How to save time when doing class I,II, &V composites?

This is a tip for other dentists who may be interested. When I place buccal or facial composites on anterior or posterior teeth, I save time by removing excess composite prior to setting it with my bonding light. I use Prime and Bond NT as my bonding liquid and also use it as a solvent to remove excess composite. I dip my plastic instrument in it and then lightly brush it over the surface of a composite I have placed. I burnish the unset composite material towards the margins and hold it against the tooth as I wipe away the excess. By 'carving' my composite prior to setting it I ensure that my margins are closed and less finishing will be needed with a fine diamond or sandpaper disk afterwards.

I use a similar technique when placing composites in Class I and Class II preparations and it almost always saves me time when finishing and polishing my composites. It seems much easier to me than quickly placing an over filled composite and then spending 10 minutes finishing it with sandpaper, carbides and diamonds.