THIS SECTIONAL MATRIX SYSTEM COMPRISES 6 PRECISELY DESIGNED COMPONENTS: RINGS, MATRICES, WEDGES, WEDGE GUARDS, FORCEPS, AND PIN TWEEZERS
Placing a matrix in the posterior region of the mouth can be tricky, but its successful placement and function will result in the isolation and accurate orientation necessary to create a flawless resin-based or amalgam restoration in the posterior region. Eric W. Van Zytveld, DDS, discusses his 4 years of experience using the Palodent Plus sectional matrix system from Dentsply Sirona Restorative to create direct restorations with accurate contacts.
When I’m using resin-based restoratives, I know that both isolation and creating accurate contacts are critical. When I first tried the Palodent Plus system 4 years ago, I found that it accomplished both, and today I’m still using it, because I know that the restorative outcome is going to be predictable and accurate, and that the patient and I are both going to appreciate the results.
To protect the adjacent tooth during a Class II cavity preparation, I begin by placing a wedge guard interproximally. Often, I place a universal ring to help separate the teeth during the preparation. Once the interproximal cavity is prepared, the ring and wedge guard are removed and a sectional matrix band is placed and secured with a passive wedge. The Palodent Plus Ni-Tiring provides tight retention to obtain separation and tight contacts, and enables shaping of proximal contours in posterior Class II restorations.
Simplicity and Accuracy
The system consists of only 6 components, including rings, matrices, wedges, wedge guards, pin tweezers, and forceps. It offers flexibility because the sectional matrices come in 5 sizes and can be used with any posterior restorative material. The rings are available in Universal and Narrow sizes, so the kit is suitable for a variety of clinical situations. You can place multiple matrix dimensions and geometries, depending on the clinical situation. The wedge guards are easy to place, even when there is healthy periodontium and tight interproximal contacts. This saves quite a bit of time and frustration.
The rings, which are made of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti), enable better visualization of the field, which helps when sculpting natural contours and contacts in Class II restorations. I find Palodent Plus matrices also use less tension, so the patient is more comfortable. Placing a ring before interproximal preparation greatly facilitates sectional matrix band placement. This is especially true when the preparation is very conservative.
Patient comfort and conservative dentistry are both important aspects of my practice. I also donate care to underserved populations including the elderly and disabled, and making their dental care experience less traumatic with predictable results is essential.
