Tofflemire System
  • Fails to restore proximal anatomy
  • Thin contact at the marginal ridge
  • Large food trap below
  • Increased likelihood of fracture, occlusal interference, recurrent caries and periodontal disease.
Composi-Tight Gold™ Sectional Matrix System
  • Operator-friendly retaining system
  • Naturally contoured bands
  • Anatomically correct contacts
  • Contacts at the height of contour
  • Contacts so tight you'll need a hemostat to get the band out
The Composi-Tight Gold Sectional Matrix System has several advantages over Tofflemire-style matrix systems. With its naturally contoured sectional band and operator-friendly retaining system, Composi-Tight Gold ensures an anatomically accurate contact at a tooth's natural height of contour.
Feature Composi-Tight Gold Feature Tofflemire-style Systems Composi-Tight Gold Advantages
Band Shape Anatomical shape Cone shape Composi-Tight Gold's anatomical shape creates a broad, tight contact at the height of contour.

Since the contact is lower on the tooth, occlusion is not impacted and cleanup is greatly reduced, saving time and money. Tofflemire systems leave a thin contact at the marginal ridge and a large food trap triangle below. This increases the likelihood of fracture, occlusal interference, recurrent caries and periodontal disease.
Wedging Light wedging to hold band in place prior to applying G-Ring® Heavy wedging for separation Light wedging is recommended with Composi-Tight Gold, reducing the potential for a food trap. Tofflemire systems often require heavy wedging for separation leaving a food trap; making burnishing difficult; and forces contact to marginal ridge.
Band Style 5 sizes of sectional matrices One size that wraps completely around tooth Composi-Tight Gold's five band sizes allow the dentist to select the band that best fits the restoration. Also, sectional pieces make burnishing easy since band is not wrapped around entire tooth. Tofflemire systems wrap completely around tooth making burnishing difficult. Please note: Some pre-contoured Tofflemire-style bands exist. When these are wrapped tightly, the same problems result–wedge prevents contact and they’re hard to burnish. Also, contoured bands are often difficult to slide between side of tooth not being restored – they only slide between MODs.
Matrix Band Thickness 33µm
(or .0013 inches)		 Vary Composi-Tight Gold's thin matrix band combined with its sectional piece means that not much separation between the teeth is required to achieve a good contact. Also, the system’s bands are easy to burnish and allow broadening of the contact area.
Band Material: Metal v. Clear Metal
Stainless steel		 Metal or clear Clear bands are thicker (thin ones exist but they are not pre-contoured) and are difficult to burnish. Incrementally filling and increased bond strengths ensures good contact and eliminates need for clear bands.