industry report _ composite restorations I Fig. 5_Clearly visible white spot lesions. Fig. 6_An oval diamond was used to create a saucer-shaped preparation of approximately 0.8 mm central depth. Fig. 5 Fig. 6 quite visible restorations to be lacking in natural appearance and to have marginal discolouration. Although the shade was close to being correct, the lack of a lifelike appearance was deemed to be the result of using a single opacity of composite resin. The discolouration was likely due to inadequate enamel adhesion at the margins. (Fig. 6). No anaesthetic was used. The preparation using this diamond is saucer-shaped with a centre depth of approximately 0.8 mm and tapering to a shallow depth at the margins. The preparation is feathered and scalloped another 1.0 mm beyond the outline of the white lesion (Fig. 7). The preparation, including enamel beyond the margins, was etched with 37 per cent phosphoric acid for 20 seconds, then washed and dried. Since no dentine was exposed, Heliobond, an enamel-bonding resin without hydrophilic monomers or solvent, was placed and lightcured. A new, naturally shaded composite resin system (IPS Empress Direct) was selected because of its accurate shades and consistent opacities. As the combination of the dentine and enamel _Clinical technique It is important to record the shade quickly at the beginning of treatment to avoid the effects of dehydration. Using the middle third of the lateral incisors as a reference, the shade was determined to be A1. Also observed were mild, dispersed white areas scattered irregularly in all the upper incisors. The existing composite resin on the right central incisor was removed using an oval diamond Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 7_The preparation was feathered and scalloped an additional 1 to 1.5 mm beyond the white spot. Fig. 8_Opaque Dentin shade A1 blocks the visibility of the white spot. Fig. 9_A1 Enamel was extended to just short of the prepared margin. It occupied approximately two thirds of the remaining depth of the preparation. Fig. 10_Tetric Color white was placed with a brush. Fig. 9 Fig. 10 cosmetic dentistry 4 _ 2009 I 45