A matrix (dentistry) is a technical tool that is used in dental treatments. In this context, dentists use the matrix when they place a dental filling, using a plastic material to fill the cavity in the tooth. Basically, a matrix is used when the tooth has an opening to the outside. At the same time, a matrix is the counterpart to a patrix.
What is a matrix?
The term matrix comes from Latin and is derived from the word for ‘mother’. In dentistry, the term matrix has two meanings. On the one hand, the matrix is an aid that doctors use when placing fillings. A plastic filling substance is used for this purpose. Secondly, a matrix is the counterpart to a patrix in dentistry. The matrix and patrix together form the so-called attachment and thus form a cohesive unit.
Forms, types and species
The classic die is composed of a metal strip. In some cases, the matrix is also made of plastic. The dentist places the band around the tooth when placing a filling. Composite or amalgam fillings, for example, are possible, although it is basically a plastic substance used to fill a cavity in the tooth that is open to the outside. The dentist places the filling material in the open tooth while the substance is still soft and malleable. In this way, the dentist repairs various defects in the tooth, such as holes. The function of the matrix is mainly to hold the soft filling material in the desired cavity, because not in all cases is a hole in the tooth completely surrounded by enamel. More often, the cavity is more open on one or more sides, so that the plastic filling material threatens to flow out. By surrounding the corresponding tooth with the band of the matrix for the duration of the treatment, the dentist prevents unwanted escape of the filling substance. Thus, the matrix is primarily a shaping aid that holds the filling material in place at the point of application. When the dentist places an amalgam filling, he usually uses a so-called ring band matrix. On the other hand, the plastic matrix is used mainly when the dentist places a filling with plastic material in the area of the front teeth. The dentist places the matrix between the defective tooth and the adjacent tooth. In this way, the matrix prevents the neighboring tooth from sticking to the filling material. Since plastic fillings usually harden under blue light of a certain wavelength, the dentist often uses transparent matrices for these cases. In addition, the term matrix in dentistry refers to the attachment technique, also called dental attachment by dentists. In this case, the attachment is created by the interaction of the matrix and patrix. In this case, the patrix forms the positive part of a denture called an attachment, which is removable. The patrix fits perfectly into the matrix, creating a certain hold.
Structure and function
The basic element of a matrix is a band, which is either made of metal or plastic. The dentist places this band around the tooth during therapy to prevent unwanted leakage of soft filling material. Thus, the matrix is generally used when it is necessary to fill cavities in the tooth that are open to the outside. A ring band matrix, for example, is made up of thin steel sheets which adapt perfectly to the shape of the tooth and thus largely prevent the filling substance from escaping. Matrices are used in dentistry in particular for placing interdental fillings. The other meaning of the term ‘matrix’ refers to the attachment construction, which fulfills a different function and is not used for placing dental fillings. The matrix as a counterpart to the patrix is a part of the attachment denture. This attachment consists of a fixed and a movable, removable section. The matrix and patrix act as connecting elements between the two components. The dentist either fabricates the attachment individually for the patient or uses prefabricated dentures in standard sizes. The T-attachment is used particularly often, with the patrix merging into an elongated slot in the matrix. In principle, both activation and deactivation of the matrix is possible.In the course of this, the dentist compresses or expands the matrix to influence the hold of the denture.
Medical and health benefits
As a supportive element when placing dental fillings, the matrix prevents plastic filling substance from penetrating or touching unwanted areas. In this way, the matrix prevents, for example, filling material from adhering to adjacent but healthy teeth. In addition, the matrix also protects the gums to a certain extent from excessive contact with the soft filling substance. Overall, the matrix enables precise application of the filling material to the defective area and makes it easier for the dentist to place the filling quickly and cleanly. The matrix as an attachment element together with the patrix ensures the retention of the dental prosthesis by interlocking the two parts. The denture sits either looser or tighter by adjusting the matrix by the dentist.
