Classes
Back-to-Back
★ BEST CHOICE: Quad Ring, Quad Wedge, Firm Band (See recommended technique)
Pros: Ring driver tip and split wedge work together. Firm Bands prevent deformation.
Cons: Learning curve.
Wide Prep
★ BEST CHOICE: Strata-G Wide prep ring, Firm Band (See recommended technique)
Pros: Smaller size. Nitinol wire increases life span.
Cons: Limited application. Not recommended for basic Class II.
OPTION 2: 3D Fusion wide prep ring, Firm Band (See recommended technique)
Pros: Similar performance to Strata-G.
Cons: Larger than Strata-G. Strata-G lasts longer
OPTION 3: ReelMatrix
Pros: For teeth too broken down for a sectional matrix system
Cons: Less ideal contour and contact to a sectional matrix solution.
Deep Prep
★ BEST CHOICE: Quad Ring, Quad Wedge, Firm Band
Pros: Split tip wedge sits deep in sulcus and less likely to be pushed up by the gingiva.
Cons: N/A
OPTION 2: Strata-G Ring, Strata-G Wedge and Firm Band
Pros: Strata-G wedge sits deeper than other wedges.
Cons: Strata-G wedge does not sit as deep as Quad.
Class III
★ BEST CHOICE: Anterior Fusion (See recommended technique)
Pros: Natural emergence profile and interproximal contours.
Cons: Learning curve. Shape may not be approporiate for all teeth (i.e. bulbous). Not cure through.
OPTION 2: Vari-Strip
Pros: Simple. Cure through.
Cons: Susceptible to deformation during use.
Class IV
★ BEST CHOICE: Anterior Fusion (See recommended technique)
Pros: Natural emergence profile and interproximal contours.
Cons: Learning curve. Shape may not be approporiate for all teeth (i.e. bulbous). Not cure through.
OPTION 2: Vari-Strip
Pros: Simple. Cure through.
Cons: Susceptible to deformation during use.
Class V
★ BEST CHOICE: Blue View Cervical
Pros: Compresses composite into the restoration. Limited finishing required.
Cons: N/A
Special Cases
Deep Margin Elevation
★ BEST CHOICE: ReelMatrix, Deep Margin Elevation band (P/N RM500H)
Pros: Ability to seal very deep lesions. Lightweight, retainerless.
Cons: Will not restore whole tooth. Step 1 of a two step process.
OPTION 2: Deep Margin Elevation Tofflemire Band (P/N SMT500H10) with a standard tofflemire retainer
Pros: Ability to seal deep very deep lesions.
Cons: Retainer can torque the band out of position.
Last Tooth in Arch/Missing Adjacent Tooth
★ BEST CHOICE: ReelMatrix
Pros: Circumferential band can be placed without the presence of adjacent dentition. Retainerless bands allow for simulataneous multi-tooth restoration.
Cons: N/A
OPTION 2: Tofflemire Slickbands
Pros: Circumferential band can be placed without the presence of adjacent dentition
Cons: Retainer can torque the band out of position. Cannot perform simulataneous multi-tooth restorations.
Core Buildup
★ BEST CHOICE: ReelMatrix
Pros: Circumferential band can be placed without the presence of adjacent dentition. Retainerless bands allow for simulataneous multi-tooth restoration.
Cons: N/A
OPTION 2: Tofflemire Slickbands
Pros: Circumferential band can be placed without the presence of adjacent dentition
Cons: Retainer can torque the band out of position. Cannot perform simulataneous multi-tooth restorations.
Pedo
★ BEST CHOICE: Quad Universal Ring, Quad Wedge, Strata-G pedo band
Pros: Greater adaptability to different shaped teeth. Wedge sits deeper in the sulcus and less pressure on gingiva.
Cons: Learning curve
OPTION 2: ReelMatrix
Pros: Speed
Cons: Less ideal contour and contact to a sectional matrix solution.
Distal of canine
★ BEST CHOICE: Strata-G Universal Ring
Pros: Retention capability
Cons: May not retain in all circumstances.
OPTION 2: 3D Fusion Universal Ring
Pros: Similar retention capability to the Strata-G.
Cons: May not retain in all circumstances.
OPTION 3: ReelMatrix
Pros: ReelMatrix will work where a sectional matrix ring will not grip appropriately.
Cons: Less ideal contour and contact to a sectional matrix solution.
Mal-Positioned
★ BEST CHOICE: Quad Ring
Pros: Adapts to tooth rotation
Cons: N/A