Product Review
The O-Shape matrix is for mesio-occlusal-distal
(MOD) fillings and single, freestanding teeth;
ON-Shape is for terminal teeth, extra large
molars, and for use over rubber dam clamps; XShape
can be used with adjacent fillings with
existing interdental space; XF-Shape is for front
teeth; and the OF-Shape matrix is intended for
front teeth. In addition, the Walser Matrices are
made of stainless steel, and the manufacturer
says that they can be reused up to 50 times.
Effectiveness
The 6 dentists who evaluated the Walser
Matrices were asked to rate their effectiveness.
Five rated the matrices as excellent to very good
and 1 rated them as good. One evaluator said
that he was able to use the matrices “on adult
and primary teeth with great results.” Another
commented that “the bands were nicely contoured
and thin enough that, with the addition
of a wedge, I got nice contacts.” This evaluator
went on to say that it was sometimes “difficult
to place a wedge with the matrix device.” A
third evaluator said that he got “good contact
most of the time.”
Fit
According to Vident, the Walser Matrices
can be fit and removed in seconds and accommodate
all types of needs, including biplane fillings,
MOD singles, front teeth, terminal teeth,
and extra large molars. The manufacturer
also says that 2 teeth can be banded
simultaneously. In addition, patients
can close their mouths and bite while
the matrix is in place.
When the evaluators were asked to
rate the matrices on fit, 4 rated them as
very good, 1 rated them as good, and 1
rated them as fair. One evaluator commented
that when the right band is used
the fit is very good. Another evaluator
said that “the only time I had trouble
was occasionally when using [the
matrix] for MO/DO [mesio-occlusal/
distal-occlusal] restorations.”
Ease of Use
The 6 evaluators were asked to rate
Walser Matrices on their ease of use.
Three of the evaluators rated them as
excellent, 1 rated them as good, and 2
of the evaluators rated them as fair.
The one area that seemed to be an
issue for the evaluators, even for those
who really like this matrix system, is
the number and variety of sizes and
shapes to choose from. One evaluator
said, “There seems to be a learning
curve in the use of the Vident Walser
Matrices. There are so many to choose
from, it takes a while to decide the
proper matrix to use for each case.”
This evaluator went on to say, “Actual
placement, however, is relatively easy.”
Another evaluator noted that he has
“not yet finished the learning curve; it is
a complex but effective system.”
A third evaluator said that he had
some difficulty seeing the numbers
engraved on the small metal disk. His
solution was to write the number on the
autoclave packaging before autoclaving so
that he could easily identify each matrix.
Ease of Removal
When the evaluators were asked to
rate the matrices on ease of removal, 2
rated them as excellent, 3 rated them as
very good, and 1 rated them as fair.
One evaluator found some of the
matrix bands to be short. This evaluator
said that while “removal is relatively
easy, in a few cases with amalgam,
the shortness of the band and the
process of removing the matrix by
stretching the retainer caused the marginal
ridge material to break off.”
Another evaluator said that removal of
the matrix was “never a problem.”
Overall Satisfaction
When the evaluators were asked to
rate their overall satisfaction with the
Walser Matrices, 1 rated them as excellent,
3 rated them as very good, 1 rated
them as good, and 1 rated them as fair.
One of the evaluators said that he
found the system to be “very quick and
easy” to use.
In general, the evaluators found the
Walser Matrices to be an effective and
easy to use system, but many of them
agreed that it takes time to learn it and
be comfortable with the many matrix
choices available.
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