Making a fixed restoration contour guide.

A silicone matrix of the diagnostic wax-up of the abutment teeth serves as a guide during tooth preparation and final contouring of the restoration. A cast with the castings on it with surrounding gingival tissues formed in silicone is made. This cast, along with the silicone matrix, provides the technician with definite guides for the axial contouring of the tooth-colored portion of the fixed restoration.