TY - JOUR TI - The influence of matrix type on the proximal contact in class II resin composite restorations AU - Kampouropoulos, D. AU - Paximada, C. AU - Loukidis, M. AU - Kakaboura, A. JO - Operative Dentistry PY - 2010 VL - 35 TODO - 4 SP - 454-462 PB - SN - 0361-7734, 1559-2863 TODO - 10.2341/09-272-L TODO - biomedical and dental materials; dental alloy; resin; Spectrum composite resin, article; chemistry; classification; dental care; dental equipment; dental surgery; human; instrumentation; materials testing; molar tooth; surface property, Composite Resins; Dental Alloys; Dental Cavity Preparation; Dental Materials; Dental Models; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Humans; Materials Testing; Matrix Bands; Molar; Surface Properties TODO - Purpose: This in vitro study evaluated the efficiency of various types of matrices in reconstructing the proximal contact area in Class II resin composite restorations. Materials and Methods: Standardized MO cavities were prepared on artificial molars of a manikin model. Resin composite (Spectrum TPH-3) restorations were placed using the following matrices (n = 10): a) circumferential straight metal matrix with Tofflemire retainer-A, b) circumferential pre-contoured metal matrix system-B (Adapt SuperCap), c) circumferential pre-contoured transparent matrix system-C (Adapt SuperCap) and d) sectional precontoured metal matrix system-D (Palodent). After completion of each restoration, the manikin model was fixed on a tension-meter apparatus and an orthodontic wire was used to assess the contact tightness (CT), length of contact arc (LCA) and position of contact point relative to LCA% (PCP). The same measurements were performed on a group of intact molars (REF). The results were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test, as well as the unpaired t-test (α = 0.05). Results: Matrix D provided the highest CT with the highest LCA, which presented a statistical difference relative to the intact tooth. Restorations with matrix B provided higher LCA than those with matrices A and C, which were found to be comparable to that of an intact tooth. The contact points (PCP) of the filled teeth were located more cervically in matrix D relative to the intact tooth (lower PCP), whereas matrices A, B and C showed more occlusal location (higher PCP). Conclusions: Differences were noted among all the matrices evaluated and none was proven sufficient to reconstruct the proximal contact characteristics of an intact tooth. ER -