MATRICES FOR DENTAL RESTORATION

A dental matrix includes an outwardly extending column, which is engaged by an instrument, allowing the dentist to move the instrument and maneuver the matrix into position on the operative tooth to create a cavity for the veneer. The cavity is filled with curable material, which is cured by light, such as ultraviolet light, and once curing is complete, the matrix is removed from the tooth, which now has the veneer formed thereon.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for dental restoration. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for placing dental veneers on teeth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetic dentistry generally relates to the process of enhancing the aesthetics of the dental crown, that portion of the tooth beyond the gum line which is covered with enamel. One example of such a process comprises putting a veneer on the tooth or putting a mold, made from a dental impression, on the tooth, filling the mold with a dental composite or acrylic, to create the veneer, while the mold is separate from the teeth, and then transferring the veneer from the mold to the tooth. The veneer is placed on the tooth and is then cured or otherwise hardened. The veneer is now integral with the tooth, and now may be shaped or polished, for example, by techniques including resurfacing the tooth. These aforementioned techniques are fairly expensive and time consuming, as they require considerable preparation, and usually cannot be performed in a single dental office visit

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a matrix adapted for the specific tooth type (e.g., premolar, molar, canine, incisor, palatal, lingual) being treated in a single treatment, which results in a veneer on the tooth, which may then be resurfaced, for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Embodiments of the invention are such that the procedure for placing a veneer on a tooth with the disclosed matrix is a highly accurate process, extremely hygienic and sanitary, and results in a smooth veneer indistinguishable from the tooth the veneer has repaired.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a matrix for a dental treatment. The matrix comprises: a facial member for covering a tooth, at least a portion of the facial member configured to cover the tooth such that a cavity is created between the facial member and the tooth, and, the portion of the facial member that forms the cavity is includes at least one aperture; and, first and second tab members disposed on opposite sides of the facial member, each of the first and second tab members extending outward and of a thickness for frictionally fitting between the covered tooth and each of the respective adjacent teeth, to maintain the matrix in place; and, at least a portion of each of the first and second tab members including a cut-out portion configured for seating the matrix at the gum, and allowing the matrix to be moved about the gum, for example, pivoted, to adjust the dimensions of the cavity, at a first end of the tab member, each of the first and second tab members configured for being bent inward, such that each second end of the tab member forms a gripping portion, which when moved adjusts the dimensions of the cavity.

Optionally, the facial member includes a facial portion configured for covering the tooth along the buccal surface, and a chewing surface cap extending from the facial portion and configured for covering at least the chewing surface of the tooth, and the chewing surface cap includes the at least one aperture.

Optionally, each of the first and second tab members include: a tab, at least a portion of the tab including the cut out portion; a wing extending from the tab; and, the tab meets the wing at a fold line, the wing of each tab member being bendable about the fold line to form the gripping member.

Optionally, the facial portion includes oppositely disposed lateral edges and the tabs of the first and second tab members extend from the respective oppositely disposed lateral edge.

Optionally, wherein the chewing surface cap extends between the oppositely disposed lateral edges at a first end of the facial portion.

Optionally, the facial portion includes a gingival edge between the oppositely disposed lateral edges at a second end, opposite the first end, the gingival edge configured for contacting a tooth slightly below the gum line.

Optionally, the gingival edge is configured for contacting the tooth approximately 1 mm below the gum line.

Optionally, at least the facial portion includes a light transmissive material.

Optionally, the light transmissive material allows for the transmission of ultra violet (UV) light. Optionally, the facial member and first and second tab members are arranged as an integral member.

Optionally, the integral member is of a substantially uniform thickness and includes a flexible material.

Optionally, the facial portion includes an outer buccal surface and an inner dental surface, and the inner dental surface is textured so as to replicate the texture of the tooth.

Optionally, the at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures.

Optionally, the cut-out portions are configured for contacting the tooth approximately 1 mm below the gum line.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for repairing a tooth. The method comprises: providing a matrix for a dental treatment, placing the matrix over a tooth to form a cavity between the tooth and the facial member; bending the first and second tab members inward to surround the tooth; placing a curable material into the cavity; and, curing the curable material to form a veneer on the tooth. The matrix comprises: a facial member for covering a tooth, at least a portion of the facial member of a light transmissive material and at least a portion the facial material configured to cover the tooth such that a cavity is created between the facial member and the tooth, and, the portion of the facial member that forms the cavity is includes at least one aperture; and, first and second tab members disposed on opposite sides of the facial member, each of the first and second tab members extending outward and of a thickness for frictionally fitting between the covered tooth and each of the respective adjacent teeth, to maintain the matrix in place; and, at least a portion of each of the first and second tab members including a cut-out portion configured for seating the matrix at the gum, and allowing the matrix to be moved about the gum, for example, pivoted, to adjust the dimensions of the cavity, at a first end of the tab member, each of the first and second tab members configured for being bent inward, such that each second end of the tab member forms a gripping portion, which when moved adjusts the dimensions of the cavity.

Optionally, the facial member includes a gingival edge at an end opposite the end with the at least one aperture; and, the method additionally comprises placing the gingival edge into contact with the tooth below the gum line.

Optionally, the method additionally comprises removing the matrix from the tooth.

Optionally, the curing is performed by applying light to the curable material.

Optionally, curable material is an Ultra Violet (UV) light curable material and the light applied to the UV curable material includes UV light.

Optionally, the bending the first and second tab members inward includes bending the second ends of each of the tab members outward to form a gripping portion for the matrix, and, moving the matrix at the gripping portion to adjust the dimensions of the cavity.

Optionally, the moving the matrix at the gripping portion to adjust the dimensions of the cavity includes causing the matrix to pivot about the gums on opposite sides of the tooth to adjust the dimensions of the cavity and control the thickness of the veneer (produced by the method).

Optionally, the placing the curable material into the cavity includes injecting the curable material into the cavity.

Optionally, the injecting the curable material into the cavity includes injecting under pressure to eliminate air bubbles and air gaps in the curable material.

Optionally, the bending the first and second tab members inward to surround the tooth creates at least one of a palatal shell (wall) for upper teeth or a lingual shell (wall) for lower teeth for building missing portions of the tooth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout this document, references to directions and orientations, such as inward, outward, upper, lower, front, rear, top, bottom, lateral, and derivatives thereof, and the like. The references to these directions and orientations are exemplary, for describing and explaining the present invention, and embodiments thereof, and are not limiting in any way.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 3show a matrix10for being fitted over a tooth. The matrix10, is, for example, a unitary member, for being placed over, and typically onto, a tooth, in order that, for example, a flowable and curable material can be injected into the matrix10to create a veneer on the tooth. The matrix10is such that it is positioned on the tooth in accordance with the desired thickness of the veneer. Once the injected material is cured, the matrix10is removed from the tooth. With the matrix10removed from the tooth, the resultant veneer is now integral with the tooth. The tooth may then be subjected to other procedures, such as resurfacing, grinding, polishing, and the like.

The matrix10includes a facial portion12which is of a contoured shape to conform with the shape of the outer surface of the tooth. The facial portion12extends longitudinally between a gingival edge14, which is designed to be flush with the tooth at the gum line, approximately 1 mm underneath the gum line, and a chewing surface edge15, and laterally, between lateral edges16a,16b. The gingival edge14, chewing surface edge15and lateral edges16a,16bdefine a periphery for the facial portion12. A chewing surface cap17extends along the chewing surface edge15, between lateral sides17a,17b. The lateral sides17a,17bare flush and typically coplanar with oppositely disposed tabs18a,18b. The tabs18a,18bextend from the lateral edges16a,16bof the facial portion12.

The facial portion12includes an outer buccal surface23, and an inner dental surface25. The inner dental surface25is, for example, shaped and textured, for example, in a nonuniform manner, to provide (e.g., replicate) the texture of the natural tooth type which it is designed to restore, and may also include perikymata and mamelonn. The facial portion12is, for example, contoured (e.g., curved) (FIGS. 1A and 1B), and slightly asymmetrical, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, in order to accommodate the shape of the tooth, for example, for a left palatal incisor as shown in the drawing figures.

A gingival edge14is designed to be flush with the gum line. For example, the matrix10is designed to be inserted to cover the tooth such that the gingival edge14sits approximately 1 mm from the gum line.

A chewing surface cap17includes a platform17xand an inwardly curved lip17y, which extends inward from the platform17x. The lateral sides17a,17bof the chewing surface cap17join to the lateral edges16a,16bas well as the tabs18a,18balong the tab edges18ax,18bx. The chewing surface cap17, for example, at the platform17x, includes an aperture28, through which a flowable material is injected. The aperture28is circular in shape, but other shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, triangular, combinations thereof, and the like, are also suitable, provided they accommodate a syringe, needle or other injection structure. While a single central aperture28is shown, multiple apertures at multiple positions on the chewing cap17are also permissible.

Laterally disposed tabs18a,18b, extend from the respective lateral edges16a,16bof the facial portion12, and a portion thereof is typically attached to the chewing surface cap17, at each lateral side17a,17b. The tabs18a,18bare such that they define an interproximal surface between adjacent teeth, creating a frictional engagement in the space between the teeth, in order to support the matrix10when it is engaged on the requisite tooth.

Each of the tabs18a,18bincludes a cut-out portion30a,30b, to receive and fit the gums, allowing the matrix10to sit over the tooth. The cut-out portions30a,30bare dimensioned to sit underneath or over the gums, and to allow the matrix10to be pivoted, moving the matrix10forward and rearward (when the tabs18a,18bare pushed or pulled causing the pivoting), as desired by the professional, in order to control the thickness of the material which will be inserted into the matrix10, and therefore, controlling the thickness of the veneer on the tooth, as detailed below. The tabs18a,18bare such that they confine composite material to the matrix10, preventing it from leaving the matrix10and entering into the oral cavity and/or contacting other teeth, such as teeth adjacent to the tooth being treated. The tabs18a,18bare flexible, e.g., of a flexible material, so that they can be folded or otherwise bent inward during operation of the matrix10(detailed below), keeping flowable composite (for example, and curable) material from getting outside of the matrix10, as well as preventing saliva, blood and other body fluids from entering the area (e.g., including the cavity54) covered (encased) by the matrix10, keeping the process clean. Additionally, the inwardly bent tabs18a,18bserve as a wall which is used to build missing portions of teeth (by filling with flowable composite, and, for example, curable, material, as detailed below), by forming a palatal shell or wall, for upper teeth, and a lingual shell or wall for lower teeth.

Wings32a,32b, also of a flexible material, e.g., the same material as the tabs18a,18b, and integral with each of the respective tabs18a,18b, extend from the respective tabs18a,18b, and are foldable or otherwise bendable from the tabs at or about the respective fold lines33a,33b(weakened portions which allow for bending and/or folding). The folded wings32a,32bare typically folded about the respective fold lines33a,33bso as to be aligned with each other (for example, in an orientation perpendicular now inwardly bent tabs18a,18b), creating a gripping portion56(FIGS. 6A and 6B), which the professional grips with fingers or instruments and moves the matrix10, to adjust the cavity54(FIG. 4) (space) between the tooth and the facial portion12, for the veneer.

The matrix10, for example, is a unitary member, shaped for a particular tooth, such as an incisor, for example, the matrix10and other matrices disclosed herein may be shaped and dimensioned for all teeth, for example, such as a left palatal (upper) incisor as shown inFIGS. 4-9, or other teeth including pre-molars, molars and canine, both palatal and lingual (lower). The matrix10, at least the facial portion12, is made of a light transmissive material, such as a translucent or transparent material, to allow the passage of light through to the matrix10, the light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light, for curing the flowable composite material, which was previously injected into the matrix10, as detailed below. The translucent or transparent material includes thermoplastic materials, such as medical grade acrylic, polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, nylon, siliconized rubber, which are biocompatible, inert and non-toxic. Alternately, the chewing surface cap17and tabs18a,18bmay also be made from medical grade nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or polypropylene.

All of the materials of the matrix10are, for example, of an approximately uniform thickness, of approximately 0.025 mm to 0.5 mm. The matrix10is typically disposable, but may also be for multiple uses.

Attention is now directed additionally toFIGS. 4-9, where the matrix10is shown in operation for creating a veneer on a tooth50. Initially, as shown inFIG. 4, the matrix10is placed over the tooth50(with the tooth root50aextending into the gum). This placement is such that the facial portion12at the gingival edge14is in contact with and flush with the tooth50just below the gum line52, e.g., approximately 1 mm, such that the cavity54is closed from the rest of the mouth, and that the finish line of the veneer66(FIG. 9) is just underneath the gum line52. Additionally, the tabs18a,18boccupy the space between the tooth50and each adjacent tooth, creating a frictional engagement, to hold the matrix10in its proper position on the tooth50. The cut-out portions30a,30bare such that they allow the matrix10to pivot about the gum, to be properly positioned over the tooth50. This allows for adjustment of the thickness of the veneer66(FIG. 9) for the tooth50, by the pushing or pulling of the tabs18a,18b, moving the facial portion12of the matrix10with respect to the tooth50(adjusting the dimensions of the cavity54between the facial portion12and the tooth50). The cavity54is of a desired thickness for the veneer66(FIG. 9) between the facial portion12and the tooth50.

The cut-out portions30a,30b, for example, are designed such that along with parts of the facial portion12contact the tooth50interproximally between the tooth50and each adjacent tooth, so as to close the matrix10(and its cavity54, such that the matrix10encases the tooth50). For example, the cut out portions30a,30bare also designed to sit below the gum line52, approximately 1 mm below the gum line52(where the cut out portions30a,30bcontact the tooth50).

InFIG. 5, the tooth50is covered by the matrix10, as the tabs18a,18bare bent or folded inward, and the wings32a,32bare folded along fold lines33a,33b, to at least approximately perpendicular to the respective tabs18a,18b, so as to form a gripping portion56, as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B. This gripping portion56is gripped by the professional, by fingertips or instruments and manipulates the matrix10, to pivot about the gum, resulting in the cavity54being adjusted to the desired thickness for the veneer. Optionally, the overlapping wings32a,32bmay be secured together with an adhesive, or by mechanical fasteners, or combinations thereof. The matrix10now encases the tooth50.

With the thickness of the veneer set, based on the cavity54set (adjusted) between the facial portion12of the matrix10and the tooth50, flowable and restorative material, such as a UV light curable composite (material)58is injected, by a syringe60through the aperture28in the chewing surface cap17, into the cavity54, as shown inFIG. 7. The injection by the syringe60is under pressure (of the syringe plunger), and fills the cavity54, which is a closed space, in a manner which eliminates air bubbles and air gaps in the injected composite material in the cavity54. As a result of all air bubbles and air gaps being eliminated, oxygen cannot reach the dental composite and a nonoxygen inhibited layer is formed in the cavity54, allowing for all layers of the composite to be well cured, as detailed below. Because the cavity54is closed (i.e., as edges of the matrix10contact the tooth50, as the matrix10encloses the tooth50), there is no contamination of the composite material from blood, saliva, body fluids, other contaminants and the like. The injection is complete when composite material exits the matrix10through the aperture28.

Example composites include, ESPE 6020A3 Filtek® Z250 Universal Restorative Refill, from 3M, St. Paul, Minn., and Herculite™. Ultra Flow Nanohybrid Flowable Composite from Kerr. An example syringe which may be used is a 1-4 g Syringe.

Turning toFIG. 8, the syringe60is now removed, and the cavity54is full with the composite58. Curing of the composite58with UV light, from an instrument61which emits UV light from a UV light source62is applied to the matrix10at the facial portion12. The UV light instrument may be moved for localized curing on the tooth50, the movement represented by the double headed arrow64. The translucency or transparency of the facial portion12allows the UV light to cure the composite material58, to form the veneer66(FIG. 9) on the tooth50, the veneer being integral with the tooth50due to the curing.

Once the composite58has cured, the matrix10is removed. The veneer66is now on the tooth50, as shown inFIG. 9. Optionally, the now-formed veneer66, which is integral with the tooth50may be resurfaced or otherwise treated, by the professional.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bshow an alternative matrix10′, which is similar to that of the matrix10detailed above, and elements are numbered similarly, except that the chewing cap17, at its platform17xhas two apertures128. Through these two apertures128, similar to the aperture28of the matrix10, detailed above, flowable materials may be injected into the cavity54between the facial portion and the tooth, to create the veneer, when the matrix10′, is over a tooth, as shown for example inFIG. 10B.

FIG. 11shows an alternative matrix10″, which is similar to that of the matrix10detailed above, and elements are numbered similarly, except that the chewing cap17, at its platform17xan aperture228, formed of dual apertures228a,228b, for example, which are semicircular in shape. Through these two apertures228a,228b, flowable materials may be injected into the cavity54between the facial portion12and the tooth, to create the veneer, when the matrix10″, is over a tooth.

FIG. 12shows an alternative matrix10′″ over a tooth. The matrix10′″ is similar to that of the matrix10detailed above, and elements are numbered similarly, except that the chewing cap17, at its platform17x, a slot328has replaced the aperture28. Through this slot328, flowable materials may be injected into the cavity54between the facial portion12and the tooth, to create the veneer, when the matrix10′″, is over a tooth.

FIGS. 13-17Cshow another dental matrix400, which includes an outwardly extending column, which is engaged by an instrument, allowing the dentist to move the instrument and maneuver the matrix into position on the operative tooth to create a cavity for the veneer. The cavity is filled with curable material, which is cured by light, such as ultraviolet light, and once curing is complete, the matrix is removed from the tooth, which now has the veneer formed thereon.

FIG. 13shows another embodiment of a matrix400. The matrix400is operationally similar and made of materials (including the light transmissive materials) the same or similar, to that or those of matrix10,10′,10″ and10″, with similar structures to those discussed above being numbered correspondingly in the 400s. The matrix (body)400includes a facial portion472, which is of a contoured shape, to conform with the shape of the outer (buccal) surface of the tooth499(FIG. 15) (also referred to in some instances below as the “operative tooth”, as a disclosed procedure using the matrix400is performed on the tooth499), which includes a chewing surface cap474at one (outer) end472xof the facial portion472(opposite the gum-facing end472y), to cover the chewing surface of the tooth. Flanges476a,476bextend from opposite lateral edges472a,472bof the facial portion472.

The matrix400includes a column480, also known as a stalk, extending from the buccal side423of the facial portion472, and represented by a dimension YY, which is, for example, approximately 1.5 mm. A channel or bore482extends through the column480, with an aperture or opening484(outer or end opening) at an outer end480aof the column480, and an aperture or opening486at the inner end480bof the column480. The opening486is in communication with and opens into the cavity488of the matrix400(the cavity488formed by the concavity of the facial portion472of the matrix400), allowing material to be introduced into the channel482and through the opening486, into the cavity488, to fill the cavity54between the matrix400and the tooth499(FIG. 17C), as detailed above, to perform the procedures in forming, shaping and curing the veneer on the tooth, by the matrix400, which is detailed further below.

As shown inFIG. 14, the channel482is, for example, tapered inward (walls482aof the channel482) from the outer opening484, represented by a dimension XX1, to the inner opening486, represented by a dimension XX2. For example, dimension XX1(which is, for example, approximately 1.0 mm) is greater than dimension XX2(which is, for example, approximately 0.8 mm), to achieve the inward tapering of the channel482. This tapering allows for receipt of a tube60xof an instrument60, by a frictional engagement of the tube60xin the channel482of the column480, as shown inFIG. 15and detailed below. The channel482is typically of the same cross sectional shape as the openings484,486, e.g., rounded, circular, or oval, so as to be of a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the tube60x, in order to receive and frictionally engage the tube60x. However, the channel482and openings484,486, may be other suitable shapes, provided that the channel482and outer opening484can receive and engage the tube60xin a suitable manner. The column480extends a length sufficient to support and engage the tube60x, as shown inFIG. 15and discussed below.

The column480is positioned on the buccal side423of the facial portion472. For example, the column480is located (positioned) at or approximately at, a location on the buccal side423, which may be the volumetric center or flow center for the matrix400. In this volumetetric center location (position), material can evenly fill (and evenly flow and spread in) the cavity54between the matrix400and the tooth499(FIG. 17C). For example, by evenly filling the cavity54, the cavity54is filled densely, so as to be free or substantially free of air bubbles, air pockets, and the like, which provides maximum contact area of material to the tooth499. The resultant veneer (upon the material being cured, for example, by UV light as detailed above) bonds strong to the tooth (e.g., maximum contact area for the veneer material, due to maximum amount of material injected into the cavity between the matrix400and the tooth), and is of maximum strength. Alternately, the column480may be placed at other locations on the facial portion472, including, for example, centrally or substantially centrally, based on length/distance measurements, or the like.

The material of the facial portion472and the column480are such that they are of a rigidity so as not to bend inward, buckle, or the like, and retain their original (initial) shape, regardless of any pressure changes in the matrix400caused by the filling of material into the cavity54through the column480.

Flanges476a,476b, which extend from lateral edges472a,472b(rearward, with respect to the buccal surface423) of the facial portion472, are, for example, shaped differently, than the respective tabs18a,18b/wings32a,32bof the matrices10,10′,10″,10′″, detailed above, but include similar structures, tabs503(similar to tabs18a,18b) and wings505(similar to wings32a,32b), as shown for example, inFIG. 16, detailed below. The tabs503may, for example, include cut-out portions similar to those30a,30b(or portions and/or segments thereof) of the matrices10,10′,10″,10′″; in accordance with that detailed above, for manouverability. The flanges476a,476bmay, for example, be shorter, the same length, or longer than the tabs18a,18b/wings32a,32bof the matrices10,10′,10″,10′″ detailed above, with just the tabs503need to enter the interproximal space between the adjacent teeth, to create frictional forces, to hold the matrix400in place. The forces which hold and otherwise the matrix400in place are such that the matrix400, as the matrix400may be moved to be manipulated to shape and dimension the veneer. The movement (including maneuvering) for manipulation of the matrix400on the tooth499may be one or both of movement from the column480, or by moving the flanges476a,476b. The frictional forces created by the flanges476a,476bbetween adjacent teeth also hold the matrix400in place during the filling of the cavity54with material, and during the curing processes (e.g., UV light curing, as detailed above), as detailed inFIG. 15below. Similar to the tabs18a,18b/wings32a,32bof the matrices10,10′,10″,10′″, one or both of the tabs476a,476b, for example, at the one or both wings505, may be maneuvered, pulled, wrapped, or otherwise adjusted, to adjust the volume of the cavity54(including forming a portion of the tooth, by using the matrix400portions to form a wall, the wall compensating for a chip in the tooth or missing part of the tooth) for the material upon injection therein.

FIG. 15shows an instrument, for example the syringe60(filled with curable material from which the veneer is formed, as detailed above), with a tube or tube portion60xextending into the channel482of the cylinder480of the matrix400. The instrument60is such that curable veneer forming material, as detailed above, is injected from the instrument60through the tube60xto fill the cavity54of the matrix400. The tube60xfrictionally engages the channel482(e.g., in a snug or frictionally snug manner), with frictional forces sufficient to maintain the matrix400in a fixed position on the tube60x. The frictional forces are of sufficient strength, such that the matrix400remains in the fixed position as it is moved (for example, by one hand of an operator, such as a dentist or clinician) into contact with the tooth499and subsequently manipulated on the tooth499, to establish the shape of the veneer.

The tube60xremains engaged with the matrix during material injection from the instrument60into the cavity54between the matrix400and the tooth, and may be engaged with the matrix400, or separated therefrom, during curing of the material in the cavity54to form the veneer, as detailed above. The frictional forces by the flanges476a,476b, for example, by the tabs503in the interproximal space between the tooth499and its adjacent tooth, on both sides, provide sufficient force to maintain the matrix400on the tooth499(e.g., in a snag manner) so as to hold the shape and dimensions of the veneer during shaping and/or curing of the material.

Once the procedure is complete, the matrix400is removed from the tooth499. The matrix400may be removed with the instrument60attached, or by itself (the instrument60having been separated from matrix400previously).

FIG. 16shows the matrix400, including the flanges476a,476b, with separations, indentations, scores, or other demarcations502,504in each flange476a,476b, between the buccal edges472a,472band the tabs503, separation502, and between the tabs503and the wings505, separation504. The separations502,504may, for example, be weakened portions, allowing for bending and moving of the tabs503(and wings505) about the separations502, and bending and moving of the wings505with respect to the tabs503, about the separations504.503The flanges476a,476b, are, for example, symmetric, as, for example, is the facial portion472(along its longitudinal axis LA shown inFIGS. 13 and 16(coming out of the paper)). The flanges476a,476b, are thin with tabs503of a dimension PP, for example, approximately 0.05 mm, and wings505of a dimension QQ, for example, of approximately 0.15 mm (also, for example, the facial portion472is of a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm) As a result of thinness of the flanges476a,476b, the matrix400is maneuverable into position for filling and curing in accordance with the example process shown inFIGS. 17A-17C. The tabs503and wings505, are, for example, both of a uniform of substantially uniform thickness.

For example, due to their thinness, the tabs503are positionable at the interproximal surfaces between the operative tooth499and each of its adjacent teeth. The interproximal surface serves as a contact for engaing and maintaining the matrix400on the operative tooth499, such that the matrix400remains engaged and held (e.g., in a snug yet moveable manner) while the matrix400is maneuvered on the tooth to define the shape of the veneer, and, for example, remains in this position on the tooth during the curing process, typically until the matrix400is removed from the tooth499with the now-formed veneer.

InFIG. 17Athe matrix400is positioned and held in place, substantially free of or free of movement, on the tube60xof the instrument60, e.g., a syringe, filled with curable material to form the veneer, as detailed above. The instrument60with the matrix400is moved toward the tooth499, in the direction of the arrow550. The maneuvering and movement of the instrument is typically performed by a single hand of the dentist, clinician or operator.

InFIG. 17B, the matrix400, as held by the instrument60, is under the tooth499. The matrix400may now be moved upward, vertically or substantially vertically, in accordance with the arrow552. The vertical movement allows the flanges476a,476b, for example, the tabs503, to engage the matrix400between teeth (the operative tooth499and each adjacent tooth), at the interproximal surfaces thereof.

FIG. 17Cshows the matrix400in position on the operative tooth499, such that the matrix400can be manipulated to form the cavity (space)54for the veneer. With the cavity54defined (or otherwise set or established), curable material for the veneer is injected into the cavity54, between the matrix400and the tooth (i.e., operative tooth499). Once the cavity54is filled with curable material, the material is cured, for example, by light, such as UV light, as detailed above and as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. With filling of the matrix400having been completed, or with the curing complete, the instrument60may be separated from the matrix400, by moving the instrument60in the direction of the arrow554. The matrix400may be removed from the tooth once curing is complete or at the discretion of the dentist.

While the matrix and methods for its use, including creating a veneer, are shown for human teeth, the disclosed matrix and methods for its use are also suitable for animal teeth.

EXAMPLES

A dental matrix comprising: a facial portion configured to correspond to the shape of a tooth, the facial portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides; and, a flange extending from each of the oppositely disposed edges from the first side of the facial portion, each of the flanges including a portion of a thickness for engaging an operative tooth along the interproximal surface of the operative tooth and the interproximal surface of an adjacent tooth, such that the matrix is engaged between the teeth with forces sufficient to maintain the matrix in a position around at least a portion of the operative tooth.

The dental matrix of Example 1, wherein each flange includes a tab and a wing, the tab in communication with the oppositely disposed edge of the facial portion, and the wing extending from the tab, the tab including the portion of the thickness for engaging the operative tooth along the interproximal surface of the operative tooth and the adjacent tooth.

The dental matrix of Example 1 or Example 2, wherein each flange includes a separator between the tab and the wing, allowing the flange to be bent about the separator.

The dental matrix of any of Example 1 to Example 3, wherein for each of the flanges, the tab is of a thickness less than the thickness of the wing.

The dental matrix of any of Example 1 to Example 4, additionally comprising a column extending from the facial portion at the second side of the facial portion, the column including a channel extending therethrough, and the channel in communication with an area formed by the facial portion and the flanges.

The dental matrix of any of Example 1 to Example 5, wherein the column includes a cylindrical tube, the cylindrical tube including inner walls configured to receive an instrument in a frictional engagement, allowing for the matrix to be maneuvered by the instrument.

The dental matrix of any of Example 1 to Example 6, wherein the column includes a cylindrical tube including oppositely disposed first and second openings (apertures), the first opening including an end (e.g., outer) opening and the second (e.g., inner) opening in communication with an area formed by the facial portion and the flanges, and the channel extending between the first opening and the second opening, the cylindrical tube including tapered inner walls with the taper extending and increasing from the first opening to the second opening.

The dental matrix of any of Example 1 to Example 7, wherein the tapered inner walls are dimensioned to receive an instrument in an engagement, allowing for the matrix to be maneuvered by the instrument.

A dental matrix comprising: a facial portion configured to correspond to the shape of a tooth, the facial portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides; a flange extending from each of the oppositely disposed edges from the first side of the facial portion, each of the flanges for engaging an operative tooth along the interproximal surface of the operative tooth and the interproximal surface of an adjacent tooth, such that the matrix is engaged between the teeth with forces sufficient to maintain the matrix in a position around at least a portion of the operative tooth; and, a column extending from the facial portion at the second side of the facial portion, the column including a channel extending therethrough, and the channel in communication with an area formed by the facial portion and the flanges.

The dental matrix of Example 9, wherein each of the flanges includes a including a portion of a thickness for engaging the operative tooth along the interproximal surface of the operative tooth and the interproximal surface of an adjacent tooth.

The dental matrix of Example 9 or Example 10, wherein each flange includes a tab and a wing, the tab in communication with the oppositely disposed edge of the facial portion, and the wing extending from the tab, the tab including the portion of the thickness for engaging the operative tooth along the interproximal surface of the operative tooth and the adjacent tooth, and for each of the flanges, the tab is of a thickness less than the thickness of the wing.

The dental matrix of any of Example 9 to Example 11, wherein each flange includes a separator between the tab and the wing, allowing the flange to be bent about the separator.

The dental matrix of any of Example 9 to Example 12, wherein the column includes a cylindrical tube, the cylindrical tube including inner walls configured to receive an instrument in an engagement, allowing for the matrix to be maneuvered by the instrument.

The dental matrix of any of Example 9 to Example 13, wherein the column includes a cylindrical tube including oppositely disposed first and second openings, the first opening including an end opening and the second opening in communication with an area formed by the facial portion and the flanges, and the channel extending between the first opening and the second opening, the cylindrical tube including tapered inner walls with the taper extending and increasing from the first opening to the second opening.

The dental matrix of any of Example 9 to Example 13, wherein the tapered inner walls are dimensioned to receive an instrument in an engagement, allowing for the matrix to be maneuvered by the instrument.

A method for creating a veneer on a tooth. The method comprises: providing a dental matrix. The dental matrix comprises: a facial portion configured to correspond to the shape of a tooth, the facial portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides; a flange extending from each of the oppositely disposed edges from the first side of the facial portion, each of the flanges including a tab portion of a thickness for engaging an operative tooth along the interproximal surface of the operative tooth and the interproximal surface of an adjacent tooth, such that the matrix is engaged between the teeth with forces sufficient to maintain the matrix in a position around at least a portion of the operative tooth; and, a column extending from the facial portion at the second side of the facial portion, the column including a channel extending therethrough, and the channel in communication with an area formed by the facial portion and the flanges. The method then comprises: engaging an instrument, for example, a syringe with a needle extending from the syringe body, with the column (e.g., the needle entering the column to frictionally engage the column and hold the matrix on the syringe), so that the matrix is moved and maneuvered by the instrument; moving the matrix with the instrument, such that the matrix is around the tooth, and is maneuverable by the instrument to create a cavity between the matrix and the tooth, the cavity corresponding to a veneer to be created.

The method of Example 16, wherein the moving the matrix with the instrument includes moving the matrix vertically into engagement with the tooth and each adjacent tooth, such that tab portions of the flange are positioned between the interproximal surface of the operative tooth and the interproximal surface of an adjacent tooth, such that the matrix is engaged between the teeth with forces sufficient to maintain the matrix in a position around at least a portion of the operative tooth.

The method of Example 16 or Example 17, additionally comprising: providing curable material to form the veneer into the cavity between the matrix and the tooth, by the instrument.

The method of any of Example 16 to Example 18, additionally comprising: curing the curable material in the cavity with light to form the veneer.

The method of any of Example 16 to Example 19, wherein the light comprises ultraviolet light.