One of the stressful moments in restorative dentistry is discovering an open proximal contact when you're ready to seat a restoration. Whether it's a laboratory-fabricated restoration or one made in-house, nobody wants to fall behind schedule while trying to solve the problem.

Fortunately, today's ceramic materials have made this correction remarkably simple. Using a putty-like ceramic such as Structure from MIYO/Jensen or RRZ from Ivoclar, a proximal contact can be predictably added in just a few minutes. The material is simply applied to the surface, shaped and smoothed, and then fired in a ceramic furnace.

Because the contact is intentionally built slightly oversized, only minimal polishing is usually required after firing to achieve the ideal fit. The restoration can then be seated with confidence, allowing the appointment to stay on schedule while still providing the highest level of care.

Proper proximal contacts are essential—not only for function, but also for tooth stability, prevention of food impaction, and long-term periodontal health. Having a predictable technique to correct an open contact chairside has become one of the most valuable for ceramic and zirconia dentistry.