Abstract:
A compressible dental instrument to non-impressively adapt restorative material through compression comprises a handle portion ( 2 ), having a docking aperture ( 4 ) to interface with a highly compressible foam insert ( 10 ) with a docking extrusion and a tip holder ( 14 ) having highly compressible tip ( 16 ). A user can dock both to compressively adapt composite resin to a tooth&#39;s surface by first applying a restorative to a tooth and second applying the compressible portion to the restorative. Applied pressure compresses the tip to non-impressively micro manipulate composite resin.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/932,131 filed 2007 May 29, by the present inventor. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention applies to the field of Dentistry, in particular, to provide for a disposable instrument specifically designed to manipulate a dental restorative material through compressive adaptation. 
     BACKGROUND PRIOR ART 
     The introduction of light-cured composite (resin filled) restorative materials to the dentist&#39;s armamentarium has presented him with filling materials which have distinct intrinsic properties quite different from the traditional amalgam (mercury based) restorative. In particular, composites present with a stickiness quality which undesirably adhere to traditional instrumentation during the restorative handling phases of the procedures. This adherence interferes with the release of the instrument upon withdrawing from the site of resin administration. Hence pull-back of the adhering resin makes it difficult to properly insert and adapt the resin to the prepared tooth. Furthermore, resin&#39;s displacement rather than compaction capabilities renders traditional instrumentation ineffective during the adaptive process. To address this inadequacy, there exists a myriad of composite specific instruments, for example, Teflon-based, and metal instruments with anti-stick coatings have been made available to the profession. 
     Both of these modalities in general are effective in minimizing the adherence factor of the resin, and do allow for the manipulation of the composite within the confines of the cavity preparation. However, because of the hardness of the instrument head, and the readily displaceable properties of the resin, application of the instrument head to the uncured resin mass typically results in a random movement of the resin mass and a residual imprint of the instrument head upon removal of the instrument. This can be problematical especially in areas of cosmetic concern. In particular, anterior (front) teeth, where resin thickness must be uniform and micro adapted to sensitive gum line margins, it is desirable and imperative to displace the resin in a uniform and predictable manner with instrumentation. The heretofore mentioned instruments do not permit micro manipulation of the resin, and furthermore can impart a residual indentation on the uncured resin such that further address of the instrument is necessary, or correction is due following resin polymerization. In that case, it is necessary to reshape the uneven cured resin, and the addition of more resin which can cause a repetition of the above cycle. The compressible composite instrument by contrast: will not adhere to the resin, and because of its resilient properties allows the uncured resin to be micro-manipulated to tooth margins without imparting a tell-tale “footprint” through the emulsion cover onto the uncured resin. This can result in fewer addresses to the resin mass with subsequent economies of time realized and a more satisfactory end result. 
     Accordingly, several advantages of the present patent application compressible composite shaping instrument are:
         1. An adherent resistant resin instrument.   2. Non-impressive micro-manipulation of composite resin dramatically reduces resin pullback upon withdrawal of the instrument.   3. Non-impressive manipulation of composite resin produces seamless ultra thin feathering   4. Capable of micro-displacing of resin through a protective sheath or emulsion.   5. Compressible nature envelops resin leaving no discernable “footprint” in the uncured resin upon application and withdrawal of the instrument head.   6. Disposability obviates infection control considerations.       

     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is thus the object of this invention to provide for an instrument with a disposable highly compressible foam instrument portion to compressively adapt uncured composite resin. It is a further intention of this instrument to manipulate uncured resin which is sheathed within an emulsion layer to a tooth. Additionally this invention allows for minimally impressive micro-manipulation of uncured resin without resin pullback during instrument withdrawal. Lastly, the non-impressive nature of the instrument&#39;s foam head imparts a substantially minimal imprint or demarcation line upon application to the uncured resin&#39;s surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A to 1B  show various views of a preferred embodiment of the compressible composite shaping instrument having a gripping handle and compressible insert with an attached compressible applicator. 
         FIG. 2  Shows details of a compressible insert&#39;s taper point before and after it&#39;s docking with a gripping handle&#39;s apertures. 
         FIGS. 3A to 3B  show a view of the compressible applicator and a close up view of the compressible applicator&#39;s surface indentations. 
         FIGS. 4A to 4C  show a progressive sequence of composite resin being compressively expanded without making surface impressions. 
         FIG. 5  Shows an inferior view of a compressible applicator adaptively compressed against a restorative layer on a convex tooth surface. 
         FIG. 6  shows a close-up view of the compressible applicator&#39;s surface indentations against the restorative layer. 
         FIG. 7  shows a gum-line compressible insert embodiment having a compressible crescent shaped gingival applicator. 
         FIG. 8  shows an inter-proximal compressible insert embodiment having a thin tapered wedge-shaped applicator. 
         FIG. 9  shows a wedge brush compressible insert embodiment having an acutely angled applicator. 
         FIG. 10  shows a condensing compressible insert embodiment having an elongated cylindrical condensing applicator. 
         FIGS. 11A to 11B  show an operator inserting a compressible insert into a gripping handle&#39;s insertion aperture. 
         FIGS. 12A to 12C  show a progressive sequence of a compressible applicator applying a restorative material to an anterior tooth surface. 
         FIG. 13  shows the incisal edge of a tooth being brushed to remove excess resin. 
         FIGS. 14A to 14D  show an inferior view of a compressible applicator sequentially applying a restorative material to an anterior tooth surface. 
         FIG. 15  shows a gum-line compressible insert adapting composite resin to an anterior tooth&#39;s gingival region. 
         FIGS. 16A to 16B  show an inter-proximal compressible insert adapting composite resin to an anterior tooth&#39;s inter-proximal space. 
         FIGS. 17A to 17D  show various views of a compressible wedge brush insert smoothing a restorative material by directionally brushing it. 
         FIGS. 18A to 18C  show various views of a condensing compressible insert compressively adapting resin into a prepared posterior tooth. 
         FIG. 19  shows a multi-headed compressible insert having two compressible applicators. 
         FIG. 20  shows a multi headed compressible insert having a single compressible applicator and shaping blade. 
         FIGS. 21A to 21E  show various aspects of an integrated compressible instrument having permanently attached inserts and independently applied adhesive compressible applicators. 
         FIGS. 22A to 22C  show various aspects of an integrated compressible instrument having permanently attached inserts, compressible applicators and shaping blades. 
         FIG. 23  shows views of a chisel shaped compressible insert. 
         FIG. 24  shows views of a conical shaped compressible insert. 
         FIG. 25  shows views a compressible insert with an internally integrated applicator stabilizer. 
         FIG. 26  shows views a compressible insert having an externally integrated applicator stabilizer. 
         FIG. 27  shows views of a multi core compressible insert. 
         FIG. 28  shows a compressible applicator having a non-stick encasement. 
         FIG. 29  shows a compressible applicator having a non-stick veneer bonded to its operative surface. 
         FIGS. 30A to 30B  show various views of a compressible applicator having a flexible body and flexion core insert being bent along X, Y and Z axes. 
         FIG. 31  shows a compressible insert having a shaping blade with a compressible sheath. 
         FIGS. 32A-32C  show a multi-tipped insert with snap-in compressible applicators. 
         FIG. 33  shows a compressible sleeve with a reinforcing sleeve liner. 
         FIGS. 34A to 34B  show a compressible insert having a docking aperture and a snapping ring with a handle having a docking extrusion and a snapping groove. 
         FIGS. 35A to 35D  show various views of a compressible insert with an anti-rotational channel, friction groove, and a handle having an anti-rotational extrusion. 
         FIG. 36  shows a compressible insert with a hexagonal insert body. 
         FIG. 37  shows a compressible insert with a threaded insert body. 
         FIG. 38  shows a compressible insert with a snap insert body. 
         FIGS. 39A to 39B  show views of a grasp-able compressible insert. 
         FIG. 40  shows a grasp-able compressible insert docked with a handle. 
         FIG. 41  shows an operator gripping a grasp-able compressible insert. 
         FIGS. 42A to 42C  show a compressible insert applying a pre-formed veneer to an anterior tooth surface. 
     
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Reference Numerals 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 2. 
                 Handle 
               
               
                 4. 
                 Docking aperture 
               
               
                 6. 
                 Gripping grooves 
               
               
                 8. 
                 Compressible insert 
               
               
                 10. 
                 Insert body 
               
               
                 12. 
                 Tip Holder 
               
               
                 14. 
                 Compressible applicator 
               
               
                 16. 
                 Insert taper point 
               
               
                 18. 
                 Surface indentations 
               
               
                 20. 
                 Restorative material 
               
               
                 22. 
                 Compressible forces 
               
               
                 24. 
                 Expansive movement 
               
               
                 26. 
                 Non-impressed resin 
               
               
                 28. 
                 Tooth surface 
               
               
                 30. 
                 Gum-line compressible insert 
               
               
                 32. 
                 Inter-proximal compressible 
               
               
                   
                 insert 
               
               
                 34. 
                 Wedge brush compressible 
               
               
                   
                 insert 
               
               
                 36. 
                 Condensing compressible insert 
               
               
                 38. 
                 Operator 
               
               
                 40. 
                 Prepared anterior tooth surface 
               
               
                 42. 
                 Prepared posterior tooth 
               
               
                 44. 
                 Multi headed compressible insert 
               
               
                 46. 
                 Shaping blade 
               
               
                 48. 
                 Compressible tool 
               
               
                 50. 
                 Self adhesive applicator 
               
               
                 52. 
                 Peel away layer 
               
               
                 54. 
                 Adhesive surface 
               
               
                 56. 
                 Chisel compressible applicator 
               
               
                 58. 
                 Conical compressible applicator 
               
               
                 60. 
                 Internal tip stabilizer 
               
               
                 62. 
                 External tip stabilizer 
               
               
                 64. 
                 Multi-core compressible tip 
               
               
                 66. 
                 External layer 
               
               
                 68. 
                 Sheathed foam core 
               
               
                 70. 
                 Coated applicator 
               
               
                 72. 
                 Veneered applicator 
               
               
                 74. 
                 Flexible body 
               
               
                 76. 
                 Flexion core 
               
               
                 78. 
                 Sheathed shaping blade 
               
               
                 80. 
                 Multi tipped insert 
               
               
                 82. 
                 Snap in compressible applicator 
               
               
                 84. 
                 Compressible sheath 
               
               
                 86. 
                 Sheath liner 
               
               
                 88. 
                 Aperture compressible insert 
               
               
                 90. 
                 Insert docking aperture 
               
               
                 92 
                 snapping ring 
               
               
                 94. 
                 Handle docking extrusion 
               
               
                 96. 
                 Friction groove 
               
               
                 98. 
                 Snapping groove 
               
               
                 100. 
                 Anti rotational groove 
               
               
                 102. 
                 Anti rotational extrusion 
               
               
                 104. 
                 Faceted insert body 
               
               
                 106. 
                 Threaded insert body 
               
               
                 108. 
                 Snap insert body 
               
               
                 110. 
                 Graspable compressible insert 
               
               
                 112 
                 Preformed Veneer with 
               
               
                   
                 applicator sheath 
               
               
                 114 
                 Uncured restorative layer 
               
               
                 116 
                 Applicator sheath 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  show dimensional views of the preferred embodiment&#39;s handle and compressible insert.  FIG. 2  shows an insert&#39;s taper point relative to the handle&#39;s aperture when inserted.  FIG. 3A  shows compressible applicator attached and unattached from an insert&#39;s holder.  FIG. 3B  shows a close-up view of an applicator&#39;s indented surface.  FIGS. 4A to 4C  show the sequential mechanics of resin compression.  FIG. 5  shows adaptive compression along a contoured surface.  FIG. 6  shows the interaction of an applicators indented surface with a resin layer. 
     The compressible composite resin shaping instrument of present consists of an elongated cylindrical gripping handle  2  with having recessed holes, or docking apertures  4  at its terminations. The handle  2  also has a number of circumferential gripping grooves  6  desirably inset from its terminations that  6  permit a stable grip during operation. The docking apertures  4  are cylindrical bores with a depth and diameter that is desirably sized to accept and interlock with an elongated extension or compressible insert  8 . It is ideally made from a reusable, auto-clavable metal or disposable plastic. The compressible insert  8  is comprised of two fundamental portions. The first portion is the rigid cylindrical extension or insert body  10 . The second portion is a pliant volume, soft mass or compressible applicator  14 . The compressible applicator is bonded to the insert body and is designed for operative interaction. 
     The insert body  10  has two functional terminations. The first termination is designated by a gently curved, tapered portion that ends in an abruptly flared disc, platform, or applicator holder  12 . The holder  12  has a flat circular face to produce a stable bonding surface for the compressible applicator  14  ( FIG. 3A ). The holder&#39;s size and thickness can be variably altered to suit a variety of compressible applicator  14  sizes (Size determined by operative demands). The insert body&#39;s  10  second termination is designated by a very subtle reversal in taper generally near the insert body&#39;s  10  mid point. This reversal in taper or insert taper point  16  signals a very subtle diameter reduction that culminates with a rounded hemispherical end. The gradual tapering designated by the insert taper  16  is designed to create a mechanically determined stopping point when inserted into the handles  2  apertures  4  ( FIG. 2 ). Thus, this stopping point creates a frictional interlocking for operational stability. The degree of frictional interlocking interlock is determined by the degree of force by which the insert body  10  is placed into the handles  2  apertures  4 . 
     The compressible applicator  14  is a generally cylindrical volume made from a soft pliant foamed material or suitably pliant rubberized material such as silicone. It is desirably compressible to simultaneously permit non-impressive restorative material adaptation (will not produce instrument markings) while retaining enough density to permit adequate restorative shaping and sculpting capabilities. The compressible applicators  14  surface additionally contains a plurality of desirably sized pockets, depressions or surface indentations  18  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ). The primary function of the indentations is to desirably reduce the operative contact area of the compressible applicator with a restorative material. Desirably sized Indentations  18  can be created by using an appropriate foamed material or by a molding process. Note: the combination of the applicator&#39;s  14  compressibility and surface indentations  18  produces a unique ability to interact and sculpt restorative materials with minimal impression and minimal adherence. 
       FIGS. 4A to 4C  illustrate this combination with a sequential compression of an applicator  14  against a restorative material  20 . First, with applied pressure, the applicator  14  is designed to compressively adapt to both the restorative material and an underlying surface. As it compresses, it creates compressible forces  22  that generate a circumferential expansive movement  24  of the restorative material  20  ( FIG. 4B ). Because the applicator adaptively conforms ( FIG. 5 ) it does not leave marks or indentations, and the restorative material is non-impressed after compression and expansion ( FIG. 4C ). Secondly, because the surface indentations  18  reduce the surface contact between the applicators and the restorative material  20  ( FIGS. 5 to 6 ), there is minimal sticking or adherence. This dynamic serves to reduce the event of pulling the material away from a tooth surface upon withdrawal  28 . 
     The compressible composite shaping instrument can be made from any number of materials and fabrication processes. For example, the handle  2  may be fabricated from any number of metals or alloys. Fabrication may be accomplished by casting, rolling, extruding, lathing, CNC machining, or any other suitable process. Additionally, the handle  2  can be made from any number of plastics, ceramics, or other synthetic materials that can be injection molded, milled, or lathed into configuration. The compressible insert  8  may be made from any number of materials. For example, the insert body  10  can be made from metals, alloys or disposable plastics such as acrylic. Any synthetic material that is appropriate and non-toxic may be utilized. Forming the insert body  10  may be achieved via milling, lathing, extruding, or injection molding. The compressible applicator  14  can be made from any number of foamed materials that are sufficiently pliant and compressible, and are suitably wear resistant. The indentations  18  may also be formed by a foaming process or by molding process. The size of the indentations  18  is highly variable and dependent upon optimal clinical function. If a foamed material is used, it may be open or closed cell. Additionally, the applicator  14  can be made from a suitably compressible silicone, rubber or other synthetic. 
     FIGS.  7 - 10   
     Additional Embodiments 
     There are a number of configuration changes that facilitate a full range of restorative applications. These configurations are intended to address the anatomic demands of dental anatomy. For example,  FIG. 7  shows a gum line compressible insert  30 . This insert has a more aggressively angled applicator holder  12  and a crescent shaped compressible applicator. The crescent shape is desirably contoured to provide optimal adaptation for gingival regions.  FIG. 8  shows an inter-proximal compressible insert  32 . It has a straight insert body  10  with box-like applicator holder  12  that holds a thin, wedge-shaped compressible applicator  14 . This thin wedge shape is designed to compressively adapt a restorative material  20  into inter-proximal tooth spaces. 
       FIG. 9  shows a wedge brush compressible insert  34 . This insert has a straight body  10  with a cylindrical compressible applicator  14  that has an acutely wedged face. This face is designed for detailing and brushing applications where smoothing or gentle adaptation is required.  FIG. 10  shows a condensing compressible insert  36 . The condensing insert  36  has an elongated cylindrical compressible applicator with a rounded hemispherical end. This insert has no apparent applicator holder. The compressible applicator  14  in this case is molded to or bonded to the insert body  10   
     FIGS.  19 - 41 ,  43 - 47 C 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     There are various possibilities with regard to compressible composite resin shaping instrument. Compressible inserts  8  are highly variable and may include a great variety of features and configurations intended to enhance operative performance and ease of use. All are highly variable and may have alternative shapes, coatings, and multiple terminations. 
     For example,  FIG. 19  shows a multi-headed compressible insert  44 . This is designed to increase workflow by allowing the operator  38  rapid access to multiple applicator sizes and shapes.  FIG. 20  shows a multi-headed insert  44  having a compressible applicator  14  and a shaping blade  46 . This configuration is designed to permit rigid shaping via the blade  46  along with compressible adaptation from the compressible applicator  14 . 
       FIGS. 21A to 21E  show views of a compressible composite resin shaping instrument  48  that has permanently fused inserts (similar to conventional instrumentation). This embodiment utilizes independently applied self adhesive compressible applicators  50 . The adhesive applicator  50  has a peel away layer  52  that exposes and adhesive surface  54 . This allows an operator to adhesively affix the applicator  50  to the instruments  48  applicator holders  12 . 
       FIGS. 22A to 22C  show various views of a compressible tool  48  that has permanently fused inserts, two compressible applicators  14  and two shaping blades  46 . This embodiment utilizes self adhesive compressible applicators  50 . 
       FIG. 23  shows a chisel shaped compressible insert  56 .  FIG. 24  shows a conical compressible insert  58 .  FIG. 25  shows a compressible insert  8  with an internal tip stabilizer  60 . The stabilizer  60  is a rigid plastic that provides internal operational stability. 
       FIG. 25  shows an insert  8  with an internal tip stabilizer  62 . The stabilizer  62  is a more rigid material designed to support greater compressive forces  22 .  FIG. 26  shows an insert  8  with an external tip stabilizer  62 . 
       FIG. 27  shows a compressible insert  8  with a multi-core compressible tip  64 . The multi-core tip  64  has an external layer  66  that encased a sheathed core  68 . The materials are composed varying densities and compressibility. 
       FIG. 28  shows a compressible insert  8  that has a coated compressible applicator  70 . The coating can be any material that sufficiently aids performance and nonstick properties. 
       FIG. 29  shows a compressible insert  8  that has a veneered applicator  72 . The veneering is applied to the operative surface of the applicator. 
       FIGS. 30A and 30B  show a compressible insert  8  with a flexible body  74 . The flexible body  74  has an internally located flexion core  76  that permits X, Y, Z axis space flexibility. The core can be made from a flexible steel or other suitable metal. 
       FIG. 31  shows a multi headed compressible insert  80  with a compressible sheathed shaping blade  78 . 
       FIGS. 32A and 32C  show a multi tipped compressible insert  80  that utilizes snap in compressible applicators  82 . The snap in applicators have a bonded compressible sheath  84 . 
       FIG. 33  shows a compressible sheath  84  with a stabilizing plastic sheath liner  86 . The liner  82  is semi rigid and facilitates operational stability. 
       FIGS. 34A and 34B  shows an aperture compressible insert  88  that has a docking aperture  90  and snapping ring  92 . This permits an interlocking engagement with a handle&#39;s  2  docking extrusion  94 . The handle docking extrusion  94  has a friction groove  96  and a circumferential snapping groove that correlates with the aperture compressible inserts  88  snapping ring. 
       FIGS. 35A to 35B  show various views if a compressible insert  8  having a friction groove  96  and an anti rotational groove  100  that correlates with a handles  2  anti-rotational extrusion  102 . 
       FIG. 36  shows an insert  8  with a friction groove  96  and a faceted insert body  104 . 
       FIG. 37  shows an insert  8  with a threaded insert body  106 . 
       FIG. 29  shows an insert  8  with a snap insert body  108 . 
       FIGS. 39A to 41  show a grasp-able compressible insert that can either be docked with a handle  2  or grasped by an operator  38 . 
       FIGS. 11A-18C ,  42 A- 42 C Operations 
     The manner of using the compressible restorative instrument is dependent upon procedural requirements. For an anterior tooth  40 , an operator selects a compressible insert  8  and snugly places the insert body  10  into one of the handles the apertures  4  ( FIGS. 11A and 11B ). After the insert  8  is snugly in place, a desired amount of restorative material  20  is placed onto the anterior tooth  40  surface ( FIG. 12A ). Next, the compressible applicator  14  is guided toward the prepared anterior tooth  40  ( FIGS. 12B and 14A ) and compressed repeatedly against the adhered restorative material  20  ( FIGS. 12C and 14B ). This is repeated along with brushing motions until the anterior tooth surface  40  is desirably layered. ( FIGS. 14C and 14D ). In the event of excess restorative material  20  extending beyond the tooth&#39;s  40  incisal edge, the operator  38  can brush the edge to remove excess restorative material ( FIG. 13 ). 
     Next, the operator can insert a gum-line compressible insert  30  into the handle&#39;s  2  other aperture  4  (not shown) to adapt the restorative material gingivally ( FIG. 15 ). The contoured crescent applicator  14  is compressed into the gum line. When this is determined to be satisfactory, an operator  38  can replace one of the previous inserts (not shown) and insert an inter-proximal compressible insert  32 . The inter-proximal compressible insert  32  is guided into the anterior tooth&#39;s  40  inter-proximal space ( FIG. 16A ) to compressively adapt the restorative material around the tooth&#39;s  40  edge ( FIG. 16B ). After sufficient inter-proximal adaptation, the operator  38  can optionally use a wedge brush compressible insert  34 . The wedge brush  34  is gently brushed against the anterior tooth  40  to both pull and smooth the restorative material  20  prior to curing ( FIGS. 17A to 17D ). This process is repeated until the restoration is complete. 
     For a posterior restoration, an operator  38  first places a desired amount of restorative material  20  into a prepared posterior tooth  42 . Next a condensing compressible insert  36  is placed into a handle&#39;s  2  aperture  4 . The operator proceeds to compressively condense and adapt the material  20  in a conventional fashion ( FIGS. 18A to 18C ), curing restorative increments as needed. 
       FIGS. 42A to 42C  shows an alternative use and operation for the compressible dental restorative shaping instrument. It involves the application of a preformed veneer  112  having a uniformly thick preformed uncured restorative layer  114  with an attached applicator sheath  116 . First, the veneer  114  is applied to an anterior tooth  40  so that the resin layer  114  adheres to the tooth and applicator sheath  116  faces outward ( FIG. 42A ). Next, a compressible insert&#39;s  8  applicator is compressed and massaged against the applicator sheath&#39;s  116  exterior to adapt the restorative layer to an anterior tooth&#39;s  40  surface ( FIG. 37B ). During adaptation, the soft compressible applicator  14  permits an adaptive compression that is non-impressive and permits a non impressed smooth transfer of the resin layer from the applicator sheath  116  to the anterior tooth&#39;s  40  surface. The applicator sheath  116  is then removed after desirable adaptation. ( FIG. 37C ). 
     Advantages: 
     From the description above, a number of advantages of the Compressible Composite Shaping Instrument become evident:
         a) The hybrid nature of the foam applicators permit the instrument to serve as both a shaping instrument and or a brush, economizing the operative workflow.   b) The docking nature of the insert and handle will permit a wide variety of customized choices by an operator.   c) The compressible tip dynamics will allow for a tactile and reactive adjustability that is not attainable with rigid instrumentation.   d) The enveloping compressive adaptation of resin will allow for a minimally impressive adaptation of restorative materials that will drastically reduce finishing time.   e) Color coding compressible inserts will lessen chair side confusion with instruments.   f) The universal docking mechanism can allow for a multitude of tip varieties.       

     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE 
     Accordingly, the compressible restorative dental shaping instrument superiorly adapts restorative materials to teeth. Foam&#39;s compressible, non-sticky surface allows resin to be compressively adapted, brushed, and feathered seamlessly into tooth anatomy. Additionally, the compressive dynamic allows the resin to be adapted to thinness not achievable with standard rigid instruments. The porous nature of foam also substantially minimizes adherence to restorative materials and helps to absorb highly liquid restorative materials. Furthermore, the compressible composite resin instrument has the additional advantages in that:
         It permits rapidly changeable tip assortments for any anatomical requirement   It eases multiple layering of resins by allowing seamless adaptation of resin into previously photo-cured layers.   Provides comfort to the patient by limiting the use of potentially injurious metal instruments   Simplifies the process with disposability   Simplifies direct veneer restorative process by allowing resin to be compressively applied through an emulsion.   Minimizes resin pullback   Can absorb over application of low viscosity restorative materials   Foam drastically reduces adherence to resin
 
Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of an invention but as merely providing illustrations of the presently preferred embodiments for this invention. For example, the handle may assume any shape including symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes. The handle may have any number of docking terminations or docking extrusions to accept compressible inserts. The handle may be made of any suitable material for optimal operation.
       

     The compressible inserts may have any shape, length, thickness, and any number of necessary terminations as dictated by optimal operative use. It may be made from any suitable metal or plastic material. The insert may optionally contain internal application chambers for holding desired restoratives or other medicaments that may absorb into the foam tip and deliver upon compression. The insert may have any number of grooves, friction channels, threading or other snapping devices to allow secure docking with a handle. All of the above features may be incorporated in any configuration or may be eliminated all together if need arises. For example, magnets or other attachable means may be incorporated to attach the insert to a handle. Additionally, adhesives may be applied to any and all applicable surfaces where deemed necessary. 
     The compressible applicator may assume any shape, have any density with any number of specialized terminations. The indentations can be of any number and any size deemed necessary. In the event of restorative demand, the indentations can be removed altogether. The tips may have any number of specialized coatings, encasings, or emulsions to optimize compression, adaptation and non-stickiness while interacting with restorative materials. For example, the tip may be treated with Teflon or other non-stick agents. Adhesives may be applied to any and all applicable surfaces where deemed necessary. The tip may have partial or full encasing of a soft rubberized or silicone material. Furthermore, tips can be multi-layered or multi-cored. The cores can be of any number and be comprised of differential materials. For example, a foam core exterior may have a rubberized interior core. Additionally, the tip can be made of any material that is suitably compressible. Lastly, the compressible restorative dental shaping instrument can be made as an all in one material instrument that can embody and incorporate all of the above attributes in any number and or combination.