Achieving a smooth, perfectly contoured restoration is a balance between science and artistry. As a dentist, you’ve likely spent years perfecting your technique, but let’s be honest—interproximal finishing is one of the trickiest parts of the job. A well-polished surface is essential, yet traditional polishing systems struggle to reach those tight contacts and marginal ridges without compromising the restoration’s integrity.
That’s where diamond strips come in. These precision tools allow for controlled contouring, finishing, and polishing in interproximal spaces without damaging adjacent teeth or restorations. However, if used incorrectly, they can do more harm than good—leading to over-thinning, rough surfaces, or weakened contact points.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best techniques for using diamond strips to refine both composite and ceramic restorations, ensuring you achieve predictable, high-quality results every time.
Why Diamond Strips Matter in Restorative Dentistry
Interproximal finishing isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about function and longevity. A poorly finished contact area can lead to:
Plaque accumulation, increasing the risk of secondary caries. Overhangs, which can irritate gingival tissue and lead to periodontal issues. Poor adaptation, resulting in food impaction and compromised occlusion. Weak or open contacts, affecting long-term stability.
Rotary polishers and discs work well on flat surfaces, but they struggle in tight interproximal areas. Diamond strips bridge that gap, giving you the control needed to fine-tune restorations for perfect contours and a high-gloss finish.
Choosing the Right Diamond Strip for the Job
Not all diamond strips are created equal. The right strip depends on:
Grit – The level of abrasiveness determines how much material is removed. Type – Single-sided, double-sided, or perforated options allow for different levels of control. Material – High-quality diamond-coated strips provide longer-lasting cutting efficiency.
1. Selecting the Correct Grit
Think of diamond strips like sandpaper for restorations—you wouldn’t use the roughest grit on a delicate surface, right?
- Coarse (80-100µm): Used for opening tight interproximal contacts or removing excess composite.
- Medium (40-60µm): Ideal for contouring and adjusting overhangs.
- Fine (20-30µm): Smooths the surface before final polishing.
- Ultra-Fine (<20µm): Provides a polished, plaque-resistant finish.
The key is to work progressively, starting with a coarser grit for shaping and finishing with a fine or ultra-fine grit for polishing.
2. Choosing the Strip Type
- Single-Sided Strips – Best for working on one surface while protecting adjacent teeth.
- Double-Sided Strips – More efficient when both surfaces need contouring.
- Perforated Strips – Reduce friction, allowing for smoother movement and better control.
Pro Tip: If you’re working on ceramic restorations, avoid using coarse grit diamond strips, as they can cause microfractures in brittle materials like zirconia or lithium disilicate.
How to Use Diamond Strips for Composite and Ceramic FinishingStep 1: Isolation & Preparation
Interproximal finishing requires precise control, so start by ensuring proper isolation:
Use a rubber dam to keep the area dry and improve visibility. Consider cotton rolls or retraction techniques if soft tissue interference is an issue. Check occlusion before starting—this prevents unnecessary material removal.
Why it matters: A dry, isolated field prevents slipping, making the finishing process more predictable.
Step 2: Opening Tight Contacts (If Necessary)
Sometimes, new composite restorations bond too tightly, making it difficult to insert a finishing strip. In such cases:
Use a coarse diamond strip with gentle back-and-forth motion to open the space. Keep the strip at a slight angle—do not force it through the contact. Stop as soon as you create space; over-thinning can lead to open contacts.
Common mistake: Forcing the strip aggressively can damage the restoration or even crack adjacent enamel.
Step 3: Contouring & Shaping
Once access is established, switch to a medium-grit diamond strip to refine the shape:
Hold the strip firmly but do not apply excessive pressure. Use gentle back-and-forth motions rather than aggressive sawing. Check the shape periodically—over-contouring can weaken the restoration.
For ceramic restorations, use controlled, smooth strokes to avoid microfractures.
Step 4: Smoothing & Polishing
This is where attention to detail makes all the difference. A rough interproximal surface traps plaque and stains, reducing the lifespan of the restoration.
Switch to a fine-grit or ultra-fine diamond strip to smooth out micro-scratches. Use light pressure and a gliding motion to refine the finish. If needed, follow up with a polishing paste and felt wheel for optimal shine.
Key takeaway: The goal is a glass-like smoothness without altering contact integrity.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Forcing the strip through tight contacts.
Use a coarse strip gently if contact needs adjustment.
Skipping straight to fine grit. Work progressively from medium to fine grit for a smooth finish.
Applying too much pressure. Let the abrasion do the work—excessive force can lead to uneven finishing.
Not checking occlusion before finishing. Ensure the restoration is properly shaped before final polishing.
Over-polishing interproximal areas. Thin contacts can lead to food impaction and weakened support.
Where to Find the Best Diamond Strips
Not all diamond strips deliver the same level of performance. Inferior strips lose their abrasiveness quickly, making finishing frustrating and time-consuming.
For consistent, high-quality finishing, I always source my strips from a trusted supplier of dental finishing tools. They offer a range of durable, precision-coated diamond strips that ensure efficient material removal and a smooth final polish.
Final Thoughts: Diamond Strips as a Precision Tool
Interproximal finishing is one of the most overlooked aspects of restorative dentistry, yet it has a significant impact on aesthetics, longevity, and patient comfort.
By mastering the correct use of diamond strips, dentists can:
Create strong, well-adapted contacts that prevent food impaction. Achieve smooth, plaque-resistant surfaces for long-term success. Ensure restorations blend seamlessly with natural dentition.
Finishing isn’t just about making restorations look good – it’s about making them last. And that starts with the right tools and the right technique.
For dentists seeking high-performance diamond strips, a leading supplier of dental finishing tools provides a perfect selection for every clinical need.
