V3 Ring

The V-shaped tines of the original V-Ring are now made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic, increasing the ring’s retention and adaptation. With a steeper spring angle relative to the occlusal plane, stacking is easier and more room is available for multiple, simultaneous restorations. A groove has been added so that rubber dam forceps can be used with the ring. To aid in separating smaller teeth, a new Narrow V3 Ring is now available.
The improvements made with the V3 Ring have made it more stable in forceps so that the rings are easy to handle and are less likely to be dropped or to fall off the forceps. According to studies conducted by Triodent, the V3 Ring is the strongest sectional matrix retainer on the market.

Ring Strength

By changing the construction of the V3 Ring to all nickel titanium, Triodent has designed a matrix ring with great spring strength and a broader range of action. Six of the 8 dentists who evaluated the V3 Ring rated ring strength as very important to important when purchasing sectional matrix systems. When the evaluators were then asked to rate the V3 Ring’s strength, 5 rated it as excellent and 3 rated it as very good. One evaluator described the V3 Ring as “much better than the previous V-Ring and other ring types I have used.”

Ring Stability

According to Triodent, the V3 Ring is stable in forceps, both mesially and distally. The manufacturer says that it is easy to handle and is less likely to be dropped or jump off of the forceps.
All of the evaluators rated the stability of the ring on the tooth as very important to important when choosing a new matrix ring. They were then asked to rate the V3 Ring’s stability on the tooth. Three rated it as excellent and 4 rated it as very good. One evaluator did not answer the question. One evaluator commented that the V3 Ring “doesn’t slide quite as much” as other rings. Another evaluator summed it up by simply saying “Excellent!”

Anatomical Contour

Five of the dentists who participated in this evaluation said that anatomical contour is very important when considering a new matrix ring for purchase; 3 rated this feature as important. When the evaluators were asked to rate the V3 Ring on anatomical contour, 3 rated it as excellent, 2 rated it as very good, and 3 rated it as good. One evaluator said that he “found the contours of the restorations to be excellent.”

Tooth Separation and Contacts

According to Triodent, the nickel titanium used in the V3 Ring has excellent memory retention, which means that the ring will always return to its original shape. This adaptability creates consistently optimal separating force for ideal contacts. In addition, the new Narrow V3 Ring ensures the best separating force on smaller teeth and on teeth that are difficult to separate.
When the evaluators were asked to rate the tooth separation of the V3 Ring, 6 rated it as excellent to very good and 1 rated it as good. With regard to the tightness of the contacts, 4 evaluators rated the V3 Ring as excellent and 4 rated it as very good. One evaluator said, “I found the contacts to be excellent.” Another evaluator said he found the contacts to be “excellent most of the time.”

Overall Satisfaction

All of the dentists who participated in the evaluation of the V3 Ring found it to be much or somewhat better than other similar sectional matrix systems. In addition, all of the evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend the V3 Ring to their dental colleagues. When asked about their overall satisfaction rating for the V3 Ring, 1 rated it as excellent, 6 rated it as very good, and 1 rated it as good. One evaluator said, “I loved the adaptation of the V3 Ring around the wedge and the tight fit of the matrix against the tooth.” He also said, “My only wish would be to see a larger variety of wedges…longer and thicker would be a great addendum.” This same evaluator went on to say, “I like the product enough that I plan [to buy] more.”