One of the most challenging aspects of reducing the number of shades is developing composites that have the proper balance of translucency and opacity. Translucency allows the underlying tooth structure to influence the final shade of the composite. Popular single-shade composites are more translucent and can be effective in smaller restorations. Opacity helps to block light transmission through the restoration when there is not underlying tooth structure to avoid a gray cast. Composites with optimized opacity can be used in restorations large and small and are more universal in their applications.

GC America has introduced a composite that addresses these challenges: G-ænialTM A’CHORD. This universal composite features a good balance of simplicity, excellent color-blending capability, and physical properties for use in most situations, including Class I, II, III, IV, and V restorations. It offers a versatile universal solution for anterior and posterior restorations, and its simplified shade system achieves the esthetics of all 16 Classic Vita® shades with just 5 core shades. It achieves invisible restorations with a reduced inventory and quick polishing, which makes it not only efficient but also cost-effective.

I prepared and restored the remaining maxillary incisors and the results were amazing. The color was quite believable and matched the rest of her teeth (Figure 2). She was brought to tears when she saw her new smile in the mirror.

Another patient presented to my office with multiple Class V lesions (Figure 3). The patient was anesthetized, and the areas were thoroughly excavated. The enamel was selectively etched, washed, and dried. A dentin bonding agent was placed and cured. The composite was placed at the cervical in 1 increment, spreading the material from the center of the restoration toward the outer margins. A brush was used to smooth the surface. The composite was thoroughly cured for 20 seconds. A fine diamond bur was used to contour the composite and an instrument was placed into the sulcus and pulled apically to allow the margins to shape flush with the sur- face of the tooth. It was subsequently shaped with a very fine carbide and then polished with mounted polishing instruments. Again, excellent results were achieved (Figure 4).

A new patient presented with posterior decay that was detected by radiographs and visually (Figure 5-6). The patient was anesthetized, and the decay was removed. A resin-modified glass ionomer was placed in the deepest areas to decrease sensitivity. The second molar was restored, followed by the first molar. I prefer to always restore the mesial margined tooth first so that I have better vision to shape the interproximal area to ideal contour. Finally, the second premolar was restored. The occlusion was carefully adjusted, and the restorations were finished and polished. All restorations were post cured to ensure adequate polymerization and improve surface hardness. A radiograph was taken to ensure interproximal seal and to demonstrate the radio-opacity of the material (Figure 7-8). I showed the patient the before and after pictures on the computer screen and she was quite pleased.