Restorative approach for an anterior tooth with a discolored substrate: a case report

The search for conservative aesthetic procedures with predictable results has driven the development of direct and indirect restorative techniques in dentistry. Among them, composite resin veneers represent a viable alternative to ceramic rehabilitations, especially due to their versatility, affordability, and repairability. Furthermore, the direct-indirect technique exhibits excellent performance in cases of darkened substrates, allowing for better masking and aesthetic control of the final outcome. This study aims to report a clinical case of anterior aesthetic rehabilitation performed using the direct-indirect composite resin technique. The patient sought dental care with complaints related to the shape and color of the maxillary right central incisor. Following aesthetic planning and diagnosis, the fabrication of a composite resin veneer using the direct-indirect technique was chosen, as it enables superior morphological control and extraoral polishing. The clinical result demonstrated excellent aesthetic integration, smile harmony, and patient satisfaction, highlighting the efficiency of the adopted protocol. It is concluded that the direct-indirect composite resin technique is a safe, conservative, and aesthetically satisfying option for anterior rehabilitation, particularly in cases of darkened substrates, provided it is applied with proper planning and attention to clinical and laboratory details.