A matrix band retainer for dental restoration has a unitary member of a stiff planar spring material. The unitary member has an open ring substantially in a first plane, with the plane of the material of the ring perpendicular to the first plane. A tine at each end of the open ring extends substantially normal to the plane of the ring. Each tine has a first planar portion extending from the ring and a second planar portion extending from the first planar portion. The second planar portion is at an angle to the first planar portion and adjoins the first planar portion to define a ridge. The ridges of each tine face each other across a gap.Each tine may be bifurcated at the end distal from the ring so that the distal portion of each of the first planar portion and the second planar portion are divided by a notch. A dental wedge can be inserted through the notch with the matrix band retainer in place.