Finishing and polishing criteria for minimally invasive composite restorations.

To achieve the benefits that composite restorations can provide, it is incumbent on dentists to understand the importance of proper finishing and polishing techniques and how to incorporate them appropriately into everyday practice. A smooth surface finish is clinically necessary because the presence of surface irregularities from poor finishing and polishing can lead to staining, plaque retention, gingival irritation, recurrent caries, abrasiveness, wear kinetics, and tactile perception by the patient. However, finishing and polishing procedures for direct composite restorations are technique- and material-sensitive. This article describes the proper composite material placement considerations, as well as finishing and polishing techniques and materials, for providing highly esthetic, long-lasting restorations. By incorporating such protocol into their everyday practices, dentists can increase the long-term esthetic and plaque-resistant predictability of direct composite restorations.