ClearView Sectional Matrix System Promotes Greater Visibility, Improved Access, and Efficiency
Lori Trost, DMD, operates a high-performance restorative- and preventive-based practice that emphasizes practical, efficient, team-based patient care, which she says is her formula for successful outcomes. To help achieve and maintain that success, Trost, an accomplished dental educator and lecturer on current restorative techniques, relies heavily on the Waterpik® ClearView Sectional Matrix System for many of her restorative procedures.
Her first experience with the matrix system was when she used it on a case involving two back-to-back mandibular molars with short emergence profiles. When she had success, she knew she had found a winning product. "The patient had limited opening, and it was a tough case. I figured if the system worked as well as it did on that case, I had something special," Trost exclaims.
In her years as a clinician, the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area practitioner has noticed a marked improvement in the design of matrix bands, from flat, circumferential shapes, which created a contact point that was often flat and poorly positioned, to newer designs that explored curving the matrix band but still left the contact point assuming inadequate anatomy. However, she notes, matrix bands have "truly evolved."
"Today's matrices are shorter and sectional in nature," she observes, "and many offer a smaller, 2-dimensional design." This, she explains, allows the clinician easier access to prepare the restoration and provides more customized sizing for premolars and molars.
Trost especially appreciates the versatility of the ClearView Sectional Matrix System. "Whether I'm performing a single restoration or quadrant dentistry, as many of my cases are, this system is effective," she says, adding that the matrix system particularly excels in quadrant procedures. The hourglass design of the matrix ring allows for exceptional access, enabling her to more easily place the composite, and improved visibility for sculpting anatomy and marginal ridge contours. "This design feature creates more efficiency, because I can reduce finishing time by the mere final placement of the restoration, thanks to the easy access," she says.
Trost also favors the ClearView Sectional Matrix System because of the matrix ring's universality. "One matrix ring fits snuggly to the cervical areas, especially on lower-profiled teeth," she attests. "The unique design of the universal ring also includes gripping tines that are flared just enough to fit well without rippling the matrix band, essentially eliminating any spring-off from the tooth."
Since using the ClearView Sectional Matrix System, the busy practitioner has noticed improvement in her workflow as well. "This system promotes more efficient restorative procedures due to better access and improved visibility," she claims. Additionally, her assistants find the color-coded matrix bands convenient to use.
According to Trost, Water Pik offers ample support to clinicians who are starting out with the ClearView Sectional Matrix System. Step-by-step instructions as well as an easy-to-follow guide with accompanying graphics are available. These are included in the kits but can also be accessed at waterpik.com. The company also has video support available on it website, and YouTube videos demonstrate how to place and remove the matrix, wedge, and ring. Moreover, Water Pik sponsors hands-on courses for Class II restorations using the matrix system.
"The universal matrix ring not only stays placed once it is engaged, but it ensures the necessary isolation for a successful Class II restoration," Trost summarizes. "I encourage any clinician to try this system and learn firsthand how well it works."
Water Pik, Inc.
800-525-2020
https://waterpik.com/clearview
