Challenges in Restoring Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs): Scientific and Clinical Perspectives

Restoring non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) presents persistent clinical challenges, particularly when intervention is indicated. Success depends on careful composite resin selection, precise marginal finishing, effective field isolation, and adhesive protocols that ensure durable bonding effectiveness and survival rates.

This point-counterpoint presentation will examine the difficulties of NCCL restoration, with emphasis on the Class V inlay technique. The scientific rationale behind adhesive protocol selection will be critically discussed, bridging laboratory evidence with clinical realities to highlight strategies that optimize both function and longevity.

1. Analyze the clinical challenges in restoring non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs), with emphasis on composite resin selection, marginal adaptation, and field isolation.
2. Evaluate the Class V inlay technique as a restorative option, identifying its advantages, limitations, and clinical indications.
3. Critically appraise adhesive protocol selection by integrating scientific evidence with clinical practice to optimize bonding effectiveness and restoration survival.

Presenters

Newton Fahl, DDS, MS

Dr. Newton Fahl Jr. earned his DDS from Londrina State University, Brazil (1987), and a Certificate in Operative Dentistry and MS from the University of Iowa (1989). A fellow of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and MCG-Hinman Foundation, he has received the AAED President’s Award (2008) and AACD Excellence in Education Award (2011). Dr. Fahl is Adjunct Professor of Operative Dentistry at UNC, author of Composite Resin Veneers – The Direct-Indirect Technique (2020), and serves on editorial boards of leading journals. His work focuses on advancing direct and indirect bonding techniques.

Bart Van Meerbeek, DDS, PhD

Bart Van Meerbeek (BVM) obtained his DDS (1988) and PhD (1993) from KU Leuven (Belgium), followed by research fellowships in the US (San Antonio, Kansas City). He became Full Professor in 2005 and has chaired KU Leuven’s Department of Oral Health Sciences since 2020. BVM leads the BIOMAT research group, focusing on dental biomaterials including adhesives, ceramics, bioactive materials, and tissue regeneration. He has authored over 640 peer-reviewed papers (h-index: 109 WoS; 142 Google Scholar) and (co-)authored multiple publications among the most cited in dentistry. His work spans biomaterial-tissue interfaces, additive manufacturing, biocompatibility studies and clinical trials. As recipient of numerous international awards, including the 2015 IADR Wilmer Souder award and the 2026 AOD Hollenback award, he has promoted 16 PhDs and co-promoted 20 more. BVM served key roles in CED-IADR, including as president, and has been Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Adhesive Dentistry since 2004. He has held the Toshio Nakao Chair for Adhesive Dentistry since 2003.