A systematic approach to contouring and polishing anterior resin composite restorations: A checklist manifesto

PURPOSE This article presents a systematic, step-by-step checklist approach to be used for contouring and polishing anterior resin composite restorations to achieve maximum esthetics efficiently. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS This checklist is intended to be used to take the guesswork out and streamline the process to predictably, practically, and repeatedly contour and polish anterior resin composite restorations. The practitioner's knowledge of basic dental anatomy combined with this step-by-step checklist facilitates identifying and modifying the final restoration to an anatomically correct form, thus satisfying the most esthetically demanding patients. This approach is demonstrated with case presentation of direct resin veneers in a young female, which resulted in an improved smile that satisfied her esthetic desires. CONCLUSIONS The use of standardized protocols facilitates and expedites daily procedures in dentistry. Specifically, this checklist protocol, which is geared towards contouring and polishing anterior direct resin composite restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The clinical technique presented in this article shows the advantages of using a step-by-step checklist approach to predictably and efficiently obtain ideal esthetics when performing anterior resin composite restorations.