Aesthetic anterior composite restorations: a guide to direct placement.

Mastering anterior direct composite restorations is a necessity for the contemporary clinician who appreciates and understands the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. In the esthetic zone, composite bonding procedures are considered the most conservative and least invasive technique to return missing, diseased, and unsightly tooth structure to enhanced color, form, and function. Composites' attractiveness and popularity are easy to explain because these restorations have excellent esthetic potential, very good to excellent prognosis, and a reasonable fee. Composites are the most versatile restorative material available to the dental professional, especially for the esthetic-conscious patients. For composite restorations to mimic natural tooth structure, the clinician must have a comprehensive understanding of the material science and techniques involved in direct bonding procedures.