Anterior Composite Restorations Made Simple: Shape First, Layering Second

A natural smile empowers patients in everyday life, defining how they smile, talk and compose themselves. For restorative treatments looking to achieve a harmonious smile, layering dental composites can replicate natural light transmission and help produce the desired outcome.

Common applications of layering may include composite veneers, direct bonding and, for dental lab technicians, porcelain restorations. Because they are easily customised, minimally invasive and conversative towards the existing natural tooth structure, layered treatments may be more appealing to patients – adding this technique to your treatment options is a great way of levelling up your practice.

However, the meticulous process of layering makes it a challenge. The guidance of an experienced clinician can help you master layering as a new technique to enhance your cosmetic dental treatments.

Learn from an expert

Based in London, Dr Jurgita Sybaite is a distinguished figure in restorative dentistry, having received extensive training from some of the world’s most eminent aesthetic clinicians. She delivers sophisticated smile treatments that reflect high precision and supreme quality. This November, at the BACD 22^nd Annual Conference, Dr Sybaite will be leading a workshop that delves into advanced layering techniques, focusing on the workflows that create natural results in a predictable and efficient way. She establishes its importance:

“Most mistakes in anterior aesthetic composite cases stem from two predictable problems: overcomplicated layering and inadequate finishing. Beginners often attempt to recreate complex shade maps and multiple optical effects before mastering shape. The result is restorations that appear unnatural, grey, or monotone. Even when the layering itself is technically correct, failure to establish proper morphology and surface topography prevents the restoration from ever truly looking natural – the workshop will directly address both issues.

“Participants will learn how to simplify layering without compromising aesthetics by using a structured shape-first approach. Teaching is centred around the most common clinical mistakes – analysing where layering goes wrong, why it fails, and how to correct it predictably. More importantly, the course places strong emphasis on finishing. Delegates will learn how to read, control and refine shapes, adjust surface anatomy, and control light reflection so that the final composite achieves true anatomical and optical harmony – appearing as if it were created by nature.”

Dr Sybaite’s full-day workshop will take place on Saturday 14 November at the BACD 22^nd Annual Conference with just 24 available spaces – don’t miss out.

Opting for a 2-day programme that blends headline speakers with game-changing hands-on sessions, the event brings together a passionate network of cosmetic dental professionals. Dr Sybaite reflects on her relationship with the BACD:

“I first attended the Annual Conference in 2018. Then, the BACD brought Dr John Kois from the USA to the UK as a keynote speaker, sharing invaluable tips and tricks. The experience stayed with me; opportunities to learn from the giants of dentistry are rare and it is a credit to the BACD that they consistently create these moments every year by bringing world-class clinicians to share their knowledge with the profession.

“What I particularly admire about the BACD is its mission to promote responsible, ethical cosmetic dentistry and to raise our collective standards through education, collaboration and mentorship. The academy inspires the next generation of dentists to start their journey in aesthetic dentistry on the right path, while also helping experienced clinicians refine and elevate their skills.

“The BACD Annual Conference brings together committed clinicians who care about doing dentistry well and learning from each other. I am proud and grateful to be part of this community and eagerly await attending this year.”

The historical walls of the Royal College of Physicians, London, will host the conference whose overarching theme, “Future Frontiers – Innovating Cosmetic Dentistry”, looks at how clinicians can prepare for newly emerging ideas and technologies. Alongside the enviable educational programme, attendees can relax and unwind at the Gala Dinner, held at the prestigious One Marylebone. Here you can enjoy luxury food and a free bar whilst connecting with friends old and new.

The BACD 22^nd Annual Conference is a wonderful celebration of cosmetic dentistry – one not to be missed.