Tetric plus is a simplified universal composite that has set a new standard in universal composite resins. Thanks to its advanced material technology, you need only four shades to reliably cover all 16 VITA classical shades and Bleach shades. Plus, you can apply the composite in increments up to 4 mm thick.
What is so special about Tetric plus? The material delivers reliable functionality and esthetics in the posterior region and also performs well in anterior applications. Especially for small Class III cavities, diastema closures and direct veneering applications, Tetric plus delivers harmonious, natural-looking results. With a little experience, users can even achieve impressive Class IV restorations with it.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or first-time user, these practical tips will help you get the most out of Tetric plus and unlock its full potential.
Tip #1: Pick the right shade
Once you have used Tetric plus a few times, choosing the right shade becomes intuitive. If you are new to the material or want to play it safe, there are two reliable ways to select the correct shade: Use the Tetric plus shade guide or apply the composite button technique. For the latter, apply a small dot of composite directly onto the tooth, light-cure it and see if it results in a good match.
You should always assess the composite’s shade after it has been light-cured, never before curing. Uncured, the composite has a yellowish tinge because of the photoinitiators it contains. As it polymerizes, its shade and translucency change. Select the shade ideally in natural daylight, on slightly moist teeth and without taking too long, since the eye tires quickly and colour perception can change.
Practical tip:
Apply a small amount of composite to the buccal (vestibular) surface, light cure it and check the shade match. This simple step helps you choose the best match with confidence.
Tip #2: Contour like a pro
Most dentists who have tested the composite so far like the handling of both Tetric plus Fill and Tetric plus Flow. Here is a simple trick that makes contouring and finishing tooth surfaces easier during application.
Before light curing, the material is quite translucent, so at times you may find it tricky to see the exact contours of your restoration. Use your mouth mirror strategically to view the restoration from multiple angles and check the contours. By slightly tilting the mirror, you will reflect light from different angles, helping you see transitions, margins and surface details much more clearly.
Practical tip:
When contouring Tetric plus, move your mouth mirror around to catch the light from different angles and see surface details more clearly.
Tip #3: Combine different shades strategically
Although Tetric plus is a universal composite and comes in just four shades, you can still create amazingly natural effects. While all four shades have a similar translucency, the shade variation between them gives you plenty of room to play with, like creating soft shade transitions in anterior teeth. The trick is to combine shades strategically.
Pro tip from Martin von Sontagh, dentist in Austria and international speaker:
For Class IV cavities, combining two shades can make your restorations look livelier and more lifelike. Using a silicone key as a guide, start by applying a thin layer of Tetric plus in shade Bleach plus on the palatal side. Once cured, this layer serves as a solid support structure. Then add Tetric plus in shade A2 plus or A3 plus, creating subtle shade variations rather than applying a dentin layer. Let this layer taper off towards the incisal edge to mimic natural translucency, just as you would with your dentin materials. Finish with a final thin covering layer of Tetric plus in shade Bleach plus to lend brightness and depth to your restoration. Give it a go!
Tip #4: Push the limits of what is esthetically possible
Which cases you will restore with Tetric plus depends on your individual esthetic standards. Most of our test users estimate that they can use Tetric plus for 80–95% of all direct restorations in their practice. In fact, Tetric plus delivers pleasing esthetic results across a wide range of cases due to its enamel-like translucency of around 12%, which contributes to its pronounced chameleon effect.
Of course, that same translucency can sometimes be a limitation. For example, more opacity may be needed if the cavity floor is severely discoloured with dark, brown, grey or sclerotic dentin. And since the material comes in only one translucency, though in various shades, there is less room for characterization.
Practical tip:
If you want to achieve highly esthetic effects or need to mask severe discolouration, combine Tetric plus with other composite resins, such as the Tetric Line or IPS Empress Direct products.
Tip #5: Allow time for the shade effect to fully develop before evaluating the final shade match
You may have noticed that right after placing it, a restoration may not blend in perfectly – it may look slightly too translucent or even appear a bit grey. This can happen with Tetric plus as well. There are several reasons for this: Lighting conditions in the practice can make the restoration look different than it will in natural daylight. Additionally, the tooth can become dehydrated during treatment, making it appear brighter than normal. Like other composite resins, Tetric plus slightly changes in the hours after polymerization – the material becomes somewhat more opaque, blending more naturally with the surrounding tooth structure.
Practical tip:
If you are not completely satisfied with the outcome immediately after the treatment, do not panic. The appearance is likely to adjust over time, and you can always check again at the patient’s next recall visit. Most patients will not notice these nuances and they are usually very happy with a fast, successful restoration using Tetric plus.