DIASTEMA CLOSURE: MEASUREMENTS

Composite is added to the left central incisor.  Note the gingival retraction by a plastic strip.  A measuring instrument is placed on the distal and mesial of the tooth with composite and held at that dimension.  The measuring instrument is placed on the adjacent tooth with a prong on the distal.  The other prong determines if the tooth with composite is too large, too small or just right.  If the tooth is too big, the prong goes over composite as seen below.  If the tooth is too small, the prong is short of reaching composite.  If the tooth is just the right size, the prong meets the lateral edge of the composite.

After composite adjusted, it is remeasured until the proper dimension is correct.  The adjacent tooth is then restored.