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Click here to see our NEW 2024 Catalog Welcome to Tashmed.com, your time-saving source for quality dental supplies. Innovate your practice, save time and money with ease.

Exclusive Tor VM Distributor (USA, CAN).

Click here to see our NEW 2024 Catalog Welcome to Tashmed.com, your time-saving source for quality dental supplies. Innovate your practice, save time and money with ease.

Exclusive Tor VM Distributor (USA, CAN).

DME #1 and DME #2 by Dr. Gergis

DME #1 and DME #2 by Dr. Gergis

There’s nothing more fitting to perform deep margin elevations on anterior and posterior teeth than the Gergis DME Matrices. They come in two sizes, with each pack including 20 pieces that are made from stainless steel and are 0.05 mm in thickness. Despite their similarities in materials, the two matrices are used for dealing with different scenarios. The Gergis size #1 DME Matrix is typically brought out in moderately subgingival cases, when more than one-side requires elevation (ex. Decoronated teeth) or when there are symmetric deep lesions (ex. When the mesial is not much deeper than the distal). On the other hand, the Gergis size #2 DME Matrix is helpful when dealing with extremely subgingival one-sided cases, distal of second molars, proximal root concavities, buccal/palatal crown-root fractures, cases without an adjacent tooth, restorations of invasive cervical lesions or asymmetric deep lesions (ex. When the mesial is much deeper than the distal).

            Although the two matrices differ in purpose, the instructions for their use mostly overlaps:

1)     Always start by cleaning the deep margin and performing a gingivectomy upon necessity.

2)     Next, use a rubber dam to isolate the deep margin.

3)     Place the matrix band in a standard tofflemire retainer and tighten the setting screw as needed.

4)     This step is only required if using the size #2 matrix: adjust the position of the matrix to align with the location of the deep margin.

5)     The bands natural curvature should be enough for an apical seal, but if it isn’t, teflon can also be placed as a wedge. Additionally, narrowing the matrix loop (to approximate the tooth before seating) and applying apical pressure whilst tightening fully (after seating) could serve as another technique to achieve an apical seal.

6)     The emergence profile can be adjusted by moving the head of the matrix retainer close to or farther away from the deep margin.

7)     Perform bonding steps and place composite. Some recommended bonding techniques include: universal adhesive, 2 step adhesive or 3 step adhesive.

8)     Finally, place composite and cure.

It is important to note that in order to ensure a proper emergence profile, the elevation should be no more than 1 mm above the rubber dam level.

            When combining the previously mentioned steps with the specially designed features of the matrices, you are guaranteed to secure a quality deep margin elevation. The shorter band height reduces risk of overbuilding the elevation and allows for divergence without interference form adjacent tooth contacts. Furthermore, the band’s increased curvature and divergence eliminates the need for wedges due to the apical seal this attribute provides. It also enhanced the emergence profile, thereby preventing black triangle formation. While both matrices have said features, what makes the size #2 matrix stand out is its extended band length. This property entails versatility as it allows for use in buccal and lingual locations rather than solely in proximal areas.

            It is clear that the Gergis DME Matrices are a staple for a variety of cases that involve deep margin elevations. They create a divergent proximal profile and apical seal which serves as an ideal platform for your indirect restorations. Coupled with their straightforward use, this makes for two bands you must add to your array of instruments.

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