A 1-year comparative evaluation of clinical performance of conventional direct composite restoration technique with a novel "custom shield" technique in class I compound lesions – A randomized clinical study.

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the 1-year clinical performance of conventional direct composite restoration technique with a novel "custom shield" technique in class I compound lesions. Subjects and Methods: After ethical approval, 72 patients who signed the informed consent form participated in the study. They were divided into two groups – Group A: Conventional direct composite restoration (n = 36) and Group B: Composite restoration using custom shield technique (n = 36) by computer randomization. In Group A, composite restoration was performed by the incremental layering technique. In Group B, restoration was performed using a novel custom shield and occlusal stamp along with the incremental layering technique. Patients were evaluated using the modified USPHS criteria by blinded evaluators for 1 year. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test and Friedman test using SPSS version 21.0. Results: A statistically significant difference was obtained for marginal adaptation (P = 0.024), retention (P = 0.23), surface texture, and anatomic form (P < 0.001), and time taken to perform the procedure for Group B was higher than Group A. Conclusion: Conventional composite restoration and custom shield technique can be successfully used in class I compound lesions with custom shield technique having a higher edge over the conventional technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]