Some of the prime goals of a restoration are to restore the form & function of teeth disfigured by the disease. When compared to indirect restorations it’s a challenge to achieve precise anatomy as that of a natural tooth with direct restorations.
Reproducing the exact anatomy of a tooth requires dexterity; however restoring a tooth via direct technique is quite technique sensitive & time consuming. Though with the help of matrices one can reproduce contact & contour of proximal surfaces, but what about the occlusal surface?
Occlusion plays a key role in one’s well being as unfavourable occlusion can cause alterations in temporomandibular joint, centric occlusion, teeth & its supporting structures.
Even minor discrepancies in the occlusion can lead to alterations in the entire stomatognathic system if not taken into consideration. Henceforth in order to maintain the occlusal integrity of moderate composite restorations a microbrush stamp technique has been introduced & has become a norm in modern dentistry for patients seeking esthetic restoration even for the posterior teeth.
Introduction
Microbrush stamp technique is one of the new innovations in restorative dentistry for restoring posterior teeth with composite material to achieve precise occlusal topography.
The stamp technique involves reproducing the original anatomy of tooth structure by emulating the original unprepared tooth structure. The technique is incorporated where before the restorative procedure occlusal surface is almost intact.
In cases of mild to moderate carious lesions the decayed area is blocked via wax & the occlusal surface is carved on the wax.
Technique
Image source: journal of scientific dentistry
The first & foremost procedure in restorative procedure involves proper isolation via use of rubber dam.
Pre-op image of class 1 caries in left maxillary molar with palatal extension
Before beginning with the preparation the carious part is blocked with wax & then a single coat of separating medium Vaseline is applied via applicator tip on the unprepared occlusal surface. Flowable composite is applied on the occlusal surface & the microbrush was held over it with a gentle pressure & was light cured, this lead to the fabrication of occlusal stamp.
Carious portion blocked with wax
Application of Vaseline via applicator tip
Microbrush is pressed on the flowable composite
Stamp being cured with LED curing light
Occlusal stamp
After caries excavation
Selective enamel etching via 37% orthophosphoric acid
Bonding agent applied & cured
Final layer of composite applied
After composite application you can use either cling film or Teflon tape to cover the occlusal surface & then stamp was pressed over it & cured via LED curing light.
The final restoration after finishing & polishing
The microbrush stamp technique is an easy & effective procedure to reproduce the precise occlusal topography of teeth with almost intact occlusal surface. The procedure enables one to finish the procedure with rapidity along with the minimal consumption of material & reduced chair side time.
