Centre, lateral and canine incisors. Importance of the anterior area.

The anterior area of the oral cavity includes the central and lateral incisors and canines.

It is a region of maximum aesthetic interest, being the first area visible during speech and smiling.

With a high degree of exposure, the anterior area is frequently the site of trauma or accidents that produce changes affecting functionality as well as aesthetics.

In order to restore the aesthetic appearance as close to natural as possible, the following criteria must be respected:

• Tooth shape:

Symmetry, the mirrored appearance of dental units is the key to increased aesthetics.

The shape differs from patient to patient according to age, gender and facial shape.

The reddest contour is characteristic of women, while the square or rectangular contour is typical of men.

As we get older, the teeth reduce in height and become closer together as the contact points become surfaces.

• Brightness:

The prismatic structure of enamel has the ability to absorb and reflect light in a particular way, which gives teeth their characteristic brightness.

Composite materials try to give teeth, especially front teeth, brightness comparable to that of natural teeth, through combinations of different shades and consistencies.

• Saturation:

This is the characteristic responsible for the amount of pigment in the color used for the filling.

• Color:

Represents the shade of the tooth. It is chosen using standardized color keys. By comparing the tooth shade with the key, it makes it easier to choose the right shade of composite.

• Ways of filling front teeth

As the area most frequently exposed during functional acts, the front teeth benefit from complex treatments, requiring greater rigor than that required for the lateral teeth.

Fillings can be done directly in the dental office or with the involvement of the dental laboratory.

• Composite applied directly to tooth surfaces:

The dentist will use different shades of composite and techniques individual to each case to directly reconstruct the dental morphology, using adhesive systems.

• The mock-up technique:

Has the advantage of foreshadowing the final result to guide the patient in making a decision.

Whether it is a diastema (space between the central incisors), fractured fragments, affected angles, unsightly stains or caries.

The mock-up technique uses temporary materials to recreate the shape and color imagined by the dentist.

The patient will have time to decide if the changes are to their liking and possibly suggest corrections.

If the requirements of the two meet the mock-up plan, an impression will be taken and sent to the laboratory for further steps.

It represents the wax modeling that the technician performs in the lab on the model in order to accurately present to the doctor and patient what will ultimately be achieved.

In general, the most widely used method of anterior area reconstruction uses composite materials.

• Among the advantages of composites are:

• excellent physiognomic appearance

• can be easily retouched and polished

• resists wear forces

• do not transmit thermal variations

• are opaque, making them easy to identify on X-rays

• the wide range of materials and consistencies available on the market guarantee exceptional results

• the price is acceptable

The frontal area will always be a region of major interest, which, with its perfect aesthetics, gives the patient security and confidence.