Dental Molds
Dental matrices and their auxiliary components—wedges, thermoplastic materials, and adhesives—are essential for proper dental restoration.
Invented by Dwienelle in 1880, they have evolved in line with scientific advances in dentistry to become the dental matrices we use today, made from alloys that are both strong and malleable. Modern dental matrices can withstand significant deformation and loads without breaking. These molds act as an artificial tooth wall while the restorative material is being applied.
1. Functions of Dental Matrices
The purpose of dental matrices is to achieve dental restorations that are anatomically, functionally, and aesthetically correct. To achieve this, they must meet a series of requirements.
1.1. Contain the Restorative Material
Dental matrices must be able to withstand the force required to insert the filling without the material spilling over.
1.2. Protect the Restorative Material
Some setting materials, such as glass ionomers, require protection and a very precise water balance. Dental matrices help this material achieve its maximum clinical properties.
1.3. Contribute to surface finishing
The restoration surface beneath a matrix achieves much higher levels of polish than with conventional polishing.
1.4. Ensuring an appropriate contact point
To restore dental anatomy with the necessary aesthetics and functionality, a well-formed contact point is essential.
In addition, dental matrices are necessary to protect the interdental papilla, seal the cavity, and protect adjacent teeth from iatrogenic effects, among other things.
2. Requirements for Dental Matrices
In order to fulfill the functions described, dental matrices must possess a number of properties. The dentist’s role is to select the most appropriate matrix for each case.
- Compatibility between the restorative material and the matrix
- Adequate rigidity for insertion into proximal areas
- Stability without slippage once in place
- Plasticity for perfect adaptation to the margins of the restoration
- Optical transmittance when using light-cured materials
- Minimum thickness to prevent gaps between adjacent teeth
