Marginal enamel chipping: An easy fix using flowable composite
What could be simple about repairing a chipped right central incisor in a young patient? With 3M™ Filtek™ Supreme Flowable Restorative, it becomes an efficient, minimally invasive procedure that restores both function and natural aesthetics — all within minutes.
A 10-year-old boy fractured his upper central incisor in a minor accident. The challenge in such pediatric cases is to provide a fast and reliable restoration, with precise control of the material and without compromising esthetics.
Using the flowable composite’s excellent handling properties, Dr. Walter Devoto was able to:
clean and prepare the enamel quickly,
apply adhesive and two thin increments of flowable restorative directly,
finish and polish to recreate natural shape, texture and gloss.
Outcome
The restoration was completed in just 10 minutes, blending seamlessly with the natural tooth structure. Margins were invisible, and the final result restored the child’s smile without the need for tooth preparation.
Conclusion
This case highlights how modern flowable composites can transform a potentially complex situation into a straightforward, predictable, and highly aesthetic treatment — especially valuable in pediatric emergency dentistry.
