given topic describes matrix systems, wedges and retainers in short along with recent advances in them.

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MATRICES, WEDGES &
SEPERATORS
DR.SWARNEET KAKPURE
(DEPT OF CONS AND ENDO)

2. CONTENTS
 Introduction
 Ideal requirements of a Matrix
 Objectives
 Classification
 Types of Matrices
 Recent Advancements
 Automatrix
 Matrices for class III Direct tooth colored Restorations
 Matrices for class IV Direct tooth colored restoration.
 Matrices for Class V amalgam restorations
 Separators
 Types of Wedges
 Wedging techniques
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3. Introduction
 The word matrix is derived from the Latin word 'Mater' which
means 'Mother'. It was introduced in the year 1871 by Dr. Louis
Jack.
 A dental matrix may be defined as a properly shaped piece of
metal, or other material, used to support and give form to the
restoration during its introduction and hardening.
 Matrix band which forms the temporary walls is held in place by
means of a matrix band retainer which may be a mechanical
device, floss, wire, thread or impression materials
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4. Matricing is the procedure, whereby a
temporary wall is created opposite to axial
walls and surrounding areas of tooth
structure that were lost during
preparation.
Parts of Matrix
 Retainer- It holds a band in desired position
and shape.
 Band- It is a piece of metal or polymeric
material, intended to give support and form to
the restoration during its insertion and setting.
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5. Ideal Requirements Of A Matrix Band
1. Rigidity: The matrix band should be rigid enough to withstand
the condensation pressure applied during introducing of
restoration and maintain its shape during hardening.
2. Adaptability: The matrix band should be able to match to
almost any size and shape of tooth .
3. Height and contour: Matrix band should not extend more than
2mm beyond the occluso-gingival height of crown of tooth.
4. Nonreactive: It should be inert to tissues and the restorative
material .
5. The band should not cause any difficulty to patient or
hindrance to the operator.
6. Application: The matrix band should be such that it can be
applied and removed easily .
7. Sterilization: It should be easy to sterilize .
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6. Objectives
 It must act as a temporary wall of resistance
during introduction of the restorative
material.
 It should provide shape to the restoration.
 It should confine the restoration.
 It must assist in isolating the gingiva and
rubber dam during introduction of
restorative material.
 It must help in maintaining the dry
operative field thereby preventing
contamination of the restoration.
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7. Classificatio
n
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8. Types of Matrices and Retainers
Ivory Matrix Holder No.1
• Most commonly used matrix
band holder for MO and DO
cavities.
• Retainer holds the band to
provide missing portion of
the wall for the proximal
surface.
• It consist of two semicircular
arms with claws at there tip,
facing each other.
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9. • Other end of the retainer has a
nut over a fine thread rod,
when nut is tightened both the
claws having pointed
projections come closer to each
other.
• The band has a slight projection
in the middle, which is kept
towards the gingiva on the
cavity side, while matrix band is
fitted around the tooth.
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10. • Two sharp points of the
claw are engaged in the
two holes of the matrix
band.
• The screw of the retainer is
kept on the non-cavity side
of the tooth, screw is then
gradually tightened till
matrix band perfectly fits
around the tooth.
• Proximal cavity side of
matrix band is further
tightly adapted to outer
surface of tooth with the
help of wedge.
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Ivory no.1 Retainer and Matrix
band
(A) Premolar (B) Molars

11. Ivory Matrix Band
Retainer No.8
• This type of retainers is used to
hold the matrix band to
provide missing part of the
walls on both proximal side
(MOD cavity) and class II
compound cavities on the
posterior teeth.
• Ivory matrix retainer no.8
provides missing walls by
encircling entire crown of the
tooth.
• Matrix band is made of thin
sheet of metal so it can pass
through the contact areas of
the tooth.
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Ivory Matrix band retainer no.8

12. • Introduce by Dr. BF Tofflemire, and can be used in
all types of cavities of posterior teeth.
• Beside being very stable and of sturdy construction,
it permits easy removal of the holder from the
band, facilitate carving and final removal of the
band.
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Tofflemire universal Matrix band Retainer

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17. Video showing...How tofflemire is
applied?
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18. Recent advances in
Sectional matrix systems
 Palodent
 Garrison
 Bioclear
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19. Palodent Matrix system
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20. Automatrix
• Retainerless matrix system
• Matrix come in different size, are pre-formed.
ADVANTAGES-
• Convenience
• Improved visibility because of absence of retainer
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21. Matrices for class III Direct
tooth colored Restorations.
1. Plastic matrix strip:
• Transparent matrix strips
• Celluloid (cellulose nitrate) strip are
used for silicate cement
• Cellophane ( cellulose acetate) strips
are used for resins.
2. Mylar strip:
• Matrix strip is burnished over the end
of a steel instrument, to produce a
‘belly’ in the strip.
• This forms a curvature which
reproduce the natural proximal
contour of tooth.
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23. Matrices for two small proximal preparations
in contact with each other
• A loop of ½” in diameter is formed in matrix strip.
• Loop is flattened, forming a T shape and is placed between the teeth.
• From the labial approach cavity is filled and from the lingual aspect the strip is
held.
• After the insertion of the material each wing of the strip is folded over the
setting material and held with the thumb.
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25. Matrices for class IV Direct
tooth colored restoration.
Plastic strip : For inciso-proximal
cavities, strip is folded in ‘L-Shape’.
Procedure :
a. Celluloid matrix (measured and cut)
b. Matrix is folded at 90˚ to form L
shaped matrix.
c. Cavity is filled to slight excess and
one end of the strip is brought across
the proximal surface of filled tooth.
The other end of the strip is folded
over the incisal edge.
d. Matrix is held with the thumb of the
left hand till the initial setting takes
place.
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26. Matrices for ClassV amalgam
restorations
a. Window Matrix
• This matrix is formed using tofflemire or
copper band matrix.
Procedure: Tofflemire
• Contrangle retainer is applied, a window is
cut in the band slightly smaller than the
outline of the cavity.
• Wedges are placed mesially and distally to
stabilize the band.
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27. WEDGES (SEPARATORS)
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28. SEPARATORS
For immediate separation of teeth prior to restoration, wedges or
separators are used. Also to stabilize matrix band and retainer.
Tooth separation done by-
Slow or delayed separation
Rapid or Immediate separation
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29. Slow separation
• Severely tilted or drifted teeth may be moved by
means of slow separation.
• Repositioning occurs physiologically without any
chance of injury to the periodontal ligament fibers.
Materials used for slow separation:
1. Separating wires tightened around teeth.
2. Gutta percha softened and packed between the
teeth to separated.
3. Seperating rubber ring/band
4. Orthodontic appliances.
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30. Methods:
Separation wire:
• Thin pieces of wire are introduced gingival to
the contact, then wrapped around the
contact area.
• The two ends are twisted together to create
separation not more than 0.5mm.
• The twisted ends are then bend into the
buccal embrasure to prevent impingement
upon soft tissue.
• The wire are then tightened periodically to
increase the separation.
• .
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31. Orthodontic appliance:
• Fixed orthodontic appliance are most effective.
• Removable appliance may achieve the results but
require longer treatment
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32. Seperating rubber band
 Separating rubber band is
usually used in orthodontic
cases.
 It is stretched and placed
interproximally between the
two teeth to achieve separation.
 It may take 2 to 3 days to 1
week.
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33. Rapid or Immediate separation
Its is a quick and useful method but if excessively used
may produce pain due to rupture of the
periodontal ligament.
Based on two Principles:
1. Traction principle
2. Wedge principle
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34. 1. Traction principle
• Non interfering true separator
• Ferrier single or double bow separator
• Ivory adjustable separator
• Wood ward separator
• Perry separator
• Nystrom separator
• Parr’s universal separator
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35. Ferrier double bow Separator
Separator is stabilized throughout the
operation.
• Advantage is that separation is shared
by contact teeth, and not at the
expense of one teeth.
Procedure:
• The four arms are adjusted so that
each will hold a corner of the proximal
surface of contacting teeth.
• Arms will be gingival to the contact
area.
• Desired separation is made with the
wrench, compound is applied to the
mesial and distal bow for stabilization.
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Ferrier double bow
separator

36. Wedge principle Separators
It is accomplished by inserting a pointed wedge shape
device between teeth in order to create a space at the
contact area.
1. Elliot wedge or separator:
• It’s a mechanical separator used examining,
contouring or final polishing of a proximal restoration.
• Also known as crab-claw separator
• It is less forceful and requires impression compound
for stabilization.
• Tightening screw can be removed and inserted from
other side if it is to be used on the other side of arch.
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37. Procedure:
• Adjust the two wedges of the separator interproximally
so that they are positioned gingival to contact area, not
impinging the interdental papillae.
• Knob is then move clockwise so that the wedges move
toward one other establishing the desired separation.
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38. Wedges
• Wedges is used to stabilize matrix band and retainer.
• They may be made of wood , plastic or metal.
• Correct shape and their placement is very important
for correct proximal contour of the filling.
Types:-
Wooden wedge
Metal wedge
Celluloid or plastic wedges
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39. Functions of Wedges-
1. Wedges separate the teeth
2. They depress the interproximal soft tissue thus
minimizing trauma.
3. Assure close adaptability and stabilization of matrix
band to the tooth.
4. Allow space for the thickness of the matrix band.
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40. Wooden wedges:
 These are most commonly used and
preferred as they can be easily trimmed
and can be fitted in gingival embrasure.
 Adapt well in the gingival embrasure
 Easy to use
 Wooden wedges absorb water, thus increase
the interproximal retention
 Provide stabilization to matrix band
 Available in two shapes- 1. Triangular
2. Round
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41. Plastic wedges:
Though commercially available but they are not much preferred because: -
• Trimming is difficult
• Adaptability is difficult in some cases.
Types of Plastic Wedge
Normal wedges:- They are similar to the wooden wedges in shape and use.
Wave shaped wedges:- Their curved shape helps in easy placement and
proper seal of buccal and lingual embrasures without impinging gingiva.
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42. Light transmitting wedges
As the name indicates, these
types of wedges transmit 90 to 95
percent of incident light.
They are a type of plastic wedges
1. Transparent in nature
2. Designed for use in cervical area of
class II composite resin
restoration.
Advantages of light transmitting wedges
over other wedges in composite
restorations:
• Help in reducing the polymerization
shrinkage because of light transmission
• Better adaptability
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43. Positioning of wedge
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44. 44

45. Modified Wedging
Techniques
1. Double wedging
2. Wedge wedging
3. Piggyback wedging.
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46. Double wedging
Two wedges are used:–
One is inserted from buccal
embrasure and another is inserted
from lingual embrasure.
This technique is indicated in
the following cases:
 Spacing between adjacent teeth
where single wedge is not
sufficient
 Widening of proximal box in
buccolingual dimension.
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Double wedging technique

47. Wedge wedging
In this technique, two
wedges are used
 Onewedge is inserted from lingual
embrasure area while another
is inserted between the wedge and
matrix band at right angle to first
wedge
 These are primarily indicated while
treating mesial aspect of maxillary
first premolar because of presence
of flutes in root near the gingival
area
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48. Piggyback wedging
 In this technique two wedges
are used
 One(larger) wedge is inserted
as used normally, while
the other smaller wedge
(Piggyback) is inserted above
the larger one
 It is indicated in cases of
shallow proximal box with
gingival recession
 This technique provides closer
adaptation and contour of the
matrix band.
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Piggyback wedging

49. REFERENCE
 1) Operative Dentistry modern theory and practice-by
M.A MARZOUK
 2) The Art and Science of Operative Dentistry-by
CLIFFORD M.STURDEVANT
 3) Textbook of Operative Dentistry-by SATISH CHANDRA
 4) Operative Dentistry –by Vimal k Sikri
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