Dr. Matthew Burton invents revolutionary matrix wedge technology to help ensure flawless Class II composite restorations; secures exclusive distribution with Young Specialties
BurtonBands and VursaWedge solve age-old Class II procedural inefficiencies, eliminating flash while promoting properly formed emergence profiles and impeccable gingival margin seals
Algonquin, IL — Frustrated with the limitations of available Class II matrix systems, Illinois practicing dentist Dr. Matthew Burton spent countless nights designing and developing his BurtonBands and VursaWedge, two genius products that are integral to the success of Class II restorations. And now, under an exclusive distribution agreement with Young Specialties, these chairside restorative solutions are available to dentists in the US and Canada.
“One night, after a particularly challenging day in the operatory, I woke up in the middle of the night thinking there has to be a better way to restore Class IIs,” recalls Dr. Burton, “I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I went downstairs to the kitchen, sketched some ideas on paper, and headed to my office to begin working on a new wedge design.” Months of sleepless nights and dozens of prototypes later, Dr. Burton perfected his new split-wedge design.
“I discovered I could simplify the matrix system by attaching a smaller matrix to a modified wedge that was split down the middle,” emphasizes Dr. Burton, “The flexible split wedge allows for proper contour and a tight gingival seal, as the two legs of the wedge splay out to effectively hold the matrix in place, creating a system that is fully compatible with all major ring systems. The unique split-wedge design simplifies ring placement, helps stabilize the ring and allows the ring to squeeze the gingival margin closed without impacting matrix contour.”
Through the discovery and implementation of what Dr. Burton describes as “wedge physics”, the unique split-wedge design of VursaWedge provides several distinct advantages compared to traditional wedges. VursaWedge allows the wedge to be inserted without being influenced by the upward forces of the patient’s papilla, thereby preventing deformation inherent to traditional wedge and band systems, such as open contacts and poor gingival margin seals. This eliminates flash, thereby reducing time spent finishing and polishing the restoration particularly in the hard-to-reach interproximal area.
Dr. Burton continues to treat patients at his solo practice in Frankfort, Illinois while also continuing to enhance and improve BurtonBands and VursaWedge product lines with an anticipated July 2021 launch of additional VursaWedge shapes and sizes, including an anatomical wedge specifically designed for difficult furcation cases.