Does the bioclear matrix system cause a slight diastema due to it's thickness?

-- Rich

Dear Rich,

Thanks for your question.

1. It is interesting that contacts are a fairly complex issue that don't receive a lot of attention. One of the things that we have seen is that with the anatomic, rounded contacts from the Bioclear prototypes is that the tightness issue is less crucial. In other words, a broad, rounded contact is much safer than a "point contact" that is tight. I very rarely have a problem with the diastema closures even when I don't use the "Interproximaor".
2. For the posteriors/Class II cases, I always use an interproximator and the contacts are very snug.
3. For back to back posteriors I use a bi-tine ring that has a specific resting area on the interproximator that provides even more separation and back to back simultaneously injection molded posteriors have snug contacts, even though there are 2 thicknesses of Mylar.
4. The Bioclear anatomically created matrices are heated and pressed which thins the contact area to less than the 2 mil original thickness.
5. In 6 months we plan to introduce the "butterfly, which will be a one piece matrix for back to back anteriors and posteriors that will have a single thickness of Mylar at the contact.
6. For anteriors diastema closures, from now on I will always do them simultaneously because one at a time is a miserable and problematic procedure. If contacts are not as tight as I would like when finished (which hasn't been a problem so far) I will:
   • place an interproximator
   • prophy-jet or sand blast the incisal half of both
   • remove the interproximator, replace the Bioclear matrices then place the largest Interproximator to spread the teeth, then quickly etch and rinse, apply bonding resin, air thin slightly but don't core, then inject paste to augment the contact. I haven't had to do it yet but we teach it in the hands-on courses.

Warm regards,
David