A Custom Blueprint for Highly Esthetic Smiles

Every dentist wants to give their patients the best smile possible, no matter who’s in the chair—whether it’s a lifelong patient of record, a friend or family member, or a brand-new patient seeking a second opinion. And with some studies showing 86% of patients would undergo dental treatment to improve their smile,1 the pressure is on to provide a result that’s not only functional, but highly esthetic.

But how can you restore common issues in the esthetic zone easily, efficiently, and in a way that fits into patients’ budgets? If the treatment plan requires fixing peg laterals, closing diastemas, providing post-orthodontic treatment, or creating composite veneers, Filtek Matrix is a solution worth exploring. Used alongside Filtek Dental Composites, this digitally designed anterior matrix system enables virtually any clinician to provide esthetic restorations using additive techniques.

Exact Symmetry in Half the Time

“I use the Filtek Matrix in cases where the patient is looking to enhance the size and shape of their teeth,” said Dr. Cam-Tu Dalluge, who owns Radiance Dental in Chanhassen, MN. “It allows me to digitally design the case, show the patient the rendered outcome, and then duplicate it exactly in the mouth.”

Following a simple, streamlined digital workflow, Filtek Matrix procedures can typically be completed in as little as 2 appointments. It starts by taking scans or impressions and filling out a digital prescription, after which doctors review and approve the custom restoration design through the web-based Clarity Portal. Once treatments are approved, clinicians use the 3D-printed Filtek Matrix and Filtek dental composites to transfer the design to the patient’s teeth.

“I would not be able to give the patient exact symmetry, and it would take twice as long if I freehanded the composite veneers,” noted Dr. Dalluge.

Beyond reducing chair time, the Filtek Matrix makes restorative treatment more accessible and attractive to patients. It also helps level the playing field for providers by empowering clinicians of all experience levels to take on once-challenging cases with confidence and consistently see success.

Alignment with Fewer Refinements

Designed to treat mild to moderate malocclusions, including crowding, spaces, midline discrepancy, open or deep bites, overjet, crossbite, Class II overbite, and Class III underbite, Clarity Aligners feature a thin, flexible design that provides excellent initial and sustained force persistence. A variety of affordable single- and dual-arch treatment options are available, and the aligners maintain a consistent force over 2 weeks. Plus, their straight trimline contributes to greater torque control and retentive forces, as well as increased comfort and esthetics.

“I typically treat Class I and Class II crowding and spacing issues,” said Dr. Dalluge. “My Clarity Aligners workflow is straightforward and similar to other aligner products.” What’s not similar, however, are the frequent issues encountered with other aligner systems. “While there are many popular brands available, I have faced challenges with cases requiring multiple refinements and difficulties during attachment appointments,” she shared. “With Clarity Aligners, the treatment outcome is predictable and requires minimal refinement.”

A recent addition to the Clarity Aligner system, Clarity Precision Grip Attachments are a 3D-printed and fully cured composite attachment system that enables flash-less bonding and consistent engagement with aligners. The prefilled attachments are precisely shaped and customized for every patient, while their increased stain resistance encourages greater patient satisfaction and compliance.

“The success of the aligner treatment is dependent on how well the attachments are placed,” Dr. Dalluge added. “I love the 3D-printed attachments of the Clarity Aligners because they allow for quick and precise placement. Patients are extremely happy with the results.”

Filtek Matrix and Clarity Aligners: Better Together

Like most dentists, Dr. Dalluge understands that well-aligned smiles are not only easier to clean and maintain but also tend to result in more successful restorations. That’s why she often blends Clarity Aligners treatment with a Filtek Matrix restoration.

“I typically pair Clarity Aligners and the Filtek Matrix in cases with tooth size discrepancies,” she said. “I align the teeth first and then address the cosmetic concern.”

Both Clarity Aligners and Filtek Matrix are fueled by the Clarity Portal, an integrated, cloud-based software platform that offers support for restorative and orthodontic treatments. It streamlines the treatment planning and ordering processes, providing expert clinical support and educational resources along the way.

“The Clarity Portal is very user-friendly, and it’s nice to have one platform for both products,” said Dr. Dalluge. “Case submission includes adding photos and scans, and also the requested prescription/correction. It’s very easy to communicate with the design team if I need any changes to the treatment design.”