Precision Esthetic Dentistry: Integrating Adhesive Science and Digital Workflows for Clinical Excellence
Esthetic restorative dentistry is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by the integration of advanced adhesive science and evolving digital workflows. At the biomaterial and ultra-structural level, the interaction between contemporary bonding systems and tooth substrates has redefined what is achievable in terms of adhesion strength, marginal integrity, and tissue preservation. Simultaneously, digital technologies, including intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM technologies, subtractive and additive manufacturing, have expanded treatment possibilities and introduced unprecedented levels of precision and reproducibility into everyday clinical practice.
Drawing on original research in adhesive interfaces and material science, this presentation presents a systematic framework for esthetic material selection and treatment planning. The session examines the performance characteristics of emerging restorative materials and evaluates how digital design and manufacturing processes influence outcomes. Recognizing that technological sophistication does not eliminate clinical risk, the presentation also addresses failure modes, patient-specific risk stratification, and evidence-based strategies for achieving durable, long-term clinical success in esthetic rehabilitations.
- Understand challenges related establishing a stable adhesive interface to ceramic, composite, and dental structures.
- Choose adhesive strategies for different clinical situations.
- Understand the advantages and limitation of adhesive procedures for ceramic vs 3D printed materials and contemporary resin composite CAD/CAM solutions
Presenter
Sillas Duarte, DDS, MS, PhD
Dr. Sillas Duarte is Associate Dean of Comprehensive Care and Rex Ingraham Chair in Restorative Dentistry at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California. In this role, he brings broad administrative leadership across preclinical and clinical education, faculty development, and program innovation. He directs both the Advanced Program in Operative & Adhesive Dentistry and the Master of Science in Biomaterials and Digital Dentistry at USC, reflecting his commitment to advancing dental education at the graduate and postgraduate levels.
A nationally and internationally recognized scholar and clinician, Dr. Duarte's research and clinical expertise center on adhesive dentistry, biomaterials, and CAD/CAM technologies. He is the former Editor-in-Chief of Quintessence of Dental Technology and currently serves as Section Editor in Adhesive Dentistry for the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, contributing to the broader scholarly community through editorial leadership across multiple publications.
Dr. Duarte is a distinguished lecturer and educator who has delivered lectures and hands-on courses worldwide on esthetic, minimally invasive, adhesive dentistry, biomaterials, and digital technologies. His career reflects a sustained dedication to integrating cutting-edge science into clinical education preparing students and practitioners to meet the evolving demands of modern dental care.
