Comparative Clinical Evaluation Of Class II Direct And Indirect Composite Restorations-An 18 Months Longitudinal Study

Proximal surfaces are the second, following the occlusal surfaces as being the most exposed places to the carious process.A successful class II restoration always remains a nightmare to the dentist as it requires proper interproximal contacts and contours, and marginal adaptation which is necessary for a healthy periodontium.Adhesive restorative materials like COMPOSITE RESINS have strong bond to enamel and dentin facilitating proper contacts and contours.The polymerization shrinkage, improper marginal sealing, post operative sensitivity, recurrent caries are some of the challenges that have to be addressed in direct technique.The remains of uncured resin in deeper portions of cavity elute further and cause severe pulpal irritation in direct composite restorations.Indirect resin composite restorations mitigate some of the drawbacks of the direct technique and theoretically ensure a relatively longer life span of the restorations.There are only fewer data available on clinical comparison between direct and indirect class II composite restorations.Hence this study is intended to compare the clinical performance of direct and indirect class II composite restorations using the FDI criteria as the main evaluation tool