THE MIRROR FINISH: TAKING THE CASE FROM GOOD TO GREAT
Having a mirror smooth composite finish makes everyone happy; the patient, the soft tissue, and especially you, the clinician. The matte or grainy finishes of the past collect lipstick, biofilm, stain, and feel like cheap dentistry to the patient’s tongue. In our traditional mindset, only porcelain stayed smooth. Those days need to end now. Composite has come of age. The first step is to use a microfill that holds its shine. I am nearly always disappointed at how miserable the composite finishing systems are that I am asked to evaluate, and how disappointing many of the composite finishes that are presented in dental journals and magazines. The folks at Kerr, 3M ESPE, and SS White have commented that they have never seen polishes like the ones I show in my lecture. That’s probably because most doctors adopt a manufacturer’s "system" and frankly, those systems are mediocre at best and grossly overcomplicated. To learn about my unique mirror polish visit the dentistrytoday.com video library to view Dr. David Clark’s 3-step perfect composite polish technique.
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| Figure 16. Low magnification, postoperative view. The cord has been removed. | Figure 17. Close-up, postoperative view. The rubber dam tissue compression combined with the exacting curvature of the Bioclear matrix; together they predictably deliver a regenerated papilla as soon as the rubber dam is removed. |
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| Figure 18. A happy patient with a younger looking smile. The patient is an anesthesiologist who was extremely grateful to have received this minimally invasive and maximally aesthetic treatment. |
SUMMARY
Before the Bioclear matrix and a disciplined approach to composite treatment of black triangles, many treatments ended with significant compromise in periodontal health. Many cases debonded soon after placement. Others suffered problems with stain. Nonetheless, our patients are hopeful for a better solution. The interdental papilla serves as both a functional and aesthetic asset. Anatomically ideal interproximal composite shapes that are mirror smooth can serve as a predictable scaffold to regain this valuable gingival architecture. Clean enamel surfaces can be leveraged to permanently retain the restorations. However, the reader is cautioned that to attempt this elective procedure using no magnification, without a strict adherence to dentin detoxification with a blasting appliance, and using a flat matrix, nontreatment or referral is recommended. Our profession can change its thought processes, retrain its hands and expand its armamentarium to perform techniques that were previously impossible.