Learning Center

There is no set number of expected uses. During internal testing, opening the ring to 10mm between the tips and placing on a typical molar, the ring provides proper separating pressure for hundreds of cycles. Your use will vary depending on how far you open the rings to place them and if you're properly cleaning, sterilizing, and storing them between uses.

Yes. All FitStrip components are fully autoclavable. Please follow sterilization guidelines found on our website. They're located on the homepage near the slideshow feature.

The short blue Strata-G (SG400) and Fusion matrix rings (FX400) have shorter tips for better engagement with short teeth. The blue ring also grips better in challenging locations such as the distal of the canine or on top of rubber dam clamps. The blue ring is also preferred for pedodontic applications.

The tall orange Strata-G (SG500) and Fusion matrix rings (FX500) have taller tips for proper matrix band adaptation on taller teeth. The orange ring is also designed to stack over top of the blue ring without interference for MOD or multiple tooth restorations.

The green Strata-G (SG600) and Fusion matrix rings (FX600) are for wide preparations where you may be missing a cusp or have an extra wide embrasure to restore where a traditional matrix ring would crumple your matrix band into the prep.

NiTin rings do not have soft silicone faces on the tips of the rings. Some clinicians prefer a hard faced ring instead of the adaptable soft silicone faced rings, much like other matrix rings on the market. The NiTin rings are Garrison's solution to meet those clinician's needs.

The coloring on the bands is a non-stick coating. It prevents bonding agents and composites from sticking to the metal material of the matrix bands. Some bonding agents will bond to uncoated stainless steel, making uncoated matrix bands very difficult to remove.

Strata-G and Fusion rings should be engaged with a Garrison forceps on the metal portion that is between the plastic backing and the plastic tips. DO NOT engage the plastic as you may cause damage to the ring.

When a FitStrip is used in a curved position, proper lateral pressure must be maintained (pressure against the tooth following the curvature of the strip) or the strip will "bunch up", subsequently bending a small portion at either end of the strip past its breaking point.

The stiff nature of the Fusion Anterior matrices will maintain proper interproximal anatomy regardless of how firmly composite is compressed into the restoration. Mylar is easily distorted, thereby necessitating difficult adjustments to critical interpoximal areas.

Yes. The FitStrip handle properly attaches to all the abrasive strips within the FitStrip line.

Composi-Tight was designed, developed and tested for use with composite. Due to the exceptional, tight contacts produced by this system it is not recommended for amalgam. Use SlickBands or ReelMatrix for amalgam restorations.

We strongly recommend that you use Garrison ring placement forceps. They are specially designed to open our rings and for ease of use. Rubber dam forceps do not fit the rings well and you will not be able to open the ring wide enough in many cases.

Providing “pre-separation” will help. The preferred method is to use a Garrison FenderWedge during tooth preparation. The FenderWedge will start to separate the teeth while you are cutting the preparation. When the prep is complete, remove the FenderWedge and immediately place the matrix band. Using a traditional wedge for pre-separation will also work, but it will not protect the adjacent tooth from accidental burr contact. Alternatively, placement of a matrix ring on the tooth for a few minutes prior to matrix band placement will also produce separation. After the ring has been in place for a few minutes, remove the ring and immediately place the matrix band.