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Lise DP, Cardoso Vieira LC et al. Oper Dent 2012; 37: 584–590

Despite the use of layering techniques with resin composite, geometrical optics would be violated if a fractured tooth could be restored by this method with no aesthetic compromise. Use of the tooth fragment in order to restore a fractured portion of a tooth was first described almost 50 years ago. Then the bond was sub-optimal. But there has been a continuing issue with the visible luting line. Nevertheless, the fragment has ideal morphology and optical properties. This paper illustrates the treatment of a 13-year-old boy. Under rubber dam, the mesio-cervical fractured fragment was bonded back to the tooth with a filled resin composite. This was carried out some 3 months after the injury, during which time the fragment was held in situ by gingival tissues. The contralateral fractured tooth was restored with resin composite.