The Occlusal Matrix Technique

In recent decades there has been a clear change in the epidemiology and pattern of carious lesion progression. There is still a high prevalence of caries in posterior teeth. Occult caries differs from this pattern in that it affects the dentin and leaves the enamel practically intact. Its causes are still unknown, but it may be linked to excess fluoride, some deficiencies in the structure and anatomy of the enamel and eating habits. In order to reduce time, improve practicality and aesthetics, there are techniques such as the occlusal matrix that make it possible to restore all the anatomical characteristics in a simplified way, given that the sculpting phase is still a major challenge for dental surgeons. The tooth must have its anatomical characteristics intact and be able to be moulded for later reproduction. Therefore, this study reports a clinical case in which the elements presented hidden caries lesions and were restored using the occlusal matrix technique associated with composite resin in an incremental manner and with bulk fill resin (single increment), which further reduces clinical time.