Halo Sectional Matrix System White Paper ™
Dr. Rafael Beolchi
INTRODUCTION The restoration of the proximal surface of Class II cavities has always been an important objective for the dental practitioner. There are several reasons why the reestablishment of optimum form and function is important: support, alignment, and stabilization of the dentition are the fundamental ones. Also, the protection and preservation of both tooth and interdental gingival papilla, and consequently, the rest of the periodontal complex. A good contact between teeth helps to prevent food impaction and deter the formation of proximal carious lesions. Several features like the correct interproximal form or contour (embrasure shape), optimum proximal contact surfaces, consistent marginal ridge elevations, and central groove continuity within a dental arch are paramount. Absent or open contacts and/or proximal contact surfaces may give room to poorly aligned dentition, which in turn may cause food impaction, halitosis, caries formation, and periodontal disease—just some of the reasons why the knowledge of accurate tooth anatomy is essential for a functional dental rehabilitation. With the requirement of so many anatomic details, the optimum form and function associated
with the proximal surface tooth anatomy has included numerous obstacles over the years, especially after the improvement of esthetic materials to be used in the posterior region. If by one side the development of new toothlike composite resins and bonding technique allowed for conservation of tooth structure, by the other it brought new challenges and problems. Tight, well-contoured proximal contact areas in the posterior region were more easily achieved with dental amalgam, especially due to its mechanical properties and handling characteristics. Today, composite resin has replaced the metallic direct material as the posterior restorative material of choice, with reports of it being used in at least 58% of posterior restorations according to some studies. The way in which posterior composite restorations are now placed went through a rapid change in the last few years, greatly because of the change and improvements in composites’ composition and formulas, and the new materials and technologies available. Nevertheless, persistent challenges are still encountered by the practitioner, and new improvements in this field will be discussed further ahead.