Operative Dentistry

The introduction of esthetic fiber reinforced composite posts, in the 1990s, challenged conventional treatment modalities in the same way posterior composites threatened amalgam alloy. As with composites, it took several years for dentists to realize that these esthetic posts were more than “just a pretty face”. The higher quality products that have evolved in both categories clearly offer mechanical, functional and clinical advantages for the dentist and patient which more than compensates for any time required to learn new techniques. Furthermore, both materials also overcome the drawbacks that were inherent in their metallic predecessors. Both techniques are less invasive, more easily repairable/re-treatable, non-galvanic/non-corrosive and when properly bonded, are polymerically sealed at the margins to prevent microleakage.