Composite tints: mixing composite materials to alter color and techniques to simulate hypocalcification and craze lines.

The purpose of this article is to teach advanced composite techniques based on sound material science and advanced artistic principles. The effects of oxygen inhibition, shrinkage, wear, filler content, and composite chemistry are reviewed. Color blending using composite translucency to show through underlying and surrounding tooth structure achieves improved color matching and color transition from tooth structure to a composite restoration. Mixing color tints modifies composite color, and applying composite tints produces effects such as hypocalcifications and craze lines.