What could be simple about a peg-shaped restoration? Although this type of dental anomaly presents an aesthetic and morphological challenge, having advanced materials can significantly simplify the procedure. With the Filtek Easy Match by Solventum (3M Health Care) universal composite, you can focus on what truly matters: shape, contour, and anatomy, achieving a natural-looking result without relying on multiple layers or color combinations.
In this article, we present a real clinical case performed by Dr. Walter Devoto, demonstrating how this material facilitates the conservative restoration of a peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisor, offering predictability and esthetics in a single shade.
Dr. Walter Devoto graduated with honors in Dentistry and Prosthodontics in 1991 from the University of Genoa (Italy). His career has focused on conservative and aesthetic dentistry, areas in which he practices clinically in Sestri Levante and Portofino, in addition to collaborating with prestigious clinics in Europe. He has been a professor and demonstrator at the University of Genoa, a lecturer at universities such as Siena and Madrid, and is currently a professor at the International University of Catalonia (Barcelona) and a visiting professor at the Université de la Méditerranée (Marseille). His experience and aesthetic approach make this case a benchmark for those seeking high-quality conservative procedures.
Clinical Case Procedure
Below, we detail the clinical workflow followed by Dr. Devoto for the direct restoration of the peg-shaped lateral incisor using Filtek Easy Match:
- After isolation and gingival retraction, minimal enamel preparation is performed using a fine diamond bur, solely to optimize adhesion without compromising healthy tissue.
- Next, phosphoric acid etching is performed on both the prepared area and the proximal surfaces of the adjacent teeth to obtain an optimal surface for the adhesive system.
- Scotchbond Universal Plus Solventum (3M Oral Care) is applied to the prepared tooth and to the etched areas of the adjacent teeth. It is then gently dried and light-cured according to the protocol.
- Using Filtek Easy Match universal composite, the distal contour of the central incisor and the mesial surface of the canine are first rebuilt, creating a base that will guide the final position of the lateral incisor.
- An increment of Filtek Easy Match is placed on the buccal surface of the lateral incisor, shaping the vestibular contour to create a scaffold that facilitates the subsequent definition of the mesial and distal contours.
- Using a sectional matrix, the distal wall of the lateral incisor is modeled, establishing a suitable and well-integrated contact point with the canine.
- The same protocol is repeated on the mesial surface of the lateral incisor, also ensuring a correct and stable contact point with the central incisor.
- Once the main volumes are completed and the contact points defined, the restoration is ready for the final finishing and polishing phase, where the anatomy and superficial texture are perfected.
Restoring a peg-shaped lateral incisor doesn't have to be a complex or unpredictable procedure. Dr. Walter Devoto's clinical case demonstrates how a well-designed universal composite, such as Filtek Easy Match, simplifies the workflow and allows you to focus on the anatomy without worrying about complicated layering.
This approach combines minimal invasiveness, immediate esthetics, and high predictability, making it an excellent option for conservative direct restorations. Thanks to materials that optically adapt to the tooth, the practitioner can deliver natural-looking results in less time and with a more efficient clinical process.
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