Abstract
The restoration of posterior teeth with directly placed resin-bonded composite requires meticulous operative technique in order to ensure success. Case and material selection; cavity preparation; matrix selection; isolation; bonding; management of polymerization shrinkage; placement; finishing and curing of posterior composites – all present a series of challenges that dentists must master in order to ensure high-quality, long-lasting restorations. This paper describes and discusses these aspects of the provision of composites for load-bearing situations in posterior teeth.