Abstract: A universal cervical matrix for dental use comprising a lamina having at least an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer comprising a non-stick surface to prevent adhering to a chemically-cured dental restoration material, and the outer layer comprising an energy-absorbing material. The energy-absorbing material absorbs energy output from a dental curing light and provides heat to the dental restoration material, thereby increasing curing rate.

Abstract: A dental matrix band and tightening system is shown to comprise a matrix band, casing, actuator, and tensioner. Rotation of the actuator displaces the tensioner within the casing and draws additional length of the matrix band into the casing, thereby reducing the circumference of the matrix band and tightening the matrix band onto the tooth. The matrix band circumference is reduced in multiples of the displacement of the tensioner. The actuator and tensioner align on an axis parallel to the plane of the matrix band for ease of access and use.

Abstract: A dental device comprises: a dental implant comprising a core enveloped by an expandable anchor comprising a plurality of joined segments. Prior to insertion of the core into the expandable anchor a carrier apically displaces within the expandable anchor, generating an expansion force causing the plurality of joined segments to be displaced linearly away from the central axis of the implant where the coronal and apical ends of each joined segment are displaced in parallel paths normal to the central axis of the implant. The core inserts into the expandable anchor to lock the plurality of joined segments in their expanded configuration. At least a first rail on the core is received by a corresponding expandable anchor slot to align the core and expandable anchor and at least a first core and expandable locking lodge engage to lock the core into the expandable anchor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental matrix for use repairing and restoring inter-proximal cavities on a tooth with light-cured composites, the dental matrix comprising a matrix body and a plurality of light transmitting micro-pores positioned on the matrix body and overlying the inter-proximal surface of the tooth when the dental matrix engages the restored tooth. The present invention further relates to a method manufacture of such dental matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental matrix for use repairing and restoring inter-proximal cavities on a tooth with light-cured composites, the dental matrix comprising a matrix body and a plurality of light transmitting micro-pores positioned on the matrix body and overlying the inter-proximal surface of the tooth when the dental matrix engages the restored tooth. The present invention further relates to a method manufacture of such dental matrix.

Abstract: A dental restorative device is shown as comprising a first cured or hardened layer in the form of an occlusal surface of the tooth being restored and a second uncured dental composite layer joined to the first layer enabling a dental professional to perform direct dental restoration procedures with results replicating indirect direct dental restoration procedures. A system comprising the multi-layered dental restorative device and packaging provides for sufficient support and protection of the uncured second layer and facilitates positioning and finishing of the dental restorative device by cooling the uncured portions to a rigid state while in the packaging, positioning the dental restorative device, and modifying the second layer to fit, curing the second layer and permanently placing the fully cured and hardened dental crown on the tooth being restored.

Abstract: A dental restorative device is shown as comprising a first cured or hardened layer in the form of an occlusal surface of the tooth being restored and a second uncured dental composite layer joined to the first layer enabling a dental professional to perform direct dental restoration procedures with results replicating indirect direct dental restoration procedures. A system comprising the multi-layered dental restorative device and packaging provides for sufficient support and protection of the uncured second layer and facilitates positioning and finishing of the dental restorative device by cooling the uncured portions to a rigid state while in the packaging, positioning the dental restorative device, and modifying the second layer to fit, curing the second layer and permanently placing the fully cured and hardened dental crown on the tooth being restored.

Abstract: A dual arch anterior dental impression tray includes a generally opened C-shaped mouthpiece and an insert. The mouthpiece having a left end, a right end, and a back side having a concave surface extending from the left end to the right end, the concave surface including a generally longitudinally extending curved groove, the left end and right end each include a connector. The insert including a front portion having a curved frame, the curved frame includes a left end and a right end, the curved frame fits snugly into the curved groove, the insert includes a mesh material extending from and within an area defined by the curved frame, the curved frame left end and right end each include a connector to connect with a respective mouthpiece connector.

Abstract: A dental matrix band includes a band having a first end and a second end. The band is folded over with the first end and second end generally aligned. A portion of the band adjacent the first and second ends form opposed facing band portions in contact with one another, and another portion of the band forming a looped band forming a circumference. A first or stationary toggle is secured to the band at the first and second ends with the first toggle stationary with respect to the band. A second or movable toggle is formed over the band and is capable of sliding over the opposed facing band portions in contact with one another, whereby sliding of the movable toggle away from the first and second ends causes the circumference of the looped band to reduce in size.

Abstract: A dental device comprises: a dental implant comprising a core enveloped by an expandable anchor comprising a plurality of joined segments. Prior to insertion of the core into the expandable anchor a carrier apically displaces within the expandable anchor, generating an expansion force causing the plurality of joined segments to be displaced linearly away from the central axis of the implant where the coronal and apical ends of each joined segment are displaced in parallel paths normal to the central axis of the implant. The core inserts into the expandable anchor to lock the plurality of joined segments in their expanded configuration. At least a first rail on the core is received by a corresponding expandable anchor slot to align the core and expandable anchor and at least a first core and expandable locking lodge engage to lock the core into the expandable anchor.

Abstract: A dental matrix according to the present invention comprises (a) a metal matrix band comprising an internal surface and an external surface; and (b) an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer disposed on at least a first portion of the internal surface of the metal matrix band, the OLED layer comprising a first electroluminescent polymer disposed between a first and a second electrode layer. Applying an electrical current across the OLED generates light energy suitable for curing dental restoration material with the light energy being applied from the interproximal space.

Abstract: A dental wedge (10) includes symmetrical sides (22, 24). The dental wedge (10) includes a restorative tooth side (24), the restorative tooth side (24) having a generally longitudinally extending planar wall (44) defined in part by an upper edge (34) and a lower edge (42), the planar wall (44) is inclined, wherein the planar wall (44) extends from the lower edge (42) upward and inward. The planar wall (44) includes an upper inclined surface (46) and a lower inclined surface (48), the planar wall (44) having a concave curve extending in a longitudinal direction, the upper inclined surface (46) generally defining the restorative tooth side (24).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for retaining a matrix band about at least a portion of a periphery of a tooth to be treated, the device comprising: a first lug to fit on one side of a proximal contact between two teeth; a second lug to fit on the other side of said proximal contact, and a resilient body member connecting between the first lug and said second lug. The body member applies a restorative or clamping force biasing the lugs together against opposed sides of the proximal contact and holds the lugs such that they must be separated to fit over the proximal contact. The first and second lugs are pivotally coupled to the resilient body member to allow the resilient body member to rotate relative to the lugs while providing the clamping force biasing the lugs together.

Abstract: A denial matrix band retainer is provided with a retractor, main body portion and a bias mechanism. The retractor includes a proximal end and a distal end, with a band engagement portion at the proximal end. The main body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, with a head portion located at the proximal end. The bias mechanism coupling the retractor to the main body portion, the bias mechanism having a static position and a fully active position, wherein in the static position the head portion is spaced apart from the band engagement portion a first distance, and in the fully active position the head portion is spaced apart from the band engagement portion a second distance which is greater than the first distance, the bias mechanism including an actuator for urging the bias mechanism towards the fully active position.

Abstract: A dental restorative device is shown as comprising a first cured or hardened layer in the form of an occlusal surface of the tooth being restored and a second uncured dental composite layer joined to the first layer enabling a dental professional to perform direct dental restoration procedures with results replicating indirect direct dental restoration procedures. A system comprising the multi-layered dental restorative device and packaging provides for sufficient support and protection of the uncured second layer and facilitates positioning and finishing of the dental restorative device by cooling the uncured portions to a rigid state while in the packaging, positioning the dental restorative device, and modifying the second layer to fit, curing the second layer and permanently placing the fully cured and hardened dental crown on the tooth being restored.

Abstract: A universal cervical matrix for dental use comprising a lamina having at least an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer comprising a non-stick surface to prevent adhering to a chemically-cured dental restoration material, and the outer layer comprising an energy-absorbing material. The energy-absorbing material absorbs energy output from a dental curing light and provides heat to the dental restoration material, thereby increasing curing rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tweezer for dental and other applications. The tweezer including a main body portion (12, 14) extending in a generally longitudinal direction. The main body portion having a first end (20) and a second end (18). A hinge connector (16) is located between the first end and the second end. A first pair of pincers is located at the first end (20). A second pair of pincers is located at the second end (18). A bias mechanism (22) urges the first pair of pincers (20) into a closed position and urging the second pair of pincers (18) in an open position, whereby the user may apply a force to the tweezers to overcome the bias mechanism (22) and urge the first pair of pincers (20) away from the closed position and the second pair of pincers (18) away from the open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental implant that can be fitted immediately into a tooth socket after native tooth extraction and preparation of the tooth socket and without having to drill into the bone. The dental implant comprises a core enveloped by an expandable anchor comprising a plurality of joined segments. The core is displaced within an inner chamber of the anchor and generates an expansion force causing the joined segments to be displaced linearly away from the central axis of the implant where the coronal and apical ends of each joined segment are displaced in parallel paths normal to the central axis of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dental devices utilized during the restoration of teeth and more particularly a dental wedge, for use in the inter-proximal space between adjacent teeth, the dental wedge comprising: a wedge body; and a guard releasably engaged to the wedge body, wherein the guard is transformable between a first position adjoined the wedge body and a second position disengaged from the wedge body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tweezer for dental and other applications. The tweezer including a main body portion (12, 14) extending in a generally longitudinal direction. The main body portion having a first end (20) and a second end (18). A hinge connector (16) is located between the first end and the second end. A first pair of pincers is located at the first end (20). A second pair of pincers is located at the second end (18). A bias mechanism (22) urges the first pair of pincers (20) into a closed position and urging the second pair of pincers (18) in an open position, whereby the user may apply a force to the tweezers to overcome the bias mechanism (22) and urge the first pair of pincers (20) away from the closed position and the second pair of pincers (18) away from the open position.