A dental matrix is a band that adapts to the surface of the tooth to be restored and reproduces the anatomical contours, replacing the missing wall or walls and containing the restorative material to give an anatomical shape to the interproximal walls and to obtain adequate contact points.
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Sometimes choosing a matrix band is not an easy task and that is why in this article we want to tell you how you can select the most appropriate one for each of your clinical cases and what are the factors to consider in your choice. Are you ready?
The use of matrices in dentistry allows us to reconstruct teeth according to their original morphology, maintaining their shape, contour and contact points, in order to preserve their function. This important task is the responsibility of restorative dentistry, which over time has focused its efforts on the development of new techniques and materials to facilitate this task. Among these developments we find the matrix systems, which we will tell you about in this article. But first things first.
The interdental area, also known as the interproximal area, is the space between the teeth. This space includes the contact area, the interproximal niche and the interdental papilla, which occupies this space in the shape of a triangle. Interdental contacts, or interproximal contacts, play a crucial role in oral health.
The key to obtain functional contacts and contours in dental restorations is the use of dental matrices. These tools help dentists create precise contact points and appropriate contours in restorations, ensuring proper alignment and dental health.
In summary, contact points in dental restorations are essential for maintaining oral health, preventing periodontal diseases, and ensuring tooth stability. Using dental matrices is an effective solution to achieve these goals and guarantee high-quality restorations. That said, now let's get to our topic!
There is a wide variety of dental matrices available on the market, which we can classify according to:
You probably know many dental matrix systems and are using one or two of them. In this article, we will talk about some systems, from the most common and well-known to others that are more innovative and that you may not know yet and are worth trying. Are you ready?
As you can see, we started with a classic. This universal matrix system was created by Dr. Benjamin Franklin Tofflemire in and is still in use today. The Tofflemire system is indicated for restoring interproximal surfaces, class II cavities, and mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities, both in permanent and primary posterior teeth.
It has several advantages, including the ability to use matrix bands of different widths, the ability to separate the band from the retainer before removal, the ability to use curved bands, and the ability to position it both vestibularly and palatally.
Now let's move on to the latest technology, sectional matrix systems are advanced devices used in restorative dentistry for the precise reconstruction of interproximal contacts in class II restorations. These systems consist of a thin and flexible metal matrix that anatomically adapts to the contour of the tooth, and a series of separating rings that allow for optimal separation of adjacent teeth. The combination of the matrix and the rings ensures a precise contact point and superior marginal adaptation, which facilitates the reconstruction of the proximal anatomy and reduces the risk of over- or under-contouring of the restoration. These systems are especially useful in composite resin procedures, as they provide greater visibility and access to the working area, improving the quality and durability of the final restoration. Would you like to see some examples?
Do you have difficult class II cases? The Composi-Tight 3D Fusion sectional matrix system may be the definitive solution for predictable results, and here's why.
The Composi-Tight 3D Fusion sectional matrices provide tight and perfect contacts thanks to their advanced design. Additionally, this system features Soft Face technology rings that help secure the extra-soft matrices to the tooth contour, allowing you to perform a perfect restoration without the matrix moving out of place. This Garrison matrix system is highly intuitive and easy to use, with features that will make your work more efficient.
The Garrison Strata-G Sectional Matrix System provides a 270º anatomical Seal that prevents flashing and overcontoured margins.
The Strata-G system has been specifically designed to create perfect anatomical and narrow contact points in Class II composite restorations. The sectional matrix bands ensure reconstruction with appropriate anatomy in the tooth, while the three ring models create the necessary separation between the teeth for band adaptation, resulting in a natural and tight contact.
Ultradent's Halo Sectional Matrix System provides ideal tooth separation, thanks to the design of its ring that adjusts with high precision and the wedge that provides active and always careful separation with soft tissues. Additionally, the bands are perfectly designed to give the tooth a natural contour and thus, provide uniform and precise contact points.
Perhaps the most distinctive advantage of this innovative matrix system is that the wedges are active, that is, they act separating the teeth comfortably for the patient. Another interesting advantage is that the Halo system ring is universal, which means that you only need to use one ring for both molars and premolars.
If you are a nostalgic of the Tofflemire system, discover how to perform direct composite veneers in the anterior sector successfully using Slick Bands Tofflemire-style matrices to obtain an appropriate cervical profile and avoid periodontal problems.
The performance of direct composite veneers in the anterior sector represents a significant challenge for dentists, even for the most experienced, due to its high dependence on manual skill. A crucial aspect for the success of these veneers is to achieve an adequate cervical profile, since otherwise periodontal problems such as gingivitis and gingival recession may arise.
There are two main methods for achieving a precise cervical profile: hand modeling, which can be unpredictable and difficult to reproduce, and the use of dental matrices adapted to the neck of the tooth. Although Slick Bands Tofflemire-style matrices are mainly designed for deep margin elevation in the posterior sector, they can also be used effectively in the anterior sector to obtain an anatomical cervical profile in a simple and predictable way.
Using appropriate matrices not only facilitates the restoration process, but also significantly improves the quality and durability of the veneer, ensuring optimal aesthetic and functional results for the patient.
In conclusion, achieving a good point of contact remains one of the greatest challenges in modern restorative dentistry. Fortunately, today we have advanced matrix systems that surpass the traditional Tofflemire matrix retainer, which has drawbacks such as creating little anatomical and straight axial emergence profiles.
Sectional matrix systems are presented as an excellent alternative, offering multiple benefits despite their higher cost. These systems allow for optimal fitting in interproximal spaces, achieving a better point of contact and a more natural and anatomical contour. In this way, they significantly improve the quality of restorations and contribute to the patient's periodontal health.
Remember that at Dentaltix you can find a wide variety of dental matrices and matrix systems of all kinds, as well as all the auxiliary material such as ecological wooden dental wedges Vidu which are a great option.
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Proper contour, tightness and location of the contact can be elusive and difficult to control at the time of placing the restoration. An open or loose contact can be harmful to the periodontium and can shorten the lifespan of the restoration, in addition to being a daily source of frustration for the patient because of food impaction. The answer to this dilemma simply lies in the selection of your sectional matrix system.
Update your contacts: It’s about WHAT you know
The interproximal margins of your Class II restoration may finish at varying distances from the contact area, while the height of the clinical crown can differ from case to case. These factors have to be considered when choosing an appropriate matrix band.
Having a selection of matrix bands of varying heights will enable you to properly fit the matrix to the preparation. Dual-Force matrix bands from Clinician’s Choice (New Milford, Conn.) are available in three occluso-gingival heights (4.5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.5 mm) to accommodate almost all sizes of interproximal preparations.
These thin, contoured stainless-steel matrices are placed using a Punch Plier that grips and perforates the occlusal tab of the wedge for secure placement. Once the restoration is cured, the same Punch Pliers can be placed anywhere on the matrix band for easy removal.
embedImagecenter("Imagecenter_1_",, "large");Dual-Force Active-Wedges wrap snugly around the proximal line angles, resulting in the reduction of composite flash on the buccal and lingual surfaces. Less flash means less finishing time on these areas. A curved occlusal lip on the properly fitted Dual-Force Matrix Band ensures a rolling marginal ridge, further reducing your finishing time.
The Dual-Force Matrix has an interproximal contour that establishes the ideal shape for your proximal contact. A sectional matrix that wraps the tooth well, is contoured both proximally and occlusally and is available in the most frequently required heights provides the first step on your way to an esthetic and functional Class II composite restoration. The Dual-Force Sectional Matrix fits all these criteria.
One more degree of separation
Once the appropriately sized sectional matrix band is accurately in place, it is essential that it be securely held and the matrix band sealed against the gingival margin by a wedge. Failure to ensure this may result in excess composite flash that is difficult and time-consuming to remove. This excess may also be under-polymerized, leading to a potential void in the margin.
The lowly dental wedge has undergone many transformations during its long history. From sycamore wood wedges to plastic wedges that can be cured through, their primary role has remained the same: fill the interproximal space and do their best to seal off the gingival margin with the matrix.
We need more from this wedge. We need it to be able to physically adapt to the contour of the gingival margin with even pressure and, speaking of pressure, cause the interproximal space to expand temporarily and rebound upon removal of the wedge.
Triangular wedges of any material have a tendency to want to back out of the space and inadequately seal the matrix to the tooth when they do stay in place. Plastic wedges were designed with a more anatomical shape in order to address the challenge of sealing the matrix throughout its contact with the proximal margin. However these lacked the ability to supply any separation pressure. On the other hand, larger wooden wedges could separate the teeth but lacked the complete sealing effect.
Dual-Force Active Wedges have several design features that provide up to 2 lbs of separation force while sealing the matrix band gap-free against the gingival margin. Placing these active wedges is smooth, as the leading tip collapses and re-opens once fully positioned. Small, lateral fins act independently of each other in order to apply the appropriate sealing pressure along the matrix band. A strong internal spine is responsible for exerting the separation pressure and provides stability when stacking Active-Wedges, should it be necessary to do so in cases of excessive interproximal space.
The #5 Active-Wedge, or Deep Seal Wedge, is designed for deep, subgingival margins. A convex extension of the Deep Seal Active-Wedge fits into the anatomical depression often encountered with deep subgingival margins, completing the seal at the band/tooth interface even in this difficult clinical scenario.
The ring: Essential for intimate proximal contacts
While the technological advancement of the Active-Wedge is impressive, the evolution of the separating ring in today’s sectional matrix systems is the game changer when it comes to proximal contact formation.
The ideal separating ring is easy to place; engages the sectional matrix in such a way that all cavosurface margins are sealed; provides separation forces that are adequate and consistent; constructed of both metal and plastic that are resistant to fatigue/breakage and resist the sticking of composite and adhesive; provides adequate vision for the clinician to place and polymerize the restoration; is available in smaller versions capable of fitting pre-molars or to provide more separating force; and can be stacked and oriented in a manner to avoid interference with rubber dam clamps and over-erupted cusps.
A separating ring that could satisfy this exhaustive list would result in a Class II composite restoration that would mimic the natural tooth’s proximal contour and function and would require very little marginal finishing. Most separating rings available today cannot fulfill the expectations of such a list.
Some rings require excessive hand pressure to open the ring in order to place it on the tooth. Vertical tines, intended to press the matrix firmly against the tooth, may only make a point contact with the matrix, possibly springing unexpectedly off the tooth or allowing flash to be formed from composite overflow.
Separating forces of various levels are generated in each of these systems but can diminish over time as the metal ring fatigues. Some rings have plastic tines or ring covers that can fracture, and both metal and plastic components of most systems become sticky with excess adhesive and composite, making clean up tedious. Separating rings that seat parallel to the occlusal plane may not be able to be stacked for MO/DO/MOD applications or be able to clear a neighboring rubber dam clamp or tooth.
Clinician’s Choice has re-engineered the separating ring using dual fatigue-resistant NiTi wires. Dual-Force Forceps easily open the ring, and an ideal engagement angle allows for easy placement. Strong, balanced separation forces generated by the dual NiTi rings remain consistent and resist dislodgement. Four lateral tines separated by a V enable the ring to sit atop the Active-Wedge and engage the Dual-Force Matrix at its gingival and occlusal edges. This stabilizes the wedge and seals the vertical proximal margins to minimize any flash formation.
The Dual-Force Ring sits at a 20-degree angle to the occlusal plane, enabling the stacking of two Dual-Force Rings or clearing of an adjacent rubber dam clamp or prominent cusp. Errant composite and adhesive is easily wiped off. The autoclavable ring, along with its superior fatigue-resistance, will provide reliable and predictable service restoration after restoration.
Any attempt to restore a tooth to its original form and function includes a plethora of variables, any of which, if not properly controlled, can lead to a clinical disappointment or even failure. Utilizing a sectional matrix system, such as Dual-Force by Clinician’s Choice, that addresses the challenges of the proximal contact, is vital to achieving your clinical success.
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