RELEVANCE OF OPALESCENCE IN VITAL UNRESTORED TEETH WITH A NOVEL CLASSIFICATION. AN APPROACH TO IMPROVE DENTAL TECHNICIAN UNDERSTANDING OF AESTHETICS

Authors: Mohammed ALSHEHRI, Abdullah ALAYAD

Abstract:

A key parameter differentiating the optical properties that influence the success of dental aesthetic restorations is opalescence. Opalescence enhances the natural aspect of several ceramic systems, solves aesthetic problems in relation to value and translucency, thereby resulting in unnoticeable restorations. Reproduction of opalescence in ceramics demands careful observation of adjacent tooth, and selection and application of similar types of opalescent resins suitable for achieving the desired aesthetics in composites. The ceramic systems used should be opalescent in accordance with the adjoining tooth, so that the information and details regarding the preparation of restorations will be correctly forwarded to the technician. Therefore, to allow an easy communication between dentists and dental technicians for obtaining better esthetic outcomes, especially in the anterior aesthetic zone, a newly designed classification has been proposed. The present article aims at demonstrating the aesthetic significance of opalescence, and at improving the knowledge of the dental technician for restoration designing according to our new classification.

Keywords:
  • aesthetics
  • anterior teeth
  • ceramics.
  • opalescence
  • restorative materials