Utilization of aluminum matrix band made with aluminum cans

OBJECTIVES: Looking to promote one sustainable development promoting social actions and a dental treatment with low cost and high quality of work, the use of aluminum cans to manufacture matrix band, appears to be an easy alternative, viable and affordable. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the use of aluminum matrix band analyzing the compatibility with the dental materials and their characteristics.

METHODS: Were performed analyses of surface roughness and thickness of conventional matrix band (steel) and various aluminum cans (tea, juice, soda and beer). The analysis of roughness was made using a laser device (laser, infrared (ë = 780 nm) with a diameter of focus of 1 ì m (Mahr-Perthen-S8P) and the thickness of matrix were measured in digital caliper of accuracy, in the central portion and at the ends of the band. After the construction of matrix with strips of aluminum cans, were made amalgam restorations and composites restorations Class II on artificial teeth in dummy, in order to evaluate the faces of the matrix (internal or external) suitable to be used for the restoration.

RESULTS: The matrix bands of aluminum in the central portion showed values of average thickness of 0.06 mm and at the end of 0.07 ± 0.01 mm, representing twice the thickness found in conventional (0.03 mm). The analysis of roughness showed that the external face of the matrix (0.61 ± 0.13 one), at times, was less than the face internal (0.72 ± 0.08 one). However, composite restorations had traces of ink from the label of can on its surface.

CONCLUSIONS: a matrix band of aluminum can be used to realize restorations. However, when using composites it's important to use the inner surface of the strip in contact with the material.