Triodent® V3 Tab-Matrix™

Sectional Matrix

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Instructions for Use (IFU)

The V3 Tab-Matrix has a pronounced ridge on the occlusal margin, producing completely natural-looking Class II composite restorations that require minimal finishing, saving time, money, and effort.

  • Advanced anatomical features
  • Marginal ridge saves effort and money
  • Vertical contour is easy on the gingival margin
  • Gingival apron is properly shaped to commonly encountered cavity form, avoiding gaps in the gingival-axial corner
  • Superthin (30μm) but strong
  • Tab makes handling with Triodent® Pin-Tweezers easy
2015 Dentistry Today Top 100

Technical Details

Natural Anatomy

The V3 Tab-Matrix has a pronounced marginal ridge for natural anatomy and pronounced curvature on the horizontal plane, which means more curvature remains as the matrix wraps around tooth.

Easy to Grip

True to its name, the Tab-Matrix features a tab with a hole perfectly suited for the Triodent Pin-Tweezers. In addition, the Tab-Matrix features holes on both the lingual and buccal sides to make removal from the side easy.

Patient Friendly

With its advanced anatomical features like the marginal ridge, vertical contour, and shaped gingival apron, the Tab-Matrix is easy on the gingival margin, making it more kind to tissues and ultimately to the patient.

Clinicals

Advanced Anatomical Design

V3

Procedures

V3 System

See Instructions for Use for complete instructions, warnings, and precautions.

Step 1

Wedge before cavity prep.

Pre-wedging prevents bleeding during cavity prep. Even better, a Triodent® WedgeGuard will protect the papilla/rubber dam and the adjacent tooth as well. Push the wedge or WedgeGuard in firmly from the lingual or buccal side and proceed with prep.

Step 2

Remove guard.

If using a WedgeGuard, detach the guard after prep, leaving the wedge behind. A mirror can be used to hold the wedge in place while the guard is removed.

Step 3

Slide matrix into embrasure.

Grip the tab of a Triodent® V3 Tab-Matrix with Triodent® Pin-Tweezers, ensuring that the gold side of the tweezer tips will be facing away from the tooth. Fold the tab towards you so you can slide the matrix apically into the gingival crevice. If necessary, withdraw the wedge slightly then place the matrix. Now trap the tab of the matrix against the neighboring tooth, and then reinsert the wedge.

Step 4

Adjust matrix.

Make small adjustments to ensure the matrix band is at the right height to get maximum benefit from the contour, particularly the rolled marginal ridge, as seen in this cross-section.

Step 5

Option to place matrix first.

If you are not using a WedgeGuard or prefer not to pre-wedge, you may cut the prep first, then place the matrix and then the wedge.

Step 6

Carefully place V3 Ring.

Ask your assistant to pass you a V3 Ring—green for molars, yellow for premolars and primary teeth—already in the forceps with the lock on. Do not rush this next step: Using a finger-rest to steady the forceps, place the ring as low as possible with the tines straddling the wedge. When releasing the forceps, use a finger to press down on the matrix tab to prevent movement.

Step 7

Ring in ideal position.

This image shows the V3 Ring in position from the buccal view. Note how the tips of the tines are close to the gingival margin and the V-slot of the V3 Ring is touching the wedge. Make sure that the ring is in direct contact with the wedge and will not move any further in an apical direction.

Step 8

Place ring distally.

Often it is best to place the V3 Ring distally for better view and access, even with an MO.

Step 9

Wedging from both sides.

The V3 System allows a second wedge to be placed from the other side, even without removing the ring first. The second wedge can be fitted underneath the first as shown above. This feature enables you to easily adjust the wedging without starting over.

Step 10

Separate matrix from composite.

Break the bond between the matrix and the composite by pushing a thin, metal-blade instrument through the embrasure below the contact point.

Step 11

Remove matrix.

Grip one of the matrix wing holes with Pin-Tweezers and wriggle the matrix gently. If the matrix moves, it is free of the composite and can be removed.

Testimonials

“The adaptability, security and position of the Universal V3 and Narrow V3 with their accompanying matrices are second to none when placing composites. They have far outperformed any other system I have used.”

Marshall C Fields, DMD – Columbia, SC

“I’ve tried them all and the V3 system, when used correctly with the Wave-Wedges and V3 Matrices, is hands-down the best! Trust me, you’ll never look back. Triodent’s innovation has made dentistry more fun!”

Komson Sudhi, DDS – Plano, TX

“You folks have certainly done a great job with your separators and matrices. It’s made my work a lot easier.”

Leon L. Wiggin, DDS – Oneonta, NY

“I have been a loyal customer of Triodent from your first appearance on the US market many years ago. I have tried all the other matrix systems—Palodent, Garrison, Contact Pro—but only your system has met my requirements for broad, tight contacts. I am a customer for life.”

Bob Kogen, DDS – Newhall, CA

“After 20 years searching, I think the V3 is the best matrix system out there. Thanks for your outstanding, lifesaving product.”

Robert Ho, DDS – San Francisco, CA

“Using the Triodent V3 has been an outstanding restorative experience. I thought my methods and materials for restorative procedures were at the highest level, then I purchased Triodent’s V3 system. After the first restoration I could see how much greater adaptation, better contours and tighter contacts this system creates. I am thoroughly impressed and delighted with this product.”

Dr. Ken Banks – Inwood, WV

“The V3 was my best purchase of the year. My fillings are better and easier than ever.”

Dr. Noam Kranz – New Milford, NJ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I use the tab on the V3 Tab-Matrix?

    Holding the matrix by the tab in Triodent Pin-Tweezers, simply bend the tab towards you (mesially) to create a “contra-angle” handle. Then move the V3 Tab-Matrix apically into the embrasure. Try to avoid trapping gingival tissue between the matrix and the gingival margin of the cavity.
  • How do I prevent the little tab blocking my view of the cavity?

    While burnishing the V3 Tab-Matrix, bend the tab over and fold it out of the way.
  • How do I remove the V3 Tab-Matrix if it appears to be stuck?

    Firstly, peel the matrix away from the composite as far as possible on both sides using a suitable instrument. Gently rocking the matrix back and forth should then make it easy to remove. Use Triodent Pin-Tweezers to grab the hole on the wings of the V3 Tab-Matrix and wiggle the matrix out. Grabbing the tab may rip it off but the lateral holes work better. You can also try flossing (waxed floss) between the matrix and the restoration. Take care not to lacerate the gingival papillae by excessively rocking the matrix.
  • How do I keep the V3 Tab-Matrix in place while inserting a Wave-Wedge?

    If you prefer to place the V3 Tab-Matrix before the Triodent® Wave-Wedge, use a finger to trap the matrix tab against the neighboring tooth while inserting the wedge. This will prevent the matrix from sliding out of the embrasure.
  • Can I place the V3 Tab-Matrix after placing the wedge?

    Yes. In fact this is usually the best way to do it. Place the Wave-Wedge first, BEFORE cavity prep. This pre-wedging prevents bleeding, separates the teeth slightly and positions the wedge more apically, thereby allowing the contact point to be lower. The wedge will also depress the interproximal gingivae and rubber dam and protect both from the high-speed bur. Most of the time you will then be able to slide the V3 Tab-Matrix into place without removing the wedge.
  • How can I be sure that the composite has completely cured inside the V3 Tab-Matrix?

    To ensure complete curing of the composite, fold the wings of the V3 Tab-Matrix back (after removing the ring and wedges) and cure from the buccal and lingual sides.
  • How do I get the greatest benefit out of the rolled marginal ridge on the V3 Tab-Matrix?

    Positioned correctly, the rolled marginal ridge on the V3 Tab-Matrix will save you a lot of time in finishing because it closely replicates the natural anatomy of the tooth. To maximize the benefits of the ridge, take care to position the band exactly. If it won’t go into the ideal position, slide the edge out while trapping the tab of the matrix against the neighboring tooth, then push the wedge back in. This method also eliminates the possibility of a gingival tag protruding into the cavity box.
  • How can I stop hooking the tab of the V3 Tab-Matrix when I go to release the Pin-Tweezers?

    Triodent Pin-Tweezers have a gold tip on one side, which indicates the side with the pin. Insert the matrix with the gold tip facing away from the occlusal surface. Then when you release the tweezers, the pin will be well away from the tab.
  • When doing an MOD, the matrix band side extrusions are too long and get in the way of the opposing matrix band.

    The easy way around this is to place the yellow V3 Ring on the tooth, trapping the matrix band in place, then bend the protruding ends of the matrix backwards to make room for the opposite matrix band.