Anterior restorations
Plan shade, shape, emergence profile and occlusion alongside tissue conservation. Layering and finishing influence appearance and plaque retention.
Understand
Anterior work balances function and appearance. Translucency, value, texture, tooth proportion and soft-tissue frame influence the result more than shade label alone.
Assess
Agree the desired change, inspect the smile in natural light, select shade before dehydration and assess guidance and parafunction. Photographs can support shared planning.
Apply
Use a conservative trial or mock-up when uncertainty is high. Finish line angles, surface texture and contact carefully; review aesthetics with the patient rather than assuming a technically sound result is accepted.
Key distinctions
In anterior work, value often dominates the visual match more than hue. Dehydration changes appearance, and the surrounding gingiva frames perceived tooth length. Additive bonding can be tested and revised more readily than extensive preparation. Consent should cover possible repair, staining and that a natural neighbouring tooth changes with age.
Think through a case
A patient wants a brighter central incisor. A shade tab chosen after prolonged isolation may be too light because the tooth has dehydrated.
The distinction to remember
Do not promise an exact match from a single shade number. Shape, translucency, texture and lighting matter.
Test your recall
When should shade be selected?
Show answer
Before prolonged dehydration changes tooth appearance.