Best practices

Metal clamps damage tooth structure or porcelain surfaces of crowns Prevention and management The use of light cured provisional material can reduce the potential of metal rubber dam clamps to cause iatrogenic damage (Liebenberg, 1995). Prior to clamp placement, a small amount of composite based material may be added to the metal prongs of the clamp. Alternatively instead of metal clamps, the use of plastic rubber dam clamps is less likely to damage tooth structure or existing restorations (Madison, Jordan, and Krell, 1986).