Contour, Color and Creativity in Direct Composite Restorations by Brian P. LeSage, DDS, FAACD

1. Exercises to Create Accreditation-Level Composite Artistry
A Preview of Contour, Color, and Creativity in Direct Composite Restorations—
Brian P. LeSage, DDS, FAACD

2. Brian P. LeSage earned his DDS degree in 1983 from the University of
Maryland Dental School and is an Accredited Fellow Member of the
AACD. He is the owner of the Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics
located in Beverly Hills, CA.
This slideshow is an excerpt from Dr. Brian LeSage’s AACD Continuum presentation.
16 CE Credits—2 Days of Hands-On Education—10 Exercises
Contour, Color, and Creativity in Direct Composite Restorations
Chicago, IL

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electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

4. These exercises focus on preserving sound tooth structure and improving
function and esthetics. They will help you begin to see teeth differently
and understand their subtle distinctions, enabling you to fabricate
restorations that rival even the most skilled master ceramists.

5. Drawing & 3D Drawing
Adding depth, 3D drawings take your artistry to a new level.
Transforming your drawings by using a combination of shading
techniques will help integrate efficiencies and esthetics into your plan.

6. WHAT SHADE?
Class IV: Diastema Closure, Full Veneer
Technique: Layering
Dentin Core A3 Artificial Dentin A2
Practicing layering of the
dentin core, artificial dentin,
tint layer, incisal opalescence,
and facial enamel will fine-tune
your skills.

7. WHAT SHADE?
Class IV: Diastema Closure, Full Veneer
Technique: Layering
Facial Enamel B1Incisal Opalescence TransTints

8. Smile Design & 3D Tooth Creation
Integrating the principles of esthetics, including harmony of white,
pink, and black esthetics (line angles, outline form, profile, and embrasures),
develops a conscious knowledge of what effect they will have on the
final restoration.

9. MATRIX
Bonding: Full Veneer
Technique: Layering
Using a PVS matrix for the starting point
and 3D layering will increase predictability
in esthetic outcomes.

10. Repairing Class IV Fractures
Mastering margin design is important and incisal edges must be
in harmony with the smile line upon completion.

11. Dental Clinics of North America, April 2007, LeSage B., Chapter: Aesthetic Anterior Composite Restorations: A Guide to Direct Placement. pp. 359-378.
CREATION
Bonding: Full Veneer
Technique: Starburst Bevel
Creating bevels that vary in depth,
length, and volume is crucial in
forming undetectable restorations.

12. Polishing & Finishing
Knowing that direct composite bonding is technique-and-material-sensitive
will help attain the correct outline form. Achieving the appropriate finish
and texture will help match the natural dentition luster.

13. INSTRUMENTS
Composite Tooth Form
Technique: Contour

14. INSTRUMENTS
Composite Tooth Form
Technique: Finishing & Polishing
Implementing what you’ve learned:
putting it all together with a starburst
bevel, layering with the aid of a matrix,
and custom characterization with
finishing and polishing for a natural,
lifelike result.

15. High-level composite artistry requires you to understand principles
in contour and color to achieve composite artistry.
Apply the steps necessary to build in polychromicity,
translucency, and maverick coloring.

16. COLOR MAPPING
Prescription
Guide

17. Implementing
Understanding placement limits to control the midline helps manage
the outcome. Being aware of axial inclination and incisal embrasures
will ensure the outcome is appropriate.

18. IMPLEMENTATION
Preoperative
Real Patient

19. IMPLEMENTATION
Postoperative
Real Result

20. Practicing & Developing Habits
“We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
―Aristotle

21. Matrix Preparation
PRACTICE BONDING
Full Veneer
Tooth #8

22. PRACTICE BONDING
Full Veneer
Tooth #8
Shade A1
Cured composite
lingual view
Shade A1
Cured composite facial view

23. Shade A1
Reinforce incisal edge
Honey Yellow
Tints
Violet
PRACTICE BONDING
Full Veneer
Tooth #8

24. Facial Enamel
Shade A1
Initial Contour
Outline Form
PRACTICE BONDING
Full Veneer
Tooth #8

25. Final OutcomeInitial Contour
Outline Form
PRACTICE BONDING
Full Veneer
Tooth #8

26. This slideshow was an excerpt from Dr. Brian LeSage’s AACD Continuum presentation.
16 CE Credits—2 Days of Hands-On Education—10 Exercises
Contour, Color, and Creativity in Direct Composite Restorations
Chicago, IL
Objectives:
• Understand principles in contour and color to achieve composite artistry
• Apply the steps necessary to build in polychromicity, translucency, and maverick coloring
• Learn finishing and polishing techniques to attain the appropriate luster and a seamless
composite restoration
REGISTER NOW AT: aacd.com/continuum