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MATRICES FOR CLASS V CAVITY RESTORATIONS
Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Purpose
- Ideal Requirements of a Matrix
- Functions of a Matrix
- Parts of a Matrix System
- Classification of Matrices
- Matrices Specifically Used for Class V Cavity Restorations
- A. Window Matrix
- B. Anatomic Matrix (Compound Matrix)
- C. Aluminum/Copper Collar Matrix
- D. Preformed Transparent Cervical Matrix
- E. Mylar (Celluloid) Strip
- Procedure for Matrix Placement in Class V
- Conclusion
- References
1. Introduction
A Class V cavity is located on the gingival third of the facial (buccal/labial) or lingual surfaces of all teeth. These lesions, whether carious or non-carious (abrasion, erosion, abfraction), present a unique challenge during restoration because:
- They are bounded on all sides by tooth structure
- The gingival margin often lies at or below the gingival crest
- Access is limited by the cheek, tongue, and gingival tissue
- A conventional circumferential retainer (e.g., Tofflemire) cannot be placed effectively
Because of these anatomical constraints, specialized matrices are needed for Class V restorations. The matrix substitutes for the missing or absent cavity wall, confines the restorative material to the prepared cavity, and gives the final restoration its correct contour.
2. Definition
A matrix is a device used to replace missing tooth structure temporarily to provide a wall against which restorative material is condensed or placed. It acts as an artificial wall during condensation of the restorative material.
3. Ideal Requirements of a Matrix
- Should be rigid enough to withstand condensation forces
- Should adapt closely to the cavity margins without gaps
- Should reproduce the correct anatomical contour of the tooth surface
- Should be easy to place and remove without disturbing the restoration
- Should not impinge on the gingival tissue unnecessarily
- Should be compatible with the restorative material
- Should resist deformation under pressure
- For tooth-colored restorations: must be transparent to allow light-curing
4. Functions of a Matrix
- Replaces the missing cavity wall and confines restorative material within the preparation
- Provides the correct three-dimensional anatomical contour to the restoration
- Displaces gingival tissue and rubber dam away from gingival cavity margins
- Prevents cervical overhangs of the restoration
- Maintains the shape of the restoration while the material sets or is light-cured
- Allows adequate condensation/packing of restorative material
5. Parts of a Matrix System
A matrix system generally consists of:
| Component | Function |
|---|
| Matrix band/strip | The actual thin metal or plastic material that forms the artificial wall |
| Retainer | Holds the band in position around the tooth |
| Wedge | (Used in Class II; not always needed in Class V) Seals the gingival margin and prevents flash |
In Class V preparations, the matrix band is typically NOT held by a conventional retainer - instead it is held by:
- Compound support (anatomic matrix)
- Finger pressure
- Preformed self-retaining collar design
6. Classification of Matrices (General)
- Based on material: Metal (stainless steel, copper, aluminum) / Non-metal (celluloid, Mylar)
- Based on support: Compound-supported / Non-compound-supported
- Based on retainer: With retainer (Tofflemire) / Without retainer (Automatrix)
- Based on transparency: Opaque / Transparent
7. Matrices Used for Class V Cavity Restorations
A. Window Matrix
Indication: Class V preparations for amalgam restorations.
Description:
- A thin strip of stainless steel or dead-soft metal with a rectangular "window" opening cut in its center
- The window is positioned over the Class V cavity, with the metal strip extending over the gingival and incisal margins
- Held in place by compound on the buccal or lingual surface of the tooth
Procedure:
- Adapt the window of the matrix over the prepared cavity
- The margins of the window must coincide exactly with the cavity margins
- Secure with compound or finger pressure
- Condense amalgam through the window
- Remove matrix once initial condensation is complete
Advantage: Allows perfect adaptation at all margins; prevents any flash or overhang.
B. Anatomic Matrix (Compound-Supported Anatomic Matrix)
Indication: Class V cavities being restored with non-light-cured (chemically-cured) tooth-colored restorative materials such as composite resins, glass ionomer cements, and silicate cements.
Description:
This matrix is custom-made using impression compound to reproduce the exact contour of the tooth surface that was lost due to the cavity preparation.
Procedure (Charbenneau's Method):
- Fill the Class V cavity with gutta-percha or a piece of inlay wax, trimmed to the proper contour of the missing tooth surface
- Coat the filled cavity and adjacent tooth surface with cocoa butter or Vaseline (as a separating medium)
- Take a compound impression of that surface - press softened impression compound over the area and allow to cool
- Remove the compound impression from the tooth
- Remove the gutta-percha/wax from the cavity
- Clean the cavity and proceed with bonding/conditioning
- Place the restorative material into the cavity
- Reseat the compound matrix over the cavity under firm finger pressure to mold the material to the correct anatomy
- Hold securely until the material sets (chemically)
Advantage:
- Produces excellent anatomical contour
- Particularly suited for self-curing composites and GICs
- Does not require a separate retainer device
Disadvantage:
- Cannot be used with light-cured composites (compound is opaque)
- Requires a two-visit technique or a pre-formed step
C. Aluminum or Copper Collar Matrix (Dead-Soft Metal Collar)
Indication: Class V restorations using amalgam or non-light-cured composite resins.
Description:
- Pre-formed dead-soft aluminum or copper bands (copper rings) are adapted to fit the cervical area of the tooth
- Available in various sizes to fit different teeth
- The band is cut and shaped to extend slightly beyond the cavity margins on all sides
Procedure:
- Select an appropriately sized aluminum or copper collar
- Trim it so that it extends 1 mm beyond the cavity margins
- Adapt (burnish) the collar closely to the tooth surface using a burnisher or ball-ended instrument
- The collar is held in place by its close adaptation to the tooth
- Place the restorative material, condense/pack through the open side of the collar
- Remove the collar after the material has set
Advantage:
- Provides good circumferential confinement of material
- Easily shaped with instruments to match tooth contour
- Inexpensive and disposable
Disadvantage:
- Opaque - cannot be used with light-cure composites
- Difficult to achieve perfect adaptation in deeply sub-gingival preparations
D. Preformed Transparent Cervical Matrix (Cervical Matrix / Cervical Retainer)
Indication: Class V restorations with light-cured composite resins - the most commonly used matrix in modern operative dentistry for Class V.
Description:
- These are preformed, transparent (clear) plastic matrices made of polycarbonate or acetate
- Designed in a concave/cervical shape to conform to the buccal/lingual surface of the tooth at the cervical third
- Available in different sizes (small, medium, large) and shapes to fit anterior and posterior teeth
- Some designs include a lip/flange to engage the gingival sulcus for retention
- Brand examples: Kerr Hawe Cervical Matrix, various acetate matrix strips
Procedure:
- Select the correct size matrix to cover the prepared cavity
- Place the matrix over the cavity preparation and press it firmly against the tooth surface so it conforms to the tooth contour
- Hold in place with finger pressure or with a specially designed cervical matrix retainer
- Inject/place composite resin into the cavity through the access provided
- Light-cure through the transparent matrix - the transparency is what makes this matrix essential for photopolymerization
- Remove the matrix after curing; finish and polish the restoration
Advantage:
- Transparent - allows light activation through the matrix
- Produces a smooth, well-contoured restoration surface
- Reduces finishing time
- Produces anatomical contour with a single placement
- Hygienic and disposable
Disadvantage:
- May not adapt perfectly to complex cervical contours
- Requires correct size selection
- Can be difficult to hold in place without a retainer in inaccessible areas
E. Mylar (Celluloid) Strip
Indication: Used for Class V preparations on anterior teeth, especially where marginal adaptation and translucency are important.
Description:
- Thin, flexible transparent polyester (Mylar) strip approximately 0.05 mm thick
- Not preformed - the strip is bent and adapted manually to cover the preparation
Procedure:
- Cut a piece of Mylar strip to appropriate size
- Curve it to fit over the cavity preparation
- Stabilize with finger or instrument pressure
- Place and light-cure composite through the strip
- Remove the strip after curing
Advantage:
- Very thin - does not alter occlusal contacts
- Transparent for light curing
- Flexible and easily adapted
- Creates a smooth, glossy surface on the restoration
Disadvantage:
- Difficult to maintain in position without assistance
- Does not give as precise a three-dimensional contour as preformed matrices
- Limited to accessible cavities
8. Procedure for Matrix Placement in Class V Restorations (General Steps)
- Rubber dam isolation (when possible) or retraction cord placement
- Cavity preparation completed with correct form
- Select appropriate matrix based on:
- Type of restorative material (amalgam vs. light-cure composite vs. chemical-cure)
- Tooth type and position (anterior vs. posterior)
- Cavity extent (sub-gingival vs. supragingival)
- Adapt the matrix closely to all margins with no gap
- Verify margin coverage - all cavity walls must be covered
- Place restorative material and condense/inject into cavity
- Remove matrix carefully after setting/curing
- Finish and polish the restoration
9. Conclusion
Class V cavity restorations require specialized matrices because the conventional circumferential retainers (Tofflemire) are not applicable to facial/lingual cervical surfaces. The choice of matrix depends primarily on:
- The type of restorative material (light-cure vs. chemical-cure vs. amalgam)
- The location and accessibility of the cavity
- The esthetic requirements of the patient
The preformed transparent cervical matrix is the most widely used in contemporary practice for tooth-colored restorations. The anatomic compound matrix remains relevant for chemical-cure materials. The window matrix and aluminum/copper collar are used for amalgam restorations. The Mylar strip serves as a simple, transparent alternative for anterior teeth. A thorough understanding of these matrices allows the clinician to achieve well-contoured, properly sealed Class V restorations.
References
- Roberson TM, Heymann HO, Swift EJ. Sturdevant's Art and Science of Operative Dentistry, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2002.
- Charbenneau GT (ed). Principles and Practice of Operative Dentistry, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1988.
- Marzouk MA, Simonton AL, Gross RD. Operative Dentistry: Modern Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. Ishiyaku EuroAmerica; 1985.
- Roberson TM, Heymann HO, Swift EJ. Sturdevant's Art and Science of Operative Dentistry, 5th ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2006.
- Baum L, Phillips RW, Lund MR. Textbook of Operative Dentistry, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1995.
- Mount GJ, Hume WR. Preservation and Restoration of Tooth Structure, 2nd ed. Queensland: Knowledge Books and Software; 2005.
- Anusavice KJ, Shen C, Rawls HR. Phillips' Science of Dental Materials, 12th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders; 2013.
Key takeaway for 10-mark exam: Always state the reason why conventional matrices cannot be used for Class V, then classify and describe each matrix with its indication, components, procedure, and advantages/disadvantages. This structure will earn full marks.