Abstract: Dental matrix band devices including a housing with a band, a tensioning device for the band with the control for the tensioning mechanism controllable by a control knob external to the housing, and at least one deflector pushbutton. The deflector pushbutton(s) applies pressure on an upper or lower portion of the band causing the geometry of the band to change. The resulting band geometry forms a conical loop better matching the configuration of a tooth. In one embodiment two deflector pushbuttons are provided and positioned to apply pressure on the upper or lower portion of the band depending on which deflector pushbutton is depressed in the housing. In another embodiment a single deflector pushbutton unit is provided with a pushbutton at each end.

Abstract: A dental matrix device may include a body and a clamp retainer. The body may include a clamp cavity, an aperture, and a ramp immediately adjacent to the aperture. The clamp retainer may be at least partially positioned in the clamp cavity. The clamp retainer may be at least partially positioned in the clamp cavity and may include a clamp portion at a first end that may include a levered portion that is rotatably connected to a base. Translation of the clamp retainer in a first direction may draw the clamp retainer into the clamp cavity such that a lower surface of the levered portion rotates towards an upper surface of the base. Translation of the clamp retainer in a second direction may push the levered portion up the ramp to separate the lower surface of the levered portion from the upper surface of the base.

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 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: The plastic clear band for dental restoration is a dental matrix band having an elongate body with first and second ends and at least one light transmissive portion midway between the first and second ends. The first and second ends have a thickness greater than the light transmissive portion, the band tapering in thickness from a thin central portion to the thick first and second ends. The thick first and second ends are adapted to provide a bearing surface for the clamping screws of a matrix band retainer, while the thin central portion provides a snug fit and tight contact with the tooth. The band is made from biocompatible plastic, and has an inverted V-shape or chevron configuration when viewed from the front.

Abstract: A dental implement that includes a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends which are spaced apart from each other a distance. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a front face having opposing sides, a top end and a bottom end. The front face is defined by two inwardly inclined surfaces which start at the opposing sides and incline inwardly toward each other and intersect to form a peak that extends at least partially between the top end and the bottom end of the front face. The peaks of the opposing tine assemblies face each other.

Abstract: A dental matrix clamp includes an elongate body and a matrix band mountable relative to the body so as to form a loop projecting at one end of the body. The clamp has a tensioning device operable on the band to tighten the loop, and a deflector member which engages the band to provide an inclined conformation thereto. The deflector member is adjustable transversely across the band between opposite positions at which it bears against opposite peripheral portions of the band. The clamp is a hand-held device used in dentistry to clamp a band around a tooth for retention and molding of filling material.

Abstract: In preparing dentures, hardened mould material surrounds the denture. This mould material is adhered inside a denture flask with a housing having two separably matable portions. To remove the hardened mould material from the flask, the flask is mounted in a mould press having a shaft, with one of the portions is restrained against movement along an axis of travel of the shaft. A portion of the mould material at an end of the restrained flask portion is available for contact with the shaft along the axis of travel. A capped end of the shaft is forcefully advanced against the adhered mould material therein, thereby breaking the adhesion. After this is done, the denture flask is dismounted from the mould press and the hardened mould material is removed from the first flask portion. If necessary, the process is repeated with the other housing portion.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus for adjusting orthodontic wire includes first and second handle portions and a jaw portion. The first handle portion pivotably couples to the second handle portion such that the first and second handle portions are capable of pivoting with respect to each other at a pivot axis. The jaw portion extends from the first and second handle portions. The jaw portion includes: a first prong extending from the first handle portion; and second and third prongs extending from the second handle portion. The second and third prongs each include: a respective inner surface that partially defines a slot between the second and third prongs; and first and second outer surfaces joined together by a transition region.

Abstract: A dental implement comprising a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends which are spaced apart from each other a distance. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a front face having opposing sides, a top end and a bottom end. The front face is defined by two inwardly inclined surfaces which start at the opposing sides and incline inwardly toward each other and intersect to form a peak that extends at least partially between the top end and the bottom end of the front face. The peaks of the opposing tine assemblies face each other.

Abstract: A dental device for retaining composite material within a cavity is described. The device provides accurate placement of a retaining matrix band which holds dental composite material in place within the cavity under repair and precludes or prevents migration of the dental composite material out of the cavity and down towards the gum line. The disclosed device and methods help to restore the contact area between the two teeth (i.e., the one worked on and the one adjacent to it). An improved mechanical polishing device is also shown and described. Improved methods of repairing cavities with dental composite material using the disclosed devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental matrix retainer (1) used as an aid when filling two-surface cavities in the molars. It comprises a matrix holder (3) and a device for tensioning a matrix band (2) placed in the form of a loop (22) around the tooth which is to be treated, the matrix holder (3) being composed of a housing (5) with a circular opening (8), and of a spindle like inner body (9) which can turn in this opening (8) and which is provided with a gap (12). The gap (12) can be aligned with a slit (10) in the wall of the housing (5) such that the superposed ends of the matrix band (2) can be inserted into this slit (10) and into the gap (12) aligned therewith and can be tensioned on the tooth by turning the spindle (9).

Abstract: 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 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.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes a first arm, a second arm, which is pivotally coupled to the first arm about a pivot axis, and a spring. The first and second arms are pivotal with respect to each other in a plane generally orthogonal to the pivot axis. Each of the arms has a proximal portion, a medial portion, and a distal portion, with the proximal portions defining hand grip portions, and with the arms being pivotally connected at their medial portions. The spring biases the distal portions of the arms toward each other. Each of the distal portions comprises a first portion and a prong portion depending from the first portion. The prong portions comprise back-to-back generally C-shaped portions and spaced apart tines. The C-shaped portions define a pair of seats, with the tines depending from the seats and having spaced apart distal ends adapted for engaging a rubber-dam clamp, and the seats providing contacts for a dental retaining ring.

Abstract: A dental implement includes a wire member that forms a generally ring-shaped portion and first and second ends, which depend from the ring-shaped portion. The ring-shaped portion lies in a plane, with the first and second ends depending from the generally ring-shaped portion in a direction generally orthogonal to the plane. At least a portion of the first end touches at least a portion of the second end when in an initial resting state, wherein the first and second ends generate an inward force towards each other when separated.

Abstract: 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 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.

Abstract: A versatile system for the manipulation of dental appliances is described that includes a grasping assembly coupled to an actuating assembly. Members of the grasping assembly are shaped to approximate contour of the dental appliance. An apical seating member is disposed upon the grasping assembly to facilitate the application of seating pressure. The grasping assembly may be removably or permanently coupled to the actuating assembly. Portions of the actuating assembly, the grasping assembly, or both the actuating and grasping assemblies may be shaped to facilitate distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial manipulation of the dental appliance.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure. The matrix band retainers have a thin profile characterized by the cross-sectional area of the flexible body member in which the width of the body is greater than the height of the body. The tines are connected to the flexible body member by crossbar members. The matrix band retainers also comprise receptacle means for securely receiving the prongs of a spreading device. The receptacle means may include hole formations formed in the body member configured for engaging the prongs of a rubber dam clamp.

Abstract: The invention comprises an asymmetrically shaped matrix band. The asymmetrical shape of the matrix band provides form for molding a dental filling into a shape that closely approximates the asymmetrical and generally trapezoidal shape of a tooth. The matrix band comprises a cross-sectional area that curves asymmetrically in the vertical direction along a curve that is constrained by two radii. The first radius is applied near the top of the matrix band and has a magnitude that is approximately one third of the magnitude of the second radius that is applied at the bottom of the matrix band. The curvature of the cross-sectional area enables the matrix band to also provide form for molding a dental filling with a contact point in the anatomically correct location on a restored tooth.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines that are anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure and for keeping the matrix band retainer from slipping out of position. The tines may be curved and/or include a wedge-shaped portion to facilitate insertion of the tines into the interproximal spaces between two adjacent teeth. The matrix band retainers also comprise two apertures that are configured in size and shape to receive the prongs of a rubber dam clamp or other tine-spreading device for enabling the rubber dam clamp to spread the tines of the matrix band retainer in a safe and secure manner.

Abstract: A device having pliable walls is provided for placement in the mouth of a patent to serve, in one manner, as a matrix barrier with walls of the device bearing upon opposed tooth surfaces. An inlet permits inflation of the device, as by a dental syringe, of the installed device. A valve closes under air pressure to seal the inlet which may also be closed by a fused inlet segment.

Abstract: The invention is an open-ended ring used in the preparation of a tooth for a restorative procedure. The ring is used in conjunction with a shield to secure the shield between a tooth to be restored and an adjacent tooth. The result is a close contact being formed between the two teeth after restoration.

Abstract: A matrix clamp used in dental procedures to restore teeth to their natural shapes has a pair of gripping portions that are each connected to a cross-over bar. When the gripping portions are depressed by finger pressure, a pair of clamping tines connected to the cross-over bars spread apart from each other to enable the tines to be placed in contact with a sectional matrix band. When the gripping portions are released, a coil spring portion of the matrix clamp urges the tines toward each other so that the sectional matrix band is secured against the tooth and the clamp is retained in its selected position.

Abstract: jIn restoration of teeth, the use of conventional matrix bands and wedges tends to leave gaps or spaces which can through inefficient restoration lead to fracture or infection, and also prove to be time consuming and inefficient. This invention addresses shortcomings of conventional restorative devices by providing an easy to use dental tool that has a first member and a second member with struts that adjust to fit into the proximal box, and that provides a predictably tight contact area for optimal tooth restoration.

Abstract: A lingual dental matrix tensioner comprising two posts maintained parallel by two parallel rods through the posts at a right angle to the post axes One rod is threaded and has an end knob for adjusting the spacing between the posts, the other rod is a guide rod. Both ends of a matrix band are clamped to one post and the doubled matrix is guided through one of several slots in the other to form a retainer loop at any location. Rotating the threaded rod to separate the posts reduces the size of the loop.

Abstract: The device for the retention and the adaptation of a matrix to the treated portion of a tooth includes a tightener clamp whose ends are each provided with an adaptation cushion having anchoring elements and adaptation elements, the cushion being destined to adapt to the contour of the border area of the cavity of the treated tooth portion in a formfitting manner. Such a device effectively prevents the formation of proximal excesses in composite fillings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoration of teeth using light curable restoratives while assuring interproximal contact between the restored tooth and an adjacent tooth. The apparatus is in the form of a hand-held instrument with a specialized tip to hold an amount of pre-cured composite which is made from the same material as the restorative material or other compatible material and is intended for permanent placement in the tooth during the restorative process and becomes an integral part of the restoration. A tooth cavitation opening through a vertical tooth surface about which a matrix band has been tightened is filled by alternate deposition and curing of successive layers of the light curable restorative to a level at or below the plane of maximum circumference of the tooth. The amount of pre-cured composite is placed in a layer of uncured composite on this plane and the instrument is used to apply pressure to the amount of pre-cured composite to establish interproximal contact.

Abstract: A dental matrix retention apparatus which comprises a longitudinally extending frame member, and two laterally extending fingers at an end of the frame member, the fingers being integral with the frame member, each finger having longitudinally spaced primary and secondary sides, there being a finger slot between the fingers and communicating with the primary and secondary sides of the fingers, the fingers projecting in laterally offset relation to a plane defined by the frame member; a holder carried by the longitudinally extending frame member for adjustable longitudinal movement therealong, the holder defining a holder slot, openingly facing the finger secondary sides; a band having a looping section to loop about a tooth, and overlapping sections, the band overlapping sections extending through the finger slot and then directly to the holder slot for retention therein, the band-looping sections extending adjacent the finger primary sides to be tightened toward the primary sides as the holder is adjustably

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a matrix band to a tooth includes an elongated frame, an elongated slide member, a locking unit and a single-direction positioning mechanism. A front end of the support frame is formed with a retaining member which engages slidably overlapping end portions of the matrix band in order to orient selectively a loop portion of the matrix band to predetermined directions. The slide member engages slidably and parallelly with the support frame. A front end of the slide member is formed with a sliding block. The locking unit is provided on the sliding block of the slide member for locking releasably the overlapping end portions in the sliding block.

Abstract: A dental matrix tensioner has a casing containing a pin rotatable relative to the casing, the pin having a slot therein for releasably receiving a dental matrix and for tightening the matrix about a tooth upon rotation of the pin relative to the casing. A device to rotate the pin relative to the casing comprises an elongated assembly, and a member slidable lengthwise of the assembly in one direction to grip external portions of the casing and in an opposite direction to release those external portions of casing thereby selectively releasably to retain the rotating device in assembled relation with the casing. The lengthwise slidable member is also rotatable and is selectively engageable with the pin to rotate the pin upon rotation of the slidable member. The slidable and rotatable member has a noncircular end which fits removably in a noncircular recess in the pin whereupon when that end is inserted in the noncircular recess and sliding member is rotated, the pin is turned relative to the casing.

Abstract: A double matrix band and technique for using the same is utilized in tooth repair to minimize interproximal spacing. The first portion of the matrix band is wrapped around the tooth adjacent to that being repaired, and the second portion of the band is then wrapped around the tooth to be repaired. Light permeable materials may be used for the matrix bands, thereby allowing tooth repair with light curable materials.

Abstract: A matrix retainer apparatus for dental restorations is formed from a resilient, substantially planar main body, a pair of fines extending from the ends of the main body and retention members provided on the tines. The retention members serve to increase the coefficient of friction between the matrix retainer and the tooth or tooth reconstruction element and avoid inadvertent removal of the retainer therefrom. The invention is also directed to a matrix retainer system composed of several matrix retainers adapted for a variety of complex applications.

Abstract: In a tensioning gripper with a ring and a coaxially arranged rotary pin, both the ring and the pin are provided with a slot suitable for receiving a matrix to be tensioned. The slot of the rotary pin has a symmetry plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotary pin. The sides of the slot are composed by two angled portions which are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the symmetry plane and both portions converge towards the longitudinal axis of the rotary pin, the two vertices of the portions being opposite and adjacent one another. Such a slot allows easy introduction and gripping of the matrix until, by rotating the pin, the matrix is held and tensioned.

Abstract: A dual dental matrix band retainer for use in dentistry comprising a first matrix band retainer which is connected to a second matrix band retainer. Each matrix band retainer is provided with a matrix band which is looped around a different posterior tooth in the same quadrant of a patient's mouth. Each matrix band retainer can be operated independently and separably of each other which allows for the dentist to restore two posterior teeth simultaneously. As a result, the time required for the dentist to restore both posterior teeth is greatly diminished improving the work productivity of the dentist while maximizing the comfort to the patient.

Abstract: A disposable dental matrix retainer clamp for holding a matrix band, is disclosed. The retainer clamp comprises a main body element having a generally centrally located first longitudinal axis and first and second opposed lateral sides. A head element having a first end, a second end, a generally centrally located second longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, an anterior surface having a guide slot centrally located therein through which the matrix band extends, and a pivot axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis is pivotally mounted on the main body element by way of a pair of oppositely directed mounting posts received in co-operating apertures that are located one each in respective opposed flange members extending outwardly from the main body element between a first locked position, a second locked position, and an intermediate position therebetween.

Abstract: A dental matrix retainer package includes a plastic matrix retainer clamp which permits a matrix band to be unlocked from its tightened position over a tooth without releasing the matrix band from the clamp entirely, permits a matrix band to be swiveled to accommodate different mouth quadrants with removal for reorientation, permits rapid retraction of a matrix band from a tooth, and permits careful tightening of a matrix band over a tooth in order to avoid the possibility of overtightening. The package is designed so that it must be entirely disposed of after use on a patient, thereby providing maximum assurance against cross contamination.

Abstract: A matrix clamp for dentistry comprises a frame, a threaded rod screwingly displaceable in the frame and having a front end and a rear end, a coulisse block arranged to releasably hold ends of a loop of a matrix band having an adjustable width, the coulisse block being slidingly displaceable by the front end of the threaded rod, a screw element having an inner thread, the rear end of the threaded rod being provided with an outer thread engaging with the inner thread of the screw element provided with a handle, the screw element being formed as a quick tensioning nut which is tiltable relative to a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod, and a tightening spring held on the threaded rod and acting upon the quick tightening nut.

Abstract: A mechanical device for holding elastic articles comprising a pair of circlips pliers having a set of primary jaws and a set of handles. The primary jaws are adapted to open when the handles are squeezed together. The pliers further comprise a set of secondary jaws, each of the secondary jaws being arranged on a corresponding primary jaw and being spaced from the primary jaws so as to hold the elastic articles.