Which is the best way to assure tight proximal contacts with class II composite restorations?

The best approach to assure tight proximal contacts with class II composite restorations is to prewedge with the preparation and re-wedge prior to restoring. This method involves placing a wedge prior to the restoration process to create space in the interproximal area, which helps to establish a proper contour and tight contact once the restoration material is placed and cured.

When a wedge is placed, it expands the matrix band against the tooth structure, improving the contact area where the restoration meets the adjacent tooth. If this step is skipped or not properly executed, there is a risk of achieving poor contact, which can lead to issues such as food impaction, secondary caries, or restoration failure.

The other options, while they may have some benefits, do not specifically address the need for tight proximal contact as effectively as the prewedge technique does. Using a Tofflemire matrix band is standard practice, but it alone does not guarantee tight contacts without the pre-wedging technique. Thicker matrix bands might be more resistant to distortion but do not inherently solve the problem of creating tight proximal contacts if not wedged properly. Similarly, briefly exposing the composite to light is not a method that influences proximal contact quality and is mainly a technique related to curing time