Learning Center

No. Any Garrison ring placement forceps will work. However, the Garrison Premier Forceps make placing Strata-G and Fusion rings much easier. They have a different fulcrum point and tip positioning than previous forceps, making the super strong Strata-G and Fusion rings easier to open. This is particularly important for people with smaller hands or medical conditions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Yes and no. Use of the blue silicon carbide polisher is optional. The coarse blue polisher is used for faster removal and contouring and may not be necessary depending on the situation. The red medium grit and gray high shine should be used in the proper order to achieve the best possible polish.

Yes. Use the blue burs for making adjustments, followed by the green medium and orange high shine in that order to polish the surface to a smooth finish.

Strata-G and Fusion rings should be cleaned before sterilization with a soft plastic brush and warm water. You can use a mild detergent alongside warm water if needed (no harsh chemicals should be used in this process). Sterilization is not a substitute for proper cleaning. If debris has accumulated due to improper cleaning, the use of a scaler or other metal instrument may be needed to gently scrape the debris from the ring tips. Debris does not negatively impact ring performance or reduce ring life; it's simply not aesthetically pleasing. To sterilize the rings, steam autoclave only.

There is no set number of expected uses. During internal testing, opening the ring to 10mm between the tips and placing it on a typical molar, the ring provides proper separating pressure for hundreds of cycles. Your use will vary depending on how far you open the rings to place them and if you're properly cleaning, sterilizing, and storing them between uses.

There is no set number of expected uses. During internal testing, opening the ring to 10mm between the tips and placing on a typical molar, the ring provides proper separating pressure for hundreds of cycles. Your use will vary depending on how far you open the rings to place them and if you're properly cleaning, sterilizing, and storing them between uses.

Yes. All FitStrip components are fully autoclavable. Please follow sterilization guidelines found on our website. They're located on the homepage near the slideshow feature.

The short blue Strata-G (SG400) and Fusion matrix rings (FX400) have shorter tips for better engagement with short teeth. The blue ring also grips better in challenging locations such as the distal of the canine or on top of rubber dam clamps. The blue ring is also preferred for pedodontic applications.

The tall orange Strata-G (SG500) and Fusion matrix rings (FX500) have taller tips for proper matrix band adaptation on taller teeth. The orange ring is also designed to stack over top of the blue ring without interference for MOD or multiple tooth restorations.

The green Strata-G (SG600) and Fusion matrix rings (FX600) are for wide preparations where you may be missing a cusp or have an extra wide embrasure to restore where a traditional matrix ring would crumple your matrix band into the prep.

NiTin rings do not have soft silicone faces on the tips of the rings. Some clinicians prefer a hard faced ring instead of the adaptable soft silicone faced rings, much like other matrix rings on the market. The NiTin rings are Garrison's solution to meet those clinician's needs.

The coloring on the bands is a non-stick coating. It prevents bonding agents and composites from sticking to the metal material of the matrix bands. Some bonding agents will bond to uncoated stainless steel, making uncoated matrix bands very difficult to remove.

Strata-G and Fusion rings should be engaged with a Garrison forceps on the metal portion that is between the plastic backing and the plastic tips. DO NOT engage the plastic as you may cause damage to the ring.

When a FitStrip is used in a curved position, proper lateral pressure must be maintained (pressure against the tooth following the curvature of the strip) or the strip will "bunch up", subsequently bending a small portion at either end of the strip past its breaking point.