This lecture involves the selection of appropriate treatment procedures for anterior aesthetic restorations. First we will review the anatomy of the tooth structure, not because we are going to actually mimic the natural tooth histology, but because we need to know the esthetic target. Our actual goal will be to create the illusion of the natural tooth using composite resin or ceramic materials with different translucency properties. This lecture will underline the importance of proper diagnosis, in formulation of the treatment plan based on patient age, patient preferences, economic limitations, sound scientific principles, and treatment philosophy of the operator. Example cases involve closing diastemas with direct procedures, restoration of fractured anterior teeth, restoration of discolored teeth, re-restoration of previously restored teeth, teeth with wear and erosion, teeth with size, shape, and position problems.
