7 Common Problems with Layering Anterior Composites and How to Fix Them

Author's note: Read “Basics of Layering Composites in the Esthetic Zone” first if you don't already understand the basics in composite layering.

When I first implemented layered anterior composites into my practice, I would frequently finish a case and think to myself, “Oh gawd, this looks terrible.” It took me a while before I figured out why my restorations were not turning out like I had planned. As I practiced, I noticed a few common themes with my technique and eventually learned how to correct my mistakes.

In this article, I share the lessons I learned with the hope to save you a lot of time and heartache. I've found that layering anterior composites make me happy. And isn't life just better when your schedule is stacked with the procedures that make you happy?

From choosing the wrong shade to trying to get too fancy, let's review the most common reasons anterior composites don't turn out quite right, what happened clinically, and how to fix them. The best part is you don't have to start over completely.

Problem No. 1: There's a visible line

Problem: The junction between tooth structure and restorative material was not masked by the dentin layer.

Solution: Cut back the facial part of the restoration making sure the dentin layer extends over the bevel.

It can be hard to mask the junction if the bevel isn't large enough. Use a large diamond to cut the restoration back until you can see the initial fracture. Leave the incisal/facial line angle intact so you don't have to redo it (also read “Fixing Anterior Composites Without Redoing Everything”).

Leave the lingual portion of the restoration so there is some material to stack composite on top of. Etch and bond as usual and make a larger bevel where the natural tooth ends. Feather the dentin over the bevel, making sure there is still enough space for the enamel layer(s). At this point, there should be no visible line. If you do see a line at this step, you can be sure you'll see a line in the final restoration.

Problem No. 2: It's too opaque

Problem: The dentin layer was too thick.

Solution: Cut back making sure there is enough space for enamel.

You layered your dentin too thick, then added the enamel layer. By the time you finished and polished the restoration, you cut off the entire enamel layer and left only the dentin layer. In other words, the final restoration is as if you restored with only one big hunk of dentin.

Don't fret, you'll probably do this a few times before it hits home completely. If your restoration looks too flat, too fake, or too dark – this is probably the issue. Use a large diamond to prep like for a veneer but leave the incisal/facial line angle intact. Etch, bond, and place the enamel layer over the top then finish and polish.

Problem No. 3: It's too dark

Problem: The dentin shade was too dark.

Solution: Cut back and choose a lighter dentin shade.

There is a tendency to choose a shade too dark when trying to match the dentin because we get caught up in the fact that the dentin is different than the surface enamel. Err on the side of too light with the dentin shade and then, if needed, bring up the value with the enamel layer. For example, if the vita shade of the tooth is A3, pick A2 dentin and add A3 enamel on top.

Problem No. 4: Too much or too little characterization

Problem: The adjacent teeth have changed since you started the procedure.

Solution: Trust the pre-op photos and wait 72 hours before evaluating. Cut back if needed, adjust accordingly.

Maybe you went a little nuts adding the fancy tints. This is easy to do because as you've been working, the adjacent teeth have been dehydrating, causing their white spots to be more visi-ble. Use pre-op photos for reference. Allow 72 hours for the natural teeth to rehydrate before deciding if you love or hate it.

Before starting the procedure, always caution patients that this will happen. Let them know it may be a day or two before their restoration blends in with the natural teeth. Invite them back in one week for a final polish and shade check and to take photos.

Problem No. 5: It still looks fake

Problem: Inadequate surface texture or polish. Light is hitting the restoration in a way that makes it look artificial.

Solution: Focus on the line angles and texture so light hits the restoration in a way that it looks natural.

Restorations need to reflect light just like a natural tooth. Drawing line angles with a pencil can help visualize primary anatomy. Glitter powder can help you visualize the surface texture so you can clearly see where the light is hitting the restoration.

Try not to get frustrated. The first time you polish like this it may take an hour or two to get it just right (this is why I like to learn these skills at Spear Workshops so I don't leave my patients suffering in the chair). Invest in a composite polishing kit.

Problem No. 6: Too grey

Problem: You tried to get too fancy with your translucency.

Solution: Cut back (facially or lingually) and add some dentin-shaded composite.

The mouth is a big dark hole! If you added too much translucent composite, the restoration will appear too grey. If the facial anatomy is where you want it to be, remove 0.5-1 mm of composite from the lingual and place a more opaque/brighter dentin-shaded composite. You can also cut back and add from the facial as described earlier.

Problem No. 7: There's a *&%$! void

Problem: A bubble incorporated into the composite or you scratched the surface while polishing.

Solution: Use a round bur to prep as deep as the void. Etch, bond, and add your final layer of composite.

You can waste a lot of time trying to polish out a void and it usually leaves your restoration looking funny if you get to the bottom of the void. Save yourself some time and simply remove the void and bond over it.

Layering composite in the esthetic zone is an advanced clinical skill that takes practice. Take it easy on yourself and try to have fun learning from your mistakes. Hope this helps.

Dawn Wehking, D.D.S., M.A.G.D., is a member of Spear Visiting Faculty and a contributor to Spear Digest.