Creating a Beautiful Smile with Filtek

In this case, the patient presented with generalized facial enamel defects on the maxillary anterior teeth, likely due to amelogenesis imperfecta and previous orthodontic treatment. The patient’s primary concern was esthetics—particularly the uneven incisal edges, translucent enamel loss, and yellowish discoloration. The patient also was interested in preserving tooth structure with a minimally invasive treatment approach.

Natural Translucency + Wear Resistance

Using 3M Scotchbond Universal Etchant Etching Gel, which has a low viscosity, I performed selective etching of the enamel margins to ensure strong enamel bonding and help reduce postop sensitivity. I then applied 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive in total-etch mode, which provided a high bond strength to both enamel and dentin.

I opted to use Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative in the Natural shade to rebuild the incisal edges and facial structure with natural translucency and wear resistance. A simplified 3-shade system, Filtek Easy Match Universal Restorative ensures a reliable and excellent shade match for most patients.

Final polishing and finishing were completed with the 3M Sof-Lex Diamond Polishing System, which allowed for a high-gloss finish that closely matched the natural luster of enamel.

A Smooth Finish

The result was a successfully restored natural incisor anatomy with smooth transitions, excellent esthetic blend, and improved brightness—all with no tooth preparation required. The patient was highly satisfied with the conservative and esthetic outcome because of this minimally invasive treatment.