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 latin word 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 gingivaloverhang 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 and2. Mechanical matrix. Eg. Ivory no. 1, 8 and
Tofflemire matrix

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

15.  According to cavity preparation for which it is used:
1. Class I cavity with buccal or lingual extension.
Eg. Double banded Tofflemire matrix
2. Class II cavity
Eg. Single banded Tofflemire matrixEg. Single banded Tofflemire matrix
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 restorativeto support and give form to the restorative
material during its insertion and hardening.
• Dimensions- 0.001-0.002 inch thick
- 3/16th inch, 1/4th inch, 5/16th
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’s Matrices/Ligated Matrix Band:
• One of the earliest custom made matrices.
• Cut a metallic band so that it will extend only slightly over the
buccal and lingual surface of the tooth, beyond the buccal andbuccal and lingual surface of the tooth, beyond the buccal and
lingual extremities of the cavity preparation.
• To cover the gingival margin of a sub gingival cavity, an extension
is created in the occluso-gingival width of the band. The ligature
should be securely tied with a surgical knot on the side, after
wrapping it around the tooth.

24. Black’s Matrices/Ligated Matrix 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 buccal and 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 buccal or lingual extensions.
• For complex situations like Class II cavities with
large buccal or 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 atleast 1mm beyond the gingival and
incisal margins 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 5/16th inch wide, 0.002 inch thick stainless
steel band cut to a sufficient length so that it wraps around
1/3rd of facial and lingual surface beyond the prepared1/3rd of facial and lingual surface beyond the prepared
proximal surface.
• The band is contoured with and egg shaped burnisher on a
paper pad.
• Following the placement of the band, it is stabilized by
applying softened impression compound facially, lingually
and occlusally over the occlusal surface 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 andbroken 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 embrassure of 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. Tofflemire matrix:
• 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. precontoured bands-
• Eg. Dixieland band (teledyne getz)developed by
Dr. Wilmer Eames.
• When these bands are removed from• When these bands are removed from
interproximal contacts, 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:
• Retainerless matrix system
• It has following components:
• A)automatrix bands-
• 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- 3/16th inch
• Medium-1/14th inch
• Wide- 5/16th 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 autolock loop so that the band can be• Used to cut autolock loop 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.
• Autolock loop can be positioned facially or lingually.• Autolock loop 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 curied to 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:
• Filmsy in structure
• Not very stable

51. Precontoured sectional 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 sytsems include 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.  Sectional Matrix And
Contact Ring
Although McKean seems to have
invented the separator ring, the first
report of contoured sectional matrix
r
report of contoured sectional matrix
was reported by Dr. Meyer.

55. Sectional matrix systems combined with separation rings:
• Have been considered as gold standard in obtaining optimum
proximal contact tightness.
• Separating rings create separation force vectors at height of
proximal contact which remains stable as long as ring remains
activated
• Separation rings have spring like properties

57. Various matrix and ring system
1. Palodent sectional matrix system ( Darway, Inc, USA)
2. Original V ring ( Triodent, New Zealand )
3. Composi tight 3 D sectional matrix system (Garrison dental
solution)
4. V 3 matrix system (( Triodent, New Zealand )

58. • Originally sectional matrix system consisted of rings with
simple tines.
eg :Palodent sectional matrix & G ring are representative
example.
• Later tines were redesigned to be V shaped to fit into buccal &
lingual embrasures.
eg: original V ring
• More recently, ring systems have silicon coatings on tines
eg: Composi Tight 3D & V3 ring.

59. Composi tight – 3D Sectional Matrix
System

60. V ring sectional matrix system
History :
• System was launched in 2005, by Dr. Simon
• First system with V shaped tine
• Pioneered use of NiTi alloy for retainer ring
• V ring separator:
• Has inner stainless steel ring & NiTi outer spring with V
shaped tines.

61. • Matrix :
• Each sectional matrix band has a tab with a hole on the
occlusal edge and holes on the wing ends for pin tweezers to
grasp during placement and removal

62. V3 Sectional Matrix System
• Was next version of V ring matrix system
• Introduced in 2008
• Uses glass fiber reinforced plastic to replace V ring’s stainless
steel tines.

63. •

64. • Advantages:
• Tab helps to stabilize position of matrix occluso-gingivally
• Silicon material on tines of ring help to adapt ring and matrix
to buccal and lingual embrasures
• Silicon material protects soft tissues from injury
• V shapes notches on bottom of ring allow it to adapt, despite
presence of wedge in buccal and lingual embrasures

65. Disadvantages:
• Matrix strips are much longer than required, making them
difficult to place and stabilize on tooth prior to placement of
ring esp. with MOD preparation.
• Technique is time consuming.• Technique is time consuming.

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 tweezer can 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 tofflemire matrix
• Used for class V amalgam restorations
• The contra angled tofflemire retainer• The contra angled tofflemire retainer
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 preshaped and cut
according to gingival third of buccal and
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 tofflemire matrix:• Parts of the tofflemire matrix:
• 1.Head
• 2.Locking vise
• 3.Pointed spindle
• 4.Small knurled nut
• 5.Large knurled nut

75. Parts of a tofflemire retainer:
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 buccal or 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 cavosurface margins.
• Either sequence may be used as long as meticulous
technique is followed.

83. Placement of tofflemire matrix 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 occlusal aspect.
• The shorter knob of set screw is tightened so that
matrix band is held securely

86. Placement of a tofflemire band and
retainer:

88. • Procedure for removal of tofflemire:
• It can be done in 2 steps:
A. Removal of retainer.
B. Removal of band.
Vice-screw nut is moved anti-clockwise to free the band from
retainer
Hold the large vice-moving nut while rotating the small vice –
screw nut and keep the index finger on occlusal surface of
band to stabilize it.

89. • Now, carefully remove the band from each contact point.
• Do not pull the band in occlusal direction, rather move the
band in facial and lingual direction.
• It can be cut near to the teeth on the lingual side and then try to
pull it from buccal side.pull it from buccal side.

91. Double Band Tofflemire
• Indication: Cavities with buccal or
lingual extension
• Supplementary piece of material
should lap over the margins of the
extension by about 1.5-2mm
circumferentially.

92. 2. Ivory No. 1 Matrix
• Most commonly used matrix band holder for unilateral class II
preparations.
• Band is attached to the retainer via a wedge shaped projection which
engages with the tooth at the embrasures of the unprepared surface and
encircles a posterior proximal surface.
• Matrix holder has a claw at one end with two flat semicircle arms having a
pointed projection at the end.
• On the other end of matrix band holder, there is a screw which when
tightened ,brings the end of both the claws closer to each other.

94. 3. Ivory No.8
• This matrix consists of a band that
encircles the tooth to provide missing
walls on both proximal sides.
• The circumference of the band can
be adjusted using the screw present
in the retainer.

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

97. Functions of a wedge:
• Atraumatically retract the rubber dam and gingiva from
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 bandproximal 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 restorativeprevent a gingival overhang of restorative
material when restoring a tooth that has a
cavity involving the proximal surface.

99. TYPES OF WEDGES

100. Wooden wedges:
 Soft wood – pine
 Hard wood – oak
 May be medicated
 Preferred as they are easy to trim, adapt well, absorb moisture
& swell to provide adequate stabilisation of matrix band.
 Used along with metal matrices.

101. Available in 3 shapes:
1)Triangular /anatomic - commercially available
• Preferred for cavities with deep gingival margins.
• Apex must correspond with gingival start of contact area.
• Two sides must coincide with mesial & distal sides of gingival
embrasure, while broader base must contact gingiva & retractembrasure, while broader base must contact gingiva & retract
it.

102. 2)Round :
• Can be made from wooden tooth picks
• Preferred in ideal class II cavity preparation, because wedging
action is closer to gingival margin
3)Premier sycamore wedges:3)Premier sycamore wedges:
• Anatomical shape

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. Light transmitting wedges:
• Are special plastic wedges which are transparent and have
light reflecting core.
• Designed for use with transparent matrices in class II
composite restoration.
• Can transmit approximately 90-95 % incident light

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. Piggyback wedging:
• In cases with gingival recession
& shallow proximal box gingivally,
single wedge may be much apical
to gingival margin.to gingival margin.
• Hence, a second smaller wedge
is ‘piggybacked’ over first wedge
to ensure proper contour
of matrix band.

114. • Double Wedging
• In cases with wider proximal box
in bucco-lingual dimension, or case
with spacing between adjacent teeth.
• 2 wedges, one from buccal aspect &
other from lingual aspect are used to
provide close adaptation of matrix
band at cervical aspect of tooth

115. Wedge- wedging:
 Employed primarily on mesial
aspect of maxillary I premolar,
since tooth have fluted areas in
root near gingival margin.
 Placing single wedge leaves Placing single wedge leaves
open margin gingivally.
 Hence, a second wedge is
inserted b/w first wedge
& band.

117. • What is prewedging?
The procedure of inserting a wedge between
the interproximal surfaces 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 molds itself 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 springduring 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, wedges do not burden the tissues with
destructive forces during installation. During the placing of the wedges in the
interdental space, the wedge arms widen and narrow, which ensures a high
degree of tightness. The unique shape of the wedges guarantees their exact
adhesion to the tooth. K rope Diamond Wedges are an
alternative wedges timber. Easy to slide them between the teeth, they are
flexible and soft.

126. Advantages:
• Tooth separation obtained from prewedging promotes 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 interproximal gingival area thus• Help in retracting and depressing interproximal gingival area thus
help in minimizing trauma to soft tissue.
• Provides space for placing matrix band
• Help in depressing rubber dam in interproximal area 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 occlusal to 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,care should be
takenwhen inserting the wedge because of the
susceptibiltyof the gingiva to bleed upon removal.
• Wedges cannot be placed in the inflamed gingiva as 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 producedirectly 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
• Operative Dentistry-art & Science - Marzouk
• Text Book of Operative Dentistry- Vimal.K.Sikri
• Art & Science of Operative Dentistry-• Art & Science of Operative Dentistry-
Sturdevant
• Operative dentistry : James B. Summitt
• wikipedia

130. THANKYOU