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MICHAEL A. MIYASAKI, DDS
Dr. Miyasaki practices general dentistry in Sacramento, CA, and has been involved in dental education for over 30 years. Today, he presents and writes about restorative techniques, occlusion, technology, and esthetics. He conducts live patient treatment courses and instructs for the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum. His goal is to make it easier for his colleagues to provide quality dental care and be successful in practice with happy patients |
Pac-Dent iMatrix
Sectional matrix system with ultra-retentive NiTi rings and 3D curved matrix bands adds predictability to composite restorations
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Find out why Michael A. Miyasaki, DDS, believes that: • Every clinician should be using a sectional matrix system when placing posterior composite restorations. • PacDent’s iMatrix has the perfect combination of tools to create an ideal contour, contact, and marginal ridge.
One challenge that many clinicians face when using sectional matrix systems is seeing around the ring and matrix to place the material, since we are typically conditioning the tooth, placing an adhesive, and then adding multiple layers of composite. If we cannot see the area where we are working, it is not only frustrating, but can also lead to restorative failure. I often see this happen when using a matrix that is too tall, so it’s important to have a good selection of matrices.
PacDent’s iMatrix Sectional Matrix System offers 2 ring sizes—narrow and standard—and multiple sizes of matrices and wedges to help clinicians overcome this issue. Additionally, the system comes at an attractive price, about half that of other systems.
NiTi Rings and WedgesI like that there are only 2 ring sizes to choose from for all my preparations. Many clinicians do not like the space within the ring to be too small or too large, as this can make placement difficult. The iMatrix’s rings have been designed to meet both requirements: a large enough working area inside, yet narrow enough to place easily in the mouth.
The NiTi matrix rings offer the perfect strength to make placement easy and provide good separation force so that, once removed, the interproximal contacts are perfectly shaped and tight.
The iMatrix ring provides enough tension to hold the matrix and spread the adjacent teeth slightly. With some systems, the ring can pop off once placed, but the iMatrix wedges and rings are designed to fit and work together extraordinarily well. An undercut design on the ring tines helps reduce flash because the wedge contours the buccal and lingual gingival embrasures and creates a nice seal at the bottom of the prepared box.
3D Matrix BandsThe stainless steel matrix material is thin yet sturdy enough to make placement and removal easy. The greater curvature of the 3D matrix bands is something I prefer because it creates an anatomical contour, contact, and marginal ridge that makes my job easier. It also helps reduce flash at all the margins.
A Matrix Must-HaveI appreciate a system that allows me to save money without compromising clinical performance, and the iMatrix system allows me to place posterior composite restorations predictably and efficiently.
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