HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What material are dental wedges typically made from?

1. Silicone

2. Plastic or wood

3. Metal

4. Rubber

The correct answer is: Plastic or wood

Dental wedges are commonly made from plastic or wood due to their specific properties that suit dental procedures. These materials provide the right balance of flexibility and strength, allowing the wedges to adapt to the tooth morphology while ensuring they hold the dental matrices securely in place during restorative procedures. Plastic wedges are often used because they can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes, enhancing the dentist's ability to isolate and protect teeth during treatments like fillings or crown preparations. Wood wedges are traditionally used in some practices as they offer high flexibility and can conform well to the contours of the teeth, ensuring a tighter fit. In contrast, silicone, metal, and rubber do not possess the ideal characteristics for dental wedges. Silicone may not provide sufficient rigidity, metal could be too hard and lead to injury, and rubber might not have the necessary strength or stability for effective application in dental procedures. The choice of plastic or wood thus stands out as the most practical and widely used option among dental professionals.