Abstract
The application of multi-surfaced posterior tooth-coloured restorations is an exercise in risk tolerance when dentine occupies the bulk of the tooth substrate. Success with posterior tooth-coloured restorations is dependent on interfacial integrity. Although the literature is full of guidelines on producing aesthetically pleasing restorations, most practising clinicians appreciate that clinical success involves more than aesthetics: success is strongly dependent on operative competence. This article describes a number of innovative clinical techniques and discusses the probationary status of current adhesive options and the need for excellence in all phases of these demanding restorative sequences.