Handling characteristics of resin composites in posterior teeth.

In the last 10 years, tremendous improvements in strength and shade selection for resin composites have been achieved. Also, a new generation of enamel-dentin bonding systems has been developed, and patient expectations of esthetic treatment have risen. Several techniques are available for restoring posterior teeth. When a caries lesion is limited, a direct esthetic restoration is indicated. Essential elements for obtaining good, long-term clinical results for direct esthetic restorations of posterior teeth are: (1) cavity preparation; (2) knowledge of the characteristics of the three dental substrates; (3) rubber dam use and matrix and wedge placement; (4) correct use of the enamel-dentin bonding system; (5) proper selection of the resin composite material; (6) use of the multilayering technique; (7) finishing and polishing procedures; and (8) maintenance of the restoration.