Matrix Selection Guide

Procedure Recommended Materials Special Notes
Conservative Class II
 Composi-Tight 3D Sectional Matrix Kit Most Popular Choice; superior contacts with minimal flash.
Reel Matrix Tofflemire-style with contoured matrix; easy to apply; cure through option available
Pinch Matrices - Metal or Blue View Built-in tensioning device; requires buccal and lingual wedges to allow placement past contact points.
Slick Bands Tofflemire Non-Stick Matrices Traditional Tofflemire with a new non-stick coating for easier removal.
Slightly Wide and/or Deep
 Composi-Tight 3D Sectional Matrix Kit Good choice if the preparation is not to wide; use subgingival matrix bands.
Reel Matrix Handles wider preparations that aren't too deep; use with 3D ring fro improved results.
Pinch Matrices - Metal or Blue View Handles wider preparations that aren't too deep; use with 3D ring fro improved results.
Slick Bands Tofflemire Non-Stick Matrices #2 Subgingival bands handle both very wide and very deep restorations.
Large Class II with missing cusps
 Reel Matrix Use clear version to improve visulization of overall restoration.
Pinch Matrices - Metal or Blue View Use Blue View version to improve visulization of overall restoration.
Slick Bands Tofflemire Non-Stick Matrices Use Right-Curve matrix to improve anatomy of extremely wide preps.
Small to medium size Class III
 Blue View Grip Strips Most popular; interproximal gripper and curved form help retain the matrix.
Blue View Matrix Tape Blue View coloration improves visulization of matrix and preparation margins.
Large Class III or Class IV
 Blue View Grip Strips Most popular; interproximal gripper and curved form help retain the matrix.
Blue View Matrix Tape Blue View coloration improves visulization of matrix and preparation margins.
Class V
 Blue View Cervical Matrix Contours and directly compresses resin while eliminating air-inhibited layer.
Crown build-ups, post and core
 Reel Matrix Best choice if you want a cure-through matrix for a core build-up.
Pinch Matrices - Metal or Blue View Very fast; may not provide as tight a cervical seal as other matrices.
Slick Bands Tofflemire Non-Stick Matrices Most popular choice; use Right-Curve gray (regular) matrix for the tightest possible cervical seal.