Repairing composite margins with Interface- By Thomas W. Mitchell, DDS, FAGD

Introduction: 

We all see these old composites that are still serviceable but the enamel margins have broken down. That usually is the result of curing the older composites too fast, creating "white lines" which are literally fractured enamel rods. After a while they wash out leaving a void at the margin. Here I was placing a composite on #31 and with the dam on and magnification could see that the margins on 30 needed help. This is a simple technique that "refreshes" these old composites, hopefully extending their serviceability for years.

Thomas W. Mitchell, DDS, FAGD
#30 with an old composite with "washed out" margins.
Thomas W. Mitchell, DDS, FAGD
Using a diamond I quickly cleaned out the stained areas and reshaped the occlusal surface, adding in some simple anatomy. Then applied Clean and Boost for 15-20 seconds, rinsed and dried, then applied Interface, letting it dwell for 10 seconds and then dried, added 2 coats of Surpass 2, dried that, then brushed on Surpass 2 and a little bit of Titan A2 Flowable. I thinned that down with air and light activated all of it together. This whole procedure took about 1-2 minutes.
Thomas W. Mitchell, DDS, FAGD
Final result leaves this old flat composite looking good and hopefully extends the life of the restoration for many years.

Conclusion: 

This is a simple technique that can be done very quickly. Hope this helps.

Case by: 

Thomas W. Mitchell, DDS, FAGD

Email: 

[email protected]