Separation of the teeth is necessary to restore a proper contact.

The two types of seperation are:

1. Slow separation:

The teeth are seperated by inserting certain materials between them. Eg:orthodontic wire, gutta percha, wood , base plate etc…

2. Rapid separation:

Most commonly used, quick method. It can be achieved by wedge principle amd traction principle.

Wedge principle:

Eg: Elliot seperator, wedges

Traction principle

Eg: Ferrier double bow seperator

Ivory adjustable separator

Non interfering true separator

MATRICES

Matrix system consists of mathrix band, retainer and wedge.

Matrix is a device used to contour a restoration to stimulate that of a tooth structure, which it is replacing. The thickness of a matrix band is 0.002 inches.(0.05mm)

RESTORATION	MATRIX INDICATED
Class I with lingual ectension	Barton (Double banded tofflemire)
Class II	● Tofflemire ● Ivory 1 & 8 matrices ● Compound supported matrix ● Copper band matrix ● T band matrix ● Automatrix ● Pre contoured sectional matrix
Class III direct tooth coloured	Transparent matrix strips
Class III silicate restoration	● Celluloid strips ● Mylar strips
Class III resin restorations	● Cellophane strips ● Mylar strips
Class IV direct tooth coloured	● L shaped matrix ● Transparent crown forms ● Aluminium foil incisal corner matrix ● Anatomic matrix
Distal surface of canine	S shaped matrix
Class V durect tooth coloured	● Plastic matrices ● Anatomic matrix ● Aluminium or copper collara for non light cured restorations.

Matrix retainers are gadgets used to retain the matrix hands in position.

Eg: Ivory matrix holder no: 1 , 8

Tofflemaire universal dental matrix retainer

Automatrix

Automatrix is a retainer less matrix system with 4 types of bands designed to fit all teeth regardless of their circumference.

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Click here to view QA and Description for Seperators and Matrices