Clinician: Dr Doudian DDS
Tooth: Upper premolar
Products used: Rhondium QuickConnect circumferential matrix + DME Wedge
Case Overview
This patient presented with an upper premolar requiring replacement of an old amalgam and treatment of recurrent decay extending subgingivally.
The clinician aimed to restore the tooth directly in a single visit, achieving ideal margin elevation, contour, and contact despite limited remaining tooth structure.
Clinical Procedure
1. Pre-operative assessment:
Initial examination revealed deep subgingival decay and marginal breakdown around a failing amalgam. Access, visibility, and matrix adaptation were key challenges for this case.
2. Cavity preparation:
The amalgam and underlying decay were removed, revealing a subgingival proximal box and weakened remaining cusp structure.
3. Matrix and wedge placement:
The Rhondium QuickConnect circumferential matrix was paired with the DME Wedge, creating a fully integrated setup for margin elevation and proximal contouring.
The DME Wedge provided gentle tissue retraction and margin sealing, while the QuickConnect matrix offered full circumferential adaptation - ideal for cases with missing cusps or compromised enamel walls.
A key advantage of this setup is the QuickConnect’s adjustable pull tabs, which can be gently drawn toward the adjacent tooth to fine-tune contact pressure and contour - allowing for perfect interproximal contact even in difficult access situations.
4. Composite build-up:
Incremental composite layering was completed with excellent control of the gingival margin and contact formation. The DME Wedge kept the margin accessible and sealed throughout, enabling a clean, predictable build-up without overhangs or voids.
5. Finishing and polishing:
After removal of the matrix and wedge, the restoration showed smooth contours, ideal emergence, and tight proximal contact. The restoration integrated seamlessly with surrounding enamel, and the patient reported no discomfort or sensitivity.
Clinician Feedback
“This case highlights the unique advantages of the Rhondium bands and wedges - without them, it would have been near impossible to address the subgingival extension, margin elevation, contours, emergence, and contact with a direct restoration. I was able to get amazing results in minutes, and my patient left very happy that he did not have to return for an additional visit! It’s a very intuitive, straightforward system that took me no time to learn to use!”
Key Takeaways
-
Saves teeth from unnecessary crowns – Enables direct restoration of cases that would often be referred for indirect or crown treatment.
- QuickConnect + DME Wedge integration – The two systems work seamlessly together, allowing predictable management of subgingival margins and proximal contours in a single step.
- Reliable margin elevation – The DME Wedge seals the gingival margin while supporting direct build-up without overhangs.
- Precision contacts – QuickConnect’s pull tabs enable fine-tuned contact pressure, even when cusp structure is missing.
- Single-visit efficiency – Allows clinicians to complete complex restorations without indirect steps or second appointments.
- Ease of use – Intuitive, time-saving design that delivers consistent, clinical-grade results.