Charlie Steere shared practical composite bonding insights during a Dentistry Live session in March, emphasizing that predictable results come from clinical judgment and respect for patient anatomy rather than technique alone.

Keep composite thin and let technique serve the tooth

Steere stressed restraint in anterior composite work, aiming to keep bonding thin so natural tooth structure shows through. He explained the pull-through method using a Mylar strip to eliminate air bubbles and create seamless joints, but emphasized that knowing when to use the technique matters as much as how to use it. He advocated for flexible approaches to moisture control, noting he avoids rubber dam for bonding work because it obscures landmarks. Instead, he uses split-dam techniques or relies on positioning and communication with patients.

Challenge convention based on clinical reasoning

Steere does not pre-cure bonding agents before adding composite, a technique he learned from Tony Rotondo. He applies this approach even on posterior fillings, and explained the reasoning behind departing from standard protocol. He also noted that composite chipping relates to patient occlusion, habits, and anatomy far more than material quality. If a patient chips their teeth frequently, even excellent composite will chip. He underscored that the clinician-patient relationship underpins all treatment decisions, and that technique can be taught but trust must be earned and maintained through clear communication about what patients can realistically expect.