cosmetic dentistry_ beauty & science International

I 15 clinical technique _ diastema closure I cosmeticdentistry 3_2011 traction cords (Ultrapak Cord, Ultradent) on teeth #8 and 9 after thoroughly pumicing the teeth. The proximal surfaces may be carefully cleanedwithasandpaperdisc(Sof-LexXT,3M) or a contouring strip (Epitex, GC). Care must be taken not to damage the soft tissue and cause field control problems. 2. It is generally not necessary to prepare the teeth with a bur, but a Sof-Lex contouring disc can be used to roughen the enamel surface (Fig. 12). 3. The direct build-up of composite resin is per- formed according to the same sequence used on the VPS model (Fig. 13). The difference is that the portions of the restorations lingual to the contact and over the marginal ridge are established in a secondary step with the cellu- loid strip pulling the material from the lingual to the facial. 4. The final diastema closure with composite resin should have natural contours at the gin- giva–tooth interface without a black triangle and smooth sub-gingival margins with no catch on flossing (Fig. 14).3 _Discussion Presentation of the final treatment outcome is essential for proper communication with the patient. Several diagnostic tools are available; however, the illustrated innovative indirect mock-up technique with composite resin on a VPS model allows the patient to visualise the anticipated results in the mouth before agreeing to treatment. It also allows the clinician to ac- tually practise the diastema closure case, and assess the final shape and colour of the restora- tion prior to performing direct bonding on the patient. Since free-hand direct composite build-ups are often challenging to the clinician, this prac- tice may help in providing a predictable and successful clinical outcome._ Editorial note: A complete list of references is available fromthepublisher. Fig. 12_Roughening of enamel surface with a Sof-Lex disc. Fig. 13_Direct build-up of composite resin on tooth #8. Fig. 14_Final diastema closure with composite resin. Prof So Ran Kwon Associate Professor Department of Restorative Dentistry,Center for Dental Research School of Dentistry Loma Linda University sorankwon@llu.edu Prof Gerald E.Denehy Professor and Chairman Department of Operative Dentistry College of Dentistry University of Iowa gerald-denehy@uiowa.edu cosmeticdentistry _contact Fig. 14 Fig. 13Fig. 12