Closing diastemas with resin composite restorations

Area of Science:

• Restorative Dentistry
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Achieving ideal interproximal contacts and esthetic emergence profiles is crucial for dental diastema closure.
• Traditional methods using wedges for matrix stabilization can negatively impact the emergence profile, leading to 'black triangles' below the contact.

Observation:

• Wedges used for matrix stabilization during diastema closure often compromise the final esthetic outcome.
• This compromise results in an unaesthetic appearance, specifically a dark space or 'black triangle' beneath the interproximal contact.

Findings:

• A modified technique utilizing a shaped matrix to create an esthetic emergence profile is presented.
• Employing flowable resin composite as an interdental wedging material effectively compensates for matrix thickness.
• This approach successfully establishes strong interproximal contacts while preserving or enhancing the emergence profile.

Implications:

• This technique offers a viable solution for achieving superior esthetic and functional results in diastema closure.
• It minimizes the risk of post-operative complications related to compromised emergence profiles.
• Clinicians can achieve predictable and aesthetically pleasing outcomes in diastema treatments.