The use of clamps in cervical restorations during direct composite veneering

OBJECTIVES: The significant aesthetic demands of patients have led clinicians to implement techniques that can fully satisfy their needs. The progress of adhesive dentistry has contributed to this aesthetic revolution, enabling remarkable outcomes for both direct and indirect restorations. Among these, a direct approach, when feasible, offers numerous advantages, foremost among them being the ability to complete the entire case in a single session with a consequent certain economic saving. However, direct techniques require operators’ expertise and the ability to manage individual clinical cases. This article presents the possibility of using clamps for cervical reconstruction during the direct layering of anterior veneers. This technique is demonstrated through the execution of a clinical case, accompanied by photos to explain all the clinical steps involved in performing the proposed technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proposed technique is presented during the individual phases of creation using the adhesive techniques and tools normally used in direct restoration. The features that distinguish this technique include the simultaneous apical positioning of the rubber dam using specific clamps to expose the CementoEnamel Junction (CEJ), simultaneous adhesive procedures, and the application of a monolayer composite increment at the cervical level. A complete case of direct composite restoration of teeth 1.3 to 2.3 is presented, accompanied by clinical photos. For this purpose, a medium-thick rubber dam sheet and specific clamps are used. The combination of these two tools allows for the apical positioning of the dam beyond the CEJ, exposing otherwise hidden dental areas. By following the proposed protocol, adhesive procedures can be performed, and the restoration of all dental elements can be carried out in a more reliable and aesthetically harmonious manner.

RESULTS: The technique was presented step by step, and practical tips for improved execution were demonstrated. The specific use of certain instruments is the result of various clinical approaches, which have confirmed their practical effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous placement of clamps and apical positioning of the rubber dam could be a beneficial clinical approach for performing adhesive procedures and direct composite veneering in the aesthetic zone, requiring only minor procedural strategies.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The technique presented in this study maximizes the aesthetic outcome during direct composite restoration of the anterior region, helping to minimize certain operational limitations that may be encountered during the execution of these types of rehabilitations.

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