Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42088152›Full record

ArticleCase reports in dentistry2026

Direct Restorative Closure of Maxillary Midline Diastema Using a 3D-Printed Matrix: A Case Report.

Yu Toida, Shuhei Hoshika, Kenta Tsuchiya, Midori Kawamura, Chiharu Kawamoto, Atsushi Tomokiyo

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Case reports in dentistry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Yu ToidaDepartment of Restorative Dentistry, Division of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, hokudai.ac.jp.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1944-347X
Shuhei HoshikaDepartment of Restorative Dentistry, Division of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, hokudai.ac.jp.
Kenta TsuchiyaDepartment of Restorative Dentistry, Division of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, hokudai.ac.jp.
Midori KawamuraDepartment of Dental Medical Laboratory, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan, hokudai.ac.jp.
Chiharu KawamotoDepartment of Restorative Dentistry, Division of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, hokudai.ac.jp.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4900-3368
Atsushi TomokiyoDepartment of Restorative Dentistry, Division of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, hokudai.ac.jp.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Anterior midline diastema is a common esthetic concern that can adversely affect smile appearance. Direct composite resin restoration has emerged as a conservative treatment option for diastemas associated with tooth size discrepancies, as it allows intraoperative adjustment of tooth morphology and shade. Digital dentistry has improved clinical outcomes by increasing workflow efficiency, enabling integration with other healthcare technologies, and supporting more accurate and predictable treatments. The objective of this case report was to describe the management of anterior midline diastema and spacing in the maxillary anterior region using a 3D-printed matrix to achieve the intended esthetic outcome. An optical impression was acquired using an intraoral scanner. Because the occlusal relationship of the remaining dentition was stable, the maxillomandibular relationship was recorded using the same device. A maxillary incisal matrix was digitally designed using dental CAD software and fabricated with a 3D printer in a transparent photopolymerizable resin. After the matrix was positioned on the maxillary arch, a flowable composite resin was injected into the mold and subsequently light-cured. Occlusal interferences were eliminated, and all restorations were finished and polished using polishing strips and a silicone point. Postoperative instructions were provided. The teeth were successfully reshaped in accordance with the digital design, achieving the planned esthetic and functional improvements. Direct composite restoration using a 3D-printed matrix provides a rapid, convenient, and predictable approach for managing anterior midline diastema. This technique enables precise transfer of the digital design to the clinical setting, allowing improved control of morphology and symmetry. A 3D-printed matrix can therefore be considered a reliable alternative to conventional freehand composite restoration for maxillary anterior esthetic rehabilitation, particularly in cases involving midline diastema and spacing.

Indexed as

3D printinganterior midline diastemacase reportdigital dentistrydirect restoration

Identifiers

PMID42088152
PMCPMC13136590

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.