Matrices in Operative

Dentistry

Matrix ?
A matrix is defined as a properly
contoured piece of metal or other
material used to support and give
form to the restoration during its
placement and hardening.

The art and science of operative dentistry,1995: Mosby-Year

Book,Inc.

Introduction

Unfortunately, dentistry does not have a

truly satisfactory manufactured matrix for
directly placed restorations.
Most matrices available to the profession
have some good qualities but do not meet
all the requisites.
The primary function of the matrix is to
restore anatomical contours and contact
areas.
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Why do we need matrices ?

Gingival floor of a class

II cavity is the most
vulnerable area where
overhang of
restorative material
can take place.
There is no method to
control the placement
and contour of
restoration without a
matrix wall.
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Characteristics of a good
matrix

Rigidity.
Establishment of proper anatomical contour.
Restoration of correct proximal contact
relation.
Easy adaptation to the tooth.
Ability to be contoured.
Prevention of gingival excess.
Strength to offer resistance to condensation.
pressure.
Easy removal from the tooth.
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Functions of matrix

Provision of a temporary wall of

resistance to the pressure necessary
for amalgam insertion.
Provision of shape and contour to the
restoration.
Maintenance of form during
placement and set of the
amalgam/composite.
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Classification

On the basis of chemistry

On the basis of thickness
On the basis of rigidity
On the basis of circumference

Metallic Matrices

Circumferential
Tofflemire
(universal)
Automatrix
Siquveland
T-band

Sectional
Palodent
Composi -tight
Ivory
Strip-T matrix

Circumferential Type

The band encircles the tooth and is

secured by the retainer on the buccal
or lingual aspect.
Band may be straight, curved or
contoured.
Advantage: this type can be firmly
adapted to the tooth.
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Metallic matrices
Tofflemire type

Ivory type

T-band (straight)

Curved T-Band

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Dimensions

The non-contoured bands are

available in two thicknesses, 0.05mm
and 0.038mm.
Contoured matrices may have
variable dimensions (depending upon
the commercial product).

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Tofflemire matrix band

The Tofflemire matrix assembly

consists of the following:

Matrix bands
Matrix retainer
Wedge

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Matrix bands
.

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Assembled bands

Fig 12-6

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Assembly of tofflemire
retainer

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Wedges

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Wedges

Anatomical (triangular
wedges) are
recommended for
deeper and / or wider
proximal preparations.

Rounded wedges are

recommended for
shallower and / or
narrower proximal
preparations.
Sturdevant JR et al: Conservative preparation designs for class
II amalgam restorations, Dent Mater 3:144, 1987.

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Role of wedge

It should hold the matrix band firmly in

position cervically.
It should not be of such a height that it
prevents the formation of a contact point.
Another function is to separate the teeth
slightly so that when it and the matrix are
finally removed, the teeth return to their
original positions, closing the small space
left by the thickness of the matrix band.
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Technique

19

Technique

cont.

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Technique

Either precontoured the matrix

material before placing on the tooth.
Matrix band can be contoured after
being adapted on the tooth with the
help of an egg-shaped burnisher,
back side of the blade of 15-8-14
spoon excavator or blade of a
Hollenbeck carver.
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Wedge placement

Simple wedging
Piggy-back
wedging
Double-wedging
Wedge-wedging

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Modification of matrices
All matrices require modification when:

proximal surface is a guide plane for

tooth/ tissue supported partial denture.
Adjacent tooth has a flatter contact.
Adjacent proximal contours are not
normal.

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Clear matrices

Polyester strips
Mylar strips
Cellophane strips
Plastic strips
Clear plastic crown form

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Wedges for composite

Light reflecting wedges along with

clear matrices are recommended for
composite restorations.
Alternatively, ultra thin (0.013mm)
metal matrices can be used for
composites.

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Prewedging

Placement of wedge prior to tooth

preparation is helpful especially in
case of composite restorations.
It allows greater separation of the
teeth and more space to build a
contact.

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Automatrix

Its a retainer less matrix system with

four types of bands, designed to fit all
teeth regardless of circumference.

Narrow regular
Wide regular
Medium thin
Medium regular

(4.7mm), (0.05mm)
(7.9mm), (0.05mm)
(6.2mm), (0.038mm)
(6.2mm), (0.05mm)

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Sectional matrices

Studies have shown that use of

sectional matrices for composite
restorations are on a rise.
Sectional matrices do not only result
in tighter anatomical contacts but
also are dentist friendly.
Lowe RA. The use of sectional matrix systems in class II direct
composite restorations. Dent Today. 2004 Oct;23(10):108, 110-2
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Palodent (sectional matrix)

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Apical flap matrix ?

Restoring a class II cavity with deeply

placed proximal gingival floor or
restoration of root caries in proximal
surfaces with composite is a
restorative challenge for the dentist.
The feature of apical flap in the
design of sectional has solved the
issue to considerable extent.
A conservative technique for restoring a tooth affected by
interproximal root caries. J Prosthet Dent. 2003 Feb;89(2):2212.

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Questions ?

Is the matrix band stable ?

Does the matrix band fit at the
cervical margin ?
Has the band been burnished in the
contact area so that the contact
point can be restored ?
Is the height of the band sufficient ?
Is the cavity clean and dry ?
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Preformed Matrix Bands

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Strip-T Matrix System

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Case

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Other methods for tighter

contacts.

Use of PTFE tape.

Use of composite inserts.
Incremental composite placement.
Continuous pressure against proximal
wall.
Class transition technique.
Dunn WJ, Davis JT, Casey JA. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
tape as a matrix in operative dentistry. Oper Dent. 2004 Jul-

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Are matrices reusable ??

A survey of the use of matrix bands and their

decontamination in general dental practice .
Lowe AH, Burke FJ, McHugh S, Bagg J.
The University of Birmingham School of Dentistry.

CONCLUSIONS: The Siquveland matrix band is the most

popular among the study group of dental practitioners. Re-use

of matrix bands is common. Guidelines for the safe re-use of
matrix bands are required
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Conclusion

The role of matrices in operative

dentistry is irreplaceable.
Without a matrix there is no other way
(in a directly placed restoration) to
produce contours and contacts.
No matrix band is ideal, almost all
proximal cavities need a matrix
depending on the requirements of the
specific case.

Goldstein MB.It's all in your contacts! A Class II matrix roundup.

Dent Today. 2003 Sep;22(9):60-5.

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Mullejans R, Badawi MO, Raab WH, Lang H. An in

vitro comparison of metal and transparent
matrices used for bonded class II resin composite
restorations. Oper Dent. 2003 Mar-Apr;28(2):1226.
El-Badrawy WA, Leung BW, El-Mowafy O, Rubo JH,
Rubo MH. Evaluation of proximal contacts of
posterior composite restorations with 4
placement techniques. J Can Dent Assoc. 2003
Mar;69(3):162-7.
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Rada RE. Achieving anatomic proximal contacts

with direct composite resin restorations.Dent
Today. 2000 Mar;19(3):46-50.

Klein F, Keller AK, Staehle HJ, Dorfer CE..

Proximal contact formation with different
restorative materials and techniques. Am J Dent.
2002 Aug;15(4):232-5 .

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Thank You

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