Abstract: A dental matrix band for use especially with modern restorative material includes a layer of gold disposed on the body portion of the matrix band. The layer of gold prevents otherwise undesirable adhesion between the restorative material and the matrix band. In the preferred embodiment, the layer of gold is plated onto a stainless steel matrix band body portion. The gold layer preferably has a thickness in the range from approximately 0.000005 inches to 0.001 inches.

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 flexible spindle suitable for transmitting a torque as well as an axial thrust is constituted by a plurality of helical spirals of wire all of the same length. Each spiral has opposite winding directions to the winding direction of the adjacent spirals and the outer diameter of each spiral is equal to the inner diameter of the spiral which surrounds it. The terminal ends of the spirals are assembled integrally with each other and with the terminal ends of a flexible member situated inside the innermost spiral. Each sprial has a length which is equal to that of the other spirals as measured along their axis when these are in their bent operating position and under those conditions under which they are designed to transmit torque and thrust, with the flexible spindle resulting not to be radially or longitudinally deformable when under stress, thus transmitting the forces without loss.

Abstract: A one-piece dental wedge comprised of a rigid core and an elastic outer component. Both the core and the outer component are comprised of biocompatible materials. The core may be comprised of a plastic, like a polymethyl methacrylate resin, wood, metal, or the like. The elastic outer component is comprised of an elastomer of either the gel or non-gel type.

Abstract: A matrix band for front teeth consists of a plastic band having two parts which extend away from each other as a preferably obtuse angle. In one embodiment, a transition area between the two parts is elastically extensible. In another embodiment, the transition area is plastically extensible. On each side of the transition area there is a substantially inextensible part. A matrix retainer for a matrix band has a tightening element which has a through channel dimensioned for continuous frictional engagement with two substantially inextensible portions of the matrix band which are movable face-to-face through the channel. The matrix retainer also has a locking element for fixation of the two inextensible portions relative to the tightening element.

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 matrix segment of sufficient size to cover the interproximal area of a tooth restoration is shaped for patient comfort, easy application, and easy removal. The smooth tapered shape of the segment sides provides adequate tooth coverage and minimizes potential gingival laceration. An aperture is located in the segment so that it may be conveniently pulled away after use with a string-like material, such as dental floss.

Abstract: A dental matrix for use in dental procedures performed in a patient's mouth has a wide, flat central portion and at least one outwardly extending arm having ratchet-like teeth. The central portion has a slot cut therein to cooperate with the ratchet teeth to ensure the easy ability to tighten the matrix around the tooth. The ratchet teeth lie in the same plane as the central portion.

Abstract: The dental matrix (1) has at least one transparent region and its design is such that the marginal adaptation of approximal edge regions of light-cured MO, OD and MOD composite restorations is optimized.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a dental imaging matrix band for making a dental prosthetic restoration such as a 3/4 crown, full crown, or fixed bridge with the use of a CAD-CAM machine. This is attained by encircling a tooth or teeth prepared for receiving the prosthetic restoration by an imaging matrix band having an actual enlarged beaded peripheral edge or an illusion of an enlarged beaded portion which can be optically read by a scanner of a CAD-CAM machine. The optical image of the tooth or teeth encircled by such an imaging matrix band is transformed by the CAD-CAM machine into a signal which controls the operation of the forming or milling portion of the CAD-CAM machine to shape a block of dental material into the shape of a prosthetic restoration to be fitted to the prepared tooth or teeth in accordance with the optical image of the prepared tooth or teeth.

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 modified metal matrix band includes a plastic member and a metal member. The matrix band 10 includes a first plastic member 12 operatively connected to a metal member 11. In another embodiment, the matrix band 20 includes a plastic member 23 operatively connected at one end to a first metal member 21 and at its other end to a second metal member 22. The metal members are for inserting between contact points of adjacent teeth, while the plastic member is adjacent the prepared cavity area to be filled.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a dental imaging matrix band and a method for making a dental prosthetic restoration such as a 3/4 crown, full crown, or fixed bridge with the use of a CAD-CAM machine. This is attained by encircling a tooth or teeth prepared for receiving a 3/4 crown, full crown or fixed bridge restoration by a matrix band having an enlarged beaded peripheral edge or lip which can be optically read by a scanner of a CAD-CAM machine. The optical image of the tooth or teeth and the encircling matrix band is transformed by the CAD-CAM machine into a signal which controls the operation of the forming or milling portion of the CAD-CAM machine to shape a block of dental material into the shape of a 3/4 crown, full crown or fixed bridge to be fitted to the prepared tooth or teeth in accordance with the optical image of the prepared tooth or teeth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in restoration procedures for teeth. The apparatus includes a matrix having a form portion extending between a pair of wings. The form portion has an anatomically contoured inner surface which extends between a pair of corners. The wings of the matrix are affixed together by an adhesive strip. A tapered flange extends outwardly from the form portion for insertion between the gingiva and tooth to permit introduction of restorative material in the gingival and/or subgingival area. The matrix is formed of clear material to permit viewing of the restorative material during the procedure.

Abstract: An appliance is provided which can safely and securely carry one or more inserts into the cavity to be filled, apply a constant positive pressure against an adjacent tooth, and allow the dentist to adjust the location and spacing of the insert(s) and the amount of pressure exerted by the proximal insert against the adjacent tooth, as desired. Following initial placement of the insert, the insert is secured in a desired position and maintained in that position during the entire filling process so that both of the practitioner's hands are free to carry out the polymer delivery and polymerization process.

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 dental matrix band that is flexible and bondable to resin based restorative materials. This matrix band will permanently bond to the filling and the tooth. It becomes a permanent part of the composite restoration and may be wholly retained, partially retained, or completely removed depending upon the neeeds of the dentist, patient and the specific purpose for which this band is used. The dentist forms a prepared cavity. The thin, flexible composite matrix band is then inserted between the tooth and the adjacent tooth. The band is firmly held against the tooth with the surface of the band passively abutting the adjacent tooth. A bonding agent is applied to the appropriate tooth surfaces, the cavity and the band. The agent is cured, the prepared cavity is filled with a composite resin, the resin is cured and the excess portion of the band is removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in restoration procedures for teeth. The apparatus includes a matrix having a facial portion extending between a pair of wings. The facial portion has an anatomically contoured inner surface which extends between a pair of corners. The wings of the matrix are affixed together by an adhesive strip. A tapered flange extends outwardly from the facial portion for insertion between the gingiva and tooth to permit introduction of restorative material in the gingival and/or subgingival area. The matrix is formed of clear material to permit viewing of the restorative material during the procedure.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for producing the whitening of live teeth with pathological and normal colorations, destined to whitening any tooth with normal color and furthermore eliminating the pathological coloration produced by aetiologies of different origin. The whitening of the teeth (6) is effected applying different chemical products to the dental enamel, covering the teeth to be treated with a metallic plate containing an absorbent material with a chemical whitening product which acts in the presence of heat and provokes the reaction of said product which will act on all sides of the dental drown, producing whitening of the teeth. The device is constituted, in essence, by a whitening device, comprised by a thermic heating unit, whether or not controlled by microprocessor, heating elements, temperature, time and alarm sensors and controls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a dental impression using an improved band technique. The method comprises placing an actinic light transparent band containing light polymerizable impression material over a tooth or a tooth preparation, and polymerizing the impression material and contacting the band with the polymerized impression material with tray impression material and incorporating the band into the overall impression.

Abstract: The method of repairing a tooth involves positioning a selected medium contiguous a location of the tooth to be repaired, placing a heat-shrinkable overlay around the tooth for covering the selected medium, heating the overlay to a temperature sufficient to cause shrinkage thereof and thereby operating on the medium. The overlay is subsequently removed to expose a repaired tooth requiring little or no additional post-cure finishing.

Abstract: A preformed pattern for forming an occlusal splint comprises a U-shaped member composed of material that is form-stable at room temperature and sufficiently pliable at an elevated temperature to be conformed to the bits of a person's jaw or to a model of such person's jaw.

Abstract: The matrix consisting of a thin flexible strip of plastic comprises a loop 1 to be placed around the tooth to give the desired shape to the filling material. It is permanently connected to an annular tightener (2) made of material permanently deformable by pressure with the fingers and dentist's forceps, for example, of annealed aluminum sheet. It exhibits, in the front, a slit (3) through which pass the two terminal extensions (1',1") of flexible strip (1) and, in the back, tabs (2',2") between which are permanently fastened the ends of said terminal extensions (1, 1") of said strip, so that by compressing said annular tightener (arrows 4, 5) it determines the slipping of slit (3) like a slider on the extensions (1', 11") of the strip, the narrowing of loop (1) and the perfect adherence of the loop of the strip to the tooth.

Abstract: A dental matrix band for engaging around a tooth comprises a plastic sheet member which includes a straight winding portion which can be wound into a coil and a curved tooth engaging portion which is wrapped around to form a tooth engaging band. A lock loop having inner and outer legs is engaged onto overlapping portions of the band to hold the band in position. The locking loop has interior notches which form a gingival inwardly directed bend and tooth contacting point and an elongated gingival open area to provide band's diametric adjustability prior to seating matrix on a tooth, as well as a crimp structure for crimping the occlusal edge of the band to form an occlusal concavity. The coil may be conical and polygonal in shape to more accurately receive a winding burr of a winding tool. The coil is rotatable to tighten the band around a tooth.

Abstract: A dental instrument for assisting in the placement of a dental matrix band around a tooth to be repaired and the associated gingival margin of the repair. The dental matrix includes an elongated slender handle having a thin guide blade disposed from at least one end of the handle. The guide blade is adapted to be fitted between the matrix band and the tooth to be repaired to facilitate positioning of the matrix band over the gingival shoulder of the repair, then progressively around the tooth. The guide blade is preferrably tapered toward its distal end, having a generally curved transverse section to mate against the side of the tooth. The guide blade may also include matrix band engaging means for providing positive connection between the matrix band and the matrix band during manipulation of the guide blade toward the patient's gums and the base of the tooth for enhanced positive and quick disposition of the matrix band.

Abstract: A method of and means for tooth restoration is disclosed wherein an inclusion, in the form of a preformed body (11) utilized in the creation of a contact point with an adjacent tooth, the body, which body has a profiled knuckle-forming surface thereto, being positioned in the tooth cavity and being held in pressure contact with a matrix band while the cavity is filled with composite resin so as at least partially to embed the body therein, as the resin is cured or set, the arrangement being such that, on setting or curing of the resin, the body is maintained in position in pressure contact with the matrix band.

Abstract: A winding tool for winding a coil of a retainerless dental matrix comprising a rotatable handle having a handle bore therethrough. A nonrotatable palm grip is mounted on a shaft for axial movement into the handle. A barrel having a torque transmitting mechanism is mounted for rotation and for axial movement in the handle. The torque limiting mechanism is transmitted and interengages the barrel to the handle for transmitting limited torque applied by rotating the handle for rotating the barrel and activating said torque limitor which rotates. A bent flexible sleeve which is fixed to an end of the barrel. A winding head is fixed to a remote end of the flexible sleeve. A compression transmitting shaft having a bent end extending into the bent flexible sleeve for retaining the bent shape thereof extends through the barrel and into the palm grip where it is fixed against rotation with the palm grip.

Abstract: The sheet-like dental die, with the anatomical characteristics of the profile of a certain type of tooth, made of a material permeable to light and to UV rays and which does not bind to hardenable filling synthetic materials by radiation, is deposited according to the configuration and utilization about the tooth to be filled from the tongue or vestibule side and the two even lobes (1) are pressed against each other on the opposite side by means of a dentist pincer while the filling is irradiated to allow its polymerization or at least its introduction.

Abstract: A retainerless dental matrix band which is preformed or contoured and which can be readily retained in place without a retaining tool. The matrix band comprises a curvilinear base portion having a connected upwardly and outwardly curved portion adapted to complement the shape of a tool and arranged to be disposed within the interproximal space between adjacent teeth, and fixedly retained in place by wedges and/or by bonded cotton pellets. The matrix is constructed for use with self cured or light cured composite resin dental material, and may be made of a light permeable material when used with light-cured composite materials.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for use in efficiently obtaining an accurate relationship of upper and lower jaws of a dental patient which includes a wafer and a leaf gage. The wafer is made of a substantially stable but vertically deformable material and has a generally dental arcuate shape. A slot extends through the wafer for receiving the leaf gage. The leaf gage is positionable within the slot of the wafer and thereafter placed within a patient's mouth in order to obtain an accurate centric relation record.

Abstract: A combination matrix and interproximal sanding strip for use in preparing, implanting an finishing curable dental restorations, especially of the light curable type, comprising a flexible strip having opposed sides, each side having a surface coextensive therewith, adapted for insertion between proximal tooth of the side, having a smooth surface portion on one surface for contact with the proximal surfaces surrounding the prepared cavity and the restoration material to be received therein and further having a roughened surface portion on the same side for later use in abrading and removing excess, cured restorative material that has escaped the cavity preparation, without removing the strip from interproximate the teeth.

Abstract: A matrix band for encircling a tooth to define a wall of a cavity to be supplied with a filling has reduced thickness end portions. A toothed tongue of reduced width on one end portion can be fitted into a slot in the tab formed by the other reduced width end portion to enable the band to be drawn tightly around a tooth.

Abstract: A dual-torque winding tool for winding a coil of a retainerless dental matrix comprises a handle which can be held and rotated in the hand. A barrel is axially movable within a blind channel defined in the handle, with the handle being rotatable with and over the rotatable barrel. Two separate torque transmitting mechanisms are provided for establishing co-rotation between the handle and the barrel at two separate torque values. In one form of the invention the two separate torque values are established by two spring loaded balls which are under different biasing forces and which each can selectively engage into one of a single set of socket holes. Axial movement of the barrel for bringing one or the other ball into engagement with the socket holes establishes the selected torque value. Another form of the invention uses two separate sets of socket holes each having holes with a different diameter and engageable by a single spring loaded ball.

Abstract: An improved dental matrix band of the general type having a central tooth circumscribing portion extending between cervical and occlusal edges and merging with a pair of arms adapted for engagement by a retainer appliance and to which a leaf-like flap is secured to the tooth engaging surface of the band to be deformable away from the band by a compressible wedge against the surface of a tooth to be filled. The flap has an inner edge generally coextensive with the cervical edge of the band and extends to an outer edge coextensive with or beyond the occlusal edge of the band. The flap is secured at only one corner either by a pair of spot welds to leave remaining the major area of the flap to be deflectable against the surface of a tooth. Alternatively, the flap is secured by a bendable neck portion integral with both the flap and the band.

Abstract: A dental matrix for engaging around a tooth comprises a plastic sheet member which is preferably transparent and includes a straight winding portion connected to a curved tooth engaging portion. The gingivally recessed straight windable portion is wound into a coil and heat treated to retain a desired inside and outside diameter for the coil. A first end of the straight windable portion which is disposed in the interior of the coil is provided with a metal laminate, ridges or a clip for permitting engagement with a winding tool for further winding and tightening the cylindrical coil, to adapt the matrix to the tooth. A second end of the sheet member which is carried by the curved tooth engaging portion has lock-loop recesses or extrudedly rimmed apertures for receiving a metal lock-loop which is thus fixed to the second head end member and slidably receives an intermediate portion of the member which is between the coil and the second end.

Abstract: The mold in question includes a cap (1) of transparent material strengthened by a single or multiple reinforcement (2, 2', 3) of wire or metal strip incorporated in the plastic of the cap. The cap (1) or reinforcement ends above in a stem (1') which makes it possible to grasp the mold and hold it in place for the entire time of polymerization of the filling mastic performed by ultraviolet or visible light rays. This mold is particularly suited for giving the exact shape of the filling of front teeth, both on the right and left side.

Abstract: A dental inset for cooperative retainment about a tooth of an external max band by a retainer is presented. The matrix band is provided with oppositely disposed end portions and the inset connects the end portions of the matrix band where the end portions divaricate from the tooth so that a 360 degree matrix which readily adapts to the cervical circumference of the molar teeth is provided.

Abstract: A retainer for securing in position a matrix band around a tooth comprises a body having an upper and a lower end surface, a through-bore which extends between the end surfaces and accommodates a spindle which is rotatable in the body and around which the matrix band can be wound and which has an axial slit starting from the proximal end of the spindle with respect to the lower end surface of the body and arranged for receiving the matrix band, a peripheral surface which is adapted to be applied against a tooth and has a first recess conformed to a first type of tooth, and a first channel which extends through the lower end surface, the first recess and the bore in order to permit the insertion of the matrix band in the channel and in the slit of the spindle from the lower end surface. The peripheral surface also has a second recess which is conformed to a second type of tooth. A second channel extends through the lower end surface, the second recess and the bore.