Amaris®: The Composite for Simplified Esthetics
This is a dynamic time for dentistry. Materials and techniques are continuously being improved upon that offer a higher level of predictability in accomplishing esthetic results. One of the most complex issues in fabricating a restoration that mimics natural teeth is being able to create the proper shade. Other systems rely on the use of multiple shades to accomplish this result. In nature, the dentin shade shines through the more translucent enamel shade to produce a color. Amaris® (VOCO America, Inc, Sunnyside, NY) uses a shade system that follows this natural process.
Only two steps are necessary in this system. The first step is to select one of the five opaque shades. The five shades of 01 to 05 cover the entire shade range of dentin. In the case where the patient has bleached their teeth, shade 0 Bleach is available. The process is begun by matching the shade of the dentin with the material shade guide. Next the appropriate material is placed into the body of dentin. It is also used to create mamelons. It is recommended to apply enough dentin material so as to leave 0.5 mm for the second enamel shade.
In the second step the uniqueness of this system is demonstrated. At this time the selected dentin shade is confirmed or adjusted. If the opaque shade matches the tooth shade, then the enamel material shade TN (Translucent Neutral) can be applied. If the dentin shade appears lighter, it can be darkened using enamel shade TD (Translucent Dark). If it appears too dark, it can be lightened using shade TL (Translucent Light). This system allows you to correct the shade as you go, which results in a more predictable result. This system offers 15 combinations of shades plus three bleach variations.
Case Report
The patient presented with multiple areas of hypocalcification on teeth Nos. 8 and 9 (Figure 1). She was interested in anything that could be done to remove this discoloration. The author described a technique where a minimal amount of tooth could be removed and replaced with a composite material in the same base shade as her tooth.
The initial technique involved placing a rubber dam and taking shades (Figure 2). The initial shade for the dentin was 02 (Figure 3). Because the preparation was going to be minimal, the enamel shade TN was used for the enamel covering (Figure 4).
The hypocalcification spots were re-moved with a round-ended Brasseler diamond bur #5850-31-016 (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) (Figure 5). As can be seen in the photograph, a minimal amount of enamel was removed. The dentin shade that matched the best was shade 02. This shaded material would have been used had more tooth structure been removed. The enamel shade TN was used to replace the removed enamel.
After preparation, the clinician used a self-etch, dual-cured bond, Futurabond DC (VOCO America, Inc). The material was activated by pressing one material into the other in the convenient package (Figure 6). The seal over the material was opened and the contents were mixed with a brush applicator for 3 seconds (Figure 7). The material was next applied to the surface of the teeth in a circular motion for 20 seconds (Figure 8). Next, the teeth were rinsed for 5 seconds (Figure 9) and dried (Figure 10), followed by curing for 10 seconds (Figure 11). At this point, the teeth were ready for an application of the enamel material TN. This material was placed and cured (Figure 11).
Finishing the material was accomplished with a flame-shaped finishing bur (Figure 12). After finishing, polishing discs were used to bring the Amaris material to a high shine. Three sandpaper discs of varying grits and one felt disc were used along with a polishing paste, Enamelizer (Figure 13; Figure 14; Figure 15; Figure 16). The final result was pleasing to both the patient and dentist (Figure 17).
Conclusion
Amaris and Futurabond DC are two products that can help the dentist create a true lifelike restoration that mimics natural teeth in appearance and light transmission. The Aramis system is fast, easy, and accurate.
For more information, contact:
VOCO America, Inc
Phone: 888-658-2584
Web: www.vocoamerica.com
Disclaimer
The preceding material was provided by the manufacturer. The statements and opinions contained therein are solely those of the manufacturer and not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dentistry. The preceding is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval for the aforementioned products or services or their effectiveness, quality, or safety on the part of Inside Dentistry or AEGIS Communications. The publisher disclaims responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas or products referred to in the preceding material.
