Dentistry – Apparatus – Hand manipulatable implement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-06
2001-07-17
Wilson, John J. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Apparatus
Hand manipulatable implement
C433S153000, C433S161000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06261095
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the restoration of teeth to their normal, anatomical form and function, particularly to a device for facilitating restoration with the use of conventional matrix bands, and more particularly, to the repair of interproximal caries using light cured composite materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Anatomically, teeth are aligned to and with each other in an arch form contacting each other on a mesial and distal side. The size, shape and tightness of these contacts is vital to the health of the teeth and supporting periodontal structures. As caries develop in the interproximal surfaces, there is a need to restore the surfaces to the proper anatomical form and to reestablish the appropriate contact points.
The typical practice, following cavity preparation, is to place a dental matrix band circumferentially around a tooth for filling and holding restorative material to achieve the proper contour. Dentists commonly use the dental matrix band with a matrix band retainer instrument which helps to position the band and to tighten it securely about the tooth. To adjust the fit of the band and to maintain it in a suitable position during restoration, other dental instruments, such as the triangular shaped wedge, are commonly used. The wedge may be inserted, just above the gumline, between the tooth being restored and an adjacent tooth. The wedge slightly separates the teeth to accommodate the thickness of the band and to create a seal at the end of the band to keep the filling material in place. It is also known in the art to use a sectional matrix ring system which fits between two teeth for applying contoured bands and establishing a tight contact.
Over the years, various types of devices have been developed to help distend the band during an initial composite curing period. While the conventional devices have added many advances to the field, they retain significant limitations. Perhaps the most common limitation of conventional devices is that the restoration tends to result with a narrow contact area at the marginal ridge. When the contact area is smaller in size than ideal, the restoration is weak and subject to fracture. It can leave a gap between the contact point, gum and neighboring teeth for food entrapment and infection. Devices designed to overcome contact weakness have been shown to be cumbersome in use and to provide inconsistent results. The wedge, for instance, is operated by hand and thus depends upon a variant level of torque which can be subject to human error. Once in position, the wedge can shift out of place. If made of wood, or similar porous material, it is prone to moisten with saliva and lose its effectiveness. The matrix ring instrument requires an ideal preparation to function correctly and tends to be cumbersome due to the need to engage multiple components. These devices can be cumbersome, time consuming and may even hinder the practitioners' view of the restoration.
In the past, the most common restorative material has been silver amalgam, a metal putty. Due to its strength, amalgam material maintains its shape. In this way, the amalgam filling material also functions to assist with the displacement of the dental matrix band into tight contact with the adjacent tooth. Today, with the advancements in dental materials, compactable composite resins are increasingly used. Unlike amalgams, composite resins do not have the condenseability necessary to displace the matrix band in position during restoration. As a result, the elastic memory of the band pulls away from the adjacent tooth thereby leaving a gap or space. The elastic memory exhibits a very flat proximal surface which, following restoration, yields a thin contact area at the marginal ridge. This result is clinically undesirable. The band is not well deformed to appropriate contour by composite material alone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention facilitates the restoration of teeth by providing for deformation of the interproximal segments(s) of a matrix band, or other dental aid, to the natural tooth contours through a predictable tight contact area with an easy-to-use self-supporting tool. It can be easily and optimally used in conjunction with conventional devices, such as wedges. This invention adapts for use on many types of preparations. It further allows for the use of cured composite resin materials, and is designed to provide maximal visibility and access for quick deposition and curing of the materials.
The invention is a dental tool for assisting the restoration of a tooth, comprising, as a preferred embodiment, an elongated frame, having a first member at one end of the elongated frame, the first member having a channel for receiving a strut component; a second member movably attached to the elongated frame parallel to the first member, the second member also having a channel for receiving a strut component; a means for adjusting the second member relative to the first member connected with the second member and attached to the elongated frame opposite to the first member; and strut components removably disposed through the channels of the first and second members. The strut components can include struts extending perpendicularly therefrom and a means for removably attaching the strut components to the members. Optionally, one strut is symmetrically conical in shape with a curved base and a flattened part for optimal contact with the tooth, and another strut is shorter, cylindrical in shape and has a flattened end to provide counter pressure.
The invention accommodates variations in tooth sizes by providing a means for adjusting the members to alter the distance between the struts. Depending upon the type of restoration desired, struts of varied length and size can be used. They can be removed and reattached in an inverted position for use of the invention on a tooth in the opposite side of the mouth.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1106815 (1914-08-01), Hopkins
patent: 1990889 (1935-02-01), Bandman
patent: 4758159 (1988-07-01), Weissman
Bumgarner Melba
Garber Kevin J.
Wilson John J.
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