Restoration techniques and marginal overhang in Class II composite resin restorations

State-of-the-art techniques in operative dentistry: contemporary teaching of posterior composites in UK and Irish dental schools

“…While various techniques have been proposed for the recreation of the proximal contact area, evidence suggests that this is best achieved using techniques involving the use of a thin metal band -either circumferential or preferably sectional -and a fl exible wedge of wood, plastic or elastic material. 33,34 Transparent matrix bands and light-transmitting wedges were introduced at a time when it was thought that composite contracted towards the direction of the incident curing light -hence this system was thought to allow incident light to access polymerising composite along the gingival seat and thereby limit gap formation, as would occur if the light was directed from the occlusal surface when a metal band was applied. It was demonstrated some time ago that this concept is erroneous; composite does not shrink towards the incident curing light, but instead towards wherever there is greatest adhesion.…”

Managing the phase-down of amalgam: part I. Educational and training issues

“…28,29 Considering the notorious difficulties of achieving good proximal contacts in posterior composites, teaching discredited techniques that add to the challenge does not improve matters. The evidence-base for the use of preformed, metallic 'shells', sectional matrices and associated retainers and wedges is strong and growing 43,44 • Bevels on cavosurface margins: despite work dating back to the 1990s, which concluded that there is no need to place a bevel along cavosurface margins before the placement of a posterior composite restoration, confusion remains in relation to this subject. 45 …”

Reestablishment of interproximal contact with custom ring technique

“…Unlike the amalgam, which can be condensed against a metal matrix maintaining its form in order to establish a proximal contact, the composite resin is a viscous material, with rheological properties that do not allow a condensation against matrix bands in a predictable way. [15][16][17] Loomans et al (2009) [11] emphasized that all matrix systems evaluated by them during the reconstruction of Class II cavities resulted in marginal overcontour. This diffi culty found during the restorations with composites in proximal cavities can be solved using a technique recently described by Jordi Manauta and colleagues.…”