What is the primary purpose of a wedge during dental restoration?

The primary purpose of a wedge during dental restoration is to ensure proper adaptation of the matrix band. When placing a matrix band around a tooth, it is essential to achieve a tight seal at the margins to prevent material leakage and to ensure a smooth, even contour of the restoration. The wedge helps to hold the matrix band snugly against the tooth structure. This is particularly important in situations involving Class II restorations, where adjacent teeth need to be protected, and a proper contact point must be recreated. The use of a wedge allows for better space management and ensures that the restorative material can be shaped correctly, contributing to the overall success of the restoration process.

In this context, while options such as supporting tooth structure, stabilizing tooth position, and facilitating cleaning are relevant considerations in various dental procedures, they do not specifically address the primary function of a wedge in restorative practices, which is to aid in the proper placement and adaptation of the matrix band.