Shade characteristics of natural teeth

Mamelons in the incisal edge
This shade characteristic is mostly evident in young teeth.
However, the characteristic is maintained even in mature
teeth. Consequently, mamelons are outlined in most
restorations, even if they are not evident at the time of shade
determination. Mamelons cause the incisal edge to appear
richer, which will favour the integration of the restoration
into the oral environment. If the mamelon shade has not
been determined by the dentist, it is advisable to use a somewhat
subdued shade, such as the salmon-coloured mamelon
material of the Impulse Kit.
For best results, the underlying material and the mamelon
material should be slightly moist during application, as the
pigments of the two materials may then slightly mix thus
creating a soft transition area.
Next, Transpa blue of the
Impulse 1 Kit is applied to
this area.
Then, small grooves are carved
into the incisal edge by means
of a brush.
The salmon-coloured mamelon
material is applied to the basic
build-up consisting of dentin
and incisal material.
These grooves are filled with
an opalescent material, such
as Effect Material 1 of the
Impulse 1 Kit.
In a first step, the mesial and
distal angle of the incisal edge
are slightly reduced.
Using the desired mamelon material, in this case salmon,
wedge-shaped lines that are thinning out towards the incisal
edge are drawn, with the wider
area in the center of the
mamelon. Usually, three
mamelons are present in
natural teeth. However, the
number of mamelons is unimportant.
Consequently, four or five mamelons may be
created.
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