Fig.1
The patient presented to our clinic requesting the closure of the diastema between the maxillary central incisors, seeking an improvement of the aesthetic appearance and the harmony of her smile.

Fig.2
Initial clinical situation.

Fig.3
In addition to the patient’s desire to close the space between the upper central incisors, clinical examination revealed the presence of old composite restorations with secondary caries in the mesial areas.

Fig.4
When planning a diastema closure, it is essential to carefully select the restorative technique that will allow a simple, fast, and predictable procedure capable of establishing a new contact point, a new contact area, and a natural, biologically correct emergence profile. Equally important is evaluating the proportions and symmetry of the anterior teeth to ensure that the final restorations result in a natural, harmonious, and aesthetically balanced smile.

Fig.5
After placement of the rubber dam, the old composite restorations were removed.

Fig.6
To achieve the most natural transition between the remaining tooth structure and the new composite restoration, a small bevel was created on tooth 21, which presented the larger cavity.

Fig.7
Adhesive procedure.

Fig.8
To fill the existing cavities and restore the original tooth anatomy, a direct composite restoration was performed using a single-opacity composite resin, Filtek™ Easy Match. In this case, the Natural shade was selected, as it provided the best chromatic integration with the patient’s tooth color.

Fig.9
To create a new contact point, a new contact area, and a natural, biologically correct emergence profile, the Front Wing technique by StyleItaliano is considered one of the simplest and most predictable approaches available for anterior diastema closure. In this case, since the goal was to close the space between the maxillary central incisors (teeth 11 and 21), the composite material needed to be evenly distributed between both teeth to achieve correct symmetry and balance.

Fig.10
Following the Front Wing technique, the procedure began by placing composite on the buccal surfaces to create the initial shape, intentionally leaving a small space between the two restorations.

Fig.11
In addition to establishing the buccal contour, it is crucial at this initial stage to create a natural cervical emergence profile.

Fig.12
Clinical view after adding and light-curing the composite to create the buccal surface. The Filtek™ Easy Match composite in Natural shade was used.

Fig.13
After creating the buccal surface, the sectional matrix can be positioned vertically to help shape a precise and natural proximal anatomy.

Fig.14
Clinical view after placement of the sectional matrix (Unica Proximal by Polydentia). If necessary, a wedge can be used to enhance stability and adaptation of the matrix.

Fig.15
Clinical view showing the placement and positioning of the Unica Proximal matrix by Polydentia.

Fig.16
After placing the sectional matrix, the proximal area is filled from the palatal side. First, a small drop of flowable composite (Filtek™ Supreme Flowable) is applied and left uncured, following the Snowplow Technique.

Fig.17
After placing the drop of flowable composite resin, a small portion of paste composite (Filtek™ Easy Match) is compacted from the palatal side against the previously created buccal surface. The flowable composite functions as a wetting and connective medium, promoting intimate adaptation between increments, improving internal sealing, and minimizing the risk of voids or trapped air.

Fig.18
After compacting the composite from the palatal side and establishing the correct shape, volume, and cervical emergence profile, the material is light-cured according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fig.19
After light-curing the palatal and interproximal composite on tooth 11, the matrix can be removed from that tooth.

Fig.20
The same restorative sequence is then performed on tooth 21.

Fig.21
After removing the matrix from tooth 21.

Fig.22
Intraoral view after removing the Unica Proximal matrices.

Fig.23
Finishing and polishing of the two restorations with Sof-Lex™ discs and Sof-Lex™ spirals.

Fig.24
Final clinical view after the finishing and polishing procedures. The diastema was successfully closed according to the patient’s expectations. To maintain natural tooth proportions and a harmonious aesthetic balance, the cervical embrasure between teeth 11 and 21 was intentionally preserved, providing a more realistic and natural appearance.

Conclusions

The Front Wing technique offers significant advantages for predictable diastema closure, including superior control of the buccal contour, enhanced margin adaptation, and the ability to sculpt smooth and natural proximal and cervical anatomy with minimal need for adjustment. When combined with Filtek™ Easy Match composite—which shade-blending properties simplify material selection and promote seamless optical transitions—the procedure becomes even more efficient and reliable.

In this clinical case, the synergy between restorative technique, composite material, and a dedicated matrix system enabled the creation of an aesthetic, functional, and minimally invasive result. This outcome reinforces how contemporary adhesive and composite strategies allow clinicians to achieve highly natural, stable, and conservative restorations, even in situations requiring precise morphological integration.

Bibliography

1. Manauta J. The Front Wing Technique. StyleItaliano; 21 Sept 2017.
2. Manauta J, Salat A, Monterubbianesi R, Tosco V, Devoto W, Orsini G, Putignano A. Advances in diastema closure and tooth shape change using direct composite restorations: the Front Wing Technique. Int J Esthet Dent. 2022 Nov;17(4):378-393.
3. Assakhen I. Direct Diastema Closure. Focusing on the Key Elements. StyleItaliano; 5 May 2025.
4. Bazeed P. Flawless composite space closure. StyleItaliano; 6 Feb 2025.