Webster's definition of restore or restored is "1. to bring back to a former and better state, as (a) to bring back from a state of ruin, decay, and the like; to repair; to rebuild; (b) to bring back from lapse, degeneracy, or a fallen state to a former state; (c) to bring back, as from disease; to heal; to cure."¹

"This patient presented because of the fractured disto-lingual cusp of tooth 16. Upon examination, the failure of the amalgams and recurrent decay in teeth 14, 15, 16 and 17 was clearly evident. The patient was told of the benefits of bonded esthetic restorations and decided to proceed with treatment.

Teeth 14 and 15 were restored with MOD concept inlays (look closely, you might be able to see the margins). Tooth 16 was restored with a MODBL Targis™99 onlay, the disto-buccal cusp and the cusp of the Carabelli were not sacrificed. Tooth 17 has a MODL Targis™99 onlay and a small direct composite buccal pit, the two buccal cusps were saved.

I feel these teeth have now been truly restored! This patient was so pleased with his new restorations that he carries these 'before' and 'after' pictures around with him to show his friends."

Dr. Singleton is a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He maintains a private practice in Osoyoos, British Columbia.

¹WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY, copyright 1951, The World Publishing Company