Cervical margin relocation - basic principles and influence on the periodontal tissues

INTRODUCTION: Cervical margin relocation (CMR) involves the placement of a base layer of direct resin composite material in order to elevate the proximal cavity margins located below the gingiva. CMR is applied prior to the cementation of indirect bonded restorations. AIM: The aim of this review is to briefly present the basic principles of the CMR technique and to assess whether the execution of this method before the cementation of indirect bonded restorations is beneficial to the long-term outcome of the treatment and to the periodontal tissues according to the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review includes articles searched without date restriction in the Medline/PubMed database along with bibliographic data. A variety of keywords and their combinations were used: "cervical margin relocation", "proximal box elevation", "indirect restorations", "adhesion", "marginal adaptation", "marginal sealing", "deep margin elevation". RESULTS: The review is based upon 41 references. The literature data provided information on the basic principles of cervical margin relocation and its relation to periodontal health. CONCLUSION: Further research, scientific evidence and longer follow-up results are needed in order to conclude that CMR is entirely beneficial to the long-term outcome of the treatment and to the periodontal tissues.