Matrices, retainers and wedges

this presentation include various types of matrices, retainers like tofflemire, ivory no 1, 8 ,compound retainer and wedges which include plastic as well as wooden.

2. MATRICES,RETAINERS
AND WEDGES
DR MEENAL ATHARKAR
MDS
DEPT OF ENDODONTICS AND
CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY

3. CONTENTS
•Introduction
•Matrix System-Band
-Retainer
•Matrices-Definition
-Ideal Requirements Of Matrix
-Purpose Of A Matrix
-Indications-Indications
-Advantages
-Disadvantages
-Classification
-Description Of Matrix Bands
•Description Of Matrix Systems
•Recent Advances In Matrix System

4. CONTENTS
•Wedges-Separation By Wedge Principle
-Functions Of A Wedge
-What Is A Wedge?
-Types Of A Wedge
-Wedge Selection
-Placement And Location Of A Wedge-Placement And Location Of A Wedge
-Special Wedging Techniques
-What Is Prewedging?
-Advantages
-Disadvantages
-Recent advances
•Conclusion
•References

5. INTRODUCTION
•Whenever a wall of the tooth is missing as in
the case of Class II or Class III cavity, confining
the restorative material and building up
proper contours becomes difficult.proper contours becomes difficult.
•For this purpose, a temporary wall must be
placed to hold the restorative material within
the tooth. This is achieved by matrices.

6. MATRICES
•Introduction:
•Derived from latinword MATER-MOTHER.
•Introduced by Dr. LOUIS JACK in 1871

7. MATRICES
•Definition:
•Matrix: It is a device used during restorative
procedures to hold the plastic restorative
material within the tooth while it is setting.material within the tooth while it is setting.
•Matricing: It is the procedure whereby a
temporary wall is created opposite to the axial
walls, surrounding areas of the tooth structure
that were lost during cavity preparation.

8. MATRICES
•Ideal requirements of a matrix:
•Ease of application
•Not be cumbersome
•Ease of removal
•Rigidity•Rigidity
•Provide proper proximal contact and contour
•Positive proximal pressure
•Non reactive
•inexpensive

9. MATRICES
•Purpose of a matrix:
•Confine the material so that adequate condensation forces
can be applied.
•Allow re-establishment of contact with the adjacent tooth.
•Restrict extrusion of amalgam and the formation of an
overhang at a hidden margin, such as proximal gingival overhang at a hidden margin, such as proximal gingival
margin.
•Provide for adequate physiologic contour for the proximal
surface of the restoration.
•Impart an acceptable surface texture to the proximal
surface, especially in the area of the contact that cannot be
carved and burnished.

10. MATRICES
•Indications:
•Class I cavity with buccal/ lingual extension.
•Class II cavities
••Position of the matrix-
•It should always be 1 mm below the gingival
seat and 1 mm above the marginal ridge

11. MATRICES
•Advantages:
•Ease of use
•Good contact and contour
•Rigid and stable•Rigid and stable
•Disadvantages:
•Cannot be used in extensive Class II
restoration cases.

12. MATRICES
•Classification:
According to type of band material:
1.Stainless steel
2.Copper band2.Copper band
3.Cellulose acetate (cellophane)
4.Polyacetate(mylar)

13. According to its preparation:
1.Custom made/ anatomic. Eg. Compound
supported matrix
2.Mechanical matrix. Eg. Ivory no. 1, 8 and 2.Mechanical matrix. Eg. Ivory no. 1, 8 and
Tofflemirematrix

14. MATRICES
According to mode of retention:
1.With retainer. Eg. Ivory no. 1, 8 and
Tofflemirematrix
2.Without retainer. Eg. automatrix2.Without retainer. Eg. automatrix

15. According to cavity preparation for which it is used:
1.Class I cavity with buccalor lingual extension.
Eg. Double banded Tofflemirematrix
2. Class II cavity
Eg. Single banded TofflemirematrixEg. Single banded Tofflemirematrix
Ivory no. 1, 8 matrices
Compound supported matrix
Copper band matrix
T band matrix
Pre-contoured sectional matrix
Automatrix

16. 3. Class III cavity
Eg. S shaped matrix
Cellophane strips
Mylar strips
4. Class IV cavity
Eg. Cellophane stripsEg. Cellophane strips
Transparent celluloid crown forms
Dead soft metal matrix strips
5. Class V cavity
Eg. Window matrix
Tin foil matrix
Preformed transparent cervical matrix

17. •Parts of a matrix:
1.Matrix band-
•A piece of metal or polymeric material used
to support and give form to the restorative to support and give form to the restorative
material during its insertion and hardening.
•Dimensions-0.001-0.002 inch thick
-3/16
th
inch, 1/4
th
inch, 5/16
th
inch width

22. 2. Retainer-
•A device by which the band can be maintained
in its designated position and shape.
•It can be a mechanical device, dental floss, a
metal ring or impression compound

23. DESCRIPTION OF MATRIX BANDS:
Black’sMatrices/LigatedMatrixBand:
•Oneoftheearliestcustommadematrices.
•Cutametallicbandsothatitwillextendonlyslightlyoverthe
buccalandlingualsurfaceofthetooth,beyondthebuccalandbuccalandlingualsurfaceofthetooth,beyondthebuccaland
lingualextremitiesofthecavitypreparation.
•Tocoverthegingivalmarginofasubgingivalcavity,anextension
iscreatedintheoccluso-gingivalwidthoftheband.Theligature
shouldbesecurelytiedwithasurgicalknotontheside,after
wrappingitaroundthetooth.

24. Black’s Matrices/LigatedMatrix Band

25. Stainless steel matrix band:
•It has 3 shapes-for ivory no. 1, for ivory no. 8
and for Tofflemire
•It has 3 types-noncontoured, premolar band •It has 3 types-noncontoured, premolar band
and molar band
•Thickness-0.04 mm or 0.035 mm
•Width-6 mm
•Length-3 m

27. Copper band:
•Cylindrical in shape
•Placement procedures-
•The bands are softened by heating to redness in a flame and
quenching in water.
•After this, the bands can be stretched and shaped with contouring
pliers.
•The band is festooned in the cervical aspect with curved scissors so
as to fit the gingival contour of tooth.
•With contouring pliers, the band is contoured to reproduce the •With contouring pliers, the band is contoured to reproduce the
proper shape of the contact area and buccaland lingual contours.
•Areas of band in contact area are thinned using green stone.
•The band is seated on tooth and gingival border is crimped inward
to seal off the gingival margins.
•After condensation and carving of amalgam, the band is left in
place.
•It is sectioned and removed at next appointment.

28. •Indications:
•For badly broken down teeth especially those
receiving pin-amalgam restorations.
•For complex situations like Class II cavities with
large buccalor lingual extensions.
•For complex situations like Class II cavities with
large buccalor lingual extensions.
•Advantages:
•Provide excellent contour
•Disadvantages:
•Time consuming

30. Clear plastic matrix:
•Indications-For small and large Class II and IV tooth colored
restorations.
•They allow light to be transmitted during polymerisation of
composite resins.
•The convex contoured area of the matrix band is positioned facing
the proximal surface of the tooth to be restored.
•The convex contoured area of the matrix band is positioned facing
the proximal surface of the tooth to be restored.
•The band should extend atleast1mm beyond the gingival and
incisalmargins of cavity preparations.
•It can be stabilized by using a wooden or light transmitting wedge.
•After restoration is completed, wedge is removed and matrix strip is
slid out.
•Advantages-easy to use, inexpensive.

32. Compound supported matrix:
•Custom made/ anatomical matrix
•Entirely handmade
•This employs 5/16
th
inch wide, 0.002 inch thick stainless
steel band cut to a sufficient length so that it wraps around
1/3
rd
of facial and lingual surface beyond the prepared 1/3
rd
of facial and lingual surface beyond the prepared
proximal surface.
•The band is contoured with and egg shaped burnisheron a
paper pad.
•Following the placement of the band, it is stabilized by
applying softened impression compound facially, lingually
and occlusallyover the occlusalsurface of adjacent tooth.

33. •The contour of compound supported matrix can
be improved by applying a warm burnisher
against the band from within the prepared cavity.
•To remove the matrix the compound can be
broken away with a sharp explorer tine and broken away with a sharp explorer tine and
matrix strip can be removed.
•Indications:
•For restoring Class II cavities involving one or
both proximal surfaces.
•For complex situations like pin amalgam
restorations

34. •Advantages:
•Highly rigid and stable
•Good access and visibility provided.
•Disadvantages:•Disadvantages:
•timeconsuming

35. Ivory no. 1 matrix:
•Stainless steel band which encircles one proximal surface of
a posterior tooth.
•This is attached to the retainer via wedge shaped projection
on the retainer.
•An adjusting screw at the end of the retainer adapts the •An adjusting screw at the end of the retainer adapts the
band to the proximal contour of the prepared tooth.
•As this screw is rotated clockwise, the wedge shaped
projections engaged the tooth at the embrassureof the
unprepared proximal surface.
•Indications:
•For restoring unilateral Class II cavity especially when
contact the unprepared side is very tight.

37. Ivory no. 8 matrix:
•Band encircles the entire crown of the tooth.
•Indications:
•For restoring Class II cavities on one or both
proximal surfaces of a posterior tooth.

38. •Disadvantages of ivory no. 1, 8 matrix:
•These matrices are remnants of old
techniques and are not in common use at
present.present.
•Cumbersome to place and remove.

39. Tofflemirematrix:
•Types-flat bands of multiple shapes, precontoured
bands and bands with and without memory(dead soft
metal).
1. flat bands-1. flat bands-
•Several shapes and 3 thickness.
•Thickness-0.010, 0.015, 0.020 inch.
•The thicker band is stiffer to resist deformation during
condensation.
•The thinner bands are often used to help assure a tight
contact in class II restorations.

41. •Most frequently used shape is no. 1(universal matrix)
•No. 2 band (MOD band) has two extensions projecting
at its gingival edge to allow matrix application with a
very deep gingival margins in proximal aspects of the
tooth.
•No. 3 band also has projection for deeper gingival •No. 3 band also has projection for deeper gingival
margins but the band is narrower than no. 2 band.
•No. 3 band-premolars
•No. 2 band-molars
•The band is contoured with an ovoid burnisher, a
beavertail burnisher, the convex back of blade of spoon
excavator or a convex side of cotton forceps.

42. •2. precontouredbands-
•Eg. Dixieland band (teledynegetz)developed by
Dr. Wilmer Eames.
•When these bands are removed from •When these bands are removed from
interproximalcontacts, the contour must be
considered, and the band must be rotated in such
a way that trailing edge does not break or alter
shape of marginal ridge as band is being
removed.
•They are more expensive.
•Require less chair time.

44. Automatrix:
•Retainerlessmatrix system
•It has following components:
•A)automatrixbands-
•Available in thickness of 0.0015 to 0.002 inch.•Available in thickness of 0.0015 to 0.002 inch.
•They may be of three widths-
•Narrow-3/16
th
inch
•Medium-1/14
th
inch
•Wide-5/16
th
inch
•They may be selected accordingly to the height of the
tooth to be restored.

45. •B) automate II tightening device-
•Used to adjust the loop of the band according to
circumference of the tooth to be restored.
•C) shielded nippers-
•Used to cut autolockloop so that the band can be •Used to cut autolockloop so that the band can be
separated and removed from the tooth after the
restoration is done.
•Indications:
•For complex amalgam restorations especially
when one or more cusps are to be replaced.

46. •Advantages:
•Convenient to use
•Improved visibility due to lack of interference from a
retainer.
•Autolockloop can be positioned facially or lingually.•Autolockloop can be positioned facially or lingually.
•Rapid application
•Disadvantages:
•Bands are flat and difficult to burnish
•Cannot develop proper proximal contacts and contours
•Expensive

49. T band matrix:
•It is a preformed T shaped stainless steel matrix band without a retainer.
•The long arm of the T is bent or curiedto surround the tooth
circumferentially.
•This overlaps the short horizontal arm of T which is then bent over the
long arm and thus helps retain the shape.
•Indications-for Class II cavities involving one or both proximal surfaces of •Indications-for Class II cavities involving one or both proximal surfaces of
posterior teeth.
•Advantages:
•Simple and inexpensive matrix system
•Rapid and easy to apply
•Disadvantages:
•Filmsyin structure
•Not very stable

51. Precontouredsectional matrices and contact rings:
•Most popular currently while restoring class II cavities
with composite resin.
•The band is held in place with a flexible metal ring
called contact ring which serves as a retainer.called contact ring which serves as a retainer.
•Presently, there are several ring systems available with
varying designs.
•The early systems were introduced in the late 1990s
and include the composi-tight.
•Recent sytsemsinclude V3 ring systems and composi-
tight 3D soft face ring systems.

52. •Indications:
•For small to moderate class II cavities involving one or both proximal
surfaces in a posterior tooth.
•For both amalgam and composite restorations.
•Advantages:
•Ease of use and good visibility
•Anatomic contour of the bands ensures optimal contact areas and •Anatomic contour of the bands ensures optimal contact areas and
embrasures.
•Contact dimensions are adequate and in correct anatomic location.
•Gingival adaptation of restoration is good.
•Disadvantages:
•Expensive
•Matrix bands may become dented easily especially if the contact area of
the adjacent tooth is too close preventing easy insertion of band

54. 
SectionalMatrixAnd
ContactRing
AlthoughMcKeanseemstohave
inventedtheseparatorring,thefirst
reportofcontouredsectionalmatrix
r
reportofcontouredsectionalmatrix
wasreportedbyDr.Meyer.

55. Sectionalmatrixsystemscombinedwithseparationrings:
•Havebeenconsideredasgoldstandardinobtainingoptimum
proximalcontacttightness.
•Separatingringscreateseparationforcevectorsatheightof
proximalcontactwhichremainsstableaslongasringremains
activated
•Separationringshavespringlikeproperties

57. Variousmatrixandringsystem
1.Palodentsectionalmatrixsystem(Darway,Inc,USA)
2.OriginalVring(Triodent,NewZealand)
3.Compositight3Dsectionalmatrixsystem(Garrisondental
solution)
4.V3matrixsystem((Triodent,NewZealand)

58. •Originallysectionalmatrixsystemconsistedofringswith
simpletines.
eg:Palodentsectionalmatrix&Gringare representative
example.
•LatertineswereredesignedtobeVshapedtofitintobuccal&
lingualembrasures.
eg:originalVring
•Morerecently,ringsystemshavesiliconcoatingsontines
eg:ComposiTight3D&V3ring.

59. Composi tight –3D Sectional Matrix
System

60. V ring sectional matrix system
History:
•Systemwaslaunchedin2005,byDr.Simon
•FirstsystemwithVshapedtine
•PioneereduseofNiTialloyforretainerring
•Vringseparator:
•Hasinnerstainlesssteelring&NiTiouterspringwithV
shapedtines.

61. •Matrix:
•Eachsectionalmatrixbandhasatabwithaholeonthe
occlusaledgeandholesonthewingendsforpintweezersto
graspduringplacementandremoval

62. V3 Sectional Matrix System
•WasnextversionofVringmatrixsystem
•Introducedin2008
•UsesglassfiberreinforcedplastictoreplaceVring’sstainless
steeltines.

63. •

64. •Advantages:
•Tabhelpstostabilizepositionofmatrixoccluso-gingivally
•Siliconmaterialontinesofringhelptoadaptringandmatrix
tobuccalandlingualembrasures
•Siliconmaterialprotectssofttissuesfrominjury
•Vshapesnotchesonbottomofringallowittoadapt,despite
presenceofwedgeinbuccalandlingualembrasures

65. Disadvantages:
•Matrixstripsaremuchlongerthanrequired,makingthem
difficulttoplaceandstabilizeontoothpriortoplacementof
ringesp.withMODpreparation.
•Techniqueistimeconsuming.•Techniqueistimeconsuming.

66. S shaped band:
•It is a metal matrix band moulded into a S-shaped by
contouring.
•Indications:
•Class III restorations on distal surface of canines
•Class II slot restorations•Class II slot restorations
•Advantages:
•Provides ideal contour for class III restorations
•Disadvantages:
•Difficult to apply.

67. Transparent plastic crown form matrix:
•Available in various sizes and contours for anterior teeth.
•Thicker than clear plastic matrix strip.
•The bulk of composite resin is loaded into crown form. This is then
positioned over tooth and light curing is done. Thus contours of
tooth can be shaped easily.
•After curing the crown form can be slit with a bur and removed.
•Indications:
•For large Class IV cavities.•For large Class IV cavities.
•For oblique fractures of anterior teeth.
•Advantages:
•Easy to use
•Good contours established
•Disadvantages:
•Placement is time consuming
•expensive

68. Preformed transparent cervical matrix:
•They are designed for use with light cured composite resin
or GIC restoration.
•A handle or tweezercan hold the matrix in place while
restoration is hardening
•Indications:•Indications:
•For class V restorations with composite resin or resin
modified GIC restorations.
•Advantages:
•Provides good contour for restorations
•Disadvantages:
•expensive

70. Window matrix:
•Modification of tofflemirematrix
•Used for class V amalgam restorations
•The contra angled tofflemireretainer •The contra angled tofflemireretainer
is applied on the lingual side of the
tooth.
•A window is cut in band slightly
smaller than outline of cavity
•Wedges are placed interproximally

71. Tin foil matrix:
•Indications:
•For class V restorations with conventional GIC
•Advantages:•Advantages:
•Simple and easy to use
•Provides optimum contour for restorations
•Disadvantages:
•Not useful for class V composite or resin modified
GIC restorations.

72. •Tin foil matrix are preshapedand cut
according to gingival third of buccaland
lingual surfaces of teeth.
•Band adjusted so that it extends 1-2 mm •Band adjusted so that it extends 1-2 mm
circumferentially beyond cavity margin

73. Matrix systems:
1.
universal system
:
•Also referred as The Universal Matrix.
•Designed by B.R. Tofflemire
•Ideally indicated when 3 surfaces of a posterior
tooth have been prepared.
•Parts of the tofflemirematrix: •Parts of the tofflemirematrix:
•1.Head
•2.Locking vise
•3.Pointed spindle
•4.Small knurled nut
•5.Large knurled nut

75. Parts of a tofflemireretainer:
HEAD

76. SLIDE/LOCKING VISE

77. ROTATING SPINDLE/POINTED
SPINDLE

78. Small knurled nut:
Turning this nut clockwise tightens the
pointed spindle against the band and secures
band in retainer.
Reverse motion-releases band from the
retainer.
Large knurled nut:
The movement of this nut adjusts the size
of the loop of the matrix band

79. •Indications:
•1.For class I cavities with buccalor lingual extensions ( class I
compound)
•2.For restoring class II cavities on one or both the proximal surfaces
of posterior tooth.
•Advantages : •Advantages :
•1.Ease of use
•2.Produces good contact and contour for most amalgam
restorations.
•3.Rigid and stable
•Disadvantages:
•1.Does not provide optimum contour and contact for posterior
composite restoration.
•2.Not useful for extensive class II restoration.

81. When to place etchant, primer, and
adhesive
•The placement of etchant, primer, and adhesive may or
may not precede the application of a matrix.
•The exact sequence for applying the enamel/dentin etchant
primer, bonding adhesive, and matrix is dependent on the
operator.
•Some operators prefer matrix application first, followed by •Some operators prefer matrix application first, followed by
enamel/dentin etchant, primer, bonding adhesive, and
finally composite.
•This sequence may provide the best isolation of the tooth
preparation for maximum enamel and dentin adhesion.
•It also allows an assessment of any enamel fracture (upon
insertion of the proximal wedge) before bonding to that
area.

82. •If the matrix is applied first, care must be taken to avoid
pooling of the bonding materials, especially the adhesive,
along the junction of the matrix with the gingival margin.
•Placing the matrix first in the sequence is especially
beneficial when the tooth preparation is deep gingivally.
•Other operators prefer to complete all enamel and dentin •Other operators prefer to complete all enamel and dentin
etching, priming, and adhesive application before matrix
placement.
•The primary reasons for this sequence are to minimize
pooling potential and maximize the etching, priming, and
adhesive placement at the cavosurfacemargins.
•Either sequence may be used as long as meticulous
technique is followed.

83. Placement of tofflemirematrix system
When the matrix retainer and band are assembled, the two
ends of band must be even as they protrude from the
diagonal slot of the slide.
The loop can extend from retainer in 3 different ways.
Straight
To the left
To the rightTo the right
Straight assembly –for restorations near front of mouth
where rubber dam covered cheek will not in the way if the
retainer protrudes perpendicularly from the line of teeth.
Right and left assemblies allow retainer to be aligned parallel
or tangent to the line of teeth in more posterior areas.
.

84. •The band should be placed in the retainer so that the
loop extends from the appropriate side of the retainer
and the set screw knob is directed towards the front of
the mouth.
•Because of shape of this band, when it is placed in •Because of shape of this band, when it is placed in
retainer, one opening of the loop has a greater
diameter than the other.
•Thus loop will be shaped like a funnel.
•The wider opening is oriented towards occlusalaspect.
•The shorter knob of set screw is tightened so that
matrix band is held securely

86. Placement of a tofflemireband and
retainer:

88. •Procedureforremovaloftofflemire:
•Itcanbedonein2steps:
A.Removalofretainer.
B.Removalofband.
Vice-screwnutismovedanti-clockwisetofreethebandfrom
retainer
Holdthelargevice-movingnutwhilerotatingthesmallvice–
screwnutandkeeptheindexfingeronocclusalsurfaceof
bandtostabilizeit.

89. •Now,carefullyremovethebandfromeachcontactpoint.
•Donotpullthebandinocclusaldirection,rathermovethe
bandinfacialandlingualdirection.
•Itcanbecutneartotheteethonthelingualsideandthentryto
pullitfrombuccalside.pullitfrombuccalside.

91. DoubleBandTofflemire
•I
ndication:Cavitieswithbuccalor
lingualextension
•Supplementarypieceofmaterial
shouldlapoverthemarginsofthe
extensionbyabout1.5-2mm
circumferentially.

92. 2. Ivory No. 1 Matrix
•MostcommonlyusedmatrixbandholderforunilateralclassII
preparations.
•Bandisattachedtotheretainerviaawedgeshapedprojectionwhich
engageswiththetoothattheembrasuresoftheunpreparedsurfaceand
encirclesaposteriorproximalsurface.
•Matrixholderhasaclawatoneendwithtwoflatsemicirclearmshavinga
pointedprojectionattheend.
•Ontheotherendofmatrixbandholder,thereisascrewwhichwhen
tightened,bringstheendofboththeclawsclosertoeachother.

94. 3.Ivory No.8
•Thismatrixconsistsofabandthat
encirclesthetoothtoprovidemissing
wallsonbothproximalsides.
•Thecircumferenceofthebandcan
beadjustedusingthescrewpresent
intheretainer.

96. WEDGES
•Separation by a wedge principle:
•In this principle, a pointed,wedgeshaped
device is inserted between the contacting
teeth to produce the desired amount of teeth to produce the desired amount of
separation.
•They create rapid separation during tooth
preparation and restoration.

97. Functions of a wedge:
•Atraumaticallyretract the rubber dam and gingivafrom
the gingival margins of proximal tooth preparation thus
providing temporary control of bleeding and moisture
in the gingival seat area.
•Provide the correct contour of cervical portions of
proximal restorations by adapting the matrix band proximal restorations by adapting the matrix band
accurately to the cervical aspect of the tooth.
•Prevent gingival overhangs
•Separate teeth to compensate for thickness of matrix
band
•Stabilize matrix band and retainer during condensation
of restorative material.

98. What is wedge?
•A small triangular-shaped piece of wood or
plastic used to temporarily separate two teeth
or to apply pressure to a matrix band and
prevent a gingival overhang of restorative prevent a gingival overhang of restorative
material when restoring a tooth that has a
cavity involving the proximal surface.

99. TYPES OF WEDGES

100. Woodenwedges:
Softwood–pine
Hardwood–oak
Maybemedicated
Preferredastheyareeasytotrim,adaptwell,absorbmoisture
&swelltoprovideadequatestabilisationofmatrixband.
Usedalongwithmetalmatrices.

101. Availablein3shapes:
1)Triangular/anatomic-commerciallyavailable
•Preferredforcavitieswithdeepgingivalmargins.
•Apexmustcorrespondwithgingivalstartofcontactarea.
•Twosidesmustcoincidewithmesial&distalsidesofgingival
embrasure,whilebroaderbasemustcontactgingiva&retractembrasure,whilebroaderbasemustcontactgingiva&retract
it.

102. 2)Round:
•Canbemadefromwoodentoothpicks
•PreferredinidealclassIIcavitypreparation,becausewedging
actionisclosertogingivalmargin
3)Premiersycamorewedges:3)Premiersycamorewedges:
•Anatomicalshape

104. Plastic wedges:
•Commercially available for
use either with transparent
matrices or metal matrices.
•Cannot be trimmed to •Cannot be trimmed to
custom fit.
•Eg. Light transmitting
wedges

105. Lighttransmittingwedges:
•Arespecialplasticwedgeswhicharetransparentandhave
lightreflectingcore.
•DesignedforusewithtransparentmatricesinclassII
compositerestoration.
•Cantransmitapproximately90-95%incidentlight

106. •Sizes:
•X small-1.0 mm
•Small-1.4 mm
•Medium-1.9 mm•Medium-1.9 mm
•Large-2.3 mm

108. PLACEMENT AND LOCATION OF
WEDGES

109. Wedge selection:
•Use the largest wedge that fits.
•The wedge should not encroach towards the
contact area, this will deform the matrix and
leave a large approximate gap under the
contact pointcontact point

111. Special wedging techniques:
•Single wedge
•Piggyback wedging
•Double wedging
•Wedge wedging•Wedge wedging

112. Single wedging technique

113. Piggybackwedging:
•Incaseswithgingivalrecession
&shallowproximalboxgingivally,
singlewedgemaybemuchapical
togingivalmargin.togingivalmargin.
•Hence,asecondsmallerwedge
is‘piggybacked’overfirstwedge
toensurepropercontour
ofmatrixband.

114. •DoubleWedging
•Incaseswithwiderproximalbox
inbucco-lingualdimension,orcase
withspacingbetweenadjacentteeth.
•2wedges,onefrombuccalaspect&
otherfromlingualaspectareusedto
providecloseadaptationofmatrix
bandatcervicalaspectoftooth

115. Wedge-wedging:
Employedprimarilyonmesial
aspectofmaxillaryIpremolar,
sincetoothhaveflutedareasin
rootneargingivalmargin.
PlacingsinglewedgeleavesPlacingsinglewedgeleaves
openmargingingivally.
Hence,asecondwedgeis
insertedb/wfirstwedge
&band.

117. •What is prewedging?
The procedure of inserting a wedge between
the interproximalsurfaces of two adjacent
teeth prior to cutting a cavity involving a
proximal wall. proximal wall.
The purpose is to achieve some tooth
separation such that, after restoration, the
teeth will return to their original position and
a more positive tooth contact area will be
achieved

118. Recent advances

122. •

123. •Dental Elastic Fixing Wedges

124. •Composi-tight 3D wedge
Superior Adaptability–Only Composi-
Tight® 3D Fusion™ wedges have Soft-
Face™ technology. A soft, rubberized
material is fused to the firm plastic core.
The wedge gently moldsitself to root
irregularities as you insert it providing
an unsurpassed seal.
Forget Back-Out–Soft retentive fins
along the gingival edges fold in smoothly
during wedge insertion. These spring during wedge insertion. These spring
back when clear of the interproximal
space -firmly locking Composi-Tight® 3D
Fusion™ in place.
Perfect for any matrix–Regardless of
your preferred matrix system, these
ultra-adaptive wedges will help you
produce your best, most predictable
restorations ever.

125. Diamond shaped wedges
a special diamond-shaped cut, wedgesdo not burden the tissues with
destructive forces during installation.During the placing of the wedges in the
interdentalspace, the wedge arms widen and narrow, which ensures ahigh
degree of tightness.The unique shape of the wedges guarantees their exact
adhesion to the tooth.KropeDiamond Wedgesare an
alternativewedgestimber.Easy toslide them between the teeth, they are
flexible and soft.

126. Advantages:
•Tooth separation obtained from prewedgingpromotes more
conservative preparation and help protect adjacent teeth from
damage during preparation
• Provide space for compensate thickness of matrix band
• Help in stabilization of retainer and matrix during restorative
procedures
• Help in retracting and depressing interproximalgingival area thus • Help in retracting and depressing interproximalgingival area thus
help in minimizing trauma to soft tissue.
• Provides space for placing matrix band
• Help in depressing rubber dam in interproximalarea and protect it
from damage
• Prevent gingival overhang of restoration
• Low cost of development and easy to use

127. Disadvantages:
•If wedge is placed more occlusalto the gingival
margin, it creates abnormal concavity in the proximal
surface of the restoration.
• If wedge is placed more apical to gingival margin, band
will not be held tightly against the gingival margin & will not be held tightly against the gingival margin &
creates gingival overhangs in the restorations.
• When rubber dam cannot be used,careshould be
takenwheninserting the wedge because of the
susceptibiltyofthe gingivato bleed upon removal.
• Wedges cannot be placed in the inflamed gingivaas it
can cause bleeding

128. Conclusion
•The role of matrices in operative dentistry is
irreplaceable.
•Without a matrix there is no other way (in a
directly placed restoration) to produce directly placed restoration) to produce
contours and contacts.
•No matrix band is ideal, almost all proximal
cavities need a matrix depending on
requirements of the specific case.

129. References
•OperativeDentistry-art&Science-Marzouk
•TextBookofOperativeDentistry-Vimal.K.Sikri
•Art&ScienceofOperativeDentistry-•Art&ScienceofOperativeDentistry-
Sturdevant
•Operativedentistry:JamesB.Summitt
•wikipedia

130. THANKYOU