Dental restoration holding devices, dental restoration holding assemblies including the same, and associated methods

Dental restoration holding devices, dental restoration holding assemblies including the same, and associated methods. A dental restoration holding device includes a base portion and a cap portion, and is configured such that the base portion and/or the cap portion engages a flexible support sheet to define a support surface that supports a dental restoration relative to a suction tip. A dental restoration holding assembly for supporting a dental restoration includes the dental restoration holding device in combination with the flexible support sheet and the suction tip. A method of treating a dental restoration includes operatively engaging a flexible support sheet with a dental restoration holding device to define a support surface, placing a dental restoration upon the support surface, engaging a suction tip with the dental restoration holding device, and flowing a treatment fluid through the dental restoration holding device.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to dental restoration holding devices, dental restoration holding assemblies including the same, and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

In dentistry, crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations are precisely fabricated and fit to the original tooth or implant to restore proper shape, function, and aesthetics. Dental restorations are affixed to the original tooth or implant by a variety of means such as bonding. In particular, porcelain and composite crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations typically are bonded by a dental cement. Prior to bonding, a bonding surface of the dental restoration generally is prepared for bonding with an etchant such as hydrofluoric acid for porcelain surfaces. The etchant generally cleans and roughens the bonding surface at a microscopic level. Additional preparation steps, such as chemically activating the bonding surface, may be performed as well. The preparation for bonding may be performed where the dental restoration is fabricated and/or may be performed at the dentist's office during trial fit and final installation of the dental restoration.

A typical etching process includes applying a hydrofluoric acid gel to a porcelain bonding surface of a dental restoration, incubating the gel on the surface to etch the surface, rinsing the gel with water, and drying the surface. Etchants such as hydrofluoric acid may be very caustic and their use may require personal safety precautions to avoid deleterious dermal contact or inhalation. One technique to etch dental restorations in a dentist's office includes holding the dental restoration with a gauze pad during application of etchant, rinsing on the gauze pad, and suctioning away the rinse fluid. This technique generally requires careful placement of the gauze and dental restoration, and may result in accidental loss of the dental restoration into the suction device. Thus, there exists a need for dental restoration holding devices.

SUMMARY

Dental restoration holding devices, dental restoration holding assemblies including the same, and associated methods are disclosed herein. A dental restoration holding device for supporting a dental restoration includes a base portion with a hollow base shaft defining a base shaft central opening and a cap portion with a hollow cap shaft defining a cap shaft central opening. The dental restoration holding device is configured such that the base portion and/or the cap portion engages a flexible support sheet to define a support surface of the flexible support sheet that spans the base shaft central opening and/or the cap shaft central opening. The dental restoration holding device is configured such that the support surface supports a dental restoration relative to a suction tip that is positioned on an opposite side of the support surface relative to the dental restoration and that is inserted at least partially into the base portion. A dental restoration holding assembly for supporting a dental restoration includes the dental restoration holding device in combination with the flexible support sheet and the suction tip such that the flexible support sheet operatively engages the base portion and/or the cap portion and defines the support surface and such that the suction tip is operatively coupled to the base shaft to maintain the suction tip in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the support surface.

A method of treating a dental restoration includes operatively engaging a flexible support sheet with a dental restoration holding device to define a support surface of the flexible support sheet and placing a dental restoration upon the support surface. The method further includes operatively engaging a suction tip with the dental restoration holding device such that the suction tip is positioned on an opposite side of the support surface relative to the dental restoration and flowing a treatment fluid through the dental restoration holding device such that the treatment fluid flows sequentially over the dental restoration, through the support surface, and into the suction tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1-16provide examples of dental restoration holding devices100and/or of methods200of utilizing dental restoration holding devices100, according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each ofFIGS.1-16, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each ofFIGS.1-16. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each ofFIGS.1-16, but reference numbers associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more ofFIGS.1-16may be included in and/or utilized with any ofFIGS.1-16without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In general, elements that are likely to be in a given (i.e., a particular) embodiment are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given embodiment are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines are not essential to all embodiments, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a given embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As schematically illustrated inFIG.1, a dental restoration holding device100according to the present disclosure includes a base portion110with a hollow base shaft114defining a base shaft central opening122and a cap portion130with a hollow cap shaft134defining a cap shaft central opening142. As used herein, base shaft central opening122may include and/or refer to any appropriate opening, region, volume, aperture, etc. that is at least partially defined by base shaft114, such as a region/volume enclosed by base shaft114, an area that spans base shaft114along a length of base shaft114, an aperture that permits access to base shaft114, etc. Similarly, as used herein, cap shaft central opening142may include and/or refer to any appropriate opening, region, volume, aperture, etc. that is at least partially defined by cap shaft134, such as a region/volume enclosed by cap shaft134, an area that spans cap shaft134along a length of cap shaft134, an aperture that permits access to cap shaft134, etc.

In some examples, base portion110and cap portion130are separate (i.e., distinct) components that are configured to be selectively and operatively coupled to one another. In such examples, dental restoration holding device100may be referred to as a two-piece dental restoration holding device102. In such examples, dental restoration holding device100is configured to selectively transition between a disassembled configuration, in which base portion110and cap portion130are separated, and an assembled configuration, in which cap shaft134is operatively coupled to base shaft114in a close-fit orientation. However, this is not required of all examples of dental restoration holding device100, and it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that base portion110and cap portion130may be integrally formed, such that dental restoration holding device100is a one-piece dental restoration holding device101. In such examples, one-piece dental restoration holding device101also may be referred to as a unitary dental restoration holding device101. Examples of such one-piece dental restoration holding devices101are illustrated inFIGS.10-15, as discussed below.

In examples in which base portion110and cap portion130are separate components, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.1, base portion110and cap portion130may be configured to engage a portion of flexible support sheet20between base shaft114and cap shaft134when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration. In such a configuration, flexible support sheet20defines a support surface22that spans (e.g., covers) base shaft central opening122and/or cap shaft central opening142. As examples, flexible support sheet20and/or support surface22may be described as “spanning” base shaft central opening122and/or cap shaft central opening142when flexible support sheet20covers all, or at least substantially all, of a cross-sectional area of the base shaft central opening and/or cap shaft central opening, such as at a location at an end of base shaft114and/or of cap shaft134, and/or at a location between the ends of the base shaft and/or the cap shaft. In examples in which base portion110and cap portion130are integrally formed, and as illustrated inFIG.10, base portion110may be configured to engage flexible support sheet20to define support surface22that spans at least base shaft central opening122.

Support surface22may be taut and/or under tension during operative use of dental restoration holding device100. As an example, when two-piece dental restoration holding device102is in operative use in the assembled configuration, flexible support sheet20may be engaged between base shaft114and cap shaft134such that support surface22is taut and/or under tension. As another example, when unitary dental restoration holding device101is in operative use, base portion110may engage flexible support sheet20in such a manner that support surface22is taut and/or under tension.

Support surface22is configured to support a dental restoration10relative to a suction tip30positioned on an opposite side of the support surface relative to the dental restoration. More specifically, and as described herein, dental restoration holding device100generally is configured to be utilized in conjunction with suction tip30such that the suction tip is at least partially inserted into base portion110(such as within base shaft114and/or base shaft central opening122), and dental restoration holding device100generally is configured to support dental restoration10relative to suction tip30such that the dental restoration is restricted from falling into the suction tip. In this manner, configuring support surface22to be taut and/or under tension during operative use of dental restoration holding device100may facilitate precise placement of, and/or ready access to, dental restoration10upon support surface22.

Dental restoration10may include and/or be any appropriate dental restoration, appliance, and/or prosthesis, examples of which include a dental crown, a dental veneer, an inlay, an onlay, and/or a dental bridge. Dental restoration holding device100may be utilized during and/or in conjunction with a procedure in which dental restoration10is etched with an etchant such as a hydrofluoric acid gel. During such an etching procedure, it may be desirable to rinse and/or dry dental restoration10(such as with clean water and/or air) to remove the etchant from the surface of the dental restoration. In some such examples, rinsing and/or drying is facilitated and/or accelerated by placing suction tip30underneath and/or otherwise adjacent to the dental restoration. In such examples, positioning flexible support sheet20between dental restoration10and suction tip30may operate to restrict the dental restoration from falling into the suction tip. In such a configuration, dental restoration holding device100may facilitate maintaining the dental restoration, the flexible support sheet, and/or the suction tip in a desired orientation with respect to one another.

Base portion110, cap portion130, and/or flexible support sheet20may be formed from any appropriate materials, such as materials that may be compatible with etchants, hydrofluoric etchants, and/or other reactants utilized during use of dental restoration holding device100. Stated differently, each of base portion110, cap portion130, and/or flexible support sheet20may be formed of a material that resists etching and/or degrading when exposed to an etchant, such as when dental restoration10is etched within dental restoration holding device100. Additionally or alternatively, each of base portion110, cap portion130, and/or flexible support sheet20may be formed of a material that is sterilizable (e.g., configured to be sterilized via a conventional sterilization process), such as a material that is compatible with an autoclave, a steam sterilizing process, and/or a cold sterilizing process. As examples, each of base portion110and/or cap portion130may include and/or be formed of a plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a metal, aluminum, titanium, platinum, and/or gold.

While the figures generally illustrate base portion110and cap portion130as being shell-like components with a substantially uniform thickness, this is not required to all examples of dental restoration holding device100, and it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that base portion110and/or cap portion130may have regions of differing thicknesses. In such examples, such regions of different thickness within base portion110and/or cap portion130may be configured to enhance properties such as durability, structural integrity, ease of manufacturing, etc. The inner and outer profiles of base portion110and/or of cap portion130may have similar geometries (as shown in the figures), or one or more regions of base portion110and/or of cap portion130may have distinct inner and outer profiles.

Flexible support sheet20may be formed of any appropriate materials for supporting dental restoration10relative to suction tip30while permitting fluid flow therethrough. Stated differently, flexible support sheet20may be any appropriate material configured to support dental restoration10in such a manner that the dental restoration may be rinsed with a liquid (such as water) that is collected by suction tip30without deteriorating and/or losing its strength, so as to restrict the dental restoration from falling into the suction tip. As examples, flexible support sheet20may include and/or be a mesh, a screen, a porous sheet, a fabric, a woven fabric, a matted fabric, a natural fabric, a synthetic fabric, a cotton sheet, a nylon sheet, a polypropylene sheet, a gauze sheet, a perforated sheet, a membrane, a porous membrane, and/or a perforated membrane. Flexible support sheet20may be a single sheet, or may include and/or be a plurality of layered plies and/or sheets. Flexible support sheet20may be replaceable and/or disposable, such as to facilitate sterility and/or reduce a risk of chemical contamination between uses of dental restoration holding device100.

When dental restoration holding device100is a two-piece dental restoration holding device102that is in the assembled configuration, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.1, flexible support sheet20may be retained in place via a frictional interaction, such as a frictional interaction between flexible support sheet20and each of base shaft114and cap shaft134. Alternatively, when dental restoration holding device100is a one-piece dental restoration holding device101, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.10, flexible support sheet20may be retained in place via a frictional interaction with each of base shaft114and suction tip30. Additionally or alternatively, in all examples, flexible support sheet20may be bonded to base shaft114and/or to cap shaft134at least when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration. For example, flexible support sheet20may be operatively and/or temporarily bonded to any appropriate portion of base shaft114and/or cap shaft134, such as at or near a perimeter of base shaft central opening122, cap shaft central opening142, and/or support surface22. Flexible support sheet20may be operatively and/or temporarily bonded to base shaft114and/or cap shaft134in any appropriate manner, such as via an adhesive. While the figures of the present application schematically illustrate base portion110, cap portion130, dental restoration10, flexible support sheet20, and/or suction tip30as being spaced apart from one another for clarity, it is to be understood that such elements may be in direct contact, such as frictional engagement, with one other in any appropriate combination during operative use of dental restoration holding device100, as described herein.

FIG.1schematically illustrates examples of two-piece dental restoration holding devices102in the assembled configuration, whileFIG.2is a perspective view of a two-piece dental restoration holding device in the disassembled configuration. As illustrated inFIG.2, base shaft114may define and/or extend along a base shaft central axis115, and cap shaft134may define and/or extend along a cap shaft central axis135, such that the base shaft central axis and the cap shaft central axis are collinear, or at least substantially collinear, at least when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration. Stated differently,FIG.2may be described as illustrating a two-piece dental restoration holding device102immediately prior to transitioning from the disassembled configuration to the assembled configuration. As illustrated inFIG.2, two-piece dental restoration holding device102may be configured to transition to the assembled configuration only when base shaft central axis115and cap shaft central axis135are at least substantially collinear.

As illustrated inFIGS.1-2,6-8,10-13, and15, base portion110may include a base flange112that is integrally formed with hollow base shaft114and that extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to base shaft central axis115. Base portion110additionally may include a base portion transition region113such that base shaft114and base flange112are connected via the base portion transition region. Base portion transition region113may have any appropriate profile, such as a profile that is abrupt, tapered, conical, smoothly curved, and/or includes circumferential regions of differing profiles. As used herein, the term “abrupt,” as used to describe a transition region, may describe a transition that has a small average radius of curvature, e.g., that is less than the thickness of base flange112. An abrupt transition at the outer profile may include a step or shoulder formed between base shaft114and base flange112, and may be useful for positive and repeatable engagement between cap shaft134and base portion110. A smoothly curved transition, by contrast, may be characterized by a large average radius of curvature, e.g., an average radius of curvature that is several times larger than the thickness of base flange112. In some examples, and as illustrated inFIGS.1-2and6-8, base portion transition region113is smoothly curved at both the inner profile (which may engage suction tip30) and the outer profile (which may engage cap shaft134and/or the user's fingers). A smooth, tapered, and/or conical transition at the inner profile may facilitate insertion of suction tip30into base shaft114, such as by providing a surface to lead and/or guide the suction tip into the base shaft. A smooth, tapered, and/or conical transition at the outer profile may facilitate engagement between cap shaft134and base portion110(e.g., to facilitate a wedge-like engagement). With reference toFIGS.1,6,7,10, and13, base flange112may be described as having an outer-most dimension transverse to base shaft central axis115and a flange height in the direction of base shaft central axis115, and hollow base shaft114may be described as having a shaft height in the direction of base shaft central axis115. In some examples, the outer-most dimension of base flange112is greater than the flange height of base flange112, and the shaft height of hollow base shaft114is greater than the flange height of base flange112.

Similarly, and as illustrated inFIGS.1-2and6-7, cap portion130may include a cap flange132that extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to cap shaft central axis135(labeled inFIGS.1-2). Cap portion130additionally may include a cap portion transition region133such that cap shaft134and cap flange132are connected via the cap portion transition region. Cap portion transition region133may have a profile that is abrupt, tapered, conical, smoothly curved, and/or that includes circumferential regions of differing profiles. In some examples, cap portion transition region133is an abrupt transition that has a small average radius of curvature, e.g., less than the thickness of cap flange132. An abrupt transition at the outer profile may include a step or shoulder formed between cap shaft134and cap flange132, and may be useful for positive and repeatable engagement between base shaft114and cap portion130(e.g., in the arrangement illustrated inFIG.6). A smoothly curved transition may have a large average radius of curvature, e.g., an average radius of curvature that is several times larger than the thickness of cap flange132. In some examples, and as illustrated inFIGS.1-2and6-7, cap portion transition region133is smoothly curved at both the inner profile (open to insert dental restoration10) and the outer profile (which may engage base shaft114and/or the user's fingers). A smooth, tapered, and/or conical transition at the inner profile may facilitate insertion of dental restoration10and/or a tool for manipulating and/or rinsing the dental restoration into cap shaft134. A smooth, tapered, and/or conical transition at the outer profile may facilitate engagement between base shaft114and cap portion130(e.g., to facilitate a wedge-like engagement).

As schematically illustrated inFIG.1, and as less schematically illustrated inFIGS.6-7,10-13, and15, base portion110additionally may include a stand portion124configured to permit dental restoration holding device100to rest upon a horizontal surface in an upright orientation. As a more specific example, when dental restoration holding device100is a two-piece dental restoration holding device102, stand portion124may be configured to permit the dental restoration holding device to rest upon the horizontal surface in the upright orientation when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration. Such a configuration may enable a user to set dental restoration holding device100down upon a horizontal surface such as a tabletop while dental restoration10is supported by support surface22without the dental restoration falling out of the dental restoration holding device. Additionally or alternatively, such a configuration may permit a user to hold and/or retain dental restoration holding device100upon the horizontal surface by pressing down upon stand portion124, such as with the user's fingers. Stand portion124may include and/or be any appropriate structure. In some examples, base flange112is sufficiently wide relative to a height of dental restoration holding device100in the assembled configuration to stably maintain the dental restoration holding device in an upright orientation. In such examples, the base flange may be described as including and/or being stand portion124.

Base shaft114may have any appropriate shape and/or size for engaging suction tip30, and cap shaft134may have any appropriate shape and/or size for operatively engaging the base shaft (when dental restoration holding device100is a two-piece dental restoration holding device102). As examples, base shaft114may have a base shaft cross-sectional shape, and cap shaft134may have a cap shaft cross-sectional shape, such that the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape are similar. As examples, the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape both may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, and/or quadrilateral.FIG.3schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape both are circular, whileFIG.4illustrates an embodiment in which the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape both are square, andFIG.5illustrates an embodiment in which the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape both are triangular. As illustrated inFIGS.3-5, the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape may be complementary shapes, and/or may be geometrically similar shapes. However, this is not required, and it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape may be geometrically dissimilar shapes, so long as base shaft114and cap shaft134are capable of adequately retaining flexible support sheet20therebetween. As an example, the base shaft cross-sectional shape may be octagonal, and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape may be a square that circumscribes the base shaft cross-sectional shape.

It is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that base shaft114and/or cap shaft134may have a cross-sectional shape that varies across, along, and/or through an extent (e.g., a length) of the shaft. For example, in an embodiment in which base shaft114is configured to be received within cap shaft134, the base shaft may have an inner surface with a circular cross-sectional shape, such as to facilitate secure engagement with suction tip30, and the base shaft may have an outer surface with a non-circular and/or keyed cross-sectional shape, such as may correspond to a cross-sectional shape of an inner surface of the cap shaft. Additionally or alternatively, base shaft114and/or cap shaft134may have a cross-sectional shape that transitions from one shape to another shape along a length of the shaft. As an example, base shaft114may have a lower cross-sectional shape that is circular in a region configured to engage suction tip30, and may have an upper cross-sectional shape that is non-circular in a region configured to engage cap shaft134.

As illustrated inFIG.1, base shaft114may be characterized by a base shaft inner diameter116, such as may be configured to receive suction tip30by frictionally engaging an outer surface of the suction tip. For example, base shaft inner diameter116may be substantially equal to and/or slightly larger than an outer diameter of suction tip30. As illustrated inFIGS.4-5, when the base shaft cross-sectional shape is not circular, base shaft inner diameter116may correspond to a diameter of a largest circle that may be inscribed within the base shaft cross-sectional shape. Stated differently, base shaft inner diameter116may correspond to a largest diameter of suction tip30that may be inserted within base shaft114. Base shaft114generally may be configured for close-fit coupling with suction tip30, such as to ensure that a majority, and optionally substantially all, of a suction flow that enters the suction tip traverses support surface22when a vacuum source is applied to the suction tip and when dental restoration holding device100operatively engages flexible support sheet20to form support surface22.

As further illustrated inFIG.1, base shaft114also may by characterized by a base shaft outer diameter118, and cap shaft134may be characterized by a cap shaft inner diameter136and a cap shaft outer diameter138. Each of base shaft inner diameter116, base shaft outer diameter118, cap shaft inner diameter136, and cap shaft outer diameter138may be any appropriate size, such as may correspond to (e.g., be approximately equal to) a diameter of suction tip30. As examples, each of base shaft inner diameter116, base shaft outer diameter118, cap shaft inner diameter136, and cap shaft outer diameter138may be at least 10 millimeters (mm), at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 47 mm, at most 42 mm, at most 37 mm, at most 32 mm, at most 27 mm, at most 22 mm, at most 17 mm, and/or at most 12 mm.

In examples in which dental restoration holding device100is a two-piece dental restoration holding device102, base portion110and cap portion130may be configured to operatively engage one another in any appropriate manner. As used herein, base portion110and cap portion130(and/or any appropriate components thereof) may be described as engaging one another and/or as being operatively coupled to one another when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration even if the base portion and the cap portion are not in direct physical contact. That is, when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration, base portion110and cap portion130may be at least partially, and optionally fully, separated by flexible support sheet20positioned between the base portion and the cap portion, but still may be described as operatively engaging one another and/or being operatively coupled to one another in a close-fit orientation. Alternatively, dental restoration holding device100may be described as being in the assembled configuration even in the absence of flexible support sheet20, such as when base portion110and cap portion130(and/or any appropriate components thereof) are operatively coupled to one another and in direct contact with one another.

In some embodiments, base shaft114and cap shaft134each may be tapered for positive engagement with one another. In such an embodiment, base shaft114and cap shaft134each may have any appropriate draft angle, such as at most 15 degrees, at most 10 degrees, at most 5 degrees, and/or at most 2 degrees. In an embodiment in which base shaft114and/or cap shaft134is tapered, base shaft inner diameter116, base shaft outer diameter118, cap shaft inner diameter136, and/or cap shaft outer diameter138may refer to any appropriate respective diameters, such as a maximum diameter, a minimum diameter, and/or an average diameter.

As illustrated inFIG.1, base shaft114and cap shaft134may be configured to overlap by an overlap depth160, as measured in a direction parallel to base shaft central axis115. Overlap depth160may be sufficiently large to restrict base shaft114and cap shaft134from tilting with respect to one another and/or otherwise becoming inadvertently disengaged. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment of dental restoration holding device100that includes base flange112and cap flange132, overlap depth160may be sufficiently large for a user to insert the user's fingers between the base flange and the cap flange to pinch base shaft114and/or cap shaft134, and/or may be sufficiently small for the user's fingers to simultaneously engage both the base flange and the cap flange. Additionally or alternatively, overlap depth160may be sufficiently large to secure flexible support sheet20between base shaft114and cap shaft134in a static, or at least substantially static, orientation. As more specific examples, overlap depth160may be at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at most 35 mm, at most 32 mm, at most 27 mm, at most 22 mm, at most 17 mm, at most 12 mm, at most 7 mm, and/or at most 4 mm.

As further illustrated inFIG.1, cap portion130may be characterized by a recess depth162, as measured from support surface22to an end of the cap portion distal the support surface and in a direction parallel to cap shaft central axis135when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration. As used herein, recess depth162also may be referred to as a well depth162and/or a working depth162. Recess depth162may be larger than a height and/or thickness of dental restoration10, and/or may be sufficiently large to restrict liquid from splashing out of dental restoration holding device100when dental restoration10is being rinsed while being supported by support surface22. Additionally or alternatively, recess depth162may be small enough to permit the user to visually locate and/or manually manipulate dental restoration10(such as with the user's fingers and/or with a tool such as forceps) when the dental restoration is supported by support surface22, and/or to apply an etchant and/or a rinsing fluid to the dental restoration. As more specific examples, recess depth162may be at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 40 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 45 mm, at most 35 mm, at most 25 mm, and/or at most 15 mm.

As further illustrated inFIG.1, base shaft114also may be characterized by a base shaft relief depth164, as measured from support surface22to an end of the base shaft distal the support surface and in a direction parallel to base shaft central axis115. Base shaft relief depth164may be sufficiently large to retain suction tip30in a friction fit without base shaft114and the suction tip tilting with respect to one another and/or otherwise becoming inadvertently disengaged. As examples, base shaft relief depth164may be a multiple of base shaft inner diameter116, such as at least equal to the base shaft inner diameter, at least 1.25 times the base shaft inner diameter, at least 1.5 times the base shaft inner diameter, at least 1.75 times the base shaft inner diameter, at least 2 times the base shaft inner diameter, at least 2.5 times the base shaft inner diameter, and/or at least 3 times the base shaft inner diameter.

In some embodiments of dental restoration holding device100, and as illustrated inFIGS.1-5and7-8, base shaft114may be configured to be received within cap shaft134. In such an embodiment, base portion110and/or cap portion130may be configured to limit an extent to which the base portion may be inserted into the cap portion. For example, and as illustrated inFIG.1, cap shaft134may be configured to abut base portion transition region113when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration, thereby defining overlap depth160. Additionally or alternatively, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.1, base portion110may include a shaft stop152extending away from base shaft central axis115and configured to engage cap shaft134to define overlap depth160. As an example, and as illustrated inFIG.8, shaft stop152may include and/or be a protrusion extending from base shaft114and/or base portion transition region113to engage cap shaft134.

In an embodiment of dental restoration holding device100in which base shaft114is configured to be received within cap shaft134, cap shaft inner diameter136may be larger than base shaft outer diameter118. As more specific examples, a difference between base shaft outer diameter118and cap shaft inner diameter136may be at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 1 mm, at most 0.7 mm, at most 0.4 mm, and/or at most 0.2 mm. The difference between base shaft outer diameter118and cap shaft inner diameter136may correspond to and/or be at least substantially equal to a thickness of flexible support sheet20, such as a thickness of the flexible support sheet when compressed between base portion110and cap portion130. However, this is not required, and it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that the difference between base shaft outer diameter118and cap shaft inner diameter136may be greater than a thickness of flexible support sheet20. For example, in an embodiment of dental restoration holding device100in which cap shaft134abuts base portion transition region113and/or shaft stop152, flexible support sheet20may be loosely engaged with base shaft114and/or cap shaft134, and flexible support sheet20may be retained in position primarily, or even entirely, by an interface between the cap shaft and the base portion transition region and/or between the cap shaft and the shaft stop.

FIG.1illustrates an embodiment of dental restoration holding device100in which base shaft114is configured to be received within cap shaft134such that support surface22is positioned between base flange112and cap flange132when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration. Such a configuration may be referred to as an extended configuration of dental restoration holding device100. However, this is not required, and it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that support surface22may not be positioned between base flange112and cap flange132when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration. For example, and as illustrated inFIG.7, base shaft114may be configured to be received within cap shaft134such that cap flange132is positioned between base flange112and support surface22. Such a configuration may be referred to as a compact configuration of dental restoration holding device100. It is further within the scope of the present disclosure that a given dental restoration holding device100may be configured to be utilized in either of the extended configuration and the compact configuration.

In some embodiments of dental restoration holding device100, and as illustrated inFIG.6, cap shaft134may be configured to be received within base shaft114. In such an embodiment, base portion110and/or cap portion130may be configured to limit an extent to which the cap portion may be inserted into the base portion. For example, and as illustrated inFIG.6, base shaft114may be configured to abut cap portion transition region133when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration, thereby defining overlap depth160. Additionally or alternatively, cap portion130may include shaft stop152to engage base shaft114to define overlap depth160. In such an embodiment, shaft stop152may include and/or be a protrusion extending from cap shaft134and/or cap portion transition region133to engage base shaft114. In an embodiment of dental restoration holding device100in which cap shaft134is configured to be received within base shaft114, cap shaft outer diameter138may be smaller than base shaft inner diameter116. As more specific examples, a difference between cap shaft outer diameter138and base shaft inner diameter116may be at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 1 mm, at most 0.7 mm, at most 0.4 mm, and/or at most 0.2 mm. However, this is not required, and it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that the difference between cap shaft outer diameter138and base shaft inner diameter116may be greater than a thickness of flexible support sheet20. For example, in an embodiment of dental restoration holding device100in which base shaft114abuts cap portion transition region133and/or shaft stop152, flexible support sheet20may be loosely engaged with base shaft114and/or cap shaft134, and flexible support sheet20may be retained in position primarily, or even entirely, by an interface between the base shaft and the cap portion transition region and/or between the base shaft and the shaft stop.

As discussed, when dental restoration holding device100is a two-piece dental restoration holding device102, base portion110and cap portion130may be configured to engage one another in a friction fit, such as a fit in which flexible support sheet20is positioned between and frictionally engages each of base shaft114and cap shaft134. Additionally or alternatively, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.1, dental restoration holding device100further may include a locking mechanism150configured to selectively retain base portion110and cap portion130in engagement with one another and/or in a selected orientation with respect to one another. Stated differently, locking mechanism150may be configured to selectively retain dental restoration holding device100in the assembled configuration. As examples, locking mechanism150may include and/or be a magnetic locking mechanism, a mechanical locking mechanism, a snap lock mechanism, a rotary locking mechanism, and/or a bayonet mount.FIG.8illustrates an example of dental restoration holding device100with locking mechanism150in the form of a snap lock mechanism.

Returning toFIG.1, base shaft114may include an inner shaft catch120extending into base shaft central opening122and configured to restrict suction tip30from extending fully through the base shaft central opening and into cap shaft central opening142. Stated differently, inner shaft catch120may be configured to engage suction tip30so as to restrict the suction tip from contacting and/or penetrating flexible support sheet20and/or support surface22while permitting fluid to flow through the support surface and into the suction tip. As illustrated inFIGS.1and9, inner shaft catch120may form an inner rim of base shaft114. Additionally or alternatively, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.9, inner shaft catch120may extend along an entirety of a perimeter of base shaft central opening122, or may include one or more disconnected segments distributed along the perimeter of the base shaft central opening. In some embodiments, inner shaft catch120may be angled toward suction tip30to engage a bias opening of the suction tip.

As further schematically illustrated inFIG.1, cap portion130further may include a splash guard140at least partially obstructing cap shaft central opening142and configured to restrict a liquid from splashing out of dental restoration holding device100when dental restoration10is being rinsed while being supported by support surface22. Splash guard140may extend at least partially into cap shaft central opening142, such as from cap flange132, cap portion transition region133, and/or cap shaft134. Additionally or alternatively, splash guard140may be angled toward support surface22when dental restoration holding device100is in the assembled configuration. Such a configuration may facilitate permitting rinse water to reach dental restoration10while inhibiting the rinse water from splashing out of cap portion130. WhileFIG.1schematically illustrates splash guard140as extending away from cap shaft134into cap shaft central opening142, this is not required of all examples of dental restoration holding device100, and it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that cap shaft134may include and/or define splash guard140. For example, and as illustrated inFIG.10, cap shaft134may taper inward toward a top of the cap shaft to restrict a liquid from splashing out of dental restoration holding device100. In such an example, an upper portion of cap shaft134may be referred to as splash guard140.

FIGS.10-15illustrate examples of one-piece dental restoration holding devices101in which base portion110is integrally formed with cap portion130. Specifically,FIG.10schematically illustrates a one-piece dental restoration holding device101that encloses a dental restoration10and that operatively engages support sheet20and suction tip30, whileFIGS.11-15are less schematic illustrations of an example of a one-piece dental restoration holding device101. In such examples, and as illustrated inFIG.10, a portion of flexible support sheet20may be positioned between base shaft114of base portion110and suction tip30to form support surface22.FIGS.10-15additionally illustrate examples in which base shaft114includes inner shaft catch120(shown inFIGS.10and13-14) in the form of an annular projection that forms an inner rim of base shaft114. In this manner, inner shaft catch120serves to limit an extent to which suction tip30may be inserted into dental restoration holding device100, and additionally defines a location of support surface22. As illustrated inFIG.10, suction tip30may have a suction end that is angled (e.g., a chisel tip, as illustrated in dash-dot lines), or may have a suction end that is substantially flat (illustrated in dash-dot-dot lines). In examples in which dental restoration holding device100is a one-piece dental restoration holding device101, it may be desirable to utilize the dental restoration holding device in conjunction with a suction tip30that includes a substantially flat suction end to facilitate maintaining a flat and/or taut support surface22between suction tip30and inner shaft catch120.

FIG.16is a flowchart depicting methods200, according to the present disclosure, of utilizing a dental restoration holding device (such as dental restoration holding device100) to treat a dental restoration (such as dental restoration10). As shown inFIG.16, methods200include operatively engaging, at210, a flexible support sheet (such as flexible support sheet20) with the dental restoration holding device to define a support surface (such as support surface22) of the flexible support sheet. Methods200additionally include placing, at220, a dental restoration (such as dental restoration10) upon the support surface and operatively engaging, at230, a suction tip (such as suction tip30) with the dental restoration holding device such that the suction tip is positioned on an opposite side of the support surface relative to the dental restoration. Methods200further include flowing, at240, a treatment fluid through the dental restoration holding device such that the treatment fluid flows sequentially over the dental restoration, through the support surface, and into the suction tip.

The operatively engaging the flexible support sheet at210may be performed in any appropriate manner. For example, the dental restoration holding device may include a base portion (such as base portion110) and a cap portion (such as cap portion130) configured to be selectively and operatively coupled to one another. In such examples, and as shown inFIG.16, the operatively engaging at210may include placing, at212, the flexible support sheet between the base portion and the cap portion. In such examples, the operatively engaging at210additionally may include operatively coupling, at214, the base portion and the cap portion to one another to transition the dental restoration holding device to an assembled configuration. As a more specific example, the base portion may include a base shaft (such as base shaft114), the cap portion may include a cap shaft (such as cap shaft134), and the operatively coupling the base portion and the cap portion at214may include inserting one of the base shaft and the cap shaft into the other of the base shaft and the cap shaft.

In other examples, the base portion and the cap portion may be integrally formed with one another. In such examples, and as shown inFIG.16, the operatively engaging the flexible support sheet at210may include placing, at216, the flexible support sheet between the base portion and the suction tip prior to operatively engaging the suction tip at230.

In all examples of method200, the operatively engaging the suction tip with the dental restoration holding device at230may include selectively receiving the suction tip within the dental restoration holding device. For example, and as shown inFIG.16, the operatively engaging at230may include inserting, at232, the suction tip into the base shaft of the base portion of the dental restoration holding device.

The flowing the treatment fluid through the dental restoration holding device at240may include flowing any appropriate fluid over the dental restoration, such as to treat the dental restoration. As more specific examples, and as shown inFIG.16, the flowing at240may include etching, at242, the dental restoration with an etchant; rinsing, at244, the dental restoration with water; and/or drying, at246, the dental restoration with air. Each of the etching at242, the rinsing at244, and the drying at246may be considered to represent an example of flowing a treatment fluid over the dental restoration. Accordingly, treatment fluid utilized in the flowing at240may include and/or be any appropriate fluid, examples of which include a gas, air, a liquid, water, clean water, a gel, an etchant, an acid, hydrofluoric acid, and/or hydrofluoric acid gel.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of dental restoration holding devices, dental restoration holding assemblies including the same, and associated methods according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that an individual step of a method recited herein, including in the following enumerated paragraphs, additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a “step for” performing the recited action.

A1. A dental restoration holding device for supporting a dental restoration, comprising:a base portion with a hollow base shaft defining a base shaft central opening; anda cap portion with a hollow cap shaft defining a cap shaft central opening;wherein one or both of the base portion or the cap portion is configured to engage a flexible support sheet to define a support surface of the flexible support sheet that spans one or both of the base shaft central opening or the cap shaft central opening for supporting a dental restoration relative to a suction tip that is positioned on an opposite side of the support surface relative to the dental restoration and that is inserted at least partially into the base portion.

A1.1. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A1, wherein the base portion and the cap portion are integrally formed with one another.

A1.2. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A1, wherein the dental restoration holding device is configured to selectively transition between a disassembled configuration and an assembled configuration; wherein the cap shaft is configured to be operatively coupled to the base shaft in a close-fit orientation when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration; wherein the base portion and the cap portion are configured to engage the flexible support sheet between the base shaft and the cap shaft when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration to define the support surface.

A2. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A1.2, wherein the base shaft defines a base shaft central axis, wherein the cap shaft defines a cap shaft central axis, and wherein the base shaft central axis and the cap shaft central axis are collinear, or at least substantially collinear, when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration.

A3. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein each of the base portion and the cap portion is formed of a material that resists etching by an etchant.

A4. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein each of the base portion and the cap portion includes at least one of a plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a metal, aluminum, titanium, platinum, and gold.

A5. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein each of the base portion and the cap portion is formed of a material that is at least one of sterilizable, compatible with an autoclave, compatible with a steam sterilizing process, and/or compatible with a cold sterilizing process.

A6. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein the dental restoration includes at least one of a dental crown, a dental veneer, an inlay, an onlay, and a dental bridge.

A7. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the flexible support sheet includes at least one of a mesh, a screen, a porous sheet, a fabric, a woven fabric, a matted fabric, a natural fabric, a synthetic fabric, a cotton sheet, a nylon sheet, a polypropylene sheet, a gauze sheet, a perforated sheet, a membrane, a porous membrane, and a perforated membrane.

A8. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the flexible support sheet includes a plurality of layered plies.

A9. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein the flexible support sheet is formed of a material that resists etching by an etchant.

A10. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A9, wherein the flexible support sheet is formed of a material that is at least one of sterilizable, compatible with an autoclave, compatible with a steam sterilizing process, and/or compatible with a cold sterilizing process.

A11. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A10, wherein the flexible support sheet is configured to be bonded to at least one of the base shaft and the cap shaft.

A12. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A11, wherein the flexible support sheet is configured to support the dental restoration while permitting fluids to flow therethrough.

A13. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the base shaft has a base shaft cross-sectional shape, wherein the cap shaft has a cap shaft cross-sectional shape, and wherein each of the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape is at least one of circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, and quadrilateral.

A14. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A13, wherein the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape are complementary.

A15. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A13-A14, wherein the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape are geometrically similar shapes.

A16. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A13-A15, wherein the base shaft cross-sectional shape and the cap shaft cross-sectional shape are geometrically dissimilar shapes.

A17. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A16, wherein the base shaft has an inner cross-sectional shape that is circular and an outer cross-sectional shape that is non-circular.

A18. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A17, wherein the base shaft has a lower cross-sectional shape that is circular in a region configured to engage the suction tip and an upper cross-sectional shape that is non-circular in a region configured to engage the cap shaft.

A19. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A18, wherein each of the base shaft and the cap shaft are tapered for positive engagement with one another. A20. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A19, wherein each of the base shaft and the cap shaft has a draft angle that is at least one of at most 15 degrees, at most 10 degrees, at most 5 degrees, and at most 2 degrees.

A21. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A20, wherein the base portion further includes a base flange that extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to a/the base shaft central axis.

A22. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A21, wherein the base portion further includes a base portion transition region, and wherein the base shaft and the base flange are connected via the base portion transition region.

A23. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A22, wherein the base portion transition region is smoothly curved.

A24. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A23, wherein the cap portion further includes a cap flange that extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to a/the cap shaft central axis.

A25. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A24, wherein the cap portion further includes a cap portion transition region, and wherein the cap shaft and the cap flange are connected via the cap portion transition region.

A26. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A25, wherein the cap portion transition region is smoothly curved.

A27. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A26, wherein the base shaft and the cap shaft are configured to overlap by an overlap depth, as measured in a direction parallel to a/the base shaft central axis when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration, and wherein the overlap depth is at least one of at least 3 millimeters (mm), at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at most 35 mm, at most 32 mm, at most 27 mm, at most 22 mm, at most 17 mm, at most 12 mm, at most 7 mm, and at most 4 mm.

A28. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein the base shaft has a base shaft inner diameter such that the base shaft is configured to receive the suction tip therein by frictionally engaging an outer surface of the suction tip.

A29. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A28, wherein the base shaft inner diameter is at least one of at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 47 mm, at most 42 mm, at most 37 mm, at most 32 mm, at most 27 mm, at most 22 mm, at most 17 mm, and at most 12 mm.

A30. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A28-A29, wherein the base shaft has a base shaft relief depth, as measured from the support surface to an end of the base shaft distal the support surface and in a direction parallel to a/the base shaft central axis, wherein the base shaft relief depth is a multiple of the base shaft inner diameter, and wherein the multiple is at least one of at least 1, at least 1.25, at least 1.5, at least 1.75, at least 2, at least 2.5, and at least 3.

A31. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein the base shaft is configured to engage the suction tip such that at least substantially all of a suction flow that enters the suction tip traverses the support surface when a vacuum source is applied to the suction tip when the dental restoration holding device operatively engages the flexible support sheet to form the support surface.

A32. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A31, wherein the cap portion has a recess depth, as measured from the support surface to an end of the cap portion distal the support surface and in a direction parallel to a/the cap shaft central axis when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration, and wherein the recess depth is at least one of at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 40 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 45 mm, at most 35 mm, at most 25 mm, and at most 15 mm.

A33. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A32, wherein at least one of the base portion and the cap portion includes a shaft stop extending away from a/the base shaft central axis and configured to engage at least one of the cap shaft and the base shaft to define a/the overlap depth.

A34. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A33, when dependent from paragraph A22, wherein the base portion transition region includes the shaft stop.

A35. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A34, wherein the base shaft is configured to be received within the cap shaft.

A36. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A35, wherein the base shaft has a base shaft outer diameter and wherein the cap shaft has a cap shaft inner diameter that is larger than the base shaft outer diameter.

A37. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A36, wherein each of the base shaft outer diameter and the cap shaft inner diameter is at least one of at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 47 mm, at most 42 mm, at most 37 mm, at most 32 mm, at most 27 mm, at most 22 mm, at most 17 mm, and at most 12 mm.

A38. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A36-A37, wherein a difference between the base shaft outer diameter and the cap shaft inner diameter is at least one of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 1 mm, at most 0.7 mm, at most 0.4 mm, and at most 0.2 mm.

A39. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A35-A38, when dependent from paragraph A22, wherein the cap shaft is configured to abut the base portion transition region when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration.

A40. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A35-A39, when dependent from paragraphs A21 and A24, wherein the base shaft is configured to be received in the cap shaft in a nesting configuration in which the cap flange is positioned between the support surface and the base flange when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration.

A41. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A34, wherein the cap shaft is configured to be received within the base shaft.

A42. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A41, wherein the base shaft has a/the base shaft inner diameter and wherein the cap shaft has a cap shaft outer diameter that is smaller than the base shaft inner diameter.

A43. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A42, wherein the cap shaft outer diameter is at least one of at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 47 mm, at most 42 mm, at most 37 mm, at most 32 mm, at most 27 mm, at most 22 mm, at most 17 mm, and at most 12 mm.

A44. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A42-A43, wherein a difference between the base shaft inner diameter and the cap shaft outer diameter is at least one of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 1 mm, at most 0.7 mm, at most 0.4 mm, and at most 0.2 mm.

A45. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A41-A44, when dependent from paragraph A25, wherein the base shaft is configured to abut the cap portion transition region when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration.

A46. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A41-A45, when dependent from paragraphs A25 and A33, wherein the cap portion transition region includes the shaft stop configured to engage the base shaft to define the overlap depth.

A47. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A46, wherein the base shaft includes an inner shaft catch extending into the base shaft central opening and configured to restrict the suction tip from extending fully through the base shaft central opening and into the cap shaft central opening.

A48. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A47, wherein the inner shaft catch extends along an entirety of a perimeter of the base shaft central opening.

A49. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A47-A48, wherein the inner shaft catch forms an inner rim of the base shaft.

A50. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A47-A49, wherein the inner shaft catch is angled to engage a bias opening of the suction tip.

A51. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A47-A50, wherein the inner shaft catch includes one or more disconnected segments distributed along a/the perimeter of the base shaft central opening.

A52. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A51, wherein the dental restoration holding device further includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively retain the base portion and the cap portion in engagement with one another.

A53. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A52, wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one of a magnetic locking mechanism, a mechanical locking mechanism, a snap lock mechanism, a rotary locking mechanism, and a bayonet mount.

A54. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A53, wherein the cap portion further includes a splash guard at least partially obstructing the cap shaft central opening and configured to restrict a liquid sprayed into the cap shaft from splashing out of the cap shaft.

A55. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A54, wherein the splash guard extends at least partially into the cap shaft central opening.

A56. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A54-A55, when dependent from paragraph A1.2, wherein the splash guard is angled toward the support surface when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration.

A57. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A54-A56, wherein the splash guard extends away from the cap shaft into the cap shaft central opening.

A58. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A54-A57, wherein the cap shaft includes the splash guard.

A59. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A58, wherein an upper portion of the cap shaft tapers inwardly toward a/the cap shaft central axis to form the splash guard.

A60. The dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1.2-A59, wherein the base portion includes a stand portion configured to permit the dental restoration holding device to rest upon a horizontal surface in an upright orientation, optionally when the dental restoration holding device is in the assembled configuration.

A61. The dental restoration holding device of paragraph A60, when dependent from paragraph A21, wherein the stand portion is defined by the base flange.

B1. A dental restoration holding assembly for supporting a dental restoration, comprising:the dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A61;the flexible support sheet operatively engaging one or both of the base portion or the cap portion and defining the support surface that spans one or both of the base shaft central opening or the cap shaft central opening; andthe suction tip positioned on an opposite side of the support surface relative to the dental restoration;wherein the suction tip is operatively coupled to the base shaft to maintain the suction tip in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the support surface.

B2. The dental restoration holding assembly of paragraph B1, wherein a portion of the flexible support sheet is positioned between the base shaft and the cap shaft.

B3. The dental restoration holding assembly of paragraph B2, wherein the base portion is operatively coupled to the cap portion via the flexible support sheet.

B4. The dental restoration holding assembly of paragraph B1, wherein a portion of the flexible support sheet is positioned between the base shaft and the suction tip.

C1. A method of treating a dental restoration, the method comprising:operatively engaging a flexible support sheet with a dental restoration holding device to define a support surface of the flexible support sheet;placing a dental restoration upon the support surface;operatively engaging a suction tip with the dental restoration holding device such that the suction tip is positioned on an opposite side of the support surface relative to the dental restoration; andflowing a treatment fluid through the dental restoration holding device such that the treatment fluid flows sequentially over the dental restoration, through the support surface, and into the suction tip.

C2. The method of paragraph C1, wherein the dental restoration holding device includes a base portion and a cap portion configured to be selectively and operatively coupled to one another, and wherein the operatively engaging the flexible support sheet with the dental restoration holding device includes:(i) placing the flexible support sheet between the base portion and the cap portion; and(ii) operatively coupling the base portion and the cap portion to one another to transition the dental restoration holding device to an assembled configuration.

C3. The method of paragraph C2, wherein the operatively coupling the base portion and the cap portion to one another includes inserting one of a base shaft of the base portion and a cap shaft of the cap portion into the other of the base shaft and the cap shaft.

C4. The method of paragraph C1, wherein the dental restoration holding device includes a base portion and a cap portion that are integrally formed with one another, wherein the operatively engaging the flexible support sheet with the dental restoration holding device includes placing the flexible support sheet between the base portion and the suction tip.

C5. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C4, wherein the operatively engaging the suction tip with the dental restoration holding device includes inserting the suction tip into a/the base shaft of a/the base portion of the dental restoration holding device.

C6. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C5, wherein the flowing the treatment fluid through the dental restoration holding device includes one or more of:(i) etching the dental restoration with an etchant;(ii) rinsing the dental restoration with water; and(iii) drying the dental restoration with air.

C7. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C6, wherein the treatment fluid includes one or more of a gas, air, a liquid, water, clean water, a gel, an etchant, an acid, hydrofluoric acid, or hydrofluoric acid gel.

C8. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C7, wherein the dental restoration holding device is the dental restoration holding device of any of paragraphs A1-A61.

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specific action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the apparatus.

As used herein, the phrase “at least substantially,” when modifying a degree or relationship, includes not only the recited “substantial” degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, a first direction that is at least substantially parallel to a second direction includes a first direction that is within an angular deviation of 22.5° relative to the second direction and also includes a first direction that is identical to the second direction.

In the present disclosure, several of the illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and/or presented in the context of flow diagrams, or flow charts, in which the methods are shown and described as a series of blocks, or steps. Unless specifically set forth in the accompanying description, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the order of the blocks may vary from the illustrated order in the flow diagram, including with two or more of the blocks (or steps) occurring in a different order and/or concurrently.