Customized Coronal Conformation Systems for Lateral Teeth’s Direct Restorations

Abstract

The restoration of a proximal wall depends on several factors, the conformation system playing one of the most important parts of the working protocol. The vertical, transversal and sagittal adaptation of the matrix band implies the use of one or two wedges and of a sectional matrix device (usually with a ring shape) with tines. The size, configuration and the material the tines are made of determine most of the quality of the adaption and stabilization of the matrix band. Even if these standardized tines have various designs and variable flexibility, a truly efficient tine should have a customized configuration which can be obtained after taking the impression of the initial proximal wall. The clinical situations that allow the customization of the standard tines imply proximal caries that have not interrupted the proximal wall or that have interrupted it less than one third of the transversal distance.