Matrices in Dentistry

contents
 INTRODUCTION
 CONTACTS and CONTOURS
 TOOTH SEPARATION- WEDGES

 MATRICES : DEFINITION, FUNCTIONS

 PRE CONTOURED /SECTIONAL MATRIX
 AUTOMATRIX
 CLEAR PLASTIC MATRIX
 TRANSPARENT PLASTIC CROWN FORM MATRIX
 PREFORMED TRANSPARENT CERVICAL MATRIX
 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN MATRICES FOR COMPOSITE RESTORATION
 CONCLUSION
 REFERENCES
Introduction
 From the cariogenic aspect there may be only
twenty occlusal surfaces but there are sixty
contacting proximal and sixty four facial and
lingual surfaces that are susceptible to decay in
the full complement of teeth.
 Recreatingthe missing tooth form is important to not
only replace lost structure but also to re-establish ideal
form and function.

 Thegreatest challenge contoured by a clinician is to

create a tight proximal contact and obtain an
anatomical correct proximal contour.
• One must understand the role of a proximal
contact to better appreciate the importance of
reproducing its shape and tightness during
tooth restoration.

• Proximal contact tightness is multifactorial in

origin that is affected by tooth type, location,
patient position, mastication and restorative
procedure.
What is contact ?

Proximal contact area is the term used to

denote the area of proximal height of
contour at the mesial and distal surfaces of
a tooth that touches (contacts) its adjacent
tooth in the same arch. Sturdevants
Contact areas are places on the proximal
surfaces of tooth crowns where a tooth
touches the tooth adjacent to it in the
same arch, when the teeth are in proper
alignment.

Lewis.J.Clamann
Two types of contacts
 Contact Point
 Contact Area

 According to Ziesz and Nuckulls, the contact

area is not just a point, but rather a flattened
positioned of the tooth.
 Contactpoint refers to the occlusal cusp of a
tooth that touches the occlusal portion of
another tooth in the opposing arch. Thus a
contact area and contact point are not the same.
CONTACT AREA CONTACT POINT
 According to
STURDEVANTS
Initially after the
tooth eruption
there is only one
point of contact
point but due to
wear during
physiological tooth
movement the
proximal contact
point becomes
proximal contact
area.
LOCATION OF PROXIMAL CONTACT AREA

Maxillary and mandibular anteriors

Incisal third and it is positioned
slightly facial
Maxillary and mandibular posteriors
Near the junction of the occlusal and
middle thirds or in the middle third
IDEAL FUNCTIONS OF PROXIMAL CONTACT AREA

 Maintaining the dental arch stability by transmitting

forces along the long axis of the teeth.
 Correct relationship with the adjacent tooth allows
a good support against masticatory forces and
promotes deflection of food thereby preventing food
impaction interdentally.
 Influences speech and cosmetics in anterior region.
 Premature restorative failure does not occur if
stable proximal contact is present

 Makes the area self-cleansable

 Improves the longevity of proximal

restorations

 Maintains the normal mesio-distal relationship

of the teeth in the dental arch.
Examination of proximal contact relationship
 Visual inspection
 Digital test
 Radiographic ( paralleling technique )

 Visual inspection Viewing the contact from the occlusal and incisal
areas allows an evaluation of the contact and adjacent tooth
contour. Viewing the contact from the buccal or lingual aspect with
the aid of a mirror to reflect light into the area is extremely helpful.

 Digital test A fine unwaxed dental floss is a valuable aid in the

assessment of the breadth of contact and its tightness. This test is
made by first passing the floss obliquely through the buccal
embrasure and judging the cervical and lingual extent of the contact
as the floss is removed.
PROCEDURES FOR FORMULATION OF PROPER
CONTACTS AND CONTOURS

INTRAORA
L EXTRAORAL
PROCEDUR PROCEDURES
ES

TOOTH CAST
MATRICIN WAX
MOVEME ADJUSTME
G PATTERN
NT NT
FUNCTIONS OF WEDGES :

1. They assure close adaptability of matrix band to the tooth,

gingival to the gingival margin of preparation. thus preventing
plastic restorative materials from accumulating between the band
and the tooth below the gingival extremity of the cavity
preparation.

2. They occupy the space designated to be the gingival embrasure,

preventing the restorative material from impinging on it, thus
assuring proper health for the gingival interdental col (papillae).

3. They define the gingival extent of the contact area as well as the
facial and lingual embrasures, thereby assuring the health of the
proximal tissue.
4. They create some separation to compensate for the thickness of
matrix band and minor drifting of the teeth.

5. They establishes atraumatic retraction of the rubber dam and the

gingiva from the gingival margin of the cavity preparation, thereby
producing a temporary hemostasis and minimizing moisture in an area
which will receive moisture-sensitive dental materials.

6.They assure the immobilization of matrix band against movement

both facial-lingually and cervico-occlusally during insertion of the
restorative material.

7. They protect the interproximal gingiva from unexpected trauma

 CLASSIFICATION OF WEDGES
BASED ON MATERIAL

PLASTIC WOODEN METAL

BASED ON SHAPE

ROUND TRIANGULAR

BASED ON MODIFICATION

MODIFIED UNMODIFIED
 CUSTOM MADE WEDGES
These are made by trimming wood
or plastic material in triangular
shape to match that of embrasure.

Trimming can be done by scalpel ,

gold knife or diamond stone.
PRE-FABRICATED WEDGES

They are in triangular in shape

and supplied in different sizes.
Their shape should be modified
by trimming to exactly meet the
shape of gingival embrasure.
SYNTHETIC RESIN/ PLASTIC
WEDGES
They are commonly available in different colors and
sizes.
They have to be trimmed or plastically molded and bent
according to the shape of the inter dental col.
WOODEN WEDGES
These wedges are made from wood. (pine, oak) It
may be soft and resilient or hard. They are easy to
trim and shape. They absorb water interiorly and swell
up, which causes them to press more press against
the matrix there by improving their retention. They are
available in two shapes.

 Triangular shape
 Round shape
TRIANGULAR WEDGES ROUND WEDGES
• Indicated in cavities should be match with mesial
with deep gingival margin. and distal embrasure
• The apex lies below the • Used to depress the
contact area rubber dam
• The side of the triangle • They are preferred in
ideal class II cavities
preparation as wedging
action close to the
• Preferred with class II gingival margin

preparations with deep

gingival margins because of
greatest width at its base is
LIGHT TRANSMITTING WEDGES

These are transparent plastic wedges ,which are

available with a built in light reflecting property.

Indication
Class II composite restoration : These light
transmitting wedges help to assist in directing light
into the inter proximal areas during initial stages of
class II composite curing .
RATIONALE FOR TOOTH SEPARATION BY WEDGE
PLACEMENT
• Based on tooth movement which utilizes the elasticity of the
periodontal ligament when separated by an interdental wedge.
•
• This will also compensate for the width (thickness) of the matrix
band, so that after removal of the wedge and matrix, the separated
teeth returns to its original position creating a perfect contact
relation.

• Provides adaptation of matrix band in the cervical region.

• Protection from moisture and prevention of excess restorative

MATRICING
Matricing - It is the procedure where by a
temporary wall is created opposite to axial
walls & surrounding areas of tooth structure
that were lost during cavity preparation.

Matrix - It is a device used during restorative

procedures to hold the plastic restorative
material within the tooth while it is setting.
PARTS OF A MATRIX

There are two basic parts in a matrix:

a. Band

b. Retainer
 Matrix band

It is a false wall in the form of thin piece of metal or other

material(polymeric), replacing the missing wall in cavity
preparation.
It may be of different material such as stainless steel,
(toffelemire, ivory bands), copper (copper bands), celluloid
(transparent strips).
The height of the band should be such that it extend 2mm
above the marginal ridge and 1mm below gingival margin
of the preparation.
Matrix retainer
This is a device by which the band can be maintained in its
designated position and shape. The retainer maybe a
mechanical device, dental floss, a metal ring or impression
compound.
IDEAL REQUIREMENTS OF A MATRIX BAND

➢Ease of application
➢Removability
➢Rigidity
➢Versatility
➢Height
➢Proximal contours
➢Positive proximal pressure
➢Should not react / adhere to the restorative material.
FUNCTIONS OF MATRIX BAND

➢Act as a temporary wall.

➢Re-establishment of contact.
➢Restrict extrusion of the restorative material and
prevents overhangs.
➢Provide physiologic contour for proximal surface of
restoration.
➢Assist in holding back gingiva & rubber dam during
restoration.
➢Maintain the form of restoration during hardening
Ideal requirements of Matrix

 It should be simple in design.

 It should be easily applied and readily removed
 Itshould be rigid enough to withstand condensation
pressure preventing the restorative material bulging
out.
 It should be able to adapt with the shape and
position of different types of tooth. It should be non
reactive to the tissue and restorative material.
 Functions of Matrix

 It act as a temporary supporting wall

 Itconfines the restorative material and allows it to
acquire proper shape and form as it hardens.
 It retracts the gingiva and rubber dam as the
restorative material is packed in the cavity.
 Ithelps to establish the proper contact and contours
for the restoration.
 It prevents the gingival overhangs of the restoration.
Classification of Matrix Band

 Depending upon the composition of band material

1) Stainless steel e.g. Toffelemire, ivory no.1 and no.8
2) Copper e.g. Copper band
3) Cellulose acetate e.g. Cellophane transparent strips
4) Polyacetate e.g. Mylar Strips

 Depending upon the method of retention

1) Using retainers: Tofflemire , Ivory no.1and 8 bands
2) Retainer less band: Copper band , Automatrix
Depending
 upon the preparation.
1. Mechanical matrix e.g. Tofflemire retainer, Ivory No.1and 8
matrices.
2. Custom made /anatomic matrix e.g. Compound supported
matrix.

Depending
 on the cavity preparation for which it
is used.
1. Class 1 cavity with buccal or lingual extension
1. Double- banded Tofflemire matrix.
2. Pre-contoured sectional matrix.
3. Automatrix
2. Class 11 cavity
1. Single-banded Tofflemire matrix.
2. Ivory No.1 and Ivory No.8 matrices.
3. Compound-supported matrix.
4. Copper band matrix.
5. T-band matrix.
3. Class 111 cavity with buccal or lingual
extension.
1. S shaped matrix
2. Cellophane strips
3. Mylar strips
 4. Class 1V cavity
1. Cellophane strips
2. Transparent Celluloid Crown forms
3. Dead Soft metal matrix strips

5. Class V cavity
4. Window matrix
5. Tin foil matrix
6. Preformed transparent cervical matrix
IVORY No.1 matrix
 This matrix consists of a stainless steel
band which encircles one proximal
surface of a posterior tooth.
 This is attached to the retainer via a
wedge shaped projection on the
retainer.
 An adjusting screw at the end of the
retainer adapts the band to the
proximal surface.
Indications
 For restoring a unilateral class 11
cavity especially when the contact on
the unprepared side is very tight.
IVORY No.8 matrix
 This matrix consists of a band that
encircles the entire crown of the tooth.
 The circumference of the band can be
adjusted by the adjusting screw
present in the retainer.
Indications
 For restoring class 11 cavities on one
or both proximal surfaces of a posterior
tooth.
Toffelemire retainer

 It was designed by B.R.Tofflemire.

 Itis also referred to as universal
matrix .
 Itis usually preferred for most class
11 amalgam restorations.
Parts of Toffelemire retainer

HEAD
This part accommodates the matrix band. It is U shaped with two
slots. The open side of the head should be held facing upward when
the band is inserted and while positioning the band around the tooth
the slots in the head should be directed gingivally. The head maybe
straight or angulated with respect to rest of retainer.
Accordingly there are two types of tofflemire retainers :

Straight tofflemire retainer –

The head is straight. It is the most frequently used and is
normally placed on the buccal side of the tooth

Contra-angled tofflemire retainer –

In this the head is angled so that the retainer has to be placed
on the lingual surface of the tooth. The angle of the handle
allows it to be place without the interference of the anterior
teeth.
LOCKING VISE
 This has a diagonal slot. The locking vise is positioned near the head for
the placing the band in the retainer and positioning it around the tooth.
POINTED SPINDLE
 This is used to adjust the distance between the head and locking vise and
also adjust the size of the loop of the matrix band.
SMALL KNURLED NUT
 Turning this nut clockwise tightens the pointed spindle against the band
and thus secures the band in the retainer. The reverse motion releases the
pointed spindle from locking vise thus releasing the band from the retainer.
LARGE KNURLED NUT
 This is used to adjust the size of the loop of the matrix band either to adapt
it tightly against the tooth or to loosen it from the tooth.
 TOFFLEMIRE BANDS
Available in 3 thicknesses – 0.0010, 0.0015, 0.0020 inches
 Thicker Bands – resist deformation during condensation
 Thin bands – helps to ensure a tight contact in class II restorations

No.1 – universal band

No 2 – Has two gingival projections for application in teeth with
deep gingival margins
No.3 – Similar to No.2 but is much narrower.
Indication
 It is ideally indicated for MOD cavities
 Class II cavities
 Class I cavities with buccal and lingual extensions
BAND PLACEMENT IN HEAD OF THE RETAINER
PLACEMENT OF MATRIX WITH SLOTS IN THE HEAD
DIRECTED GINGIVALLY
PLACEMENT OF MATRIX WITH SLOTS IN THE
HEAD DIRECTED GINGIVALLY
MATRIX APPLICATION FOR CLASS 1 AMALGAM
( OCCLUSOLINGUAL OR OCCLUSOFACIAL) RESTORATION-
BARTON MATRIX

 The tofflemire matrix retainer is sued to secure a matrix band to

the tooth, because this type of matrix band does not initimately
adapt to the lingual or facial groove area of the tooth, an
additional step may be necessary to provide a matrix that is rigid
on the lingual portion of the tooth preparation.
 If so, a piece of stainless steel matrix material( 0.002 inch /
0.05mm thick, 5/16 inch 8 mm wide is cut to fit between the
lingual surface of the tooth and the band already in place.
 The gingival edge of this segment of matrix material is placed
slightly gingival to the gingival edge of the band to help secure
the band segment.
 A small wedge may be used , between the sectional matrix and
the tofflemire matrix band, to prevent lingual displacement of
the sectional matrix during condensation of the amalgam.
 Occasionally,the piece of strip matrix can be positioned
approximately by using polyvinyl siloxane or green stick
compound matrix support.
 CONVEXI-T
• ConveXi-T™ Convex Tofflemire™ Matrix Bands are pre-
contoured buccal/lingually and occlusal/gingivally and are available
in two options.

• The original ConveXi-T matrix bands are 0.025 mm thin and are

dead soft, allowing them to be further contoured if necessary. 

• The new ConveXi-T s2 (stainless steel) matrix bands are

slightly more rigid at 0.030mm thick, facilitating easy placement
when preparations are tight – even having the ability to push through
a partially closed preparation.

• proper contact and contour of restorations are ensured .

• Both options will provide a tighter and more naturally
contoured contact with your Class ii restorations. 

• Both versions of ConveXi-T matrix bands, available in

widths of 5.5mm and 6.3mm, facilitate the creation of
interproximal contours necessary to recreate the contact
areas and natural convex anatomy of the interproximal
area.
 Copper band matrix
 Copper bands of assorted sizes make
excellent matrices. These are cylindrical
in shape and can be selected according
to the diameter of the tooth to be
restored.
 The band is softened by heating in
flame and quenching in water.
 Indicated for badly broken down teeth
especially those receiving pin-amalgam
restoration.
 Also for complex situation like ClassII
cavities with large buccal or lingual
extension.
 Copper band matrix

Advantages
 Provides excellent contour

Disadvantages
 Time consuming
T –BAND MATRIX

This is a preformed stainless steel

matrix band without retainer
Indications
 For class 11 cavities involving one or
both proximal surface of posteriors
Advantages
 Simple & inexpensive matrix band
system
 Rapid & easy to apply
Pre-contoured metal matrix strips with metal
rings
 Theyare currently most popular for restoring class II cavities with
composite restorations.
 Consists of small, pre contoured dead soft metal matrices ready
for application to tooth.
 Available in various sizes and thicknesses
 They are selected according to the tooth to be restored
and wedged to adapt to gingival contour.
 Following this, the band is held in place by a flexible
metal ring called BiTine ring using special forceps.
BASIC PRINCIPLE OF BITINE RINGS :

 These rings work by providing slight separation of the contacting

teeth.

 When the ring is expanded and its tines are placed between the
contacting teeth, its spring action applies equal and opposite
forces against the teeth thus providing optimum separation.

Eg : Palodent biting matrix system, Composi-tight matrix system.

Recent systems :
v3 ring system (Triodent), and Composi-Tight 3d soft face ring system (Garrison
dental solutions )

ADVANTAGES
• Easy to use
• Bands ensure good anatomic contour
• Good gingival adaptation

DISADVANTAGES
• Expensive
• Matrix bands become dented easily as tight contacts may prevent insertion of
band.
 Palodent sectional MATRIX system

 This original Palodent was created in 1986 by dentist and

university instructor Alvin Meyer, pioneering the “BiTine” ring
technology that simultaneously provided optimal interproximal
separation and held the matrix band securely in place.

 The Palodent System employs a spring steel BiTine ring and

sectional matrices for placement of restorations in the posterior
region.

 Sectional matrices are available in three sizes suitable for use

with all posterior restorative materials.
 Bi-Tine rings are available in round and oval or elongated shapes suitable for
use in the posterior region either singly or in tandem.
 The advantages of the sectional matrices and rings include

Natural contours for better control of contact areas and embrasures,

Ease of placement,
Better visualization of the operative field, and more comfort for the
practitioner and patient.
Eliminating the leverage of a conventional matrix retainer allows the
practitioner to use less tension, avoiding excessive compression of
tooth and easier formation of anatomical proximal contact areas.
Palodent PLUS
Palodent Plus Sectional Matrix System employs a nickel-titanium
retaining ring, interproximal wedge, Wedge Guard and sectional
matrices for placement of restorations in the posterior region.
Palodent® Plus EZ Coat matrices have a micro-thin, non-stick finish
that minimizes the chance that bonding agent or composite sticks to
the band, making matrix removal easier.
The matrices are available in 5 sizes: 3.5mm, 4.5mm, 5.5mm, 6.5mm
and 7.5mm.
The retaining rings are available in narrow(dark blue), for most
premolar and small molars or universal(light blue), for larger molars.
Rings maybe used either single or in tandem, for simultaneous
restoration of multiple surfaces.

ADVANTAGE :
Is its nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rings. These deliver a flatter force curve
delivers for optimum force across a wider range of posterior
embrasures.
 Wedge Guard combination wedge and shield that protects
approximating surfaces.
 AUTOMATRIX

 It is a retainer less matrix system

designed for any tooth regardless
of its circumference and height .
 The automatrix system is an
alternative to a universal retainer.
 It is indicated for complex
restorations where one or more
cusps are to be replaced.
 There is no retainer used to hold the band in place.
 Bands are already formed into a circle and are
available in assorted sizes in both metal and plastic.
 Each band has a coil like auto lock loop.
A tightening wrench is inserted into the coil and
turned clockwise to tighten the band.
 When finished, the tightening wrench is inserted onto
the coil and turned counterclockwise to loosen the
band.
 Removing pliers are used to cut the band.
Components
Auto matrix band: Available in three
widths
1. 3/16th inch (MEDIUM)
2. 1/4th inch (NARROW)
3. 5/16th inch (WIDE)

Automatrix bands are available in

thicknesses of 0.0015 to 0.002 inch.
Automate II tightening device
 Adjust loop of band according to circumference of the
tooth to be restored.

Shielded nippers
Used to cut auto lock loop, so that band can be
separated & removed from the tooth.
Indications
 Complex amalgam restoration especially when one or more
cusp are to be replaced.
Advantages
 Convenient to be use .
 Improved visibility due to lack of interference from a retainer.
 Rapid application.
Disadvantages
 Band are flat ,so difficult to burnish
 Cannot develop proper proximal contact & contour.
 Expensive
Matrices for tooth coloured
Restorations
Matrix AppLIcation for class 111 composite
restoration
MYLAR STRIP MATRIX

A properly contoured thin mylar strip matrix is most commonly

used for most class 111 and 1V preparations.

 Step 1 – contouring the mylar strip matrix

a. By drawing it along a hard, rounded object.
b. Several pulls of the strip with heavy pressure across the
rounded end of the pliers may be required to obtain enough
convexity.
 Step 11 – prewedge Insertion

A wedge is slightly positioned in the gingival embrasure before the

strip is inserted.

 Step 111 – Positioning the Mylar strip matrix

The contoured strip is positioned between the teeth so that the

convex area conforms to the desired tooth contour.
Preformed transparent cervical matrix

 These are commercially available

in various contours for use in
anterior & posterior tooth
Indication
 For class v restoration with
composite resin
 For resin modified glass ionomer
restoration
Advantages
 Provide good contour for the restoration

Disadvantages
 Expensive
Bioclear Matrix System
 This system offers covers all the possible composite dentistry
including Diastema Closure and Black Triangle Closure.
 It includes the Bioclear Matrices for anterior and posterior
composites.
 The kit also contains three wedging options,

 Sabre Wedges that helps in anatomical shaping of the composite,

 Soft Wooden Wedges that create the tightest gingival seal without
creating black triangles, and
 the Interproximatior with its anatomic, translucent silicone state that
separates teeth, creating a strong contact.
 Also included is the Tetra Ring with its four
hands and clear matrix ring that compliments
injection of must develop skills and constantly
upgrade the chance that bonding agent or
composite modern cavity preparations.
 Lastly, Contact helps to lighten the contact
• Made from a
polyester film
(mylar)
• Thickness is 50 microns
• Anatomic shapes are
tooth surface specific
(a distal matrix will not
fit on a mesial)
• 18 different shapes of
matrices (9 for the
anterior and 9 for the
posterior)
Traditonal Flat mylar and wooden
Bioclear Matrix (Distal)
wedge.
 
CLEAR PLASTIC MATRIX

 Transparent plastic strips are employed as matrices for tooth

colored restoration.
 They allow light to pass trough them during polymerization of
composite resin.

 They can be of different types :

• Celluloid (cellulose nitrate) strips used for silicate cements.

• Cellophane (cellulose acetate ) used for resins
• Mylar strips used for composite and silicate restorations.
 The band would extend atleast1mm beyond the gingival and
incisal margins of the cavity.
 It can be stabilized using a wooden or preferably a light
transmitting wedge.
 After inserting the composite resin material the matrix is pulled
tightly around the tooth following which light curing is done.
INDICATIONS
 For small and large class 111 and class 1V tooth colored
restoration.
ADVANTAGES
 easy to use
 inexpensive
TRANSPARENT PLASTIC CROWN FORM MATRIX

• It is commercially available transparent plastic crown forms.

• It is available in various sizes and contours for anterior teeth.
• It provides a suitable crown form can be selected for prepared
tooth and trimmed fit 1mm past the prepared margins.
• The contact area in the crown form is thinned with an abrasive
disk so that once matrix is removed the restoration contacts the
adjacent tooth.
• The bulk of composite resin is loaded into crown form.
• Then it is positioned over the tooth and light curing is done.
• After curing the crown form can be slit with a bur and removed.

INDICATIONS for large class 1V cavities, for oblique fractures of

anterior tooth.
ADVANTAGES
 Easy to use good contours can be established
DISADVANTAGES
 Time consuming
 Expensive
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN MATRICES
FOR COMPOSITE RESTORATION
 PARABAND TOFFLEMIRE MATRIX BAND

 Paraband Tofflemire Matrix Bands save time and

improve the quality of restorations with their more
conical formation.
 DirectClass II composites are simpler and faster to
set up, often with no wedges or separating springs
required.
 Restore teeth in a neutral, stable position with
predictable broad and deep contacts. Large MODs
will become routine.
 For direct Class III, IV, and V composites, the band
provides better isolation of the preparation, as well as
a stable matrix for condensing composite.
 Bonding to subgingival preparations is simpler due to
the isolation and access provided. Works with any
Tofflemire retainer.
 Precision-cut 0.0015” thin stainless steel.
 PINK BAND

 PinkBand is a silicone-coated matrix band for use

when placing composite restorations. The silicone
coating may provide an additional seal against
moisture contamination within the confines of the
band, and it can also facilitate removal of the band.
 
 It is a Tofflemire-style band and is available in
Universal, Pedo and Subgingival sizes.
 Bands are available in both Regular 0.0015″
and Ultra Thin 0.001” thicknesses.
 Itwas chosen due to the improved moisture
control over standard and sectional matrix
bands.
 The silicone coating also prevented the
composite from sticking to the band, making
the removal smooth and easy. All sizes fit
retainers well. 
COMPOSI-TIGHT 3D CLEAR
MATRIX BAND REFILLS
 Composi-Tight 3D Clear Sectional
Matrix System combines transparent
and translucent materials to allow for
cure-through polymerization.
 curing light can be applied from both
the buccal and lingual surfaces without
interference from metal matrices and
opaque separator rings.
 Enables proper curing of deeper
proximal boxes and is also beneficial
when bulk-filling Class II restorations.
CURE THROUGH
TRANSPARENT MATRICES

Made of transparent polyester,

polydentia pre-cut tofflemire
transparent matrix band.

Allow complete light-curing of

proximal boxes in MOD composite
restoration.
Can be used with any matrix
retainer.

0.0015 inches thin

CONVENIENT PRO-MATRIX BANDS

• Convenient Pro-Matrix Bands are preloaded to make

restoration procedures faster and easier.
• This circumferential band is ideal for both small and large
restorations.
• Compact, fixed head ensures stability.
• Narrow neck aids visibility and access.
• Smooth edges increase patient comfort.
• Easy-turning adjustment mechanism ensures a correct fit.
• Sliding band deflector creates a band angulation to fit all
quadrants and form a tighter fit around tooth.
• Single-use design prevents cross-contamination.
ALL-IN-ONE U DENTAL BANDS

U Dental Matrix Bands are a new generation of matrices

designed to save time and ensure tight, predictable Class II
contacts. With no need for Tofflemires, forceps or retainers
rings, these are the only matrix bands held from the buccal and
lingual by an integrated spring clip handle, creating a natural
curve.
 This all-in-one sectional band is easy to insert and remove by
hand. If needed, a wedge may be used for added stability.
For adjacent restorations, bands are replaced back to back
and finished simultaneously.
Available in three
sizes, molar and
pre-molar bands
are 1/4 wide.
Narrower pre-
molar bands are
3/16 wide and
also suitable for
deciduous teeth.
FENDERMATE
 This is a pre-curved, one-piece sectional matrix and wedge
that provides for quick, safe and predictable composite
restorations, with a tight contact and cervical sealing.
 Fender Mate is designed to be inserted either buccally or
lingually.
 The matrix reaches from the base of the wedge to just a few
millimeters above the occlusal surface. The side of the
wedge facing the adjacent tooth has an angled wing. During
insertion, the wing presses the matrix firmly against the
preparation giving a tight seal at the margin. To form the
contact point the matrix has a pre-contoured indentation,
which mimics natural contours.
CONCLUSION

It can be said without any doubt that performing any restoration

with ideal contacts and contours is no longer a cumbersome
task. A number of dental companies have come up with wide
range of products that claim to reproduce the lost natural
contacts and contours. With the above mentioned products and
techniques this does not seem to be an intangible goal.
Depending on the feasibility, knowledge and skills, it is for the
operator to decide appropriate matrix system to corroborate
composites with natural contacts and contours and to finally
improve the longevity of restorations.
REFERENCES
 Sturdevants Art and science of operative dentistry
 Textbook of operative dentistry – Ramya Raghu
 Text Book for Operative Dentistry – Marzouk
 Latest Trends in Composite Restoration Matricing : Dr. Sumit Gupta, Dr.
Rakesh Mittal
 Achieving tight contacts in Class II direct resin restorations- Kaplowitz GJ1

 Achieving tight contacts in large posterior composite restorations using a

sectional matrix system with pre-contoured matrix bands: Composi tight : Dory

Stutman

 The evolution of matrix systems for composite restorations :Jeffrey A.Sibner

 Restoring Proximal Contacts of Teeth” Dr. Aji Markose
-IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-