Restoration of decayed primary teeth is very important and significant not only for the maintenance of health and psychics of the child but also for the physiological development of permanent dentition. Esthetic materials were formulated for permanent teeth restoration, but they can also be used for the treatment of primary dentition, especially in minimally invasive techniques, atraumatic tooth restoration, and preventive interventions. Composite resins, glass ionomers, resin modified glass ionomers, and compomers are the materials of choice in the form of direct filling. Findings of individual authors on success of esthetic primary teeth restoration are, however, different and further well-founded clinical trials and experimental studies are necessary. Opinions on the decision-making process when choosing a restorative material are very similar and can be formulated in the following way: To receive reliable results with esthetic material restoration in primary dentition three conditions have to be present: isolation, cooperation, and time. Microscopic structure peculiarities of primary enamel and dentin and time until tooth exfoliation have to be taken into consideration too. One has to state, however, that the longevity of tooth-colored materials has not been found higher than that of amalgam. That is why dentists should consider the diagnosis, ease of material placement, oral hygiene, caries risk, esthetic demands, and financial aspects when choosing a restorative material for primary teeth.

Department of Stomatology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University and St Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno

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