Anterior and Posterior Composite Workshop

Course Information

The aim of day 1 of this course is to learn the fundamentals of good clinical procedures for anterior composites and to achieve excellent aesthetic and functional results when restoring anterior teeth with a simple multilayered buildup technique. There are presently so many options on the market, for composite systems to match natural tooth shades. This workshop will cover the importance of opacity/translucency as distinct from colour alone, to assist participants in selecting the right shade when trying to match tooth structure, and to allow them to select the right composite system for use in their own practice. A simplified multi-layered approach to restoring anterior teeth using varying opacities of composites will be demonstrated and simplified techniques for finishing and polishing will be explained so that all participants are able to produce functional and aesthetic restorations for their patients. The practical exercise in this program will give participants the opportunity to restore a typodont tooth utilising a multi-shaded, aesthetic composite system and the layering techniques presented in the lecture. At the completion of the program, attendees should have a greater understanding of the newer composite technologies available to achieve excellent aesthetic and functional results when restoring anterior teeth. The aim of day 2 of this workshop is to achieve the perfect posterior composite restoration involves techniques for minimising the risk of post-operative sensitivity, obtain ideal interproximal contacts and create some degree of natural anatomy for good function. Fundamental to obtaining excellent clinical outcomes with posterior composites, is an understanding of the latest composite materials (including Bulkfill technologies) and the ability to properly adhere these materials into the tooth. This workshop will thoroughly review the dentine bonding agents presently on the market (including the Universal Adhesives), with all of their respective advantages and possible pitfalls. The course will then address the main causes of post- operative sensitivity with posterior composites, and present techniques that can be predictably employed by the clinician to prevent it from occurring. This will include a discussion on cavity design and restorative material placement as well as the role of Bulkfills, Glass Ionomers and Flowable resins. During the hands-on exercises, participants will then have the opportunity to practice composite placement in typodont teeth using the materials and techniques discussed.