Palodent® Plus Sectional Matrix System
Jason H. Goodchild, DMD
When performing Class II composite restorations, isolation of the completed preparation with a matrix system is needed for successful placement. Not only does the selected matrix system need to seal the preparation to help achieve marginal integrity, it also needs to mimic natural tooth contour and facilitate interproximal contact. Historically, circumferential matrices (eg, Tofflemire, AutoMatrix) have been used but have inherent limitations. While effective in sealing the preparation, Tofflemire matrices provide little help in creating proper interproximal contact, both in the shape and position of the contact or the actual strength of contact, all of which influence the potential for food impaction.
The Palodent® Plus Sectional Matrix System is designed to overcome inadequacies in circumferential matrices and shortcomings of earlier sectional matrix systems. Because of the design of the Palodent Plus tines, clinicians can easily seat and stabilize the ring, and because the tines engage the tooth in the cervical third, the ring cannot collapse the matrix on a wide buccolingual preparation. The three main parts of the Palodent Plus system are a nickel-titanium ring capable of separating the teeth and sealing the matrix, Palodent Plus EZ Coat matrices that offer a micro-thin super-curved form and non-stick finish to make matrix removal easier, and wave-shaped wedges.
In the past, it was the responsibility of the wedge to separate the teeth and seal the gingival margin of the preparation by adapting the matrix to the tooth. Palodent Plus wave-shaped wedges have wings that compress during placement and then flare when inserted to help adapt and seal the matrix. The result is improved marginal integrity and anatomic proximal contour of the restoration. Because matrix design is not one size fits all, Palodent Plus is offered with 2 ring sizes, 5 matrix sizes, and 3 wedge sizes, making optimal fit and adaptation simple.
An additional innovative component of the Palodent Plus system is the wedge guard. To prevent unintended damage to adjacent teeth during preparation, wedge guards attach a thin piece of metal matrix to the top of a wedge. After preparation is complete, the metal guard is easily detached, leaving the wedge available for adaptation of the final matrix and ring placement.
The Palodent Plus Sectional Matrix System can be used to restore a single interproximal area or multiple areas in the case of MOD-type restorations. The system not only can help create better restorations, but it also can help with efficiency for when quadrant style dentistry is required.
For more information, contact:
Dentsply Sirona
800-532-2855
www.class2restorations.com
About the Author
Jason H. Goodchild, DMD, is an associate professor and Chairman of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. He is also a clinical education manager in the Clinical Affairs Department at Dentsply Sirona Restorative.
