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The evolution in adhesive dentistry has broadened the indication of esthetic restorative procedures especially with the use of resin composite material. Depending on the clinical situation, some restorative techniques are best indicated. As an example, indirect adhesive restorations offer many advantages over direct techniques in extended cavities. In general, the indirect technique requires two appointments and a laboratory involvement, or it can be prepared chairside in a single visit either conventionally or by the use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing systems. In both cases, there will be an extra cost as well as the need of specific materials. This paper describes the clinical procedures for the chairside semidirect technique for composite onlay fabrication without the use of special equipments. The use of this technique combines the advantages of the direct and the indirect restoration. Clinical Significance The semidirect technique for composite onlays offers the advantages of an indirect restoration and low cost, and can be the ideal treatment option for extended cavities in case of financial limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This aim of this study was to compare traditional visual appreciation with spectrophotometry to evaluate the optical integration of anterior composite restorations. Methods: Eleven restorations were evaluated in eight patients receiving dental treatment at fourth and fifth year student clinics at the dental school of the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Colour integration of completed restorations was assessed by visual observation according to USPHS criteria and spectrophotometric analysis; both methods were then compared. Results: A mean ΔE of 1.1 (range 0.7 to 1.7) corresponded to an optimal visual integration between natural tooth and restoration (alpha score) while a mean ΔE of 3.3 (range 2.6 to 3.8) corresponded to clinically 'non-acceptable' visual integration (charlie score). Restorations scored as 'bravo', corresponded to a suboptimal but not disturbing visual integration, had a mean ΔE of 2. L* and b* values present at the bevel area and into the composite bulk tended to be lower than that of the natural tooth while a* composite values were slightly higher. Conclusions: The spectrophotometric method employed in this pilot study has confirmed the published range of ΔE (global difference of L*a*b* values) corresponding to clinically 'optimal', 'acceptable' and 'unacceptable' colour integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength of self-etching adhesive systems with different dentin conditioning times. Sixty caries-free, extracted third molars were selected, with the occlusal surface removed by a diamond saw disc. The specimen; were embedded in epoxy resin and divided randomly into six group; (n - 10), according to the conditioning time and adhesive system used. After restoration, the specimens were stored in distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours; they then were submitted to the tensile bond strength test. The results were measured in MPa, then submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P= 0.05). The adhesive system used and the length of dentin conditioning time were statistically significant (P< 0.05). The application time of the conditioner before photocuring did not have a significant effect on tensile bond strength. These results indicate that the resting time of adhesive above the dentin does not directly affect the bond strength of the adhesive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]