Comparative evaluation of palodent and dual force sectional matrix systems on proximal contact tightness of class II composite restorations in adult human permanent molars- A randomised controlled clinical trial

·      A crucial component of the masticatory system is the proximal contact. Inappropriate contact can result in periodontal disorders and food impaction.

·      During amalgam restorations, condensation of amalgam creates tight proximal contact, but when placing direct posterior composite restorations, it might be challenging to establish tight proximal contact.

·      One of the primary motivations for creating high viscosity composites, or ceromers, was the belief that applying pressure to the composite resin material would have the same result.

·      However, because of the visco-elastic nature of composite resin materials, in vitro investigations demonstrate that packing high-viscous composites does not contribute to a tight proximal contact.

·      Therefore, the knowledge and functioning of good matrix systems for class II composite restorations is imperative to achieve good proximal contacts.

·      Although widely utilised in dentistry, traditional circumferential matrix system has limitations when it comes to forming tight proximal contact. In light of this, new alternative matrix systems have been introduced in market.

·      Sectional matrix methods combined with separation rings have been shown in recent in vitro and in vivo experiments to produce proximal contact with a good tightness in class II restoration.

·      The Palodentsectional matrix system is considered gold standard in restoring class II composite restorations until now. However, newer sectional matrix system like Dual Force claims to achieve tighter contacts with clinically and technologically advanced rings, active wedges and ultra-wrap matrix bands.

·      To best of our knowledge, no study was conducted to investigate proximal contact tightness of class II composite restorations in adult permanent molars with Palodent and Dual Force sectional matrix systems.

·      Therefore, the objective of our randomised controlled trial is to compare proximal contact tightness of class II composite restorations in adult human permanent molars using Palodent and Dual Force sectional matrix system.