Clinical and laboratory techniques for aesthetic inlays

Clinical and laboratory techniques for aesthetic inlays (stages 1 and 2)
Operation Rationale
Stage 1
Impression technique As for a gold inlay
Laboratory instructions Request for etching of the fitting surface of ceramic inlays with
hydrofluoric acid to provide a micromechanically retentive fitting
surface
The fitting surface of composite inlays are sandblasted as the
achievement of a micromechanically retentive fitting surface is more
difficult
A silane bond enhancer should be applied to both ceramic and
composite inlays both in the laboratory and also prior to cementation
Temporary restoration The temporary restoration should be constructed in a light or
chemically cured provisional material and cemented with a
eugenol-free temporary luting material.
Stage 2
Remove temporary and clean cavity with pumice Removes contaminants such as eugenol
Handle inlay with care, try into cavity: do NOT Inlay is weak prior to cementation
check occlusion
If satisfactory fit, clean inlay fitting surface with Fitting surface may have been contaminated with salivary pellicle
phosphoric acid for 15 seconds
Apply silane bond enhancer to inlay fitting Silane will improve adhesion of resin to ceramic inlay by circa 20%
surface and allow to evaporate
Isolate, preferably under rubber dam Saliva and/or blood contamination will reduce bond strength
Apply matrix, or organise alternative means for Excess luting material will cause gingival irritation
removal of excess luting material at gingival
margin, such as floss and Superfloss
Mix luting material and apply to cavity Application of luting material to inlay may result in fracture of inlay
Place inlay slowly and carefully Rapid insertion of the inlay may result in its fracture
Remove excess luting material from accessible Removal of excess luting material is much more difficult when it has
surfaces with sponge pellets or equivalent, and been cured
interproximal excess with a probe or floss if a
matrix has not been placed
Cover margins with anti-air-inhibition gel This will allow full polymerisation of the lute and prevent removal of
the uppermost layer when finishing margins
Light cure from all directions in excess of It is not possible to overcure a composite and light is absorbed by the
manufacturer’s suggested timing inlay, especially if a dark shade has been chosen. Physical properties of
dual-cure materials are better when light-cured
Finish margins, check occlusion in all positions, Smooth margins will not retain plaque
and polish