DIASTEMA CLOSURE TECHNIQUE

Diastema closure requires addition of composite to adjacent teeth.  Gingival retraction is achieved by placing a plastic matrix subgingival while holding it against the lingual tooth surface (see the section on diastema measuring).  Bonding is completed, composite added, contoured and light cured.  Shaping is completed and measurements made of tooth dimension.  Actual linear measurement is not required, instead comparison is made tooth to tooth.  Composite is added or removed to make teeth equal dimensions.

Tooth structure is etched and resin placed.  Composite is added and shaped with composite instruments.  When final shape is achieved, composite is light cured.  The process is completed on the adjacent tooth, however, a plastic strip is placed to help form composite contours without joining material to the adjacent tooth.

Composite is shaped with finishing burs, sand paper disks and polishing cups with polishing pastes.  Gingival retraction for finishing composite is often achieved with hand instruments.