The purpose of this lecture is to make a critical appraisal of modern materials and procedures in adhesive restorations, including dentin bonding agents, resin composites, color and aesthetic principles, the step by step procedures for direct restorations. Many different aspects of multidisciplinary treatment planning will also be discussed.

Adhesive technologies have contributed to change the way dentists conceive aesthetic restorations. The silent revolution of dentin bonding agents has allowed practitioners to minimize their preparations: it is now possible to obtain an “invisible” restoration in terms of color, shape and surface texture. Due to the improvements of materials and techniques, dentists can restore aesthetic appeal and function with a low biological and financial cost.

Patients are aware of the new technologies, and require treatments that are highly aesthetic, minimally invasive, repairable and not too expensive. Resin composite restorations can fulfill all these requirements. However, the correct protocols have to be implemented to achieve clinical success and to obtain invisible restorations.

Multidisciplinary treatment planning is most often the key to success: many patients need a combination of different treatments to solve their problems. It is extremely important to combine the skills of several specialists to establish the most constructive treatment plan so as to ensure the best possible result for the patient.