Quantitative evaluation of approximal contacts in Class 2 composite resin restorations: a clinical study

The purpose of this study was to develop an accurate and reproducible intraoral method of measuring the distance between two teeth, and to conduct a clinical pilot study of the effect of placement of a class 2 posterior resin restoration upon this intertooth dimension. A Kaman Sciences KD-2611 noncontact displacement measuring system with a 1U unshielding sensor, based upon the variable resistance of eddy current, was used for the intraoral measurement. Seven patients requiring conservative interproximal restorations (initial placements or replacements) on the premolars were selected. Addition silicone impressions were taken of the posterior quadrants from which low-fusing metal (Cerrolow-136) casts were made. Composite resin copings constructed on modified rubber dam clamps were fabricated for the restoration and adjacent teeth upon these metal casts. Aluminum targets and Plexiglas holders for the sensor were attached to the bow of the rubber dam clamp with light-activated composite resin. Quantitative measurements of intertooth distance were made preoperatively, postoperatively, and at one-week and 4 1/2-month recalls after placement of class 2 composite resin restorations for 11 teeth. Four unrestored premolars served as a control. The data were tabulated and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The results indicated that the mean postoperative intercoping distance for restored teeth increased after a multiple wedging technique had been applied during restorative procedure. At the one-week recall, these distances had decreased. The 4 1/2-month measurements showed a further decrease with an average loss of 15 microns from the preoperative baseline.