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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about V-Rings
- Do V-rings achieve tight contacts?
- Can V-Rings be used with large cavities?
- Can V-Rings be used when a cusp is missing?
- Can V-Rings be used with primary teeth?
- Can V-Rings be sterilized and re-used?
- Can V-Rings be used with MOD cavities?
- What is the useful life of V-Rings?
- Can V-Rings be used for the restoration of TWO adjacent Class II cavities?
- Are V-Rings equally effective with all teeth?
- Do I need to hold the contact point in place with a burnisher while light curing? Can I use a regular matrix to hold the contact point in place, so that I don’t need a V-Ring?
Frequently asked questions about the Tab-Matrix
- How do I use the Tab?
- How to I prevent the Tab from obstructing my view of the cavity?
- How do I remove the Tab?
Questions about V-Rings
1. Do V-rings achieve tight contacts?
Yes, they certainly do! Experts agree that sectional matrix systems offer the greatest certainty of achieving tight contacts, since the lateral pressure imposed by the spring has the same effect as a McKean orthodontic separator.
The V-Ring is a sectional matrix system. The only functional differences between the V-Ring system and other sectional matrices are:
- The V-Ring is particularly effective in holding the matrix in a completely anatomically-correct curve.
- The V-Ring traps the matrix on the tooth’s shoulders and prevents it from moving on slipping from the adjacent contact point.
- The V-Ring’s spring is made from extremely resilient NiTi.
- The V-Ring spans large cavities.
- The retention is better.
- The separation is better, since the spring imposes a greater lateral force.
Consequently it is only logical that the V-Ring achieves excellent contacts.
2. V-Rings be used with large cavities?
Certainly! The anatomically-shaped tines contact both adjacent teeth, as a result of which the ring is less likely to press the sectional matrix into wider vestibulo-lingual cavities.
3. Can V-Rings be used when a cusp is missing?
Certainly! The tines grip the teeth on each side of the contact, close to the gingival margin. Consequently V-Rings can often be used when a cusp is missing. However, in some instances – depending on the anatomy – it may be preferable to build up the bulk of the cusp before attaching the V-Ring.
4. Can V-Rings be used with primary teeth?
Certainly! V-Rings are surprisingly effective with primary molars.
5. V-Rings be sterilized and re-used?
Certainly! The have been designed for re-use.
6. Can V-Rings be used with MOD cavities?
V-Rings exhibit an excellent performance in use for single Class II restorations and MOD cavities. The V-Rings can be stacked, or one can be positioned facing mesially and the other distally.
7. How can the extra cost of V-Rings be justified?
Although V-Rings are a little more expensive than competing systems they offer better results, reduced frustration, and time savings. Moreover they are made from stainless steel and NiTi, both metals with a longer serviceable life. The cost of the Tab-Matrix, a consumable, is comparable to that of other sectional matrix bands.
The cost incurred in repeating proximal restorations because the original contact left room for improvement also needs to be borne in mind. Trying to repeat the restoration immediately will result in you running late, with all the concomitant stress – but repeating it on another day will reduce the patient’s confidence in your competence. Having to repeat a restoration is detrimental to your credibility, it wastes your time, and it increases your costs – and all without income! All of which is highly frustrating!
8. Can V-Rings be used for the restoration of TWO adjacent Class II cavities?
Yes. This is more than twice the matrix band. V-Rings achieve a separation of between 60 and 80 micrometer, which is greater than twice the thickness of a matrix band.
9. Are V-Rings equally effective with all teeth?
The V-Ring system is extremely versatile – far more versatile than all other matrix systems.
10. I need to hold the contact point in place with a burnisher while light curing? Can I use a regular matrix to hold the contact point in place, so that I don’t need a V-Ring?
I always do this because it is so easy to do and avoids the bad contact caused by the matrix not being in contact with the neighbouring tooth. Quite often it is impossible to see if the matrix is actually touching so holding is just a precaution. I suspect that this single issue is the main cause of REALLY bad contacts. The V-Ring’s function is to separate the teeth (orthodontically) and wrap the matrix around the tooth. Just as an aside, I prefer to add a tad more curvature with my fingers before placing the matrix as it makes more room to place the V-Ring.
A regular matrix (Tofflemire) when used on a Class II has the effect of moving the tooth in the wrong direction by the thickness of the matrix (you have to get the matrix through the intact side). This means that you have to overcome TWO thicknesses of matrix to get a tight contact. Tofflemire also tends to produce cylindrical restorations with a poor contour and a contact just at the marginal ridge. This method has been tried over and over and found to be unpredictable by most who have tried it. Have you watched Graeme Milicich’s presentation (see the link on our www.triodent.com website)? This interesting presentation offers a great deal of useful information – and it’s free!
Questions about the Tab-Matrix
1. How do I use the Tab?
You simply bend the lip towards you (mesially) and grip it with any type of tweezers. You can then move it apically into the embrasure. Try to avoid trapping gingival tissue between the matrix and the cervical margin of the cavity.
2. How to I prevent the tab from obstructing my view of the cavity?
You can lift the tab and fold it away before you burnish the Tab-Matrix.
3. How do I remove the Tab-Matrix?
Pull on the matrix so that it is dislodged from the restoration and released from the adhesive. Insert the pins of the special TrioDent Pin-Tweezers in the pin-holes in the Tab-Matrix’ wings, and pull. Pulling on the tab will often simply detach it; however, using the lateral holes often works better. You can also try flossing (waxed floss) between the matrix and the restoration.
The Tab-Matrix shown in the above image has been loosened sufficiently from the restoration to allow it to be rotated about the contact point. Once you get a good grip on the Tab-Matrix with either Pin-Tweezers or haemostats you can slide it out easily.
The Tab is intended SOLELY for fitting, and NOT for removal. We are convinced that the bonding agent bonds the matrix to the composite. Consequently it is essential that the matrix is released using a probe or a flat plastic instrument. Do not try to release it by repeatedly pulling on the matrix. Once the matrix has come free it should be possible to rock it back and forth to that it can rotate about the contact point. Using this method makes it relatively easy to remove the matrix from tight contacts.
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