smile line, thus the clinician decided to restore the incisal edge of tooth No. 8 to the same level of No. 9.

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Fig 8. Shade selection was assessed among the four available shades of Venus PURE (bottom, from left to right: Bleach, Light, Medium, Dark). The Light shade was selected.

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Fig 9. The case with a rubber dam in place for moisture control.

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Fig 10. Tooth No. 8 was restored using Venus Pearl PURE, Light shade, with the addition of Venus Diamond Clear Opal (CO) shade to mimic the incisal edge of the adjacent tooth.

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Fig 11. (Case 4) Worn dentition with shape defects and cervical abrasions.

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Fig 12. Conservative restoration of the incisal edges, diastema, and cervical defects using Venus Diamond PURE, Medium shade.