Although small, dental wedges play an irreplaceable role in restorative dentistry. They are mainly used for tooth separation, stabilizing matrix bands and shaping the edges of restorations. Depending on the material and design, the clinical performance and use of wedges vary. In this article, we will systematically analyze the types of dental wedges, their material properties, their main functions and their application in filling and restoration.
1. Types of Dental Wedges and Material Properties
Plastic Dental Wedges
Material: often made of medical polypropylene (PP), flexible.
Advantages:
- Moderate elasticity reduces pressure on gums.
- Can be sterilized at high temperatures and is suitable for reuse.
Disadvantages:
- Limited support, not suitable for cases with deep caries or tight gaps.
Sample Display:
- dental wedges guards (GD-5675): with hole with rblade
three size: Large/Medium/Small
- adaptive wedges (GD-5677): with firm inner plastic core, covered with silicone
- resin dental wedges (GD-5678): four size, XS/S/M/L
- diamond wedges (GD-5679): seven size, X-small/Small/Medium/Large/Deep/L-medium/L-large
- Tulwar wedges (GD-5680): three size, Small/Medium/Large
Wooden Dental Wedges
Material: mostly birch or pine, sterilized. Birch wedges with a water content of 12% can expand by up to 18.7% in 30 minutes in a gingival fluid environment. This adaptive property makes them particularly suitable for cases of gingival recession in old patients. However, care should be taken: over-expansion may lead to excessive pressure on the periodontal membrane, triggering postoperative sensitivity.
Advantages:
- Naturally water-absorbent and swellable, better fitting to the gap intraoperatively.
- Rigid, suitable for high strength support of Class II cavities.
Disadvantages:
- Non-reusable, over-expansion may cause discomfort.
Samples Display:
Other Types
- Metal Wedge: Rare, commonly used for full crown preparation or special restorative scenarios.
- Silicone wedge: soft and flexible, suitable for aesthetic restorations, but more costly.
2. The Three Core Functions of the Tooth Wedge
Tooth Separation
- Temporarily separates neighboring teeth by 0.2-0.5 mm with light mechanical force to create an operating space.
- This prevents the restoration from overhanging and restores the natural shape of the neighboring points.
- Clinical studies have shown that the proper use of wedges can reduce the risk of food impaction by up to 60%.
Matrix Band Stabilization
- Dental wedges can assist in fixing the molding piece, preventing leakage of the restorative material and shaping the ideal contour.
- Cavity II restorations: the combination with the Matrix Bands stabilization is the classic solution.
- Cavity Class V restorations: usually in combination with a curved molding plate.
Gingival protection and hemostasis
- Insertion of the wedge provides gentle compression of the gingiva, reduces intraoperative blood loss and improves field definition.
- It is particularly effective in patients with gingivitis or marginal sensitivity.
3. Application Techniques in Filling and Repairing
How to choose the right wedge
| Criteria | Recommended Wedge Type |
|---|---|
| Narrow interproximal space | Wooden wedge (expands when moistened for tight fit) |
| Wide interproximal space | Plastic wedge (flexible and adaptable) |
| Light-cured resin | Transparent plastic wedge (allows light transmission) |
| Amalgam filling | Wooden wedge (stronger support) |
Points of operation
Insertion angle: usually enter obliquely from the lingual or buccal side at an angle of about 30°-45°, avoiding vertical insertion to injure the gingiva.
Depth control: The tip should be slightly higher than the edge of the restoration by about 0.5mm to compensate for material curing shrinkage.
Precautions:
Avoid excessive compression of the gingiva to prevent postoperative recession (incidence about 3%-7%).
Improper insertion position may lead to excessive loosening of the adjacent contact points and affect occlusal stability.
Real-life case: Deep wedge defect repair
Preoperative evaluation: 45-year-old patient with a deep dentin defect in the cervical region of the lower left first premolar with hot and cold sensitivity (VAS score 6/10).
Key technique:
No. 00 gingival line draining the gingiva followed by insertion of pre-moistened pine wedge (expansion time 15 minutes)
Fluid resin cushion + 3M Z350XT layered filling
Dental wedge retained until initial curing of resin and removed
Results: 1 year postoperative follow-up, 98% restoration integrity, sensitivity disappeared.
Innovative applications
Layered filling technology: with wedges curing the resin in stages, it reduces polymerization shrinkage stress.
Personalized 3D-printed wedges: for complex cases such as tilted teeth or irregular gaps.
4. Dental Wedges Purchasing Guidelines
Material Safety Priority
Certifications:
Plastic wedges must have FDA/CE certification for medical grade polymers (avoid phthalates);
Wooden wedges must have an EO sterilization report (bioburden ≤ 10-⁶).
Avoid pitfalls: refuse to buy unmarked “industrial wood wedges” (risk of formaldehyde residues).
Maximize dimensional fit
Suggested configuration:
| Wedge Size | Applicable Tooth Position | Purchase Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Fine (0.6mm) | Anterior Zone | 20% |
| Standard (0.8mm) | Premolar | 50% |
| Thickened (1.0mm) | Molar / Restorations | 30% |
Special needs: stock 5% of 1.5mm mega gap wedges (for periodontal loose teeth)
Cost-Effectiveness Balancing Strategy
5. Conclusion
Dental wedges, although small and seemingly insignificant, can make a big difference in restorative dentistry. Proper selection and use of wedges can not only enhance the quality of restorations, but also significantly improve patient comfort and prognosis.