Introduction. Reproducing the functional occlusal morphology of caries-affected molars by means of a transfer key, made by taking the impression of the restoration wax-up, modelled by the dental technician. Materials and methods.The transfer key method was applied to five molars displaying cavitated occlusal caries, consisting of: cavity preparation and impression; wax-up of the future restoration; impression of the wax-up, the transfer key being thus obtained; composite restoration, overlapping the key onto the last layer of uncured material to transfer the functional occlusal morphology. Results and disscusion. The transfer key method performed in cooperation with the dental technician resulted in occlusal restorations with functional morphology better than those achieved by direct modelling in the dental office. Conclusions. The transfer key technique typifies an alternative approach in treating teeth with carious lesions tobe restored by composite materials.It is a viable option with many advantages worth considering when clinical condition enables it.
Keywords:- dental technician.
- occlusal morphology
- stamp technique
- transfer key
- wax-up