What is Sectional Matrix Band and Why Do We Use Them?

Editor’s Note: This blog was authored by Dr. Brett Richins, a full-time practicing dentist in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area. Dr. Richins also works part-time as a member of Ultradent’s in-house clinical team.

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As dentists, we are constantly faced with restorative challenges related to variations in anatomy, misaligned or missing teeth, and/or extensive missing tooth structure. There are countless solutions and tools available to help us achieve predictable and exceptional results for our patients.  There are times when selecting the best matrix system for a specific situation will make restoring a tooth much easier and will help us achieve our best possible outcomes. Two of the main categories we can choose from as restorative dentists are circumferential bands (like the Omni-Matrix™ retainer and matrix band) and sectional matrix systems (like the Triodent® system). Criteria for selecting the best system for a specific case can include size of the restoration, location and number of surfaces being restored, presence of adjacent teeth, accessibility, alignment of teeth, long-term plan for the tooth, and personal preference.

Triodent V3 Ring

Omni-Matrix Disposable Retainer and Matrix

Most of us have a go-to process and have become comfortable with a specific system. I have personally learned over the years that there are times when my tendency to always reach for the same tools can make my job more difficult than it needs to be. Sectional matrix bands have become a staple in many dental offices because of the ability for dentists to quickly and efficiently achieve excellent contours, ideal contacts, and well-adapted margins.

There is a learning curve when using a new system, and it is common to want to stick strictly to what we know. When I became comfortable with sectional matrix systems, I unintentionally left circumferential bands behind and never looked back, until I learned about Omni-Matrix bands. There are many situations where I personally have found circumferential bands to be superior and I have changed my approach when starting a restoration. Now, the first thing I do is look at the case holistically and decide what type of matrix system I feel will work best.

3D rendering of a Triodent band.

Sectional matrix systems are my personal go-to when doing a typical Class II restoration with well-aligned adjacent teeth and no missing cusps or extensive missing tooth structure. With a well-designed sectional matrix system, these types of typical cases can be a fast, predictable way to achieve ideal outcomes. However, if we don’t have circumferential bands as one of the tools in our toolbox, it is easy to find ourselves in a frustrating situation that could be avoided.

I personally have some common situations where a circumferential band will be my go-to solution. One of the most common reasons I will prefer a circumferential band is when there is no adjacent tooth or when I am restoring the buccal or lingual surface of a tooth. As a young dentist that was excited about sectional bands and had tunnel vision, I would often find myself rebuilding these teeth “freehand” without any matrix system. A circumferential band can help me quickly and easily place a restoration and keep it confined to the intended area. 

     Seating an Omni-Matrix Disposable Retainer.                                                                                                                                         Removing an Omni-Matrix Disposable Retainer.

Another situation in which a circumferential band can be helpful is when the patient has a missing cusp. This is a situation that often can be done with a sectional matrix, but it may result in an under-contoured restoration if there is not adequate tooth structure to support the ring. Pediatrics can also be a great indication for a circumferential band, as placing a sectional band on a primary tooth can often be difficult and the contours are not as critical. Whereas, a circumferential band will usually be more stable on a primary tooth and can be more efficient when restoring an MOD.

About Dr. Richins:

After earning his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Utah in , Dr. Richins received his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in . He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Utah Dental Association. He continues to pursue his education and frequently attends advanced courses that cover topics such as Endodontics, Implantology, Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Pathology, TMJ, Sleep Apnea, and much more. He has also done humanitarian dentistry in underserved areas of Jamaica, Vanuatu, and Appalachia. In addition to practicing dentistry, Dr. Richins spends one day a week working as a Clinical Advisor for Ultradent Products. Ultradent has been developing and manufacturing the highest quality dental products for over 40 years. Dr. Richins’s role at Ultradent allows him to be involved in testing and developing the latest dental products.

The prices for dental equipment and supplies have gone up, but dentists are doing as many dental restorations as ever. When deciding how to spend your supply budget, it’s more important than ever to make sure your money is going toward a product that will work as hard as you do. Enter the Halo™ sectional matrix system by Ultradent.

Ultradent products are designed for dentists by dentists, which means they’re not only practical but also reliable and absolutely stunning. The Halo sectional matrix system is a high-quality, long-lasting matrix system that will help you create beautiful, anatomically-contoured composite restorations in less time. It’s no wonder that Ultradent is such an award-winning company.

With competitive price and timely delivery, COTISEN sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Long-lasting Nitinol Rings

Gentle on soft tissues, yet strong enough to hold the Halo matrix band in place, Halo rings are anatomically contoured to match the natural curvature of a tooth. The Halo ring’s contours are designed to help reduce flash, ensure a natural shape, and maintain the integrity and shape of the matrix band. Less flash and natural contours mean less time is needed to finish and polish the final composite restoration.1

Ultradent’s Halo sectional matrix rings are stackable, allowing you to use them with MODs and other Class II restorations. They also provide sufficient separation for adjacent restorations if needed. Because of their exceptional durability, Halo rings will retain their strength and longevity, are fully autoclavable, and can be used over 1,000 times!1

Case photos courtesy of Ultradent and Dr. Brett Richins.

Naturally Contoured Matrix Bands

The ultra-thin 0.038 mm stainless steel bands of the Halo system are anatomically contoured to the natural shape of the tooth. In particular, the curve at the marginal ridge creates an ideal occlusal embrasure. This helps to ensure that your restoration is anatomically accurate and reduces the time you must spend shaping and finishing the composite restoration.1

Available in two varieties—Original and Firm—Halo matrix bands give you the flexibility that you need for the many dental restorations you perform. To help you choose the right band, Original bands allow for more adaptability and better burnishing, while the Firm bands resist deformation and are ideal for those tight interproximal spaces we all love to work with.

To make things even better, the Halo matrix bands are easy to place and remove. Tabs and tweezer holes allow for easy placement, manipulation, and removal using the Halo tweezers. To further increase visibility, Ultradent has made the tabs bendable.

As if that weren’t enough, utility and workflow were obviously kept front and center for this product. Firm Halo matrix bands are color coded according to size to allow you to select the matrix band you need from the Halo carousel dispenser quickly and easily. Dentists rejoice!

Adaptable, Stackable Wedges

The active wedging provided by Halo wedges delivers enhanced separation and expands to adapt the matrix band at the gingival margin. If you need to use multiple wedges, their adaptable, stackable design and collapsible center allows them to further conform to the prep.

Halo wedges are made with convenience in mind. They’re organized according to size, allowing you to select the wedge you need from the sleek Halo carousel dispenser quickly and easily. Plus, they are easy to place and remove with specially designed holes made for fast and simple placement, manipulation, and removal using the nifty Halo tweezers.

When to Use a Sectional Matrix System

The Halo sectional matrix system can help dentists create stunning, anatomically-contoured composite restorations. Dental sectional matrix systems are best used for procedures involving the restoration of proximal cavities. These systems are particularly useful for the following types of procedures:

1. Class II Restorations: Since these restorations involve repairing cavities on the proximal surfaces of posterior teeth, the sectional matrix system helps shape the filling material to restore the tooth's natural contours and establish proper contact with adjacent teeth.
2. Composite Resin Fillings: When placing composite resin fillings in posterior teeth, a sectional matrix system is often used to contain the filling material and create a smooth, anatomically correct restoration.
3. Inlays and Onlays: Sectional matrix systems may be used during the placement of indirect restorations that fit within the tooth, or cover one or more cusps, to ensure proper fit and contour.
4. Rebuilding Fractured Teeth: When repairing a fractured tooth, particularly when the fracture affects the proximal surface, a sectional matrix system can help hold the filling material in place and shape it correctly.
5. Class V Restorations: In some cases, sectional matrix systems can be used for Class V restorations, which involve cavities at the cervical area of the tooth. Proper contouring in this area is crucial for gingival health and function.

Case photos courtesy of Ultradent and Dr. James Wright.

Discover Ultradent’s Restorative Solution

It’s no secret that most restorative work in a dental practice involves posterior restorations. Let Ultradent's Halo sectional matrix system and Transcend™ composite streamline your workflow! The Transcend composite Universal Body shade provides excellent opacity to mask underlying tooth color, allowing you to complete most restorations with a single shade of composite—no blocker needed!

Conclusion

Ultradent's Halo sectional matrix system offers a comprehensive solution to streamline and enhance your dental restorations. Paired with Transcend composite and Ultradent's range of other dental restoration products, you have access to an exceptional complete dental restoration package that meets your clinical needs and ensures stunning, long-lasting results.

By choosing Ultradent, you invest in the future of your practice and patient satisfaction. Experience the next era of restorations with Ultradent—contact your local territory account manager to learn more and elevate your practice with our top-quality products!