COMPOSITE TECHNIQUE    SMILE DESIGN     COMPANIES/MATERIALS    MATERIAL SCIENCE

       TECHNIQUE TO RESTORE

             PAPILLAE LOSS

Composite is added to the distal surface of the central incisor and mesial surface of the lateral incisor within the gingival embrasure to close a space created by papillae loss.  Composite is placed subgingival by retracting the gingiva with a plastic strip.  Composite is contoured so contact with the adjacent tooth can be created at five millimeters or less from the height of crestal bone.

Teeth are prepare with a flame shaped diamond bur.  The lateral incisor is bonded by etching and addition of resin while gingiva is retracted with a plastic strip.  A plastic strip creates straight surfaces if it is wrapped so it is left loose with no wrapping.   Composite is added, shaped and cured.  The gingiva holds a plastic matrix tight to a tooth at the gingival margin, however, subgingival manipulation with instruments assures proper fit.

Shaping and polishing is done with burs, sandpaper disks, rubber wheels, points, cups, and polishing pastes.  Composite shaping, contouring and texturing require different techniques depending on the desired result.

The central incisor is bonded while gingiva is retracted with a plastic strip.  Composite is added, shaped and cured.  To create a tight contact, composite and the plastic strip are held tight to the adjacent tooth with an instrument while the composite is cured from the lingual and buccal.  The instrument is removed and light cured again.  Any surface covered by a plastic strip or an instrument has lost the oxygen inhibited layer and addition of composite is difficult.

Shaping and polishing is done with burs, sandpaper disks, rubber wheels, points, cups, and polishing pastes.  Composite shaping, contouring and texturing require different techniques depending on the desired result.