The authors present the definition of wedge-shaped defects and the most frequently published views on their etiology. They pay attention to the clinical picture, classification of wedge-shaped defects and their treatment, in particular from the aspect of the biological effect of the most frequently recommended filling materials, based on their own experience as well as on views published in the literature. Clinical experience described in the literature is not satisfactory so far. If wedge-shaped defects are a special form of chronic caries, fillings are not a permanent solution. Polymers without polymer contraction might be an improvement. Wedge-shaped defects, in particular their etiology and therapy are still an important problem of conservative stomatology which has not been resolved satisfactorily so far.

        Key words: wedge-shaped defects – etiology of wedge-shaped defects – classification of wedge-shaped defects – therapy of wedghe-shaped defects – cell cultures