Elastic Band Concept Resource Center

This resource page is designed to answer common questions about the multi-size Elastic Band Concept prototypes, helping you maximize efficiency and achieve predictable results in your MOD Class II and MOD back-to-back Class II restorations. We will continue to update this page based on feedback from clinicians participating in the field evaluation. Please email your questions or suggestions to gvandentop@garrisondental.com. 

Elastic Band Concept Overview 

The Elastic Band Prototype is a hybrid matrix system that combines two Garrison firm sectional matrix bands connected by a flexible elastic segment to provide added stability during MOD and back-to-back restorations. Together, these components deliver approximately 300° of circumferential coverage, improving band retention while still allowing ring and wedge placement and giving the contour of traditional sectional matrix bands.

How To Use the Elastic Band Concept

 

Elastic Band Concept
Size: “Premolar” intended for premolarsSize: “175” (if you have evaluated the Elastic Band Concept before, this is the same size you reviewed) intended for standard molars Size: “200” intended for large molars 

What problem are we solving?

Dentists frequently experience band destabilization and displacement when performing MOD and back-to-back Class II composite restorations using conventional sectional matrix systems. This concept addresses three critical moments of the procedure: 

  1. During Wedge Insertion
    1. Matrix bands flare off the tooth before wedges are placed, allowing the wedge to catch the band and pull it off or mis-position it.
  2. During Ring Placement
    1. Placing the ring often displaces the band, causing loss of contact form, poor contour, or the need to restart the sectional matrix setup. 
  3. Need for Circumferential Matrix Band Solution
    1. When you need a 360-degree band, they often have handles or placement devices that inhibit or prohibit ring placement.  This matrix allows a circumferential solution that can be effective with rings.

When to Use It 

The Elastic Band Concept is intended for MOD Class II and back-to-back MOD Class II restorations. 

You will receive 5 parts of each of the 3 sizes, with each size packaged in its own labeled blister pack, for a total of 15 parts. All parts are made from our Fusion Firm sectional matrix band material. 

  1. Blister Pack Label: “175” 
    1. Description: Our most popular band size (height = 5.3 mm). If you have previously evaluated the Elastic Band Concept, this is the same size you evaluated during the initial field evaluation.
    2. Intended Use: Regular-sized molars.
  2. Blister Pack Label: “200”
    1. Description: This size is slightly taller than the 175 band (height = 6.1 mm).
    2. Intended Use: Tall molars or cases requiring additional band height.
  3. Blister Pack Label: “Premolar” 
    1. Description: This size has the same height as the 175 band (5.3 mm) but a reduced diameter to better fit premolars. 
    2. Intended Use: Premolars.