The composite resins have reached a high degree of excellence and are now used with predictable results in restoring the anterior dentition. This article discusses the development of these resins and the histologic and optical considerations (polychromatic characteristics, hue translucency and opacity, chroma, value, strength and polishability). In restorative materials, the use of universal or all-purpose restorative resins is considered: i.e. materials that combine the junctional strength necessary for the posterior regions and the high gloss polishability necessary to emulate enamel in the anterior. The restorative sequence of cervical, middle, and incisal thirds describes the materials best suited for each third, along with aids to create the intricate refinement of hue, chroma, and value. The learning objective of this article is to review the principles involved in these restorations and to provide a protocol for their clinical implementation.