TRANSPARENCY IN DETAIL: CERAMIC LAYERING AGAINST PIGMENTATION IN THE CUTTING EDGE AREA

Abstract

The transparency of the incisal edge in the anterior region is a key parameter that determines the visual naturalness and realism of ceramic restorations. Two methods of achieving it are widely used in clinical practice: multilayer ceramic modeling and pigmenting with dyes. However, the choice between these approaches is often made intuitively, without taking into account their optical and long-term characteristics. Objective. To conduct a literature review to substantiate the effectiveness of a multilayer ceramic approach compared to pigmentation in creating a transparent incisal edge in anterior teeth. Materials and methods. A review of scientific publications for the period 2015-2024 on methods of simulating transparency in restorative dentistry was conducted. Results. Literature analysis and clinical observations indicate that layering allows for greater depth, optical naturalness, preservation of light transmission and anatomical reliability of mamelons. Pigmentation with dyes, especially dark shades, in the incisal edge area can create the effect of visual contamination, reducing the aesthetic value of the restoration. Literature analysis confirms that patients visually evaluate layered restorations better, especially on a light background (lower teeth, tongue). Conclusions. It is advisable to reproduce the transparency of the incisal edge using multilayer ceramic modeling with the use of transparent and translucent masses. This approach provides not only a high level of aesthetics, but also the stability of the result from an optical and clinical point of view. Analysis of modern literature sources confirms the feasibility of the advantage of layering over pigmentation in the manufacture of high-quality aesthetic restorations.