Patent ID: 8899979

Claim:
A matrix ring comprising: a biasing ring having a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends which are spaced apart from each other a distance; and a pair of opposing tines extending inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other and at least one of the opposing tines further including: a frame body having a front defined by a central ridge, a first lower extension extending from a first side of the central ridge, and a second lower extension extending from a second side of the central ridge, the first lower extension having a top surface and a bottom surface terminating at an exposed face, the top surface and bottom surface cooperating to define a thickness that reduces toward the exposed face, wherein a portion of the first lower extension proximate the exposed face is configured to rotate and translate relative to the remainder of the frame body upon application of an operable positioning within a mouth of a patient, the second lower extension having a top surface and a bottom surface terminating at an exposed face, the top surface and bottom surface cooperating to define a thickness that reduces toward the exposed face, wherein a portion of the second lower extension proximate the exposed face is configured to rotate and translate relative to the remainder of the frame body upon operable positioning within a mouth of a patient, with the exposed faces of each of the first and second lower extensions being spaced apart from each other and configured for independent relative movement; and a superimposed pad positioned over a portion of the front of the frame body the superimposed pad having a first side and a second side, the first side extending over the top surface of the first lower extension, the second side extending over the top surface of the second lower extension, the superimposed pad having a first front face and a second front face, which together with the exposed faces of the first and second lower extensions defines the tooth engagement surface of the tine, the superimposed pad comprising a resilient material configured to elastically deform upon operable positioning within the mouth of a patient, or upon relative movement of the first and second lower extensions.