Cervical margin relocation in indirect restorations

Cervical margin relocation (CMR) is a technique used to raise the deepest portion of a cavity preparation from a subgingival to a supragingival level. This paper presents an overview of the technique and an analysis of current thinking and practices regarding the use of CMR when carrying out indirect restorations on teeth with deep subgingival margins. Despite promising results, the procedure is still controversial and most studies have been focused on laboratory-based testing of parameters such as bond strength, marginal integrity and fracture behaviour of the restorations. Although long-term clinical survival rates are reportedly high (96%), debate continues regarding the procedure’s impact on gingival health. This paper will explore the historical and clinical development of CMR, its indications, advantages and disadvantages, as well as the time and cost implications, and long-term prognosis. While CMR appears to be safe and effective in appropriately selected cases, with meticulous application techniques, further randomised controlled clinical trials are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.