Tri-Clip Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Tri-Clip Questions
1. Do Tri-Clips produce tight contacts?
2. Can Tri-Clips be used on wide cavities?
3. Can Tri-Clips be used when a cusp is missing?
4. Can Tri-Clips be used on primary teeth?
5. Can Tri-Clips be sterilized and re-used?
6. Can Tri-Clips be used on MOD's?
7. How can the extra cost of Tri-Clips be justified?
8. Can you use Tri-Clips to restore TWO adjacent Class II cavities?
9. How do you get the Tri-Clip off?
10. Do Tri-Clips work equally well on all teeth?
11. If the matrix buckles, what am I doing wrong?

Tri-Wedge Questions
1. Can Tri-Wedges be used on their own?
2. How strong are Tri-Wedges?

Tri-Clip Questions

1. Do Tri-Clips produce tight contacts?
Yes! Experts agree that sectional matrix systems are the surest way to achieve tight contacts since the lateral spring pressure acts like a McKean orthodontic tooth separator 1.
A Tri-Clip is a sectional matrix. The only functional differences between the Tri-Clip system and other sectional matrices are:

1. The Tri-Clip is much quicker and easier to place.
2. The retention is better.
3. The tooth seperation is better as the lateral force of the spring is greater and in addition, the elastic Tri-Wedge is an excellent seperator in its own right.
4. The anatomically-shaped tines curve the matrix foil into the right shape and prevent the spring from falling into a wide cavity prep (as with other sectional matrix systems).

2. Can Tri-Clips be used on wide cavities?

Yes! The anatomically shaped tines grip on both adjacent teeth and this prevents the spring from falling into wide cavity preps (like other sectional matrices). Top

3. Can Tri-Clips be used when a cusp is missing?
Yes! Since the tines grip on both teeth either side of the contact and also low down near the gingival margin, a Tri-Clip can often be used when a cusp is missing. Depending on the anatomy, it is sometimes best to build up the bulk of cusp before placing the Tri-Clip.
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4. Can Tri-Clips be used on primary teeth?

Yes! Tri-Clips work surprisingly well on primary molars. Top

5. Can Tri-Clips be sterilized and re-used?
The Tri-Clip was designed to use-once and dispose and this is the recommended practice.
TrioDent Ltd recognizes that it cannot prevent some dentists from either cold-sterilizing or autoclaving the spring and tines and then re-assembling the parts. The company can take no responsibility should any harm occur as a result of this practice.
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6. Can Tri-Clips be used on MOD's?
Tri-Clips work best for single Class II restorations. You can restore, say, the DO part with a Tri-Clip and then the MO part or you may prefer to use a matrix band. Since Tri-Clips are so quick and easy to place, the time taken will be about the same and you will probably get better contacts with the Tri-Clips.
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7. How can the extra cost of Tri-Clips be justified?
Other sectional matrix consume a matrix and wedge and cost about $0.70.
Tri-Clips costs about $0.50 more and save at least a minute. So as long as you think your time is worth more than a $0.50 per minute then Tri-Clips are a winner.
In addition, think how much it costs you every time you have to re-do a proximal restoration because it has a poor contact. Wasted time with no income!
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8. Can you use Tri-Clips to restore TWO adjacent Class II cavities?
Yes. There is a clever method to do this that is explained in detail here.
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9. How do you get the Tri-Clip off after curing the composite?

The two wings of the matrix slide through tiny slots on each of the tines. By opening the forceps wide and moving the forceps horizontally (parallel to the occlusal plane) the matrix wings just slide out. It is best to move the forceps in the direction that the wings are pointing as this bends them the least. DO NOT pull up and this can wrench the tines out of the springs. Top

10. Do Tri-Clips work equally well on all teeth?
Tri-Clips are easier to use on bicuspids and lower molars.
Upper molars are trickier because the proximal tooth anatomy is more asymmetrical and therefore more difficult to re-produce. Also a mouth-mirror is usually required to see and this makes placement trickier.
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11. If the matrix buckles, what am I doing wrong?
The most probable cause is that the lower edge of the matrix is catching on the proximal box or the embrasure is too narrow.
This can be caused by:

1. A tight embrasure. Solution: flare out the cavity prep (gives better bonding to enamel prisms anyway) .
2. Selecting an 'innie' instead of an 'outie'. For example, on an MO cavity on an upper 6, an Outie forwards on the forceps might catch, while an innie backwards on the forceps probably won't. It is all to do with the angle of the leading edge of the matrix.
3. Poor visibility on upper molars: we usually need a mouth-mirror to see what we are doing and this can be quite challenging. I recommend leaving upper molars aside until a higher level of proficiency has been achieved.

Wedge Questions

1. Can Tri-Wedges be used on their own?
Tri-Wedges work well with other matrix bands since they are not sharp, are excellent separators and also stop inter proximal gingival bleeding. We have found that they work particularly well with the Hawe Supermat System as the retainer does not obstruct placement of the Tri-Wedge. See the Tri-Wedge Product Information.
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2. How Strong are Tri-Wedges?

Tri-Wedges are made of a surprisingly strong and elastic material. Most people cannot break them by pulling at either end! This picture shows just how stretchy they are. Top