RESUMO
The authors, as a sequence of a previous research, dealt with a morphological study, by means of level curves, of the lower first molar (mesial surface). This study based on dental amalgam reconstructions used two different types of interproximal cavity preparations; one type was related to the modern or conservative preparation and the other was related to the conventional cavity preparation. Two types of matrix holders were utilized as well as copper rings. In this project the contacting interproximal areas and adjacent structures were observed stereophotogrammetrically. As in the previous study, the models used were obtained from patients with good occlusal anatomical functional conditions and mounted in a semiadjustable articulator. The procedures for restorations followed the prescribed technique for these cases as far as the selection of the material, placement of the matrices, condensation pressure, etc, were concerned. The reconstruction of the serial slices, through level curves, were able to show the location of the contacting area for each matrix used, although it is necessary to stress that the original tooth contour has never been restored.
