I industry report _ composite restorations Fig. 11_The restoration was completed to slight over-contour with a translucent composite resin, Trans 30 (clear). Fig. 12_Post-op view of the minimally invasive, aesthetic restorations fabricated with the IPS Empress Direct composite resin system. Fig. 11 Fig. 12 of the tooth yielded a shade of A1, A1 Dentinand A1 Enamel-shade composite resins were used to restore the cavity. No recipes or combinations of a darker dentine and lighter enamel were needed. The A1 Dentin was applied on the white spot area only and occupied about one half the depth of the preparation. Because of the opacity of the dentine composite resin, the white spot was no longer visible (Fig. 8). After curing, the A1 Enamel was applied. This increment of material occupied approximately two thirds of the remaining depth of the preparation and was extended to just short of the prepared margins. Before light curing, multiple grooves and surface irregularities were sculpted with a thin, bladed instrument (Fig. 9). A small amount of Tetric Color white was then placed with a brush and lightcured (Fig. 10). Depth and natural-looking aesthetics were achieved by the application of translucent composite resin (Trans 30), which completes the restoration to slight over-contour. This layer extended beyond the prepared margins (Fig. 11). Finishing and polishing were accomplished using aluminium oxide discs and the Astropol System. The patient was pleased with the result (Fig. 12). _Conclusion Today’s patients want their dentistry to be more aesthetic but less invasive. Directly placed composite resin accomplishes both. Further, there is no question that the emphasis on appearance and, in particular, the smile, has raised the aesthetic standard in dentistry. Good enough is no longer good enough. Manufacturers have met this challenge by creating materials that better mimic tooth structure. The challenge for dentists is to learn the skills to use them in order to satisfy the desires of today’s discerning patients. Fortunately, this challenge is made much easier when using the naturally shaded composite resin system IPS Empress Direct. The broad range of shades (which are true to the shade guide), the three opacities (Dentin, Enamel and Translucent), each accurate in a narrow range, combined with excellent handling and ease of polish significantly shorten the learning curve. In addition, the new opalescent shade allows an easier and more accurate creation of the effect seen in bleached teeth. Finally, the joy of creation is enhanced further for dentists when the results are evident to patients. In addition to gratitude, patients express admiration of clinicians’ artistic skills._ _about the author cosmetic dentistry Dr Ron Jackson has published many articles on aesthetic and adhesive dentistry and has lectured extensively across the United States and abroad. He has presented at all the major US scientific conferences. Dr Jackson is a fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and is director of the Advanced Adhesive Aesthetic Dentistry and Anterior Direct Resin programmes at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He maintains a private practice in Middleburg, VA, USA, emphasising on comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry. 46 I cosmetic dentistry 4_ 2009