Success in 7 Minutes: To wedge or not to wedge in restorative dentistry

One way to achieve lifelike restorations with great emergence profiles is by using the dental wedge. Drs. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz and Howard Glazer share clinical tips for achieving beautiful composite restorations and using wedges successfully.
Nov. 15, 2021

I love restorative dentistry, and I’m always trying to make restorations that look lifelike and have great emergence profiles. One way to achieve this is via the dental wedge.

Why is wedging so important? As Dr. Howard Glazer says, composite resins have an inherent shrinkage factor, so it’s essential that we wedge and burnish our margins tight. We want to make that sweet spot of contact to get that “snap” with dental floss.

Are there ever times you should go wedgeless? We’ll discuss that and more in this episode of Success in 7 Minutes. Dr. Glazer and I will talk about the key to success for beautiful composite restorations and share clinical tips for using dental wedges successfully.

Reach out to us with any questions you have. We’re here to support you!

Related reading: How the humble dental wedge can improve your dentistry

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano, DMD

Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

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