Gaps between teeth affect many people's confidence. Some embrace them as character. Others want them fixed. Modern dentistry offers simple solutions that work in a single visit.
Direct composite bonding provides a practical approach. It's quick, affordable, and reversible. You don't need to cut down natural teeth. Walk in with gaps, walk out with a complete smile.
This guide explores the Front Wing technique—a method that makes gap closure more predictable with better control and natural results.
TLDR
The Front Wing technique closes tooth gaps using composite resin from the front of the tooth instead of the back. This provides better visibility and control. Most gaps close in one appointment with natural-looking results, especially in narrow spaces.
Understanding Diastema: What Causes Gaps
Diastema means spacing between teeth. It's common and appears anywhere in your smile, though most visible between front teeth.
Common causes include:
Size mismatch: Small teeth in a large jaw create natural spaces
Missing teeth: Lost teeth cause neighbors to drift apart
Gum disease: Bone loss from periodontal disease shifts teeth
Frenum issues: Thick tissue between front teeth keeps them separated
Habits: Tongue thrusting or thumb sucking pushes teeth forward over time
Gaps affect confidence. People avoid photos, cover their mouths when laughing, or feel self-conscious in social situations. Treatment often happens before major life events—weddings, job changes, or new relationships.
Treatment Options
Multiple approaches exist for closing gaps. Each has distinct benefits.
Braces and Clear Aligners
Orthodontics moves teeth together over 6-18 months. Invisalign and traditional braces work well for multiple gaps.
Pros: Actual tooth movement, fixes multiple issues, permanent with retention
Cons: Costs $3,000-$8,000, takes months, requires lifetime retainer wear
Direct Composite Bonding
This adds tooth-colored material to widen teeth and close gaps in one visit.
Pros: Fast results, affordable ($300-$600 per tooth), reversible, no tooth cutting
Cons: Can stain over time, may chip, needs replacement every 5-10 years
Porcelain Veneers
Ceramic shells cover teeth, fixing gaps and color simultaneously but requiring tooth reduction.
Pros: Lasts 15-20 years, resists stains, excellent aesthetics
Cons: Expensive ($1,000-$2,500 per tooth), permanent, requires multiple visits
Frenectomy
Surgical removal of thick frenum tissue prevents gap relapse. Quick procedure with one-week healing.
The Front Wing Technique: How It Works
Traditional bonding works from the tongue side of teeth, limiting visibility. The Front Wing technique reverses this—working from the front where you can see everything.
The process:
- Place a sectional matrix (thin strip) in the gap as scaffolding
- Pack composite from the front against this matrix with full visibility
- Create perfect contours and margins under direct observation
- Complete the back side with flowable composite to fill gaps
- Add regular composite over flowable for strength
Key advantages:
Better control in tight spaces
Cleaner, more visible margins
Stronger tooth contacts
Natural emergence profiles
Less finishing needed
The technique excels when gaps are narrow and access from behind is difficult. You see exactly where material goes, resulting in more predictable outcomes.
Real Patient Case: Complete Walkthrough
This case demonstrates the Front Wing technique step-by-step.
Initial Presentation
Fig 1. - A young patient comes to the office concerning with the space between the lateral incisor (#22) and the canine (#23). A intra-oral analysis show us old restorations on the #22 and #23 with discoloration and secondary caries.
Fig 2. - Intra-oral view of the old defective restorations on the #22 and #23.
A young patient presented with gaps and old, failing composite fillings showing discoloration and decay underneath.
Shade Selection
Fig 3. - Shade selection with Vita Shade Classic tab (A1).
Shade selection happens before isolation because teeth dehydrate during treatment, appearing lighter. The A1 shade matched the patient's natural teeth. Modern universal composites blend well even with single-shade approaches.
Preparation
Fig 4. - Clinical situation after removing the old composite restorations on the tooth #22 and tooth #23. The old restorations was removed with a corse polish grain disc (Sof-Lex disc, 3M).
Complete removal of failing material preserves healthy tooth structure. Polishing discs work efficiently without excessive heat.
Fig 5. - After removing the old restorations the rubber dam was placed.
Rubber dam isolation prevents moisture contamination critical for bonding success.
Fig 6. - Cleaning the tooth surface with AquaCare Twin and Sylc powder.
Air polishing removes biofilm and debris, creating pristine surfaces for optimal bonding.
Bonding Protocol
Fig 7. - Etching of the enamel tooth surface with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 seconds.
Fig 8. - Frosting tooth surface after the etching procedure.
The frosted appearance confirms successful enamel etching, creating micro-roughness for adhesive retention.
Fig 9. - Bonding application on the tooth #22 and #23 (Optibond FL adhesive), rubbing for 15 seconds on the tooth surface and light curing.
High-quality adhesive with active rubbing ensures intimate contact. This foundation determines restoration longevity.
Instrument Selection
Fig 10. - To handling and place the direct composite material was used the LM Arte Dark Diamond instruments. The dark diamond coat on this instruments allow us to have less light reflection and less sticky.
Dark-coated instruments reduce glare and prevent composite sticking for better control.
Building the First Restoration
Fig 11. - Placement of the first composite portion with the LM Arte Dark Diamond Modella. The composite resin used in this clinical case was the Filtek Universal A1 (3M).
Fig 12. - Composite modeling with the LM Arte Dark Diamond Applica. The composite was placed free hands in the tooth #23, following the shape of the tooth and the space available. As we had free access to the inter-proximal tooth surface of the canine we did it and modeling the composite free hands.
The canine restoration used freehand modeling due to good access. Composite follows natural anatomy while widening to reduce the gap.
Fig 13. - Modeling the vestibular composite surface with the LM Arte Dark Diamond Fissura.
Creating natural surface texture mimics real enamel appearance.
Fig 14. - Modeling of the composite resin with a brush, to smooth the surface. After this, the composite resin was light-cured and the inter proximal surface was pre-polished.
Brush smoothing creates seamless transitions. Pre-polishing prevents access issues later.
Front Wing Application
Fig 15. - After finishing the restoration of the tooth #23 we used the Front Wing technique to close the diastema of the #22. After place the sectional matrix (Lumicontrast, Polydentia), the composite resin was placed (Filtek Universal A1) and packed from the vestibular side, in order to get the best adaptation and transition from the tooth for the composite and with a correct emergence profile. To make a perfect contour of the composite margin we used the thin LM Arte Dark Diamond Applica.
The sectional matrix creates scaffolding. Composite packs from the front with full visibility, establishing proper emergence profiles.
Fig 16. - Detail of the active part of the LM Arte Dark Diamond Applica. A very thin and sharp edge contour allows as to modeling the composite in a very narrow spaces.
Ultra-thin instruments access confined spaces where standard tools won't fit.
Fig 17. - After place and light-curing the composite from the vestibular side, we placed a small amount of a flowable composite resin (Filtek Supreme Flowable A1) from the palatal side without light-curing and compact some portion of Filtek Universal A1 on top, in order to fill all the internal gaps in the inter-proximal area and leave a very smooth and anatomic profile.
Flowable composite fills micro-gaps from behind. Regular composite layered on top creates strength and smooth contours.
Oxygen Inhibition Management
Fig 18. - After light-curing the composite resin we covered all the composite surface of the tooth #22 and #23 with glycerin gel and light cured again for 20 seconds for the oxygen inhibit layer.
Glycerin eliminates the sticky oxygen-inhibited layer, creating fully hardened surfaces that polish better.
Finishing and Polishing
Fig 19. - For the finishing procedures we used a corse Sof-Lex disc in a low speed to smooth the surface and correct the contour of the restorations.
Systematic finishing progresses from coarse to fine at low speeds with light pressure.
Fig 20. - For the polishing procedures we started to use the Sof-Lex (3M) diamond pre-polisher in slow speed with water to smooth the composite resin surface.
Fig 21. - After, used the Sof-Lex (3M) diamond polisher (pink) in low speed with water to give gloss to the composite resin surface.
Progressive polishing with water cooling builds natural gloss while preventing surface damage.
Fig 22. - The Lucida polishing system was used to stabilized the final smoothness and glossy of the composite resin surface.
Fig 23. - The Lucida polishing system (Lucida polishing paste and the star felts).
Final paste polishing achieves maximum surface smoothness and gloss.
Final Results
Fig 24. - Intra-oral view immediately after the finishing and polishing procedures.
Fig 25. - Intra-oral view after removing the rubber dam.
Fig 26. - Final clinical situation of the direct composite restorations.
Fig 27. - Situation before and after closing the diastema and change the old composite resin restorations. We can see a natural color matching, even use one single composite opacity and shade, a natural tooth shape and emergence profile of the new composite restorations.
The completed restorations show natural color matching despite single-shade use. Tooth shape and emergence profiles blend invisibly with natural dentition.
Materials and Tools That Make Success Possible
Quality outcomes depend on proper materials and instruments.
Universal Composites
Modern systems like Filtek Universal achieve excellent results through balanced opacity and shade-matching technology. Single-shade approaches simplify inventory while delivering natural integration.
Flowable Composites
Lower viscosity allows flow into confined spaces regular composite can't reach. Essential for void-free proximal anatomy.
Dark-Coated Instruments
Reduce light reflection for better visibility. Minimize sticking for cleaner modeling.
Sectional Matrices
Translucent materials like Lumicontrast provide rigid scaffolding while allowing light transmission during curing.
Patient Expectations: What to Know
Successful treatment aligns patient desires with clinical possibilities.
Realistic Goals
Closing gaps makes teeth wider. Sometimes that looks harmonious. Sometimes it creates disproportionately large teeth. Digital planning helps visualize results before treatment.
Longevity
Direct composite lasts 5-10 years before replacement. Proper care extends this. Staining and wear occur gradually. Edge polishing every few years maintains aesthetics.
Maintenance
Brush twice daily. Floss regularly. Professional cleanings every six months. Limit staining beverages. Avoid chewing ice or using teeth as tools.
Alternative Treatments
When multiple gaps exist, orthodontics may prove more efficient. When severe discoloration coexists with spacing, veneers might deliver better results. Neither option is objectively superior—they serve different priorities.
Cost and Timeline Breakdown
Composite Bonding
Costs $300-$600 per tooth. Closing a gap between two teeth runs $600-$1,200. Treatment completes in one 1-2 hour visit with immediate results.
Orthodontics
Costs $3,000-$8,000. Takes 6-18 months plus indefinite retention. Delivers actual tooth movement and comprehensive alignment.
Veneers
Costs $1,000-$2,500 per tooth. Spans 2-4 weeks with multiple appointments. Lasts 15-20 years.
Insurance
Most insurance classifies gap closure as cosmetic with minimal coverage. When replacing old restorations, some plans cover restorative components. Many offices offer financing plans.
Common Questions
How does Front Wing differ from regular bonding?
Front Wing places composite from the front instead of back, providing better visibility and control during critical margin placement. Creates more natural emergence profiles and stronger contacts, especially in narrow spaces.
Can gaps close naturally?
Children's gaps sometimes close as permanent teeth erupt. Adult gaps rarely close without treatment and usually stay the same or widen.
Does it hurt?
Composite bonding typically needs no numbing. You feel pressure but no pain. Orthodontics creates temporary soreness. Veneers require anesthesia for tooth reduction.
Composite or veneers?
Choose composite for reversible treatment, immediate results, and budget constraints. Choose veneers for comprehensive transformation, maximum longevity, and when willing to invest more.
Will it feel different?
Initially yes. Adaptation takes several days to two weeks. Most patients quickly adjust and report natural feel.
How to prevent staining?
Good hygiene, professional cleanings, limit coffee/tea/wine, rinse after staining beverages. Some discoloration happens gradually. Professional polishing restores luster.
Can multiple gaps be fixed in one visit?
Yes. Front Wing works efficiently for multiple sites. Very complex cases might benefit from staging.
Conclusion
Diastema management has evolved toward conservative, reversible treatments. The Front Wing technique delivers predictable outcomes through strategic execution rather than aggressive preparation.
Success requires understanding patient motivations, setting realistic expectations, selecting appropriate materials, and executing with meticulous detail. When these align, even single-shade composites achieve natural integration.
At Medsta, we provide materials and instruments supporting clinical excellence. From universal composites to precision instruments, the right tools make exceptional results possible. Quality materials and proper technique deliver the predictable beauty patients deserve.