Catapult Education Product Review

Ultradent
Halo Sectional Matrix System

Catch the Latest Product Review Podcast Episode 

Hosted By: Kevin Henry featuring Dr. Ben Alvarez 

Modern Solutions for Class II Restoration Challenges

[by Ben Alvarez, DDS]

When practitioners look across the dental industry for new materials, products, and techniques there are a myriad of options that we can choose from. There are some products that we utilize that do very specific things extremely well, but may not be as strong in other aspects in our clinical theatre. When it comes to our everyday bread-and-butter dentistry, the normal drill, fill, and bill as it were, clinicians are looking for systems that are reliable, predictable and cost effective. One of those everyday type of procedures is our Class II restoration’s.

A quick jog down dental history lane reminds us that we have been trying to improve our technique and materials for our class II restorations ever since amalgam was introduced in 1830, along with the metal band to help hold the material in place and shape it. The bands were originally made from gold or silver, but later improvements led to the use of tin, brass, copper, and stainless steel.  In 1946, Dr. Joseph B.F. Tofflemire introduced his version of the dental matrix band, which is still widely used today. While there have been other band iterations, one might argue that the advent of the sectional matrix to modern conservative dentistry has had the greatest impact, allowing us to better care for our patients and achieve greater clinical success.

Evaluation: 

Ultradent, an international leader in introducing innovative and highly practical products to the clinical dental armamentarium, recently introduced a unique and effective dental matrix system called Halo. As a practicing dentist dedicated to incorporating innovative tools that enhance patient care and procedural efficiency, the Catapult Evaluators participated in an evaluation of Ultradent’s Halo Sectional Matrix System. This system, specifically designed to improve composite restorations, particularly in class II procedures, was reviewed by 23 dental professionals. The Halo Sectional Matrix System was primarily used for class II composite restorations, with several clinicians extending its use to complex multisurface direct composites. The system was well-received for several features:

  • Ease of Use
  • Anatomical Accuracy
  • Organizational Efficiency

While the Halo Sectional Matrix System received top remarks, there are a couple suggestions that we, as an evaluating group, noticed:

  • Adjustments to Band Sizing
  • Placement and Removal of the Band

The Halo Matrix System received substantial endorsements from our evaluators

A significant 85% of respondents indicated that they are likely or very likely to continue using the system, underscoring its perceived value in clinical settings. Also, an overwhelming 95% of the respondents stated they would recommend the system to a colleague. As for the performance and handling of the system as a whole, 95% of respondents rated the system's performance as excellent or good, emphasizing its effectiveness in enhancing dental procedures.

Clinical Example

The following patient presented for Class II restoration’s due to primary decay on the interproximal surfaces of  teeth #12 and #13 (Figure 1 and 2). Clinically the tooth was cold tested and confirmed a normal response to cold stimulus. Prior to the delivery of anesthesia, a pre-procedural rinse with Stellalife (VEGA Oral Care) was used. After the patient achieved profound anesthesia with 4% Septocaine with 1:100k epinephrine (Septodont). The tooth was prepared in a normal manner in order to remove decay and create a preparation that would minimize c-factor when curing the restoration (Figure 3 and 4). Clinically after removing all the decay, and confirming that decay was removed using Sable Seek (Ultradent), Clean & Boost (VistaApex) was used clean and etch the prep after it has been scrubbed for 20 seconds and rinsed. Doing so not only removes smear layer and debris it will also etch the enamel and can help with minor bleeding to help us get an ideal surface to cement or bond to. I also will scrub the preparation for 5-10 seconds with Desensimax (VistaApex) and remove any excess with a dry microbrush leaving
the surface wet but not pooled.

[Figure 1] Pre-operative Bitewing showing primary decay on the distal of tooth #12 and mesial of #13.
[Figure 2] Pre-operative intraoral photo.
[Figure 3 ] Unfinished preparation photo showing decay into the dentin.
[Figure 4] Final preparations before the restorations.
[Figure 5] Restoring adjacent lesions with Halo Matrix showing adequate contour and great sealing at the gingival margin.
[Figure 6] Direct final restorations after polish. Note the adequate contours and broad contact zone.

Regen Universal (VistaApex) is then applied in 3 separate coats and scrubbed into the site for 20 seconds. Then the entire preparation is air thinned leaving a hybrid layer ready for bonding. As part of my standard Class 2 protocol, after the bond has been thinned out, I will place a very small layer of Regen Flowable (VistaApex) at the base of the proximal box and co-cure it and the bond together (Figure 5). The prepared site is rebuilt using a combination of Ever-X Flow (GC) and Exquisite Nanofill Composite (VistaApex) in multiple layers. After final curing, the NiTi ring is removed and the edges are cured from both sides before final removal of the separating wedge and matrix band. Final adjustments are made to remove any bulky contours, flash, and finalizing the occlusion. Final polish is achieved with sequential use of Alpen ShapeGuards (Coltene) (Figure 6). In my hands, these produce a very high luster and smooth out any minor irregularities, then the occlusion is rechecked and contacts are verified.

Catapult Vote of Confidence™

Congratulations: Ultradent Halo Dental Matrix System

As dentists, we are always looking at ways to be more cost-efficient in our techniques and with the products that will
ultimately create an equal to or more superior outcome. Catapult Education has developed stringent criteria that
must be met in order to attain the Catapult Vote of Confidence™, requiring that a certain percentage of evaluating clinicians must rate a product as either very good or excellent, must intend to recommend the product to colleagues, and also must intend to continue using the product in their practice.

This endorsement is based on its ease of use,
clinical benefits, and robust positive feedback from the dental community. For these reasons, it is without hesitation that we would like to bestow the Catapult Vote of Confidence™ to Ultradent for their Halo Dental Matrix System.
Write your awesome label here.

Listen. | Learn. | Improve.

Listen to author Dr. Ben Alvarez share his insights on Ultradent’s Halo Matrix Section System in this episode of the Dr. Bicuspid podcast. Discover how incorporating Halo Matrix can elevate your clinical cases, streamline your workflow, and help you become a more confident, efficient practitioner. 
CATAPULT VOTE OF CONFIDENCE WINNER

Learn More about Ultradent Products for Your Patients

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