SYNTHETIC ENAMEL is a material which has been produced to support the pressures, tensions and changes produced in the mouth during chewing. It is extremely attractive and optically identical to natural enamel. It is held chemically on the tooth by means of powerful dental adhesives.
The chemical formula of this material is BISGMA Bicidil-glicil methyl- metacrilate. It is known technically by the name of compound resins or composites.

Definition of Composite
The phrase "ADHERED SYNTHETIC ENAMEL" refers to the technical name "COMPOSITE".
It is used to refer to a resine with an epoxy base which has a molecule of bisphenol-A at each end together with a group of glycidylmetacrilate. It is known as BisGMA.

The composite is also used in the industry thanks to its great resistance and light weight.. It is used in the construction of:

- buildings: www.jarenocom.com
- planes: www.hangar57.com
- bicycles: www.caesoft.es/productos/algor/composites/composites.htm
- race cars : www.plastunivers.es/Tecnica/Hemeroteca/Articulocompleto.asp?ID=5237
- etc.

Adhesive or Unifying Agent
The synthetic enamel adheres to the tooth by means of a unifying agent, which forms a chemical bond of the composite with the tooth. This unifying agent belongs to the silano group, whose principal component is SiO2 (glass).

Who Manufactures It?
A number of international companies. Some of these are well known out of the dental area, such as Bayer or 3M.

How is it Applied?
SYNTHETIC ENAMEL comes in a plastic, or soft, condition, so that it is easily moulded to any convenient shape. It polymerizes, or hardens, when under a beam of light in such a way that it retains the modelled position and shape, without any negative impact on the tooth.
Dental adhesives form a chemical bond between the enamel and the tooth. In this way the appearance of the tooth may be transformed, without the need for any invasive treatment.

How Long Does It Last?
It remains permanently attached to the tooth.

Maintenance
Normal hygiene using a toothbrush.

For How Many Years Has This Treatment Existed?
In 1968 Professor Buonocuore was the first person to study the properties of adhesive materials in a dental context. Since this time there has been an enormous process of development with the materials used becoming more and more resistant and attractive.

Contra-indications
Allergy for photopolymerizable resins (BisGMa).

Side-Effects
There are no known side-effects.