V-Ring Sectional Matrix System

Consultants’ Comments

• “Creates anatomical contours, even with a wide interproximal preparation.”
• “My interproximal contacts and contours have never been better!”
• “I love being able to place the wedge between the tines of the V-Ring.”
• “The V-Wedge is kinder to the gingival papilla than a wooden wedge.”
• “The V-Ring is sometimes too large for small teeth so a smaller ring for pediatric use would be helpful.”

Description

V-Ring Sectional Matrix System facilitates the contouring of posterior Class II composite restorations. The V-Ring separator has a stainless steel inner ring and a nickel-titanium outer spring with V-shaped tines. The tines are placed over the wedge on the buccal and lingual surfaces to enhance tooth separation. Each sectional matrix band has a tab with a hole on the occlusal edge and holes on the wing ends for pin tweezers to grasp during placement and removal. Matrices are available in three heights: 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 mm. The system also includes V-Wedge, Double-Wedge and the Wave-Wedge. V-Wedge has an inverted V-shape cross-section to protect the papilla and is available in six different color-coded sizes. The Double-Wedge is a clear elastic wedge that is designed to be stretched and pulled between the teeth from the occlusal aspect, rather than inserted from the buccal or lingual direction like a traditional wedge. The Wave-Wedge has an inverted V-shape cross-section, comes in three color-coded sizes and is a longer wedge to seal both the buccal and the lingual aspects of the matrix tab. The Wave-Wedge’s effect is similar to placing two wedges, one from the buccal and one from the lingual. The kit evaluated contained three V-Rings, 50 Tab-Matrices in each of the three sizes, ring forceps, pin-tweezers, V-Wedges, Double Wedges and Wave-Wedges. Thirteen consultants used the V-Ring Sectional Matrix System in over 500 clinical restorations. This product received a 96% clinical rating.

Product Features

To supplement an instructional CD/DVD, the V-Ring Sectional Matrix System provides a written photo series showing the correct placement of matrix, wedge of choice and placement of the V-Ring. Improved packaging for the V-Ring Setional Matrix System now consists of a plastic container with individual compartments for each component. The pin holes in the matrix bands aid in grasping the bands during placement and removal. Bands adapt to the teeth well with a good selection of sizes. The most positive feature of the system is the V-Ring component itself. Consultants appreciated the excellent fit to the buccal and lingual embrasures, separation of the teeth, and the subsequent excellent contacts that were formed in the final restoration. The variety of different wedges required some practice to master and some consultants found it easier to focus on their traditional wedges or simply use the V-Wedge. Some consultants preferred the older version of the locking pliers, as opposed to the newer pin tweezers, which are still available through the manufacturer. Consultants felt that a variable height of tines with the V-Ring would be helpful for using multiple V-Rings to restore mesial and distal surfaces simultaneously. Overall, 92% of consultants would switch to the V-Ring Sectional Matrix System. All consultants found the V-Ring Sectional Matrix System to be equal to or better than their current sectional matrix system and would recommend it to a colleague.