A novel technique for the direct fabrication of fixed interim restorations.

This article describes an alternative technique for the fabrication of interim restorations. A thermoplastic, vacuum-formed template and translucent vinyl polysiloxane material are combined in the waxed diagnostic cast to fabricate a matrix in which the interim material can be placed. With this matrix, a variety of materials, such as dual-polymerized or light-polymerized resins, can be used in a predictable way. The major advantage of this technique is that it allows for the fabrication of accurate restorations with excellent reproduction of surface anatomy and for alterations of the tooth shape with light-polymerized materials.