well the dot matrix, IMO is more look than anything else...supposedly it distributes the heat over the top of the glass where the defroster really doesnt get to it...alot of BS in my opinion considering the top is always the first to defrost for me....

but yes, you can still use your defroster and no it wont destroy your tints...providing you had them done a while ago (want to say more than a week or so ago) just to make sure the tint has adheared and all that. If it does go bad, just bring it back and have it re done....again...