MARGINAL ADAPTATION

A critical review of studies assessing the marginal adaptation of dire ct placement, plastic restorations is presented. The effects upon adap tation of cavity design and location of cavity margins are examined, t ogether with the effects of differing placement and finishing techniqu es. Both the choice of restorative material and the use of liners/base s are shown to influence the quality of restoration margins. Technique s used in both in vivo and in vitro assessment are reviewed, however i t appears that a wide variety of methodologies exist and the establish ment of standard, published criteria for the qualitative assessment of marginal adaptation is recommended.