In this article we will run you through how to get consistently tight contacts with the OVC.

1. Focus on your McDonald Matrix Band placement 

A nicely shaped and sealed matrix band will make all aspects of your OVC procedure more predictable.   

McDonaldMatrix-WithRidges46SS-Hex-Stick-Showing-different-ends-transparent-297x296px

  • A helpful technique is to use wooden wedges to secure the McDonald Matrix Band during placement – this then frees up your hands to be able to tighten the band more easily. 

Tighten Band with Wedges in place

  • Use the autoclavable Hex Stick tightening tool to tighten and adjust your McDonald Matrix Band until it is secure. Either press the toggle against the tooth with a finger to hold it in place, or you may prefer to use a pair of cotton tweezers. The band has convenient ledges to aid in easier grip with tweezers. 
  • At this point you can lightly burnish the band – use your mirror to check that the band is touching at the contact points.
  • Tip: If the band is not touching the opposing teeth at the contact point – you can try loosening the band or making a minor cut with scissors or a bur to the top lingual part of the band – this will allow you to further stretch the band towards the contact points. 

 

2. Build your inter-proximal “triangle”

After you are happy with your McDonald Matrix Band placement, we recommend you build the interproximal triangle with flowable or composite.

This achieves two things.

  • It secures the McDonald Matrix Band and prevents it from moving.
  • It prevents the matrix band from developing an unnatural anatomical shape as shown below.

Figure 2 below shows the radiograph appearance of the dent caused by wedging too early.

Figure 3 below shows a dent in the matrix as it would look from the dentist’s usual viewpoint if the interproximal triangle is not created prior to wedging.

Radiograph-circle-around-dented-band-300x214dented-matrix-top-view-300x216

 

 

 

 

 

 

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, remember to build the interproximal triangle before applying the separating force.

 

3. Use a separating ring

For additional separation force it is recommended to place a thin tined separating ring such as the Garrison Original Composi-Tight Ring.

 

Separating Ring in place

 

 

4. A final burnish before placing the OVC

It is important to re-burnish your contact points just before placement of the OVC. With the application of force from the wedges and/or the separating ring, periodontal ligaments allow teeth to move. This is why it is  recommended that you always re-burnish just before placement of the OVC to ensure you get tight contacts.

If you have any further questions, simply email info@rhondium.com and one of our product specialists would be happy to talk you through the procedure.

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