Face Forward: Matrixing Strategies-Face Forward: Matrixing Strategies

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, hosted by the Academy of General Dentistry, featured Dr. Arthur R. Volker discussing “Face Forward Matricing Strategies” for direct composite restorations. He explained how matrices can be repurposed to improve anterior restorative dentistry, especially for black triangle closure, diastema correction, and contour refinement.<br /><br />Dr. Volker compared metal and plastic sectional matrices and full-contour matrices. Metal sectional matrices are useful for layering and shaping interproximal anatomy, but can be less ideal because they do not cure through and may create overly open contours if not managed carefully. Plastic sectional matrices, such as BioClear, allow better light transmission and can reshape interproximal profiles, making them especially useful for black triangle cases.<br /><br />A major emphasis was on heated composite and injection molding. Heating composite improves flow, conversion, depth of cure, and may reduce voids and polymerization stress. He described a protocol using etch, bond, reapplication of bonding agent, heated flowable composite, and heated paste composite to create highly polished, mylar-finished restorations.<br /><br />He also reviewed full-contour matrix techniques using modified Tofflemeyer bands and mylar strips for cervical and facial restorations. Overall, his message was to let the matrix create the shape and let heat help the composite work more efficiently.

Asset Caption

The purpose of a matrix is to function as a shape-former and facilitate the placement of materials such as amalgam or composite resin. Many options are available in terms of material selection and scope; this course will discuss various matrixing options as applied to anterior or facial composite restorations. Specifically, metal and plastic matrices will be discussed, as well as sectional and “full-contour” ones. Learning Objectives Discuss composite material options. Gain familiarity with esthetic criteria. Understand the advantages of using heated composite. Employ strategies for the use of metal and plastic sectional and full-contour matrices. Speaker Bio Arthur R. Volker, DDS, MSc, MSEd, FAGD, FACD, DCMID, graduated from the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery. He completed a Master’s in prosthodontics from the University of Siena. He is in private practice in New York, where he is also the owner of DigiDent Laboratory. Volker has published articles and lectures nationally and internationally on such topics as cosmetic dentistry, minimally invasive dentistry, dental materials and digital dentistry.

Keywords

direct composite restorations

matrix strategies

anterior restorative dentistry

black triangle closure

diastema correction

contour refinement

heated composite

injection molding

full-contour matrices