Blog / Clinical Cases / Improving smiles

Brain Floss Blog


August 2, 2026

Clinical Case: Improving smiles

with 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative.


contributor image Maria Cura
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About the Case

A 21-year-old female patient, otherwise healthy, presented with a smile complaint:
“I would like to improve my smile. My laterals look broken, and the canine is too sharp.” Exam revealed no articular disorder. Occlusion was stable.

Close-up of upper front teeth and gums showing natural texture and slight translucency

Anatomy of the right lateral

Close-up of upper front teeth and gums showing natural texture and slight irregularities

Anatomy of the left lateral and canine

Close-up of upper front teeth with a vertical dashed line between two central incisors labeled 'B' and 'N'

Color test with regular photography — Bright shade blends better due to higher value

Close-up of upper front teeth with a vertical dashed line dividing a chipped tooth labeled 'N' on the right and intact tooth labeled 'B' on the left

Color test with polarized photography

Close-up of upper front teeth with dental brush applying material to the front surface of a central incisor

After rubber dam isolation, the biofilm is removed with pumice paste and a prophy brush

Close-up of four upper front teeth with metal dental matrix bands and blue dental material applied on two teeth against a purple background

Etch procedure

Close-up of upper front teeth with metal dental matrix bands on two central teeth and orange dental material on the right lateral tooth

Bonding with 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive

Close-up of upper front teeth with dental tool near left central incisor against purple background

Application of 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative, Bright shade

Close-up of dental tools applying material to the front surface of upper front teeth against a purple background

Shaping anatomy of right lateral incisor with spatula

Close-up of dental model with a brush applying material to the front teeth against a purple background

A brush helps with shape and composite blend on tooth surface

Close-up of upper front teeth with dental tool touching one tooth against a purple background

All restorations before finishing and polishing. Glycerin gel application before final light-curing to prevent the inhibition layer

Close-up of upper front teeth showing a small gap between the two central incisors

Final result after finishing and polishing with 3M™ Sof-Lex™ Finishing and Polishing Discs and Spirals

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The following products were used

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3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match Universal Restorative

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3M™ Sof-Lex™ Finishing and Polishing Discs and Spirals

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3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive

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