Bioclear™ Green Kit – Diastema Closure

UFI and UUI - The Upper Incisor anatomic matrices are designed for traditional anterior composites but are also an integral part of the diastema closure system. Specifically; mild diastemas and small “black triangles” (restoratively driven papilla regeneration for gingival diastemas)
DC-UFI - the Diastema Closure - Universal Flat Incisor Matrix is the matrix of choice for most diastema closures.  I have expanded the role of this matrix in my practice, and routinely combine anterior composites with black triangle elimination.  The DC-UFI is flat in the incisal half, therefore very good for the mesial of incisors or back to back diastema closure.
DC-UUI - the Diastema Closure - Universal Upper Incisor was the original Bioclear diastema closure matrix but is better suited for teeth with very rounded incisal anatomy such as the distal of upper incisors.  In back to back applications it tends to invert at the contact.
EDC-UUI - the Extreme Diastema Closure- Universal Upper Incisor; has a very aggressive cervical curvature for extreme diastema closure cases, such as the one featured in my article “Advanced Techniques for Diastema Closure, a Microscopic Perspective” (available on our website at Bioclearmatrix.com)
ACM & TCM – the Average Curved Molar and Tall Curved Molar are specific to posterior cases where there is unusual spacing such as when a tooth has been lost and the teeth have drifted and left a challenging space.  Can also be used for anteriors.

General rules for matrix selection:

  • Upper lateral and central incisors.   No modifications needed in most cases.
  • Lower incisors and lower canines.  You may want to trim back the sides for smaller teeth.  In addition, you may want to trim back the Gingivo-Lingual and Gingivo-Facial corners so that the matrix will seat completely to the depth of the sulcus
  • Rule of thumb for space closure is:  ½ mm=UUI,  1mm=DC-UFI & the DC-UUI, 2mm or more=EDC-UUI.  (Please see the table on the reverse side)
  • Mild diastema closure (½mm): Will close very nicely with the UUI or UFI. 
  • Moderate Diastema Closure (1mm):  Use one DC-UFI.  If restoring both teeth, (say the mesial of #8 and the mesial of #9) use two UFI matrices.  The downside of too much matrix curvature is that one of the matrices may invert, causing a flat spot or a concavity.
  • Severe Diastema closure (2 mm or more): Use the EDC-UUI

Clinical guidelines for Interproximator or wedge Selection

  1. “Black Triangle” (Gingival diastema) closure (contact is intact): These BioclearTM  anterior matrices are “hands free” and should be used without an Interproximator (or wedge) if the contact is intact.  The matrix fits so intimately that the pressure of the gingiva will seal the gingival margin.  The InterproximatorTM can be used after the initial increment of flowable is placed and cured, simply to spread the teeth for a snug contact.   Alternatively you can try a Narrow Isthmus InterproximatorTM or Thin InterproximatorTM to gently snug the matrix to the tooth.
  2. Gingival plus incisal diastema closure:  First create a small “hip” in the cervical area to retain the Interproximator by placing a small amount of flowable composite 1 or 2 mm in height, then cure. Then snap in an Original InterproximatorTM  (or wedge) that will provide tooth separation for a nice snug contact.  Then proceed with injection molding filling protocol.  The Original Interproximator will provide enough tooth separation to overcome 2 Bioclear matrix thicknesses in anterior teeth. (Back to back matrices are NO PROBLEM!)