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The Triodent 360-degree cervical matrix system

A new and time-saving product for use with composite restorations is described here by Tony Beale
Squeezing the back of the tweezers will conform more readily to tooth contours. release the grip. When working with sub-gingival cavities, retraction cord can be used to gain Placement technique better access to gingival margins, and to When filling the cavity, it is suggested that control any crevicular exudate. it be slightly overfilled before carefully sliding the matrix over the restored area Advantages (sub-gingivally, if necessary), and angling The Triodent 360 matrix system presents the matrix towards the gingival margin clinicians with a product that has many to force excess composite material supra- advantages over the long-time used and gingivally. The matrix should be held in traditional rectangular strips, which place whilst light curing is carried out. cannot be adapted successfully to the After curing, the matrix can be removed contours of natural teeth. In using the 360 and the restoration finished and polished matrix system, the clinician can be assured as normal. A final light curing can then be that time will be saved. These matrices will made. not lose their shape, and will significantly In order to achieve even better reduce sculpting time and will contribute conformity of fit and contour, the matrix to faster finishing and polishing. can be pre-shaped by squeezing it at the sides until it is slightly narrower than the Triodent V3 and 360 Matrix systems tooth. When pressed onto the tooth before are available from Optident Ltd, cavity preparation it will expand and
International Development Centre, Valley Drive, Ilkley, LS29 8AL. Call 01943 605050, email sales@optident.co.uk or visit wwww.optident.co.uk.

Figure 1: The small, medium and large 360-degree cervical matrix forms
Ideal requirements for composite restorations
Many factors will influence the outcome of a successful composite restoration. Not only is it essential that the restoration should be aesthetically acceptable through careful shade determination, shape and contour, but it must also restore the tooth to its required function, and should also permit correct oral hygiene procedures to be carried out. In placing both composite and glass ionomer resin materials, clinicians are advised to make full use of a matrix that will suit a specific class or type of cavity. However, in trying to address the requirements of an ideal matrix system, some products can fall short of the ideal, and resultant restorations can be somewhat deficient in contour and function and may also result in the patient experiencing routine oral hygiene problems such as interproximal food packing. Clinicians can also experience difficulty in placement of the composite materials when trying to restore hard-to-reach areas in the mouth for Class 5 cervical restorations or for abfraction lesions.

Figure 2: Close up of 360 matrix held in Pin Tweezers

The Triodent 360-degree cervical matrix system

Being conscious of these complications, the Triodent company of New Zealand (producers of the V3 Ring Matrix System)

recently introduced its new 360 cervical matrix, which can help clinicians to overcome these problems. The 360 system offers three sizes of preformed anatomically shaped matrices (small, medium and large) that are supplied with a small handle affixed to them. This enables them to be rotated by using the Triodent Pin Tweezers to help achieve correct positioning on the teeth. Their shaped curvature helps to create good tooth contour and, as they are made from a clear and slightly flexible coated synthetic material, this produces a smooth mirror-like finish to the composite resin. Their conformity of shape can be beneficial in helping prevent the formation of voids and the air inhibited layer. They are also see-through, allowing visibility and complete light curing. The Pin Tweezers can permit easy placement, and a secure positive grip can be gained by squeezing the Tweezer tips, and can be useful when positioning matrices on the distal aspects of an upper second molar. In using the 360 matrices, it is recommended that the clinician makes full use of the Pin Tweezers, as they have three angles of attachment. The selected matrix is loaded onto the Tweezers, and the correct angle of insertion should then Figure 3: Illustration showing distal be determined by rotating the matrix to placement of matrix on lower second gain easy access to the prepared cavity. molar

Figure 4: The Triodent 360 Cervical Matrix Quick Guide