Issues

Shadepilot was the only instrument tested in the present study that showed high accuracy and reliability both in vitro and in vivo. As different L*a*b* values and shade matching results were reported using various instruments for the same tooth, a combination of the evaluated shade matching instruments and visual shade confirmation is recommended for clinical use.

As a result of variations in accurate shade perception, considerations should be given to using multiple opinions to compensate for errors caused by gender or inexperience, especially when lighter shades are involved.

Active air-drying for 60 seconds to volatilize solvents can be necessary to increase the degree of conversion of some adhesive systems, which might be related to improved clinical performance.

Among the repair systems evaluated, those which use the tribochemical silica-coating procedure can be considered good options for repairing exposed titanium surfaces. Furthermore, the Cojet system's failure mode and stable behavior after water storage seems to indicate its use for a titanium surface repair technique.

Veneer chipping from yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) copings has become a common clinical concern. The present study presents information on the effect of different repair approaches on the bond strength of Y-TZP to a resin composite after aging. Among the assessed repair strategies, tribochemical silica coating provides the highest bond strength.

A novel three-step matrix technique for the application of posterior direct-composite additions was tested in vitro. It was proven that by using this technique the reconstruction of proximal contacts and the creation of well-contoured proximal surfaces between direct-composite additions are feasible in an in vitro setting. The preclinical testing of this novel technique is necessary to establish the work flow for clinical application and to acquire data for planning in vivo investigations.

Ceramic veneers can be used for the esthetic treatment of severely discolored teeth but must have high opacity if a satisfactory result is to be achieved. This study suggests that longer exposure to light- and dual-cured cement should be used to ensure greater polymerization efficiency.

Despite recent developments in dentin-bonding systems, flowable composite resins, and restorative procedures, microleakage resistance of the restoration–tooth surface interface remains problematic. In this in vitro study on minimally invasive Class I restorations, the flowable composites used, with their manufacturers' bonding systems, all produced more microleakage than a conventional microhybrid composite control. Microbubbles were found within many of the flowable composite restorations; these might result in undue restoration pitting or degradation.

All insertion techniques using composite materials caused measurable cusp deflection during polymerization, with little difference between different incremental techniques. The silorane-based composite produced significantly less cuspal movement.

Resin-based desensitizing agents may serve as persistent mechanical barriers and prevent the development of root caries.

Bur-prepared cavities represented less interfacial gap width than laser-prepared cavities. A self-etching adhesive system showed the least interfacial gap compared to etch-and-rinse adhesives and performed similarly in bur- and laser-prepared cavities.

Minimally invasive interventions play an important role considering human life expectancy and the evolution of restorative materials. Lower amounts of tooth structure removal will result in a stronger tooth and will positively influence patient satisfaction.