Fig.1
A 31-year-old male patient presented seeking improvement of the esthetics of the mandibular central incisors. Clinical examination revealed defective direct composite restorations characterized by inadequate emergence profiles, improper cervical contours, and suboptimal integration with the surrounding soft tissues. The treatment objective was to restore natural tooth anatomy, optimize the emergence profile, and achieve harmonious esthetic integration through a direct composite restoration using the Front Wing Technique.

Fig.2
Radiographic and clinical image superposition to highlight the common problem with overhanging and incongruent emergency profiles when restoring diastemata.

Fig.3
Preoperative Radiograph.

Fig.4
Rubber dam isolation.

Fig.5
Soft tissue retraction with Brinker B4 clamps (Brinker, Hygenic, Coltene).

Fig.6
Enamel was etched with 35% phosphoric acid (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL) beyond the projected restorative margins to compensate for possible modifications in the final restoration contour. This approach ensures reliable adhesion to any enamel surface that may become part of the definitive restoration, minimizing the risk of leaving non-etched enamel at the restoration interface.

Fig.7
Rinsing and drying.

Fig.8
Application of All-Bond Universal adhesive (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL) using a Zeroflox microapplicator (Medmix, Haag, Switzerland) over the entire previously etched surface.

Fig.9
Incisal view.

Fig.10
The proximal wall was reconstructed freehand. After light curing, sectional matrices were placed to achieve complete proximal adaptation and ensure an adequate seal extending to the lingual aspect.

Fig.11
The same protocol was repeated on the adjacent tooth. The matrix band was carefully adapted to maximize its contact with the composite surface while avoiding any folds or deformation. Proper matrix adaptation minimizes the transfer of surface irregularities from the matrix to the restoration, resulting in a smooth, defect-free proximal surface.

Fig.12
The internal surface was carefully examined to confirm the absence of defects or irregularities resulting from matrix band adaptation.

Fig.13
A small amount of flowable composite was placed at the interface between the restoration and the matrix band. An A2/B2 body composite was then condensed over the uncured flowable composite using the Snowplow technique until complete extrusion of the flowable composite through the buccal aspect was observed, ensuring intimate adaptation to the matrix band.

Fig.14
The extruded flowable composite was carefully removed from the buccal aspect with a brush before light curing.

Fig.15
The first matrix band was carefully removed to facilitate the establishment of an optimal proximal contact.

Fig.16
After light curing, the remaining matrix band was removed.

Fig.17
The purpose of this step is not to modify the contact point, but to carefully eliminate cervical excess. This is accomplished using a metal finishing strip by passing its non-abrasive section through the contact area while directing the abrasive surface exclusively toward the cervical region.

Fig.18
The final length of the restoration was refined using a Praxis abrasive disc (Praxis, TDV Dental, Brazil).

Fig.19
Brilliant EverGlow A2/B2 body composite (Coltene, Whaledent AG, Altstätten, Switzerland) was used for the restoration.

Fig.20
Finishing and polishing were initiated using ShapeGuard polishing spirals (Coltene, Whaledent AG, Altstätten, Switzerland).

Fig.21
Lucida polishing paste (DiaShine, Lynnwood, USA) was used to obtain a high-gloss finish.

Fig.22
Application of Lucida polishing paste (DiaShine, Lynnwood, USA), followed by polishing with Lucida Star.

Fig.23
Anatomical contouring was performed using the Solo Anterior instrument (LM-Dental, Parainen, Finland).

Fig.24
A CompoBrush (Smile Line, St. Imier, Switzerland) was used to improve adaptation of the composite to the tooth surface and restorative margins.

Fig.25
Three-day postoperative follow-up.

Fig.26
1-month postoperative follow-up.

Fig.27
Final situation.

Fig.28
Follow-up radiograph.

Conclusions

The Front Wing Technique offers a predictable and minimally invasive approach for the direct closure of anterior diastemas while simplifying the restorative workflow; Rather than replacing conventional protocols based on silicone indexes, which can also provide excellent marginal adaptation when properly executed, its main advantage lies in allowing a more direct and progressive development of tooth proportions, emergence profiles, cervical contours, and proximal contacts throughout the restorative procedure.

The sequential use of sectional matrices, combined with the Snowplow technique, promotes predictable proximal anatomy, improves adaptation of the restorative material, and facilitates harmonious integration with the surrounding soft tissues.

In the present case, the technique proved to be a conservative, efficient, and reproducible approach for the direct closure of anterior diastemas, combining clinical simplicity with precise control of tooth morphology and predictable esthetic outcomes.

Bibliography

1. Manauta J, Salat A. Layers 2. Direct Composites: The StyleItaliano Clinical Secrets. Quintessence.
2. Manauta J. – The Front Wing Technique – 2017
3. Longevity of direct diastema closure and recontouring restorations with resin composites in maxillary anterior teeth: A 4-year clinical evaluation
4. Direct midline diastema closure with composite layering technique: A one-year follow-up