Direct Veneers: How to Master the Shade, Shape and Texture

Course Abstract

Closely matching natural teeth with an artificial restoration can be one of the most challenging procedures in restorative dentistry. Natural teeth vary greatly in colour and shape. In addition, Dentistry is changing at a rate that is difficult to comprehend. New techniques and materials combined with the public’s desire to look and feel better about themselves have truly created a “New Age of Dentistry”. Direct veneers have been present in the range of possible treatment options for the posterior region for several years. Unfortunately, they have a reputation as an “inferior” option compare to their indirect counterparts. They suppose to last less, look less esthetic and discolour over time. The truth is that they also have several advantages and even more, most of the already mentioned disadvantages are not real anymore. Although the materials keep improving, and thanks to that is really easy to match the shade or to change it to the one the patient desire, form, contours and texture are still highly dependent from the operator. These are the reasons why we need now even more stay well informed and get constant training, because if we now how to use the systems, it will be extremely simple to get opacity and shade and at the same time with proper training we can improve our skills to match the patient´s expectations.

Course Description

The course will cover the necessary knowledge to master advance anterior aesthetic direct restorations. After the introductory basics and clinical cases discussion the participants will immediately prepare the teeth 11, 12, 21 and 22. They will have to restore the central and lateral incisors due to problems in their proportions, insufficient length, a class Iv defect with a direct veneer. The right use of the different shades and opacities plus the necessary skills and knowledge for achieving the right shape, contours and natural appearance will be the focus of the course.

All the steps will be shown by the instructor with an HD camera with high magnification for explanation of all the details.

Learning Objectives

The participants will learn:

About classic indications of composites and their survival.
The last improvements in material science and the treatment possibilities they are opening
The polychromatic approach for anterior direct restorations
To master shade and opacity of anterior teeth
To finish, texture and polish direct veneers

Agenda

14:00 – 15:30	Introduction of direct veneers: Advantages and disadvantages Differences between direct and indirect Presentation of the models and the tools Guides creation and model analysis
15:30 – 15:45	Coffee Break
15:45 – 16:45	Preparation of the teeth Beveling Controlling the thickness Initial layering Polychromatic approach Use of stains Value vs A-D systems
16:45 – 18:00	Layering of the anterior teeth Mastering when class V are also present Excess removal Curing protocols Finishing and polishing Creating the right texture