V Ring and other sectional matrix tips

Sectional matrix tips for systems like V3 Triodent and Palodent can make life a lot easier for patients and dentists.

How to use a sectional matrix when doing multiple restorations in a quadrant.

It is very common that more than one IP restoration will be done at the same time. There are several nice tricks to help you out.

Sectional matrix tips for two adjacent lesions.

If doing adjacent IP decay you can do one composite and then do the second one separately as though you are only treating one tooth. You can also do both at the same time but it is more technique sensitive. To do both, completely finish one and then burnish the metal before doing the second one. Since there will be two sectional matrices, expect higher rates of light contacts that will require you to remove part of one of the restorations and redo it.

Tips for two IP lesions that are not adjacent.

When doing multiple lesions in the same arch you can use multiple rings. The main issue is that they may not fit well when facing the same direction, therefore simply reverse one of them. It’s often easier to place the more distal ring facing distal and the mesial ring mesial if doing multiple lesion on same arch.

Use the correct size

Different companies have different ways of letting you know what the sectional matrix is. V3 uses a green ring for large and yellow for small but can you small on larger teeth for more separation. I’ve never found the difference to be critical.

Sealing the box of the sectional matrix

Sealing the box is the most challenging and yet important aspect of doing composite dentistry. For a better seal place a smaller or same size wedge under another one from opposite directions.  Another great tip that I like even more is to use some teflon tape and pack into the area that needs more sealing. Sometimes to seal an area by the gumline, rather than pack the PTFE tape, you can simply leave an instrument wedged in at the margin as seen below. You have to do the composite in layers and remove the instrument but for a deep mesial concavity, often on upper premolars, this is often the best method.

Sectional matrix tips for IP root decay

Decay that extends apically can be difficult to deal with. You may need to do it in steps with a traditional band first in the deepest section and then using your sectional matrix. Systems should have a deep metal matrix for this issue. You can also shape it with a drill to suit your need. You can also double up on matrices or a mixture of products like below.