CATEGORY AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST87 CLINICAL Finishing and Polishing Finishing and polishing were completed using the OptraGloss spiral wheel system (Ivoclar, Schaan, Liechtenstein) (Fig. 17). A smooth, highly polished surface is vital not only for esthetic integration with the surrounding tooth structure but also for reducing surface roughness, which is directly correlated with plaque biofilm accumulation, marginal staining, and longterm colour stability. Adequate polishing also reduces frictional wear at occlusal contact areas, improving the longevity of the restoration. Proxyt polishing paste (Ivoclar, Schaan, Liechtenstein) was then applied using a rotating brush to further refine the surface finish of both restorations. Proxyt is a fluoride-containing prophylaxis paste that, in addition to its conventional use in professional tooth cleaning, serves as an effective final polishing agent for composite restorations. Its fine abrasive particle composition allows for gentle yet effective surface refinement without compromising the restoration contours established during the preceding polishing step. The application of Proxyt paste as a final polishing step enhanced the surface gloss of both restorations. Beyond its polishing action, the fluoride and xylitol content of the paste offer additional clinical benefits: promoting remineralisation of the surrounding enamel margins and inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria respectively, both of which contribute to the long-term integrity of the restoration and the surrounding tooth structure. The combined two-step polishing protocol achieves an optimal surface finish, maximising the esthetic outcome and providing a highly reflective surface that closely resembles the natural lustre of enamel. Post-Operative Instructions The patient was provided with detailed oral hygiene instructions to support the longevity of the restorations. A follow-up appointment was scheduled two weeks post-operatively for clinical evaluation, assessment of occlusal contacts, and review of any post-operative sensitivity. restorative dentistry, that successfully integrates bulk-fill efficiency, advanced polymerisation technology, and simplified shade selection into a single, versatile material system. In the present case, limiting shade selection to the four “plus” shades translated into a more streamlined clinical workflow: the clinician could select an appropriate shade quickly and focus chairside time on isolation, adhesion, and occlusal anatomy rather than multiple shade try-ins. The cluster-based design and chameleon effect supported predictable blending with the surrounding tooth structure, contributing to the harmonious integration and surface lustre observed in the immediate post-operative result (Fig. 19). Using the same shade concept across both the flowable base and sculptable restorative material also helped maintain a consistent optical outcome while simplifying material selection and handling during reconstruction of teeth #36 and #37. In summary, this case demonstrates that Tetric plus successfully meets the dual demands of modern restorative dentistry: clinical efficiency and esthetic excellence. Its combination of mechanical reliability, optical versatility, and procedural simplicity makes it a well-suited material for clinicians seeking predictable and durable outcomes across a broad range of direct restorative indications. u Contact maja.petrevska@outlook.com References Nasser A. Rubber Dam Isolation – When and Why to Use it? Part 1. BDJ Student. 2021;28(2):40–1. doi: 10.1038/s41406-021-0201-y. Epub 2021 Apr 28. PMCID: PMC8080201. Koup MA, Blatz MB. The Selective Enamel Etch Technique. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2024 May;45(5):243-246; quiz 247. PMID: 38900462. Maucoski C, Gozales Guarneri JA, Proce RB. In vitro changes in pulpal temperature during light exposure at different pulpal fluid flows. Odontology. 2026, 114: 1542-1552. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266025-01217-y Scientific Report Tetric plus, Vol.01/ 2025, Ivoclar. ID 54902 About the author Dr. Maja Petrevska began her professional career as a dental technician in 2008. She enrolled at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje in 2012 and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2017, followed by postgraduate studies in Dental Pathology. Currently, she is an orthodontic resident, works as a General Dentist, and is conducting master’s research in restorative dentistry, focusing on the marginal adaptation of Ivoclar composite materials. Throughout her academic career, Maja actively participated in national and international congresses and received several distinctions. In 2018, she was one of two national winners selected to present at the international GC Europe Essentia Academic Excellence Contest in Leuven, Belgium. In 2019, she won the national Dental Progress Student Award and achieved 4th place among participants from 22 countries, leading to a presentation at Competence in Esthetics in Budapest and the start of her collaboration with Ivoclar as a Young Opinion Leader. Fig. 17: Polishing of the composite restoration on tooth #36 using the OptraGloss spiral wheel (Ivoclar, Schaan, Liechtenstein) mounted on a contra-angle handpiece. Fig. 18: Application of Proxyt polishing paste (Ivoclar, Schaan, Liechtenstein) using a polishing brush as a final step to further enhance surface gloss. Fig. 19: Immediate post-operative intraoral photograph following completion of direct composite restorations on teeth #36 and #37, with rubber dam removed. Both restorations demonstrate seamless esthetic integration with the surrounding natural dentition, exhibiting optical properties, including translucency, surface lustre, and chromatic adaptation that is consistent with natural tooth structure. Outcome The final restorations demonstrated excellent esthetic integration and functional occlusion, which was verified and refined chairside (Fig. 19). A follow-up appointment was scheduled to evaluate occlusion and longterm restoration performance. Two-week Follow Up The patient reported no post-operative sensitivity or discomfort. At the twoweek follow-up, both restorations were clinically sound, with no signs of marginal discrepancy, recurrent caries, or restoration failure, confirming a successful outcome in both the anterior and posterior regions. Conclusion Tetric plus simplified universal composite is a notable advancement in contemporary
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