Repairing White Lines Around Composites- By Dr. John Kanca III

Introduction: 

White lines indicate a defect around composites- a portal through which fluids, stains and bacteria may gain entry to the tooth structure surrounding the resin composite restoration. White lines may be largely prevented with the use of gentle light activation techniques such as pulse activation, but on occasion may still occur. Presented is a means of properly repairing white lines when they are experienced.

Dr. John Kanca III
A white line as it appears around a posterior restoration. In this case a one bottle adhesive was placed and polymerized. Z100 was then inserted in bulk and light-activated.
Dr. John Kanca III
This is what a white line looks like on an SEM. There is a separation within the enamel just away from the bonded surface.
Dr. John Kanca III
Interface is mixed according to instructions and is applied to the dried tooth. It is allowed to remain for about 30 seconds and then it is dried.
Dr. John Kanca III
Surpass 2 and 3 are applied as normal, but only a single coat of Surpass 2 is required and Surpass 3 is thinned out. It is then light-cured for ten seconds.
Dr. John Kanca III
The repair is complete.

Conclusion: 

White lines are sometimes unavoidable despite efforts to prevent them. Allowing them to go unaddressed is to invite marginal deterioration. This technique offers a reliable and predictable method of repairing them when they do appear.

Case by: 

Dr. John Kanca III

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