Residual Diastemas Following Orthodontics

After orthodontic aligner treatment, the patient had residual gaps between her front teeth that reappeared shortly after aligner removal. She also had older composite restorations placed to close a prominent median diastema.

Case by Dr Claire Burgess

Feeling self-conscious about the visible spaces, she opted for minimally invasive Bioclear composite restorations instead of indirect porcelain. The goal was to close the gaps while achieving a symmetrical, proportionate, and aesthetically pleasing result.

Anterior views highlighting the spacing between the teeth, clearly visible from both the front and side angles—perspectives commonly featured in profile and selfie photographs

  • Diastemas UR12

  • Central median diastema and old composite restorations on the mesials of the central incisors

  • Diastemas UL123

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A rubber dam was placed, biofilm removed with aluminum trihydroxide powder and Aquasol (Aquacare), and old composite restorations on the central incisors were removed.

Large Black Triangle Bioclear matrices were trial-fitted to ensure space closure, centerline alignment, and a harmonious gingival profile. Each tooth was restored individually, with a temporary contact strut placed on the mesial of the right central incisor.

  • Disclosing incisors prior to Biofilm removal

  • Try-in large Blue Black Triangle matrices and build temporary strut UR1

  • Temporary Strut mesial UR1

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Bioclear Black Triangle and Anterior matrices were positioned mesially and distally on UL1, with shield matrices placed on adjacent teeth for space protection.

The Bioclear Injection Molding technique was performed using 3M Scotchbond Universal Plus, warmed 3M Filtek Supreme Flowable, and 3M Filtek Supreme XTE body composite in shade B1. The central incisor was then sculpted and refined using large and small 3M SofLex coarse and medium discs.

  • UL1 matrices in place with shield matrix UL2

  • UL1 after injection over-moulding

  • After shaping UL1 and confirming proportions and centreline

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After confirming the proportions of UL1, the "Direct Contact Strut" technique was applied to UR1 to ensure complete space closure between the teeth.

Matrices were placed mesially and distally on UR1, and the injection molding process was performed similarly to the previous tooth.

  • Direct contact strut UR1

  • UR1 matrices in place with shield matrix UR2

  • UR1 injection over-moulding

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After sculpting and confirming the proportions of the central incisors, the "Direct Contact Strut" technique, matrix placement, and injection moulding were repeated for the lateral incisors.

  • Direct contact strut UR2

  • UR2 matrices in place

  • UR2 injection over-moulding

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Once all four incisors were sculpted, the Bioclear Rock Star Polish was applied using Bioclear Magic Mix and SS White Jazz Polishers, achieving a uniform shine in both wet and dry conditions.

The patient then proceeded directly to her orthodontist for fixed and removable retention.

  • Direct contact strut UL2

  • UL2 injection over-moulding

  • After Rock Star Polish

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Periapical radiographs taken before and after treatment highlight the classic Bioclear shape achieved with the matrices and the smooth, overhang-free emergence profiles.

  • Pre

  • Post

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She was thrilled with her new smile, feeling more confident in social interactions.

At her review, her periodontal health and home care were confirmed to be excellent. She now attends annual reviews for assessment and, if needed, Bioclear maintenance, including re-polishing with the Jazz polisher.

The additive nature of Bioclear ensures future treatment options, including re-Bioclear, remain available.

  • After

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  • Before

  • After

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