Management of midline diastema using the direct composite resin technique - A case report

Introduction

Diastema or space between the anterior teeth is the most common complaint of patients when esthetics is concerned.1

The etiology of midline diastema is multifactorial. Major etioigical factors are labial frenulum, microdontia, mesiodens, peg-shaped lateral incisors, lateral incisor agenesis, cysts in the midline region. Other habits such as finger sucking, tongue thrusting, and/or lip sucking, dental malformations, genetics, maxillary incisor proclination, dental-skeletal discrepancies, and imperfect coalescence of the interdental septum can cause diastema.2, 3 Reports shows that the prevalence of midline diastema is higher in maxilla than mandible. Causative factors of midline diastema are,

In esthetic dentistry, diastema can be corrected by various techniques like direct and indirect composite veneering, porcelain laminate veneers, and crowns like all ceramic, metal-ceramic, and composite crowns.6, 7

The selection of appropriate technique and usage of material for a patient depends on time, physical, psychological conditions, and economic limitations. 8, 9

The use of direct composite resins in cases like midline diastema allows dental practitioners to have complete control in reproduction of natural smiles. 10

This case report is a description of midline diastema closure with direct composite layering technique.

Case Report

A 25 year old male patient reported to the clinic, with a chief complaint of spacing in the upper front tooth region (Figure 2). On clinical examination, the medical history was non contributory and intraoral examination revealed, a midline diastema of 2.5 mm was in the maxillary arch (distal to 21 and mesial to 11). More conservative treatment plan was made for which direct composite laminate veneer was considered. The esthetic composite material was chosen for the build-up of both maxillary central incisors. This is inexpensive as well as aesthetic and a quicker option. There were no abnormal clinical and radiographic findings.

Figure 1

Procedure

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Discussion

The excellence in choosing direct composite resin restoration is time factor, as it can be completed in a single visit. Other advantages are not requiring the preliminary models and thus eliminating the laboratory fees. Direct composite veneer restorations are advantageous than other possible treatment options such as ceramic veneers and orthodontic treatment procedures. 11

The major disadvantage of direct composite resin restoration compared to the porcelain alternatives is of the material features, which include fractional toughness, shear, and compressive strength. These features are low for few composite materials compared to porcelain alternatives. Thus they are not ideal and not suited for ultra high stress areas which have seen in certain clinical situations. 12, 13

Indirect ceramic fragment restoration is one of the other treatment options for these cases. It is made in a laboratory and is attached to the tooth after preparation. Even though these restorations are esthetically good and help in function, the major disadvantage compared to direct composite veneering technique is its multiple visits with a minimum of two visits. 14

Recent studies showed that direct composite resin technique is esthetic, stable, cost effective and functional. Especially for patients with proper occlusion it can be completed in single visit or less chair side time compared to other techniques. 15, 16

One of the major advantages of direct composite restorations is its reparability. It can be easily repaired compared to other choices. Color stability of direct resin restorations is acceptable but this feature is much better for ceramic restorations. This drawback can be prevented by providing accurate finishing and polishing and regular recall visits. 15, 17

Esthetic importance, restricted time and money are the factors responsible for choosing direct composite resin restoration as a treatment procedure in this case. Even though these restorations are advantageous, they have certain drawbacks too. The disadvantages include low fracture toughness, shear and compressive strengths. Thus these restorations are contra indicated in areas of high occlusal load. 18

The longevity of these restorations can be jeopardized due to Para-functional forces acting on the teeth which are not controlled in the cases of bruxism, malocclusion situations like Angles class-III molar relation, end-to-end occlusal relation, and / or oral habits like nail biting.

When it comes to the color sturdiness of the direct composite resin restoration, it is not as excellent as glazed ceramics; although, it absolutely depends on quality of finishing and polishing procedure, and staining of restoration can be halted with frequent visits to the clinic. 18, 19

In spite of various drawbacks of direct composite resin restorations, improved features of the bonding agents and bonding techniques, advanced resin materials provide the practitioners the positive hope and fortune to design more esthetic, functional, precisely conservative and long standing smiles in a very short period. 18, 19

Natural and esthetic smile was noticed at 6 months and 1 year recall visits. The restorations on maxillary anterior teeth especially the margins were stable without any discolorations and there were no fracture lines.

Although 1 year follow-up does not seem long enough and further long term follow-ups are required, common problems such as marginal leakage, discoloration of restorations and margins, fractures of the restorations, and de-bonding of the composite resins usually merge within six months of the treatment procedure, taking this into consideration and according to the positive results of this case, an experienced dental practitioner with proper case selection, using an appropriate technique and modern restorative materials, can perform highly aesthetic and durable direct composite resin restorations that can help the patients as under the conditions of this presented case.

Conflict of Interests

There is no conflict of interests.

Source of Funding

None.