Composite resin inlays: a single appointment technique

This article presents a time efficient technique for the fabrication and subsequent placement of a composite resin inlay. An inlay preparation is cut into a tooth and a polyvinylsiloxane impression is made. A polyether impression of the polyvinylsiloxane impression forms a die, then a composite resin inlay is fabricated on the die. The inlay is contoured and polished on the die and occlusion is evaluated clinically. The inlay has a final polymerization under intense light and vacuum pressure, then is cemented with a mixture of unfilled resin and hybrid composite. The technique allows an esthetic restoration to be placed in one appointment. The die provides easy access and rapid inlay fabrication. There is no need to place a separator on the prepared tooth, no chance of premature tooth bonding, and interproximal contact is easily achieved.