FAQs

Due to the unique design of the SmartView Clip, most of it operates along the sub-gingival margin. This allows all the compressive force to be directed laterally – perpendicular and below the crown of the tooth – creating a “pull down” effect to keep the SmartView Clip firmly in place. This design means that the SmartView Clip can be used on short teeth, malformed teeth, K9’s and extra-long teeth. With the need for only one sectional matrix clip for all indications, this means there is one less small matrix ring to keep track of in the office.

Yes. The tines of the SmartView Clip allow you to place a wedge without removing the clip.

Yes. CompositeSmart sectional matrix systems – using the SmartView Clip are the best way to get tight contacts. The lateral clip pressure acts like a McKean orthodontic tooth separator*, however a SmartView Clip is actually a sectional matrix. The differences between the SmartView Clip system and other sectional matrices are:

1. SmartView Clip – it just stays out of the way. The clip creates an unobstructed work area with most of the clip designed to stay below the gingival margin—allowing greater access to the prep area.
2. The SmartView Clip is designed to work more as a clamp where forces are spread out over the entire SmartView Clip allowing it to be compressed hundreds of times without bending out of shape.
3. The SmartView Clip is particularly good at holding the matrix in a full anatomical curve.
4. The SmartView Clip traps the matrix on the shoulders of the tooth and prevents it from slipping and moving away from the neighboring contact point.
5. The SmartView Clip spans wide cavity prep areas.
6. The retention is better.
*Dental Clinics of North America, Vol 45, # 1, Jan 2001, p87.

Yes. The anatomically-shaped tines grip on both adjacent teeth and this prevents the SmartView Clip from falling into wide cavity preps.

Yes. Since the tines grip on both teeth on each side of the contact and also low near the gingival margin, a SmartView Clip can often be used when a cusp is missing. Depending on the anatomy, it is sometimes best to build up the bulk of the cusp before placing the SmartView Clip.

Yes. The SmartView Clip is versatile enough to be used for molars, premolars and canine teeth.

Yes. They are designed for re-use and are fully autoclavable. The rings should be steam-autoclaved, maximum temperature 135°C.

If your SmartView Clip has been contaminated with bonding agent, soak it in alcohol for a few minutes to soften the bonding agent. Then, ultrasonically clean and steam autoclave. You will then be able to scrape it off. A light smear of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) before use will help prevent contamination.

This technique is so easy to do and avoids the bad contact caused by the matrix not being in contact with the neighbouring tooth. Quite often it is impossible to see if the matrix is actually touching, so holding is just a precaution. This issue is the single main cause of VERY bad contacts. The SmartView Clip’s function is to separate the teeth (orthodontically) and wrap the matrix.
A regular matrix (Tofflemire) when used on a Class II has the effect of moving the tooth in the wrong direction by the thickness of the matrix (because you have to get the matrix through the intact side). This means that you have to overcome TWO thicknesses of matrix to get a tight contact. Tofflemires also tend to produce cylindrical, “tin can”, restorations with a poor contour and a contact just at the marginal ridge. This method has been found to be unpredictable by most who have tried it.

The SmartView Clip doubles as a rubber dam clamp, so there is no need for an additional rubber dam clamp. This feature saves time and creates less clutter in the prep area.

It is possible to prep all at once, place the matrices on all teeth then place composite initial layers on all three teeth. Then finish layering 12 and 14 and pull off the matrix on 12 and 14. Next push the wedge in farther between 12-13 and 13-14, burnish the contact on M and D of 13 and places the final layer on 13. Then finish all three at the same time.

It is possible to do all four in a row. You just need to make sure that the SmartView Clip is separating the contact you are working on. You can move the SmartView Clip along as you work, or stack clips. It is also possible to use just one SmartView Clip as it allows that embrasure to open rather than the Clips working against each other.

The SmartView Clip is very stable on wet or dry teeth because of its strength and anatomically shaped faces. However, for added security tie floss to the clip.

SmartView Clips work well on single Class II restorations and MOD’s. You can stack the SmartView Clips or have one facing mesially and the other distally. In most cases it is advisable to place the clips in opposite directions.

The easiest method for back-to-back Class II restorations is to complete one and then do the other. Doing both simultaneously can be faster but requires more operator skill. Additional wedging might be necessary to create enough separation for both matrix bands.

The recommended method is as follows:
1. Pre-wedge both M and D and complete cavity preparation.
2. Slide M and D matrix into position and etch and bond.
3. Place SmartView Clip on M and build and cure M contact point.
4. Move SmartView Clip to D and build and cure D contact point.
5. Complete occlusal surface and cure with C-Factor issues in mind.

Push a thin, metal-blade instrument like a probe through the embrasure below the contact point to break the bond. Some clinicians also recommend flossing between the restoration and the band.