Abstract: A dental matrix apparatus provides a retaining surface for a filling material placed into a tooth preparation in a class II, III or IV restoration. The matrix is made up of a foil strip providing a window covered by an infrared light transparent film. A method provides for placement of the foil and film strip in contact with a tooth to be filled and shining UV light through the window in order to harden the filling material that abuts the strip.

Abstract: A dental matrix is used to support a filler material placed into a tooth in a class II, III or IV restoration. The matrix has a retainer portion of a thin metal sheet stock having a generally concave surface of a size and configuration capable of abutting the tooth. The retainer portion includes a topper marginal ridge area, a central contact area and a lower, convex shaped gingival margin area, the marginal ridge area and the contact area are made thinner than the gingival margin area. The sheet stock is made of a material that may deform during the insertion process, and that will then resume its original shape when in place.

Abstract: A matrix wedge restorative system comprising a matrix strip adapted for fitting between a pair of adjacent teeth for supporting a restoration material in one of said pair of teeth; a wedge shaped lingual retainer providing a first gripping means; and a wedge shaped buccal retainer providing a second gripping means; the first and second gripping means enabled for mutual stepwise engagement as the lingual and buccal retainers are drawn together; the lingual and buccal retainers each further providing a V-shaped flexible wedge surface adapted for flexible tight fitting between the pair of adjacent teeth, each of the retainers conformable to surfaces of said teeth. The retainers, together, adapted for pressing the matrix strip into a desired shape and for holding the matrix strip in said desired shape during a tooth restoration.