A dental contact matrix system is described for the placement of dental fillings. The dental contact matrix system includes a matrix, a retainer for placing and retaining the 5 matrix and an elastic wedge. The retainer includes two lugs or tines that fit between two teeth on the buccal and lingual sides of the teeth. The lugs are connected by a spring member that presses the lugs against the lingual and buccal sides of the teeth. There is an adaptation to hold the elastic wedge in a stretched condition between the lugs.