title: The material science of minimally invasive esthetic restorations.
abstract: The term esthetic dentistry usually conjures up mental images of porcelain crowns and veneers. To some dentists, the term minimally invasive dentistry evokes thoughts of observing early lesions, and postponing treatment until lesions are closer to the pulp. (The World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry defines minimally invasive dentistry as those techniques which respect health, function, and esthetics of oral tissue by preventing disease from occurring, or intercepting its progress with minimal tissue loss.) It would seem these two niches within dentistry are on opposite ends of the spectrum; however, composite resin and glass ionomer restorative materials unite these two ideologies. Understanding the limitations, benefits, and science behind each material allows clinicians to produce highly esthetic restorations that can resist future decay, internally remineralize the tooth, and help protect adjacent teeth from cariogenic attack.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California, USA.
authors.forename: Brian B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Nový
authors.forename: Cameron E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Fuller
mesh_terms: D003188:Composite Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000379:methods; D018772:Dental Marginal Adaptation; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements