Anterior and posterior restorations: from tradition to digital chair-side dentistry (part 1)

- Introduction to chair-side dentistry

- Digital chair-side dentistry: advantages and disadvantages

- Restorative materials for chair-side dentistry

- Current clinical applications of digital chair-side dentistry

- Step by step of clinical procedures of digital dentistry.

Today`s dentist has a wide choice of restorative materials available when replacing missing or damaged tooth structures. Since introduction in dentistry of composite resins, those materials have undergone a tremendous development and their adhesive properties on both enamel and dentin have been constantly improved, allowing a more conservative approach during the tooth preparation. Patients` demands for a more aesthetic and metal-free restoration on posterior and anterior teeth increased during the last decade focusing the interest of the dental profession towards aesthetic restorations with composite resins. The continuous improvement of the digital CAD-CAM technology is revolutionizing the dental profession in both laboratory and dental office. Today is possible with the chair-side CAD-CAM restorations to restore teeth in a single session saving time for the patient and dentist as well. Numerous type of glass ceramic and composite block are nowadays available; partial and full crown restorations can be fabricated directly in dental office by the dentist. However, it is vital that the treating clinician have a thorough understanding of the principles that lead to a successful outcome. Naturally appearing and problem free outcome can be achieved if certain rules are followed by a conscientious operator.