New Chairside Double Monolithic Protocol Optimizes Aesthetic Dental Restorations: Study
A new approach called the Double Monolithic Protocol (DMP) has recently been introduced into dental restoration. The DMP is an innovative protocol that can be easily integrated into a chairside digital workflow, where dental clinicians could craft restorations that can exhibit exceptional mechanical strength while closely approximating the natural aesthetic qualities of teeth. By using this technique, indeed restorations can be made mimicking the natural fluorescent properties of teeth. A recent study was published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry by Jacobo and colleagues.
A female aged 28 years was found unsatisfactory with the appearance of her upper anterior teeth, as they are protruded and very sensitive to biting pressure. She wanted full oral rehabilitation, including the insertion of seven ceramic veneers on maxillary teeth and a three-unit esthetic bridge to be used to replace function and form. The dental team opted for the Double Monolithic Protocol to ensure perfect outcomes. A lithium disilicate framework was used with leucite-reinforced ceramic veneers. These materials were selected because of their known mechanical strength and their known ability to closely approximate natural esthetics.
The team focused special attention on the fluorescence throughout the whole rehabilitation process. Fluorescence was, therefore, analyzed under a series of light conditions such as 365 nm and 405 nm ultraviolet lighting for an excellent natural appearance. The results were promising. Highly harmonious, smooth transition between the remaining original teeth of the patient and the newly restored areas resulted from successful replication of natural fluorescence of the patient's teeth by the DMP. Such an important outcome implies great potential strength-beauty of the DMP for dental restorations.
The Double Monolithic Protocol is one of the latest innovations in restorations and is used for chairside procedures. The most interesting feature with this technique is the potential to eliminate the length and complexity involved with sintering or glazing, processes that, until now, were necessary to obtain aesthetically and functionally correct restorations. Instead, this protocol combines two different monolithic materials: both selected for their unique optical and mechanical properties. Careful selection of these materials is one method in which clinicians may prepare restorations that are at once very durable but essentially impossible to distinguish from natural teeth.
This technique is particularly useful for load-bearing restorations, for example with molars where the mechanical strength of a restoration is often an important concern. The DMP, at the same time, offers a very high degree of esthetic detail so that restorations look simply natural even in the worst lighting. This combination of strength and aesthetics is a landmark in restorative dental practice, providing a more reliable and predictable outcome for patients who require both functional and cosmetic dental treatments.
From this study, it becomes very clear that Double Monolithic Protocol will revolutionize the chairside dental restoration process, streamlining it with predictable, durable results of an esthetic beauty. In a world wherein one can reproduce the natural tooth fluorescence under varying illumination conditions, including UV light, a new dimension in restorations is forged. The innovation combines ease of use with the speed of chair-side procedures without compromising on the optical quality of the final result.
From these findings, there is a compelling new DMP solution for both dentists and patients. It reduces the complexity and time associated with dental restorations but is functional and aesthetically pleasing in its final outcome. Dental profession will keep on progressing, and advanced integrations of digital workflows and protocols such as the DMP can potentially make dental treatments more efficient and effective. This protocol will finally leave a mark in restorative dentistry for an extended period to raise the bar both in esthetic as well as functional outcomes in the delivery of patient care.
Reference
Double Monolithic Protocol: The Solution to Fluorescence Limitations. Jacobo Somoza-Román, Javier Tapia Guadix, Esther Muñoz-Soto, Gabriela Almeida, Rui I. Falacho. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry,2024.
