Tofflemire Matrix Bands: .001 vs .0015 vs .002, Band Sizes and Retainers Compared
Tofflemire matrix bands come in three common thicknesses: .001 inch ultra-thin, .0015 inch thin and .002 inch standard. Thinner bands make it easier to restore a tight contact, while thicker bands are stiffer and easier to handle. Chase Dental Supply carries Tofflemire type bands from Tofflemire and MARK3, Premier contoured bands and three matrix retainers, all in our Matrix category.
Quick Answer
Choose .001 ultra-thin Tofflemire bands for tight contacts, .0015 thin bands as an everyday all-rounder, and .002 standard bands when you want a stiffer band that resists bending. Pick the shape by tooth: #1 adult universal for most adult posterior teeth, #2 adult wide (broad) for deeper preparations, and #13 for pediatric cases.
Key Takeaways
- Thickness options at Chase are .001 inch (ultra-thin), .0015 inch (thin) and .002 inch (standard), all in stainless steel.
- Band shapes include #1 Adult Universal, #2 Adult Wide (Broad), #3 Narrow and #13, which MARK3 labels Pedo Universal.
- MARK3 makes its .001 #1 band in both Regular and Dead Soft versions.
- Pack counts range from 12/pk and 36/pk to a 144/pk bulk option, plus Premier contoured bands at 30/pk.
- Retainers include the Tofflemire Universal, the Tofflemire Junior Contra Angle and the J&J Instruments Universal Tofflemire Adult Matrix Retainer.
Tofflemire Matrix Bands at a Glance: .001 vs .0015 vs .002
Every band in this guide by thickness, shape and pack count.
| Product | Thickness | Shapes listed | Temper / form | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tofflemire Universal Matrix Band .001 Ultra-Thin #1 | .001 in (ultra-thin) | #1 | See product page | 36/pk |
| MARK3 Ultra-Thin Regular #1 .001 | .001 in (ultra-thin) | #1 Adult Universal | Regular, flat | 36/pk |
| MARK3 Ultra-Thin Dead Soft #1 .001 | .001 in (ultra-thin) | #1 Adult Universal | Dead soft, flat | 36/pk |
| Tofflemire Type Matrix Bands .0015 12/pk | .0015 in (thin) | #1 Universal, #2 Broad, #3 Narrow, #13 Universal | Flat | 12/pk (#13 is 36/pk) |
| Tofflemire Type Matrix Bands .0015 144/pk | .0015 in (thin) | #1, #2 | Flat | 144/pk |
| MARK3 Thin #13 .0015 Pedo Universal | .0015 in (thin) | #13 Pedo Universal | Flat | 36/pk |
| Tofflemire Type Matrix Bands .002 12/pk | .002 in (standard) | #1 Universal, #2 Broad, #3 Narrow, #13 Universal | Flat | 12/pk |
| MARK3 #2 .002 Adult Wide (Broad) | .002 in (standard) | #2 Adult Wide (Broad) | Flat | 36/pk |
| Premier Pre-Contoured Metal Matrix Bands | 0.035 mm | See product page | Pre-contoured | 30/pk |
What Is the Difference Between .001, .0015 and .002 Matrix Bands?
The number is the band thickness in inches, and it trades contact tightness against stiffness.
.001 inch ultra-thin
An ultra thin matrix band is the choice when the adjacent contact is tight or when you want the strongest possible proximal contact after the band comes out. The tradeoff is that it kinks more easily.
.0015 inch thin
The Tofflemire band .0015 vs .002 question comes up most often, and .0015 is the middle ground many offices stock as their default. It is thin enough for most contacts while still holding its shape in the retainer.
.002 inch standard
The .002 band is the stiffest of the three, which makes it easier to slide through an open contact and less likely to crumple under condensing pressure. It suits clinicians who prefer a firmer wall.
Matrix Band Sizes: #1 vs #2 vs #13 Matrix Band
The number on a Tofflemire band describes its shape, not its thickness. Match the shape to the tooth and the depth of the preparation.
- #1 Adult Universal: the everyday shape for most adult premolar and molar Class II restorations.
- #2 Adult Wide (Broad): a taller band for molars and deeper proximal boxes that extend toward the gingiva.
- #13: listed by MARK3 as Pedo Universal, for smaller teeth in pediatric practice.
- #3 Narrow: offered in the Tofflemire Type .0015 and .002 12/pk listings for cases where a shorter band fits better.
The Universal (Tofflemire) matrix system is used in Class II restorations. A properly placed matrix should be rigid against the tooth, establish contour, restore the contact, prevent gingival overhang and remove easily.
Stock the Right Band for Every Prep
Mix .001, .0015 and .002 bands in #1, #2 and #13 shapes. Call for current pricing or bulk quantities.
Dead Soft vs Regular: Which Temper Do You Need?
A dead soft band is fully annealed steel that burnishes easily and holds the shape you give it. A regular band has more spring, so it returns toward flat and resists crumpling.
MARK3 offers its .001 #1 Adult Universal band in both versions. MARK3 describes its Tofflemire type bands as surgical grade stainless steel with smooth, burr free edges, made in the USA.
Dead soft suits clinicians who burnish contour into the band. Regular suits those who want the band to stay straight in the retainer.
Flat vs Contoured: Where Do Premier Bands Fit?
Flat Tofflemire bands rely on the clinician to create contour, while pre-contoured bands arrive with a curve already formed. Premier Pre-Contoured Metal Matrix Bands are made of high tensile strength stainless steel, are 0.035 mm thick and come 30 per pack.
Premier says the contoured shape adds anatomy to restorations and the finished edges support patient comfort. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for retainer compatibility.
Which Tofflemire Retainer Should You Choose?
Most adult posterior work is done with a universal retainer, and a junior contra angle retainer is the common pick for small mouths and awkward access. Chase carries three options.
Tofflemire Matrix Band Retainer Universal
The Tofflemire Matrix Band Retainer Universal is the standard straight retainer. It is stainless steel, easy to adjust and provides a positive grip, sold 1 per pack.
Tofflemire Matrix Band Retainer Junior Contra Angle
The Tofflemire Junior Contra Angle retainer has an angled head and a smaller frame. It helps in pediatric cases and tight access.
J&J Instruments Universal Tofflemire Adult Matrix Retainer
The J&J Instruments Universal Tofflemire Adult Matrix Retainer is made of surgical steel.
Good isolation matters as much as the band itself for a dry Class II field. Our guide to Dri-Angles plain vs silver covers saliva control near the parotid duct.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose .001 ultra-thin if you are a general practice restoring tight contacts and want a snug proximal contact after removal.
- Choose .0015 thin if you want one all-purpose thickness; the 144/pk is the bulk option for high-volume offices.
- Choose .002 standard if you are a dental school, a newer clinician, or anyone who prefers a stiffer band that resists kinking.
- Choose #13 bands and a Junior Contra Angle retainer if you are a pediatric practice.
- Choose #2 Wide (Broad) if your molar preparations extend deep toward the gingiva.
Restocking the whole operatory at once? See our nitrile vs latex vs vinyl dental gloves comparison as well.
Shop the Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between .0015 and .002 Tofflemire bands?
The number is the band thickness in inches, so a .0015 band is thinner than a .002 band. Thinner bands pass more easily through tight contacts and leave less space after removal, while thicker bands are stiffer and resist bending. Many offices stock .0015 as an everyday band and keep .002 for clinicians who prefer a firmer wall.
What do #1, #2 and #13 mean on a matrix band?
The number describes the band shape, not its thickness. A #1 is the adult universal shape for most posterior teeth, a #2 is the adult wide (broad) band for deeper preparations, and a #13 is listed by MARK3 as a pedo universal band for smaller teeth.
What is a dead soft matrix band?
A dead soft band is made from fully annealed steel, so it burnishes easily and keeps the contour you shape into it. A regular band has more spring and returns toward flat. MARK3 makes its .001 #1 Adult Universal band in both Dead Soft and Regular versions.
Which Tofflemire retainer should I buy?
Most adult posterior restorations are done with a universal retainer such as the Tofflemire Universal or the J&J Instruments Universal Tofflemire Adult Matrix Retainer. The Tofflemire Junior Contra Angle retainer has an angled head and a smaller frame, which helps in pediatric mouths and tight access.
How many matrix bands come in a pack?
At Chase Dental Supply, Tofflemire type bands come in 12/pk, 36/pk and 144/pk options depending on thickness and shape. MARK3 bands are 36/pk and Premier Pre-Contoured Metal Matrix Bands are 30/pk. Call 888-548-7582 for current pricing and bulk quantities.
Related Guides
The right Tofflemire matrix bands come down to three choices: thickness for the contact, shape for the tooth and temper for how you like to contour. Browse every band and retainer in the Chase Dental Supply Matrix category, or email sales@chasedentalsupply.com with your order.
Need Help Picking a Band?
Tell us your preferred thickness and shape and we will help you match bands to retainers.
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