Methods and devices for closing space between teeth

Abstract

To provide methods and devices for closing a space between teeth and / or papilla regeneration.SOLUTION: A pair of dental matrices is selected using a matrix selection tool, such as a gauge having a distal end section with color coded sections. One embodiment of a color-coded matrix 30 is presented. The matrix has a curved strip of a translucent material. The strip has a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material on a surface of a tooth being restored. The strip has a side surface including a constant radius range. The matrix is placed on a surface of a tooth (e.g., right maxillary central incisor) to pair with a second matrix on the surface of an adjacent tooth (e.g., left maxillary central incisor) with ideal tension when correct curvatures match a black triangle space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 560,504, filed September 19, 2017.

[0002] [Statement regarding federally funded research] Not applicable.

[0003] The present invention relates to methods and devices for closing interdental and / or papillary reconstruction gaps. [Background technology]

[0004] For a variety of reasons, gaps or "diastemas" can exist between teeth. These include genetic and ethnic tendencies to have mismatched teeth and jaws, with the teeth being too small for the jaw or the jaw being too large for the size of the teeth. It is also common for the gums to recede over time, resulting in a black triangle or gap, also known as gingival diastema. It has also been reported that almost 40% of adult orthodontic treatments result in a black triangle, and patients may consider aesthetic issues more important than crowded teeth.

[0005] The black triangle has many etiologies, including: (i) loss of interdental bone height due to periodontal disease, attachment loss, periodontal surgery, or trauma, (ii) excessive cavity and defective papilla morphology influenced by root angulation, interdental distance, root cap morphology, and distance between alveolar bone and interproximal contacts, (iii) patient biological width and specific or thinning gingival biotype, (iv) other issues such as age, patient habits, and iatrogenic issues. In today's world of cosmetically-conscious patients, dentists are often asked to close minor and major midline diastema.

[0006] The problem of how to treat open gingival cavities or "black triangle disease" has primarily plagued dental professionals. Traditional solutions to black triangles include (i) orthodontic extrusion, coronal repositioning of interproximal bone followed by enameloplasty or restoration, (ii) orthodontic repositioning of divergent or widely spaced roots with enameloplasty to reduce the cavity and promote gingival adaptation, (iii) interproximal bone grafts, (iv) soft tissue grafts or papillary reconstruction, (iv) subtractive porcelain restorations or composite bonding (white and / or pink), and (v) removable prostheses in case of significant failure.

[0007] Considering the clinical options, reasonable choices are limited area papilla reconstruction or orthodontics as a sole or restorative option. Nevertheless, if the defect is extensive or large or if orthodontics was the cause of the problem, it is no longer only part of the solution. Orthodontic solutions are limited by parameters to maintain an esthetic maxillary centric width-to-height (W / H) ratio of 80% (± 5%), an esthetically pleasing ratio of the maxillary anterior teeth, and a Bolton ratio for adequate intermaxillary relationship. Surgical options may be unpredictable and unreasonable in extensive cases. Indirect restorations may attract high biological costs. Many patients do not want to sacrifice sound tooth structure to treat the black triangle, especially if the condition may progress with age. Historically, composite bonding has been difficult to achieve healthy and esthetic results over the long term. The black triangle in the esthetic zone was only treated when requested. Definitely full mouth treatment was not considered.

[0008] Most solutions for the black triangle focus on enlarging the missing papilla to recreate the ideal balance of pink (soft tissue) and white (hard tissue or restoration) aesthetics. Dental professionals strive for perfection in orthodontic treatment for children. In adults, dental professionals require an appropriate solution for compromised clinical situations. As much as dental professionals seek the ideal solution, are they forced to accept the best compromise when all else fails or when treatment morbidity is high? When considering aesthetic tolerance in dentistry, both dentists and the public are more tolerant of asymmetry in pink aesthetics than asymmetry in white aesthetics. White aesthetics seem to trump pink aesthetics, probably because our eyes see sharper contrasts more. For most patients, non-invasive replacement of the black triangle with white (tooth color) is a preferable compromise over the unpredictable surgical options of replacing the pink soft tissue.

[0009] US Patent No. 8,393,897, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Closure of Midline Diastema," by David J. Clark, describes a unique method and apparatus that provides a direct restorative solution to the black triangle. It is significantly different in technique and results from conventional composite bonding. Among other things, US Patent No. 8,393,897 provides a matrix and method for treating the aesthetic, functional and health problems associated with the black triangle of teeth, or clinically referred to as a recessed gingival papilla. The method of US Patent No. 8,393,897 describes the placement of a matrix around teeth that have a cervical bulge with a pronounced curvature, simultaneously increasing the contact area and reducing the gap between the teeth, and applying lateral pressure on both sides of the papilla. This creates a "water balloon effect" as lateral pressure on both sides of the remaining gingiva encourages the papilla to creep incisally (i.e., forming a pointed apex toward the chewing surface of the tip to vertically fill the gap). If the contact is within 5 mm of the subgingival bone and near the contact area, the papilla has enough support to form a complete papilla. That is, if you modify the tooth to increase its volume and move the contact point until the contact area is within 5 mm of the underlying bone, the triangular papilla will completely fill the gap.

[0010] Even with the advances provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,897, there remains a need for further advances in devices and methods for midline diastema closure and nipple reconstruction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present disclosure satisfies the above-mentioned need by providing a kit including a more complete, easy to use and understand method for measuring the size of the concave gingival papilla cavity and selecting dental matrices of suitable shapes for different sizes and shapes of residual gap defects.Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a more predictable process and advancement to specific shapes of dental matrices that can create more predictable shapes and healthier contact areas of adjacent teeth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a dental matrix is ​​provided that includes a curved strip of material. The strip can have a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. The strip can have sides that include a radius and an interruption in the radius with a flat area in a middle section of the matrix (hereinafter abbreviated as "interruption in the radius"). The middle section is located in the contact area of ​​the tooth to be restored when the matrix is ​​placed on the tooth to be restored. As an example, the interruption in the radius can be in the range of 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters in size from top to bottom. In another non-limiting example, the interruption in the radius can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.05 millimeters in size from front to back. The size of the constant radius interruption may be within the range of .25 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters. Specifically, the constant radius interruption may be approximately 4 millimeters in size from top to bottom and 1.5 millimeters in size from front to back. The constant radius interruption may be flattened in both an occlusal direction from the center of the side and a gingival direction from the center of the side. In another example, the constant radius interruption may be flattened in both a buccal direction from the center of the side and a lingual direction from the center of the side. In another non-limiting example, the matrix may include a notch defined by a portion of the gingival margin of the strip. The gingival margin may further include a concave portion, a first convex portion, and a second convex portion in a side view, such that the gingival margin section of the strip corresponds in shape to a coronally directed protrusion of the gingival papilla adjacent the tooth. The material of the dental matrix may be translucent.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit is provided that includes a plurality of dental matrices. The plurality of matrices may include a first matrix and a second matrix. In one example, a first matrix of the plurality of matrices may include a curved strip of a first material. The first strip may have a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end. The length and height of the first strip may be sufficient to create a shape for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. The first strip may have sides that include a radius and a radius interruption with a flat area in a middle section of the first matrix. A second matrix of the plurality of matrices may include a curved strip of a second material. The second strip may have a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end. The length and height of the second strip may be sufficient to create a shape for molding a restorative material to a surface of another tooth to be restored. The second strip can have sides that include a radius, and interruptions with a flat area at the middle section of the second matrix. The first and second matrices can have different overall sizes to accommodate different tooth heights, tooth widths, or both tooth heights and tooth widths to accommodate different sizes of anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular teeth. In one non-limiting example, the first and second matrices can be tooth specific, tooth type specific, and tooth surface specific.

[0014] In another non-limiting example, the present disclosure provides a method for closing a gap between a first tooth and a second tooth. The method may include providing a plurality of matrices, inserting a root end section of the first dental matrix into a groove between the gingival papilla and gingival portion of the first tooth. The method may then include disposing a composite restorative material between the first dental matrix and a surface of the first tooth, and then hardening the composite restorative material. The method may further include inserting a root end section of a second dental matrix into a groove between the gingival papilla and gingival portion of the second tooth. The method may further include disposing a second composite restorative material between the second dental matrix and a surface of the second tooth, and then hardening the second composite restorative material. The gap may be selected from a midline diastema gap, a naturally occurring gap, a black triangle gap, and a missing tooth gap.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a dental matrix is ​​provided that may have a curved strip of material. The strip may have a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to the surface of the tooth to be restored. The strip may also have a side, which may include a radius range and a radius range interruption, with a flattened area of ​​a middle section of the matrix located in the contact area of ​​the tooth to be restored when the matrix is ​​placed on the tooth. In one example of the present disclosure, the flattened area may have a second radius of curvature that may be larger than the first radius of curvature of the side section adjacent to the flattened area. The radius range interruption may have a size from top to bottom of the radius range interruption in the range of 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters. The constant radius interruptions may also be between 0.25 and 1.5 millimeters in size from the front end to the rear end of the constant radius interruptions. As a non-limiting example, the constant radius interruptions may be approximately 4 millimeters in size from the top to the bottom end of the constant radius interruptions, and the constant radius interruptions may be approximately 1.5 millimeters in size from the front to the rear end of the constant radius interruptions. The constant radius interruptions may be flattened in both an occlusal direction from the center of the side and a gingival direction from the center of the side. In another example, the constant radius interruptions may be flattened in both a buccal direction from the center of the side and a lingual direction from the center of the side. In another non-limiting example, the matrix may include a notch defined by a portion of the gingival margin of the strip. The gingival margin may further include a concave portion, a first convex portion, and a second convex portion in a side view, such that a section of the gingival margin of the strip corresponds in shape to a coronally directed protrusion of the gingival papilla adjacent the tooth. The material of the dental matrix may be translucent.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit is provided that may include a plurality of matrices. The plurality of matrices may include a first matrix of the plurality of matrices and may include a curved strip of a first material. The first strip may have a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end. The length and height of the first strip may be sufficient to create a shape for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. The first strip has a side, and the side may include a radius range and a radius range interruption with a flattened area in a middle section of the first matrix. The plurality of matrices may also include a second matrix of the plurality of matrices. The second matrix may further include a curved strip of a second material. The second strip may have a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end, and the length and height of the second strip is sufficient to create a shape for molding a restorative material to a surface of another tooth to be restored. The second strip has sides, which may include a radius and a radius of interruption in the flattened area of ​​the middle section of the second matrix. The first and second matrices have different overall sizes to accommodate different teeth, heights, tooth widths, both tooth heights and tooth widths, and to accommodate different sizes and shapes of anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular teeth. The first and second matrices may be tooth specific, tooth type specific, and tooth surface specific.

[0017] As an example of the present disclosure, a method for closing a gap between a first tooth and a second tooth is provided, which may include providing a plurality of dental matrices. The dental matrices may include a plurality of first dental matrices and a plurality of second dental matrices. The method may further include inserting a root end section of the first dental matrix into a groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the first tooth. The method may then include disposing a composite restorative material between the first dental matrix and a surface of the first tooth, and hardening the composite restorative material. The method may further include inserting a root end section of the second dental matrix into a groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the second tooth, and then disposing a second composite restorative material between the second dental matrix and a surface of the second tooth, and then hardening the second composite restorative material. The gap may be selected from a midline diastema gap, a naturally occurring gap, a black triangle gap, and a missing tooth gap.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a dental matrix is ​​provided, which may include a curved strip of material. The strip may have a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to the surface of the tooth to be restored. The strip may also have a radius interruption with sides including a radius and a recessed area in a middle section of the matrix that is located in the contact area of ​​the tooth to be restored when the matrix is ​​placed on the tooth to be restored. By way of example, the radius interruption may have a size from top to bottom within a range of 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters. In another non-limiting example, the constant radius interruptions can be in the range of 0.25 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters in size from anterior to posterior. Specifically, the constant radius interruptions can be approximately 4 millimeters in size from top to bottom, and the constant radius interruptions can be 1.5 millimeters in size from anterior to posterior. The constant radius interruptions can be concave in both an occlusal direction from the center of the side and a gingival direction from the center of the side. In another example, the constant radius interruptions can be concave in both a buccal direction from the center of the side and a lingual direction from the center of the side. In another non-limiting example, the matrix can include a notch defined by a portion of the gingival margin of the strip. The gingival margin can further include a concave portion, a first convex portion, and a second convex portion in a side view, such that the gingival margin section of the strip corresponds in shape to a coronally directed protuberance of the gingival papilla adjacent the tooth. The material of the dental matrix can be translucent.

[0019] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit is provided that may include a plurality of dental matrices. The plurality of matrices may include a first matrix and a second matrix. In one example, a first matrix of the plurality of matrices may include a curved strip of a first material. The first strip may have a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end. The length and height of the first strip may be sufficient to create a shape for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. The first strip may have a side including a radius and a radius interruption with a concave area in a middle section of the first matrix. A second matrix of the plurality of matrices may include a curved strip of a second material. The second strip may have a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end. The length and height of the second strip may be sufficient to create a shape for molding a restorative material to a surface of another tooth to be restored. The second strip can have sides that include a radius and a radius interruption with a recessed area in the middle section of the second matrix. The first and second matrices can have different overall sizes to accommodate different tooth heights, tooth widths, or both tooth heights and tooth widths to accommodate different sizes and shapes of anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular teeth. In one non-limiting example, the first and second matrices can be tooth specific, tooth type specific, and tooth surface specific.

[0020] In another non-limiting example, the present disclosure provides a method for closing a gap between a first tooth and a second tooth. The method may include providing a plurality of matrices as described above, inserting a root end section of the first dental matrix into a groove between the gingival papilla and gingival portion of the first tooth. The method may then include placing a composite restorative material between the first dental matrix and a surface of the first tooth, and then hardening the composite restorative material. The method may further include inserting a root end section of a second dental matrix into a groove between the gingival papilla and gingival portion of the second tooth. The method may further include placing a second composite restorative material between the second dental matrix and a surface of the second tooth, and then hardening the second composite restorative material. The gap may be selected from a midline diastema gap, a naturally occurring gap, a black triangle gap, and a missing tooth gap.

[0021] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a measurement gauge is provided that may include a handle segment and a distal segment connected to the handle segment. The distal segment may include graduated segments of various widths and may be sized to measure a gap between teeth to select a dental matrix for closing the gap. The distal segment may be used to measure a gap between teeth to select a dental matrix or pair of dental matrices. The gap may be selected from a midline diastema gap, a naturally occurring gap, a black triangle gap, a missing tooth gap. The width may range from 5 millimeters to 0.25 millimeters and may change abruptly between sizes. The distal segment may have a uniform and smooth transition between widths. The widths may be of equal step size and may be specified in increments of 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, or 1 mm.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit is provided that may include a measuring gauge and a plurality of dental matrices. The measuring gauge may further include a handle section and a distal end section connected to the handle section. The distal end section may include graduated sections of various widths, and the gauge may include different indicia associated with each of the widths. Each of the plurality of dental matrices may include a curved strip of material. The strip may have a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to create a shape for molding the restorative material to a surface of the tooth to be restored, and the first dental matrix may have a first matrix indicia corresponding to one of the different indicia of the gauge, and the second dental matrix may have a second matrix indicia corresponding to another different indicia of the gauge. In another non-limiting example, the constant radius range interruption may be a flat, flattened, or concave region of a middle section of the matrix that is located in the contact region of the tooth to be restored when the matrix is ​​placed on the tooth to be restored. The flattened region may have a larger radius of curvature between the flattened portions. In another non-limiting example, the indicia of the first matrix can be a first color, a first number, a first letter, and a first symbol, and the indicia of the second matrix can be a second color, a second number, a second letter, and a second symbol. In another non-limiting example, the kit can further include a tooth chart with symbols so that the user can record each of the various widths and check an appropriate box with a corresponding matrix of the plurality of dental matrices for each of the various widths. The first portion of the dental matrix can include a convex inner surface at the root-cap junction and extend into the second section to form a bulge for positioning adjacent the gum line of the tooth to be restored and to close the gap between the tooth to be restored and the adjacent tooth. The second dental matrix can include a convex inner surface at the root-cap junction that extends into the second section to form a bulge for positioning adjacent the gum line of the tooth to be restored and to close the gap between the tooth to be restored and the adjacent tooth. Here, the bulge of the first dental matrix and the bulge of the second dental matrix can have different magnitudes.

[0023] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for closing a gap between a first tooth and a second tooth is provided. The method includes: (i) providing a plurality of dental matrices; (ii) measuring the width of the gap with a digital camera or digital scanner; (iii) selecting one of the plurality of matrices by matching the indicia to the width; (iv) inserting a root section of one of the plurality of matrices into a groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the first tooth; (v) placing a composite restorative material between one of the plurality of matrices and a surface of the first tooth; and (vi) hardening the composite restorative material. Each of the plurality of dental matrices can have a size indicia. A first matrix of the plurality of matrices can include a curved strip of the first material. The first strip can have a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end, the length and height of the first strip being sufficient to create a shape for molding the restorative material to the surface of the tooth to be restored. The first strip can have a side including a radius and a radial interruption with a flat area in a middle section of the first matrix. The plurality of matrices may further include a second matrix that may include a second curved strip of material. The second strip may have a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end, the length and height of the second strip being sufficient to create a shape for molding the restorative material to the surface of another tooth to be restored. The second strip may have a side with a radius and a flat area interrupted at a middle section of the second matrix, the first matrix and the second matrix having various overall sizes to fit various tooth heights, tooth widths, or both tooth heights and tooth widths, and to accommodate different sizes and shapes of anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular teeth. The method may further include software that suggests one of the plurality of matrices. In one non-limiting example, selecting one of the plurality of matrices by matching the representation to the width may further include printing or milling one of the plurality of matrices to be shipped to the user using a milling or printing machine at a remote facility.Based on the gap width measured by the camera or scanner and the calculation file created for printing or milling, one of the multiple matrices can be printed or milled using a chairside office printer or milling machine, making one of the multiple matrices ready for use.

[0024] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for overmolding or molding a dental restorative material on a tooth is provided. The method may include (i) measuring the dimensions of a gap adjacent to the tooth with a digital camera or digital scanner, and (ii) printing or milling a dental matrix based on the dimensions to create a shape for overmolding or molding the restorative material into the gap. As an example, the method may further include (iii) placing a composite restorative material between the dental matrix and the surface of the tooth, and (iv) thereafter curing the composite restorative material. Printing or milling the dental matrix based on the dimensions to create a shape for overmolding or molding the restorative material into the gap may further include printing or milling the dental matrix using a chairside office printer or milling machine that creates the matrix, and using the matrix immediately.

[0025] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of restoring or adding a tooth is provided, the method including (i) digitally recording the shape of the tooth using a gauge, digital scanner, x-ray device, ultrasound device, MRI imaging device, or another imaging device, (ii) digitally creating a new tooth design to restore a broken, diseased, or worn tooth or to add to a tooth for cosmetic or functional reasons, and (iii) chairside or remotely printing or milling a dental matrix or a series of dental matrices onto or around the tooth to enable injection molding and injection overmolding of the tooth.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a measurement gauge is provided. The gauge is comprised of a handle section and a distal end section and is connected to the handle section. The distal end section can include a plurality of adjacent surface sections, each surface section dimensioned to have one of a plurality of different indicia used as a gauge to select an appropriate thickness of the light curable flowable composite resin to be placed in the cavity formation. Each of the plurality of different indicia can be a different color, a different number, or a different symbol. The plurality of adjacent surface sections can include (i) a first longitudinal length extending from a tip of the distal end section to a proximal end of the first surface section, where the first longitudinal length corresponds to a cure depth value of the light curable flowable composite resin, and (ii) a second surface section extending proximally from the proximal end of the first surface section. As an example, the multiple adjacent surface segments may include (i) a first surface segment having a first longitudinal length extending from a tip of the distal end segment to a proximal end of the first surface segment corresponding to a first cure depth value of the photocurable flowable composite resin at a first location of the cavity formation, (ii) a second surface segment extending proximally from the proximal end of the first surface segment and having a second longitudinal length from the tip of the distal end segment to the proximal end of the second surface segment corresponding to a second cure depth value of the photocurable flowable composite resin at a second location of the cavity formation, and (iii) a third surface segment extending proximally from the proximal end of the second surface segment.

[0027] As another non-limiting example, the present disclosure provides a method for restoring a tooth, the method including (i) removing a portion of the tooth to form a hollow cavity formation, (ii) inserting a distal end section of the gauge into the hollow cavity until a tip of the distal end section of the gauge contacts a bottom surface of the cavity formation. (iii) observing a position of an upper end of the cavity formation relative to the distal end section of the gauge and selecting one of the surface sections closest to the upper end of the cavity formation; (iv) injecting a depth of light-curable flowable composite resin into the cavity formation based on an indication of the one surface section closest to the upper end of the cavity formation; and (v) light-curing the flowable composite contained in the cavity formation.

[0028] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and device for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstructions that provides a rounded peripheral profile.

[0029] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and device for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstruction that does not compromise the root cap structure.

[0030] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and device for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstructions that provide a bulge near the gum line to fill the gum gap.

[0031] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a matrix for closing teeth and interproximal gaps and / or papilla reconstructions, which has an anatomical shape in the gingival area, but then has various levels of exaggerated profile at the root-crown junction.

[0032] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a matrix for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstructions, which is an anterior specific, compartmentalized matrix specifically designed for diastoma closure with bonded composite fillings.

[0033] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a matrix for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstruction, which is a matrix specifically designed for closing midline diastema (interdental gap).

[0034] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a matrix for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstruction, wherein the matrix is ​​a tooth-specific compartmentalized matrix.

[0035] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a matrix for closing teeth and interproximal gaps and / or papilla reconstructions, wherein the matrix is ​​a tooth and surface specific segmented matrix having an exaggerated root crown profile.

[0036] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a device for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstructions with a precise fit of a custom matrix that allows the matrix to be used without interdental wedges or elastic separators or spacers.

[0037] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a method and device for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstruction that allows for the creation of aesthetically pleasing papillae between adjacent teeth following midline diastema closure.

[0038] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a method and device for closing interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstruction that avoids subsequent deterioration of periodontal health following midline diastema closure.

[0039] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a matrix for closing teeth and interdental gaps and / or papilla reconstructions, which allows the dentition to slide to the depth of the gingival sulcus without the matrix tearing the tissue.

[0040] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a dental matrix used for midline diastema closure. [Figure 1A] 1A is a cross-sectional view of the dental matrix of FIG. 1 taken along line 1A-1A of FIG. 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a pair of dental matrices of FIG. 1 fitted together for use in midline diastema closure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of one problem that may be encountered when using a pair of dental matrices for midline diastema closure. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a front view of another problem that may be encountered when using a pair of dental matrices for midline diastema closure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a front view of another problem that may be encountered when using a pair of dental matrices for midline diastema closure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a front view of an X-ray tracing of a problem that may be encountered when using a pair of dental matrices for midline diastema closure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a front view of the marked tracing of the X-ray of FIG. 6A, illustrating a problem that may be encountered when using a pair of dental matrices for midline diastema closure. [Figure 7] FIG. 6B is a front view of the marked tracing of the X-ray of FIG. 6A, illustrating a problem that may be encountered when using a pair of dental matrices for midline diastema closure. [Figure 8A] Front view showing the central incisors. The Golden Ratio grid is displayed underneath the teeth. The Golden Ratio represents the ratio of 1:1.618 used to position the central and lateral incisors. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a detailed view of the tooth of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a top view of a matrix selection tool of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a side view of the matrix selection tool of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the matrix selection tool of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9C is a detailed view of a distal end section of the matrix selection tool of FIGS. 9A-9C. [Figure 10] FIG. 9B shows a detailed view of the matrix selection tool of FIG. 9A prior to insertion between the upper central incisors of a dental model. [Figure 11] FIG. 9B is a detailed view of the matrix selection tool of FIG. 9A inserted between the upper central incisors of a dental model showing the measuring teeth for the width of the first midline diastema. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view of a dental model showing the upper central incisors being color-coded with a first color. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front view of a dental model showing a pair of color-coded matrices of a first color inserted between the upper central incisors. [Figure 14] FIG. 9B is a detailed view of the matrix selection tool of FIG. 9A inserted between the upper central incisors of the dental model showing the measurement of the width of the second midline diastema. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a front view of a dental model illustrating color-coding of the upper central incisors with a second color. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a front view of a dental model showing a pair of color-coded matrices of a second color inserted back-to-back between the upper central incisors. [Figure 17] FIG. 9B is a detailed view of the matrix selection tool of FIG. 9A inserted between the upper central incisors of the dental model illustrating the measurement of the width of the third midline diastema. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a front view of a dental model showing the upper central incisors color-coded with a third color. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a front view of a dental model showing a pair of color-coded matrices of a third color inserted back-to-back between the maxillary central incisors. [Figure 20] FIG. 9B is a detailed view of the matrix selection tool of FIG. 9A inserted between the upper central incisors of the dental model illustrating the measurement of the width of the fourth midline diastema. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a front view of a dental model showing the upper central incisors color-coded with a fourth color. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a front view of a dental model showing a pair of color-coded matrices of a fourth color inserted back-to-back between the maxillary central incisors. [Diagram 23] FIG. 1 is a front view of a dental matrix suitable for use in the methods of the present disclosure. [Figure 23A] FIG. 24 is a front view of two matrices of FIG. 23 arranged in a back-to-back relationship. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a front view of another dental matrix suitable for use in the methods of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a side view of the matrix of FIG. 24. [Figure 26] 26 is a cross-sectional view of the dental matrix of FIG. 23 taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 23. [Figure 27A]27A is a cross-sectional view of the dental matrix of FIG. 25 taken along line 27A-27A of FIG. 25. [Figure 27B] 27B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 27A of another dental matrix suitable for use in the methods of the present disclosure. [Figure 27C] 27B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 27A of another dental matrix suitable for use in the methods of the present disclosure. [Figure 28A] FIG. 13 is a mesial view of another dental matrix placed on a human left central incisor for use in the method of the present disclosure. [Figure 28B] FIG. 1 is a front view of an incisor having another dental matrix for use in the method of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a side view of the case depth gauge of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a detailed view of the distal end section of the hardened depth gauge of FIG. 29. [Diagram 31] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the case depth gauge of FIG. 29 prior to insertion into a tooth hollow cavity preparation. [Diagram 32] FIG. 30 is a detailed perspective view of the depth of the hardening gauge of FIG. 29 after insertion into a tooth cavity preparation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] In the figures of the following drawing description, like reference numbers are used to refer to like parts from one figure to another.

[0043] With reference to Figures 1-5, the much dreaded black triangle can be treated using dental matrix 1 in the manner described in US Patent No. 8,393,897. The procedure is performed successfully in most cases, pleasing patients and practitioners. However, there remains a need for improvement. A front view of a single dental matrix 1 is shown in Figure 1. Matrix 1 has a curved strip of material 2. The strip 2 has a length from a first end 3 to a second end 4 sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to the surface of the tooth to be restored. The strip 2 has a side 5 with a constant radius R. In Figure 2, matrix 1 is placed on the mesial surface of a right maxillary central incisor (not shown) to mate in ideal tension with a second matrix 1a on the mesial surface of a left maxillary central incisor when the correct curvature happens to match the gap of the black triangle. Similar to matrix 1, matrix 1a has a strip with a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to the surface of the tooth to be restored. The matrix 1a has a side surface 5a having a constant radius.

[0044] In smaller gaps, a matrix 1 may "tease" another matrix 1a, with the convexity of side 5 of the left matrix 1 crumpling side 5a of the right matrix 1a at the central tooth (see Figure 3). In Figure 4, matrix 1a is crumpled at various parts of side 5a of the right matrix 1a. In Figure 5, matrix 1a is inverted at side 5a. When matrix 1 and matrix 1a are paired, Any of these three inadvertent incorrect shapes in Figures 3-5 may occur. When placing a composite restorative material, the material is injected in a flowable state and solidifies (i.e., polymerizes) inside the matrix, resulting in the shape of the filling material, whatever the shape of the matrix. The shape of the resulting composite material may match the improperly altered shape of matrix 1a in the example of Figures 3-5, which, if left untreated, may lead to food impaction and periodontal (gum) inflammation and infection. Managing the two convex contact areas of thin, pliable materials required for light transmission (not stainless steel strips, but transparent polymeric materials such as Mylar® polyester film used in matrices 1 and 1a) can be clinically difficult and highly prone to distortion. When using matrices 1 and 1a, this can be a challenge for the clinician. Sometimes, dentists may not be able to identify a crumpled or everted matrix in a pair of matrices, identifying the problem only after the restorative material has polymerized. As a result, the final restoration must be drilled out and replaced, or the patient must live with less than ideal gum health in that area.

[0045] Additional work is required to mitigate the problem of improperly altered matrix shape as shown in the examples in Figures 3-5, by inserting the matrix into the teeth near the black triangle to evaluate the excessive curvature, then customizing Matrix 1 by removing and trimming the bottom part of the matrix with special micro-scissors to reduce the curvature. Matrix 1 is then reinserted and checked again. In some cases, the process needs to be repeated and the matrix trimmed again, or if the matrix has been cut too flat, it needs to be started over with a new matrix.

[0046] Figures 6A-7 further illustrate this problem. Figures 6A and 6B show how an overly convex contact area inverts the other matrix, resulting in a concave shape of the mesial MR of the right maxillary central incisor RMCI (see line LL in Figure 6B) and the mesial ML of the left maxillary central incisor LMCI having a concave area shown by line LP in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows how the concave contact area creates stains, bacterial accumulation, and a tilted (crooked) midline LP. In the case of Figure 7, the matrix problem creates an asymmetric central incisor (left maxillary central incisor LMCI is wider than right maxillary central incisor RMCI). See Figures 8A and 8B. This is never an acceptable result and the average person easily identifies that something is wrong. For ideal aesthetics, the central incisors should be mirror images of each other.

[0047] The present disclosure provides advances that eliminate the problems identified with reference to Figures 1-8B. Among other things, the present disclosure provides (i) a matrix selection tool (e.g., a graduated gauge) that allows a dentist to select a pair of matrices with dimensions that mitigate the problem of improperly altered shapes of the matrices as shown in the examples of Figures 3-5, (ii) a kit including color-coded paired matrices that allows a dentist to avoid the problem of improperly altered shapes of the matrices as shown in the examples of Figures 3-5, and (iii) a method of using the matrix selection tool and paired matrices.

[0048] 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, there is shown a graduated gauge 90 suitable for use as a matrix selection tool of the present invention. Graduated gauge 90 has a handle section 91, a middle section 92 angled at 70° relative to handle section 91, and a distal section 93 angled at 105° relative to middle section 92. Distal section 93 has an outer diameter of 2 millimeters OD 1.0 mm that is color coded blue. 95 The first section has an outer diameter of 1.50 mm, color coded green 96 The second section has an outer diameter of 1 mm, color coded yellow. 973rd section 97 with OD 0.50 mm, color coded pink 98 and a fourth section 98 having an outer diameter OD 94 is about 2.5 mm.

[0049] 10-22 show how the graduated gauge 90 can be used to select a pair of matrices to be used in the method of treating midline diastema closure and retracted gingival papilla. FIG. 10 shows the graduated gauge 90 of the present invention before insertion between the right upper and left upper central incisors RMCI and LMCI of a dental model 100 including maxillary teeth. In FIG. 11, it can be seen that the fourth section 98 of the graduated gauge 90 (0.50 millimeter outer diameter, color-coded pink) best fits the gap G1 between the right upper and left upper central incisors RMCI and LMCI of the dental model 100 (modeling the interdental gap). This gap can be referred to as the "pink" size gap. In FIG. 12, the right upper and left upper central incisors RMCI and LMCI are temporarily labeled with a pink dye Dp to indicate the gap size. In Figure 13, a pair of "pink" sized matrices 13, 14 are positioned in a back-to-back relationship between the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI. The matrices 13, 14 include pink color-coded sections 13d, 14d, respectively.

[0050] Continuing to look at FIG. 13, a clear plastic anatomical segment matrix 13, 14 may be placed around the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI, with anatomical root-adaptive contact maintained via the anatomical root-apical segments of the matrix 13, 14. The matrix 13, 14 is self-wedging and self-stabilizing. The outer surface of each of the maxillary central incisors is etched with liquid and / or gel phosphoric acid. Alternatively, the method may incorporate self-etching resins that do not require a separate etching step with phosphoric acid, or techniques that bond the filling material to dentin (cementum) or enamel. The outer surface of each of the maxillary central incisors may be reached through a slit in the edge of the matrix 13, 14, or by gently pulling the incisal portion of the matrix 13, 14 away from the tooth while leaving the gingival portion of the matrix 13, 14. The outer surface of each of the maxillary central incisors is then rinsed and dried. A lightly filled or unfilled light-cured resin dental adhesive is then applied to the outer surface of each of the maxillary central incisors. At this point, the resin tooth adhesive is not light cured. The resin tooth adhesive strengthens the bond to the enamel and / or dentin. However, the resin adhesive may not be necessary. One example of a resin tooth adhesive is available under the trade name OptiBond Solo Plus®.

[0051] The light-curable flowable composite resin is then injected (expanded if possible) directly into the resin tooth adhesive without introducing air bubbles. Squeeze a small amount of the light-curable flowable composite resin before placement to ensure there is no air in the cannula. At this point, the light-curable flowable composite and resin tooth adhesive are not light-cured. Generally, light-curable flowable composite resins contain 20-25% less filler in the light-curable polymeric material than non-flowable paste materials. Light-curable flowable composite resins include Filtek™, Flow-It™, EshetX™, Revolution™, AeliteFlo™, PermaFlo™, Dyract Flow™, Tetric™, and Heliomolar™. Light-curable resins may be preferred because they have greater color stability than chemically cured resins. However, chemical curing or any type of polymerization / hardening / cure of the filling material may also be used. When using a metal matrix, the use of chemical curing may be indicated. Also, the method is not limited to flowable composite resins containing fewer filler particles. One example of variations includes the initial placement of a flowable composite material that is less viscous than the paste composite material due to its low filler content and from the thixotropic effect of extrusion through a small orifice tip, highly filled paste materials that have a temporary viscosity reduction to allow for more flow and easier placement, chemical and filler content formulation changes, heat or temporary viscosity reduction, and / or paste modification through pressure and / or other physical effects.

[0052] Next, the photocurable paste composite resin is mixed with the flowable composite resin without generating air bubbles. The composite resin is extruded into the tooth adhesive, allowing the composite resin to replace (and possibly expand) some of the resin tooth adhesive with a less filled flowable composite resin. Composite resins are available commercially under trade names such as 3M Z100®, 3M Filtek Supreme®, and Prodigy®. The next step is burnishing, sculpting of the anatomy, and sculpting of the excess composite. There is no need to use a capacitor or plugger. Immediately after using the injection molding technique, the matrix 13, 14 moves nicely and continues to encase the cervical portion of the tooth even as the incisal gap closes. The gingival sulcus itself is stabilized. Alternatively, other products such as silicone stabilizer specific or non-specific wedges may be used with the matrix depending on the particular case or operator preference. The wedge presses the matrix against the root of the tooth. Conventional wedges may destroy the exaggerated root-attached profile of the matrix, while specific wedges may work with subtle stabilization. When metal matrices or thick polymeric matrices are used, conventional wedges do not destroy the exaggerated root-attachment profile of the matrix.

[0053] The filled formulation is then cured using a curing light such as a high intensity light emitting diode (LED) light, plasma arc curing light, halogen light, or laser light. The matrix13,14 is then removed and the restored maxillary central incisor is polished with disks, strips, and rubber tipped carbide burs to achieve a seamless filling.

[0054] 11-13 show the use of a graduated gauge 90 to select a pair of matrices for use in a method of treating a recessed gingival papilla having a black gap approximately 0.50 millimeters wide. However, the graduated gauge 90 may be used to select a pair of matrices for treating recessed gingival papillae having black gaps of various widths.

[0055] In FIG. 14, it can be seen that the third section 97 (one millimeter outer diameter, color-coded yellow) of the graduated gauge 90 best fits the gap G2 (modeling the gap between the teeth) between the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI of the dental model 100. This gap can be referred to as a "yellow" size gap, and in FIG. 15, the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI are temporarily labeled with a yellow dye Dy to indicate the gap size. In FIG. 16, a pair of "yellow" size matrices 17, 18 are placed in a back-to-back relationship between the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI. Continuing to look at FIG. 16, the clear plastic anatomical section matrices 17, 18 can be placed around the maxillary central incisors, and anatomical root-adaptive contact can be maintained via the anatomical root-end sections of the matrices 17, 18. The matrices 17, 18 include yellow color-coded sections 17d, 18d, respectively. The maxillary right central incisor RMCI and the maxillary left central incisor LMCI may be restored using the restorative materials described with reference to FIG.

[0056] In FIG. 17, it can be seen that the second section 96 (1.50 millimeter outer diameter, color-coded green) of the graduated gauge 90 best fits the gap G3 (modeling the gap between the teeth) between the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI of the tooth model 100. This gap is referred to as the "green" size gap, and in FIG. 18, the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI are temporarily labeled with a green dye Dg to indicate the gap size. In FIG. 19, a pair of "green" size matrices 21A, 21B are positioned in a back-to-back relationship between the maxillary central incisors. Continuing to look at FIG. 19, the clear plastic anatomical section matrices 21A, 21B can be placed around the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI to maintain anatomical root-adaptive contact via the anatomical root-end sections of the matrices 21A, 21B. The matrices 21A, 21B include sections 27, 28, color-coded green, respectively. As described with reference to FIG. 13, the maxillary central incisors may be restored using a restorative material.

[0057] In FIG. 20, it can be seen that the first section 95 (2 millimeter outer diameter, color-coded blue) of the graduated gauge 90 best fits the gap G4 (modeling the gap between the teeth) between the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI of the dental model 100. This midline diastema can be referred to as a "blue" size gap, and in FIG. 21, the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI are temporarily labeled with a blue dye Db to indicate the gap size. In FIG. 22, a pair of "blue" size matrices 24, 25 are placed in a back-to-back relationship between the right maxillary central incisor RMCI and the left maxillary central incisor LMCI. Continuing to look at FIG. 22, the clear plastic anatomical section matrices 24, 25 can be placed around the maxillary central incisors, and anatomical root-adaptive contact can be maintained via the anatomical root-end sections of the matrices 24, 25. The matrices 24, 25 include sections 24d, 25d, each color-coded blue. The maxillary central incisors may be restored using a restorative material as described with reference to FIG.

[0058] Thus, the disclosed method of determining the actual clinical width of the black triangle corresponding to the appropriate matrix utilizes a graduated gauge 90 that can be inserted between the teeth to record the measurement of the size of the black triangle (e.g., width in millimeters). The use of blue, green, yellow, and pink colors on the segments 95, 96, 97, 98 of the graduated gauge 90 and the matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25 is a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Other colors can be used as indicators to match the gap size to a pair of matrices. Alternatively, each surface segment 95, 96, 97, 98 of the graduated gauge 90 can have a different indicator that is used as a gauge to select a matrix. The different indicators can be, for example, different numbers or different symbols. Additionally, the graduated gauge 90 can have a different number of indicator-coded segments that correspond to a different number of indicator-coded matrices. Also, another matrix selection tool can be used instead of the graduated gauge 90. For example, the gap width can be measured using an optical measuring device. Widths obtained using such optical measuring devices can be matched to a mating matrix by viewing a table which correlates the measured width to the color of the appropriate mating matrix. Additionally, the calibrated gauge 90 and matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25 may be used between adjacent teeth as well as the maxillary central incisors described in Figures 10-22.

[0059] The kits of the invention may include a matrix selection tool (e.g., a calibrated gauge 90) and a supply of multiple indicia (e.g., color) coded matrices, each of which may have a variety of curvatures, from gentle to acute, designed to be sold in at least four curvatures. Multiple matrices with varying amounts of gingival curve or matrix bulge accommodate different sizes of black triangles, expansion of contact area to treat black triangles of different widths.

[0060] 23, 24, 25, 26, 27A, 27B, 27C, 28A, and 28B illustrate various advantageous features of matrices sized and color coded, such as matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25. In FIG. 23 and FIG. 26, one embodiment of a matrix 30 sized and color coded, such as matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25, is shown. The matrix 30 has a curved strip 32 of translucent material, such as Mylar® polyester film. The strip 32 has a length from a first end 33 to a second end 34 sufficient to create a shape for molding the restorative material to the surface of the tooth to be restored. The strip 32 has a side 35 that includes a constant radius R1. A matrix 30 is placed on a tooth surface (e.g., right maxillary central incisor) to mate with a second matrix 30 on an adjacent tooth surface (e.g., left maxillary central incisor) and has ideal tension when the correct curvature matches the gap of the black triangle as shown in FIG. 23A. The matrix 30 is flat and has an interrupted radius region 37 having a vertical height Vh (see FIG. 23) of about 3.5 mm and a horizontal width (see FIG. 26) of about 1.5 mm. The interrupted radius region 37 is located in the contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed on the restored tooth.

[0061] In Figures 24, 25, and 27A, another embodiment of a matrix 30A is shown that is sized and color coded like matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25. The matrix 30A has a curved strip 32A of translucent material (e.g., Mylar® polyester film). The strip 32A has a length from a first end 33A to a second end 34A sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to the tooth surface to be restored. The strip 32A has a side 35A that includes a constant radius R1. The matrix 30A is placed on a tooth surface (e.g., the mesial surface of a right maxillary central incisor) to mate with a second matrix 30A on an adjacent tooth surface (e.g., the mesial surface of a left maxillary central incisor) and has ideal tension when the correct curvature matches the gap of the black triangle as shown in Figure 23A. The matrix 30A has a flat interrupted radius region 37A. The matrix 30A has an interrupted radius region 37A that is flat and has a vertical height Vh of about 8 millimeters (see FIG. 24). The interrupted radius region 37A is located in the contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed over the restored tooth.

[0062] FIG. 27B shows another embodiment of a matrix 30B that can be sized and color coded like matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25. The matrix 30B has a curved strip 32B of translucent material (e.g., Mylar® polyester film). The strip 32B has a length from a first end 33B to a second end 34B sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to the tooth surface to be restored. The strip 32B has a side 35B that includes a constant radius range R1. The matrix 30B is placed on a tooth surface (e.g., the mesial surface of a right maxillary central incisor) to mate with a second matrix 30B on an adjacent tooth surface (e.g., the mesial surface of a left maxillary central incisor) and has ideal tension when the correct curvature matches the gap of the black triangle as shown in FIG. 23A. The matrix 30B has an interrupted radius region 37B that is flattened but retains a slight curvature. The flattened region 37B can have a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature of the constant radius region R1 of the cross section of the side surface 35B adjacent the flattened region 37B. The interrupted constant radius region 37B is located in the contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed on the restored tooth.

[0063] In FIG. 27C, another embodiment of matrix 30C is shown, sized and color coded like matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25. Matrix 30C has a curved strip 32C of translucent material (e.g., Mylar® polyester film). Strip 32C has a length from a first end 33C to a second end 34C sufficient to create a shape for molding the restorative material to the tooth surface to be restored. Strip 32C has a side 35C that includes a constant radius R1. Matrix 30C is placed on a tooth surface (e.g., mesial surface of a right maxillary central incisor) to mate with a second matrix 30C on an adjacent tooth surface (e.g., mesial surface of a left maxillary central incisor) and has ideal tension when the correct curvature matches the gap of the black triangle, as shown in FIG. 23A. Matrix 30C has an interrupted radius region 37C that is concave with respect to outer surface 38C. The interrupted constant radius coverage area 37C is located at the contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed on the restored tooth.

[0064] 26, 27A, 27B, and 27C show the effect of the specified interrupted radius region (small 25A-C show views of various matrices 30, 30A, 30B, and 30C with small flats=26, large flats=FIG. 27A, slight curvature flats=FIG. 27B, or concave regions=FIG. 27C). The interrupted radius regions 37, 37A, 37B, 37C (flats, flats, flattened, or concave regions) may be approximately 4 mm (top-to-bottom V in FIG. 25) by 1.5 mm (front-to-back H in FIG. 25) in dimensions, but may be as large as 12 mm (top-to-bottom V) by 5 mm, or as small as 1 mm by 0.25 mm (front-to-back H in incisal to gingival) and are designed to mate with the same flat region of a second matrix in a back-to-back relationship (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23A). The interrupted radial regions 37, 37A, 37B, 37C of one matrix pair nicely with the adjacent interrupted radial regions 37, 37A, 37B, 37C of another matrix when placed on an adjacent tooth, resisting the tendency of the delicate polymer film of the matrix to wrinkle or evert, as shown in Figures 3-5.

[0065] Another advantage is that matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25 can be tooth specific. For example: maxillary central incisors, maxillary lateral incisors, maxillary canines, mandibular incisors, etc. Alternatively, matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25 can simply vary from small to large to accommodate the various teeth with size variations present in all human dentition. There are also large differences in size between patients of various sizes, such as small females to large males. Central incisors can vary, for example, from 7 millimeters in width up to 11 millimeters. By "tooth specific," we mean that at least a portion of matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25 are configured to conform to the shape of the outer surface of the particular natural tooth being restored, such as (but not limited to) the maxillary lateral incisors.

[0066] As another advantage, matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25 can be tooth type specific, meaning that at least a portion of the matrix is ​​configured to match the shape of the outer surface of a particular natural tooth, such as (but not limited to) a lingual incisor or a buccal incisor.

[0067] As another advantage, matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25 can be tooth surface specific, meaning that at least a portion of the matrix is ​​configured to conform to the shape of the exterior surface of a particular natural tooth surface, such as (but not limited to) the surfaces of the lingual or buccal incisors.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 28A, a mesial view of another non-limiting example dental matrix 130 according to the present invention is shown. Referring to FIG. 28A, an upper incisor 111 is shown having a distinct section dental matrix 130 disposed thereon. The dental matrix 130 can be formed from a translucent or transparent material, such as a polymer film. One non-limiting example material is a polyester film commercially available as Mylar™. The matrix 130 has a strip of material having a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to the surface of the tooth to be restored. The length of the pre-curved matrix 130 is approximately 13 millimeters, and the height can range from approximately 10 millimeters to 13 millimeters.

[0069] The matrix 130 has a root section 132 that is anatomically shaped. The root section 132 terminates at the gingival margin 138. The actual anatomical shape of the root section 132 of the matrix 130 can be created from scans of natural teeth, impressions of natural teeth, and / or impressions of tooth models. Thus, by "anatomical" it is meant that the root section 132 of the matrix 130 has an inner surface that matches the shape of the outer surface of the particular area of ​​a natural tooth that contacts the root section 132 of the matrix 130.

[0070] The mesial side of the root section 132 of the matrix 130 has an upwardly directed notch 136 that creates a gingival margin 138 that corresponds in shape to the gingival margin 119 adjacent the tooth 111 and the upward projection of the gingival papilla at the underlying periodontal and bone attachment of the tooth 111. The distal side of the root section 132 of the matrix 130 also has an upwardly directed notch 136 that creates a gingival margin 138 that corresponds in shape to the gingival margin 119 adjacent the tooth 111 and the upward projection of the gingival papilla at the underlying periodontal and bone attachment of the tooth 111. The root section 132 of the matrix 130 can be completely or partially anatomical. As a result, the matrix 130 can be used without interdental wedges, elastic separators, or spacers. The anatomical shape allows for hands-free and wedge-free use as the matrix 130 cradles the tooth 111. The root section 132 can have a vertical dimension ranging from 0.5 to 2 millimeters. The section matrix 130 has a second section 134 integral with the root section 132. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 28A, the second section 134 of the matrix 130 is anatomically shaped to match the shape of the outer surface of the tooth 111. The matrix 130 has an interrupted radius region 137 that can be formed in any of the configurations of the interrupted radius regions 37, 37A, 37B, 37C of matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25. The matrix 130 can be designation (e.g., color) coded as matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 28B, a facial view of another non-limiting example dental matrix 230 on incisor I according to the present invention is shown. The dental matrix 230 can be formed from a translucent or transparent material, such as a polymer film. One non-limiting example material is a polyester film commercially available as Mylar™. The matrix 230 has a first apical section 232 that is anatomically shaped. The actual anatomical shape of the apical section 232 of the matrix 230 can be created from a scan of a natural tooth, a mold of a natural tooth, and / or a mold of a tooth model. Thus, by "anatomical," it is meant that the apical section 232 of the matrix 230 has an inner surface that matches the shape of the outer surface of the particular area of ​​the natural tooth that contacts the apical section 232 of the matrix 230. As shown in FIG. 28B, the apical section 232 of the matrix 230 matches the outer surface of the gingival portion of the incisor I. The apical section 232 of the matrix 230 can be fully or partially anatomical. As a result, the matrix 230 can be used without interproximal wedges, elastic separators, or spacers. The anatomical shape allows the matrix 230 to cradle the incisors I, allowing for hands-free and wedge-free use.

[0072] The segmented matrix 230 has a second segment (root cap junction profile) 234 that is integral with the apical segment 232. The second segment 234 is not anatomically shaped to match the shape of the outer surface 218 of the incisor I. The outer surface 218 may have been created by removing a portion of the incisor I. With particular reference to FIG. 28B, an exaggerated root cap profile 236 of the second segment 234 is created at the junction of the apical segment 232 and the second segment 234. The exaggerated root cap profile 236 extends away from the outer surface 218 of the incisor I. The exaggerated root cap profile 236 blends with a side profile 238 of the second segment 234 of the matrix 230. The exaggerated root cap profile 236 and the side profile 238 of the second segment 234 of the matrix 230 create a mild to severe non-anatomical bulge. A gap 239 between the outer surface 218 of incisor I and the inner surface of the exaggerated root crown profile 236 and lateral contour 238 creates a mold for dental filling material to close the midline diastema between the teeth. Matrix 230 has an interrupted radius region 237 that may be formed in any of the configurations of interrupted radius regions 37, 37A, 37B, 37C of matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25. Matrix 230 may be indication (e.g., color) coded as matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, and 25.

[0073] Because the gingiva can accommodate a wide range of shapes, the clinician can create convenient interproximal shapes using complementary matrices 13, 14, 17, 18, 21A, 21B, 24, 25, 130, and 230, where the restoration is smooth and lacks a pair of sharp peripheral ledges. The emergence profile of bridge abutments and exogenous implants aptly illustrates this clinical reality. Papilla reconstruction driven by the restoration according to the present invention should become a viable option for all restorative dentists. Until now, there have been few dedicated tools or techniques to facilitate papilla reconstruction. Previous attempts at both midline diastema closure and papilla reconstruction using direct composites have tended to end with significant compromises to periodontal health. The interproximal papilla serves as an aesthetic and functional asset, and the anatomically ideal interproximal composite shape created using the method of the present invention can serve as a predictable scaffold to restore this precious gingival structure.

[0074] It is becoming increasingly common for dentists to take digital representations of teeth after grinding them down in order to rebuild them with materials such as zirconia, porcelain, or gold. A crown or veneer is then machined using CAD / CAM and bonded to the remaining tooth stump. Sometimes the teeth are scanned before grinding them down to obtain a duplicate shape for the milled restoration.

[0075] Tooth wear is traumatic and requires more conservative treatment. Currently, Bioclear ( While matrices sold under the trademark TM offer an endless number of prefabricated shapes, a customized matrix specific to every tooth of every patient would be beneficial.

[0076] To meet this need, the present invention also provides a method for digitally recording the shape of a tooth using a gauge, digital scanner, x-ray machine, ultrasound machine, MRI imager, or another imaging device. The design is then digitized to restore missing, diseased, or worn teeth, or to add to teeth for cosmetic or functional reasons. A matrix or series of matrices can then be printed or milled chairside or remotely and then placed around or over the tooth to allow for injection molding and injection overmolding of the tooth.

[0077] When used in dental restorative techniques, light-curable composite resins require a specific wavelength of light to excite a photoinitiator that starts the polymerization process. Insufficient light penetration can result in insufficient initiation of this reaction, leading to under- or non-cured materials. Incomplete curing of composite resins is associated with a decrease in their mechanical properties and biocompatibility. As a result, manufacturers and suppliers of dental resins provide recommendations for cure depth. For example, a manufacturer may recommend the use of a specific exposure time to cure a 2- or 4-millimeter thick composite resin. Thus, the dentist places the light-curable flowable composite resin in increments such as 2- or 4-millimeters to achieve a good cure depth.

[0078] It can be appreciated that deeper cavity preparations take longer to place, apply, and cure each of the multiple increments. However, reductions in the number of increments are limited by manufacturer recommendations regarding the maximum thickness of composite resin that will provide an acceptable cure depth. Therefore, what is needed is a device that allows the dentist to determine the depth of cavity preparation so as not to exceed the manufacturer's recommendation regarding the maximum thickness of composite resin for adequate cure depth.

[0079] The aforementioned needs are met by a measurement gauge including a handle section and a distal end section connected to the handle section. The distal end section includes a plurality of adjacent surface sections. Each surface section has a different indicia thereon that is used as a gauge to select an appropriate thickness of a light curable flowable composite resin to place in the cavity formation. The different indicia may be different colors, different numbers, or different symbols.

[0080] In the disclosed method, a tooth is restored using the following steps, including: (a) removing a portion of the tooth to form a cavity formation; (b) inserting a distal end section of a gauge into the hollow cavity formation until a tip of the distal end section of the gauge contacts a bottom surface of the cavity formation; (c) observing the position of a top end of the cavity formation relative to the distal end section of the gauge and selecting one of the surface sections closest to the top end of the cavity formation; (d) injecting a depth of light-curable flowable composite resin into the cavity formation based on an indication of one of the surface sections closest to the top edge of the cavity formation; and (e) light-curing the flowable composite contained in the cavity formation.

[0081] 29-32, an example of a measurement gauge 390 of the present invention is shown, which is suitable for ensuring that the thickness of the layer of light curable flowable composite resin placed in the cavity preparation does not exceed the recommended value for the maximum thickness of the composite resin to the proper depth of cure. Tools and techniques for removing a portion of the top surface of the tooth and a portion of the interproximal surface of the tooth 396 to form the hollow cavity preparation 397 are well known in the art and will not be described further. A matrix 501, dental wedge 502 (such as described in WO / 2015 / 187927), and separator ring 504 (such as described in WO / 2016 / 183360) are used to restore the teeth shown in FIGS. 31 and 32.

[0082] Measurement gauge 390 has a handle section 391, a middle section 392 angled at 70° relative to handle section 391, and a distal end section 388 angled at 105° relative to middle section 392. Distal end section 388 includes a first section 393 that is color coded red, a second section 394 that is color coded yellow, and a third section 395 that is color coded green.

[0083] The distal end section 388 of the measurement gauge 390 is inserted into the hollow cavity formation 397 of the tooth 396 until the tip of the distal end section of the measurement gauge 390 contacts the bottom surface of the cavity formation 397. See Figures 31 and 32. The dentist observes the position of the top end 401 of the cavity formation 397 relative to the distal end section 388 of the measurement gauge 390 and selects one of the surface sections 393, 394, 395 that is closest to the top end 401 of the cavity formation 397. The color of the closest surface section is shown. For example, if the third section 395 (color coded green) is closest to the top edge 401 of the cavity formation 397, a situation called "OK" is presented and the light curable flowable composite resin can be filled up to the top edge 401 of the cavity formation 397 and the proper cure depth can be achieved. If the second section 394 (color coded yellow) is closest to the top edge 401 of the cavity formation 397, a condition called "Caution" is presented and the light curable flowable composite resin may be filled up to the top edge 401 of the cavity formation 397 and the proper cure depth may be achieved, however, care must be taken to ensure that overfilling of the light curable flowable composite resin does not occur. If the first section 393 (color coded red) is closest to the top end 401 of the cavity formation 397, a condition called "No" is presented and the light curable flowable composite resin cannot be filled up to the top end 397 of the cavity formation 401. Two or more incremental layers of light curable flowable composite resin must be used to ensure the proper cure depth for each layer.

[0084] The third section 395 (color coded green - "OK") may have a length of 4 millimeters from the tip of the distal section of the measurement gauge 390. The second section 394 (color coded yellow - "Caution") may be located 4-5 millimeters from the tip of the distal section of the measurement gauge 390. The first section 393 (color coded red - "No Good") may be located to begin more than 5 millimeters from the tip of the distal section of the measurement gauge 390. Thus, non-limiting exemplary measurement gauges 390 are 4 millimeter (green), 5 millimeter (yellow), and no good (red) depth gauges, since current bulk-filled dental composites may have maximum depths of healing of 4 and 5 millimeters (e.g., 5 millimeters interproximally and only 4 millimeters in the center of the tooth because there is no 3-point cure, i.e., 3-point cure is from the occlusal, buccal, and lingual sides, which is only possible interproximally).

[0085] Different manufacturers may have different recommendations for the maximum thickness of a particular composite resin that provides an acceptable cure depth for a particular composite resin. Thus, the measurement gauge 390 may be specially dimensioned for a particular composite resin. For example, one composite resin may have a cure depth specification of 3 millimeters. A unique measurement gauge may be sold with this composite resin. The measurement gauge may have a second segment (color coded green - "OK") that is 3 millimeters long from the tip of the distal end segment of the measurement gauge. The measurement gauge may have a first segment (color coded red - "NOT OK") that begins more than 3 millimeters from the tip of the distal end segment of the measurement gauge. Another composite resin may have a cure depth specification of 2 millimeters. A unique measurement gauge may be sold with this composite resin. The measurement gauge may have a second segment (color coded green - "OK") that is 2 millimeters long from the tip of the distal end segment of the measurement gauge. The measurement gauge may have a first section (color coded red - "no good") beginning more than 2 millimeters from the tip of the distal section of the measurement gauge. Similar unique measurement gauges may be provided for composite resins with different cure depths.

[0086] Manufacturers may have different recommendations for the maximum thickness of a particular composite resin that provides an acceptable cure depth for a particular composite resin at a particular tooth location. For example, the maximum thickness of a particular composite resin that provides an acceptable cure depth in the proximal region of a tooth may be 5 millimeters, whereas the acceptable cure depth for the same resin in the central region of a tooth may be 4 millimeters. Thus, the measuring gauge 390 may be dimensioned specifically for a particular composite resin, and the unique measuring gauge may be sold with this composite resin. The third segment 395 of the measuring gauge 390 (color coded green - "OK") may be 4 millimeters long from the tip of the distal segment of the measuring gauge 390, indicating that the resin is suitable for filling all tooth locations. The second segment 394 (color coded yellow - "Caution") may be 4-5 millimeters long from the tip of the distal segment of the measuring gauge 390, indicating that the resin is suitable for filling proximal tooth locations. A first section 393 (color coded red - "no good") may be located more than 5 millimeters from the tip of the distal end section of the measurement gauge 390 and indicates that the resin is not suitable for single layer curing.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described in some detail with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be practiced other than in the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and therefore the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Claims

1. a curved strip of material having a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to form a shape for molding a restorative material to a surface of a restored tooth, the strip having sides that include a radius, and an interruption in the radius with a flat area in a midsection of the matrix that is located in the contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed on the restored tooth. Dental matrix.

2. 2. The dental matrix of claim 1, wherein the radius of the interruption ranges from top to bottom in a dimension of 1 to 12 millimeters and from front to back in a dimension of 0.25 to 5 millimeters.

3. 3. The dental matrix of claim 2, wherein the radiused interruption measures approximately 4 millimeters from top to bottom and 1.5 millimeters from front to back.

4. 2. The dental matrix of claim 1, wherein the constant radius of interruption is flattened in both an occlusal direction from the center of the side and a gingival direction from the center of the side, and the constant radius of interruption is flattened in both a buccal direction from the center of the side and a lingual direction from the center of the side.

5. 2. The dental matrix of claim 1, wherein the matrix includes a notch defined by a gingival section of the strip, the gingival section including, in a side view, a recess, a first convex portion, and a second convex portion, the gingival section of the strip corresponding in shape to a coronally oriented protrusion of a gingival papilla adjacent a tooth.

6. The dental matrix of claim 1 , wherein the material is translucent.

7. A kit comprising a plurality of dental matrices, a first matrix of the plurality of matrices includes a curved strip of a first material, the first strip having a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end sufficient to create a shape for molding a restorative material to a tooth surface to be restored, the first strip having sides that include a radius, and an interruption of the radius with a flat area in a middle section of the first matrix; a second matrix of the plurality of matrices includes a curved strip of a second material, the second strip having a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end sufficient to create a shape for molding restorative material to a surface of another tooth to be restored, the second strip having sides that include a radius, and an interruption of the radius with a flat area in a middle section of the second matrix; the first matrix and the second matrix have different overall sizes to accommodate different tooth heights, tooth widths, or both tooth heights and tooth widths to accommodate anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular teeth of different sizes and shapes; kit.

8. The kit of claim 7 , wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are tooth-specific.

9. The kit of claim 7 , wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are tooth type specific.

10. The kit of claim 7 , wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are specific for a tooth surface.

11. 1. A method of closing a gap between a first tooth and a second tooth, comprising: providing a plurality of dental matrices according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of first dental matrices and a plurality of second dental matrices; inserting a root end section of a first dental matrix into the groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the first tooth; disposing a composite restorative material between the first dental matrix and the first tooth surface; The composite restorative material is then allowed to harden. How to close the gap.

12. inserting a root end section of the second dental matrix into the groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the second tooth; disposing a second composite restorative material between the second dental matrix and the second tooth surface; Thereafter, the second composite restorative material is allowed to harden. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the gap is selected from a midline diastema gap, a naturally occurring gap, a black triangle gap, and a missing tooth gap.

14. 1. A dental matrix having a curved strip of material, the strip having a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to form a shape for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, the strip having sides that include a radius, and an interruption in the radius with a flat area in a midsection of the matrix that is located in a contact area of ​​the tooth to be restored when the matrix is ​​placed on the tooth to be restored. Dental matrix.

15. 15. The dental matrix of claim 14, wherein the flattened region has a second radius of curvature that is greater than a first radius of curvature of the lateral section adjacent the flattened region.

16. The radius range interruptions have a top to bottom dimension within the range of 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters and a front to rear dimension within the range of 0.25 millimeter to 1.

15. The dental matrix of claim 14, wherein the thickness is within 5 millimeters.

17. 20. The dental matrix of claim 18, wherein the radius of interruption measures approximately 4 millimeters from top to bottom and 1.5 millimeters from front to tip.

18. 15. The dental matrix of claim 14, wherein the constant radius of interruption is flattened in both an occlusal direction from the center of the side and a gingival direction from the center of the side, and is flattened in both a buccal direction from the center of the side and a lingual direction from the center of the side.

19. 15. The dental matrix of claim 14, wherein the matrix includes a notch defined by a gingival section of the strip, the gingival section including, in a side view, a recess, a first convex portion, and a second convex portion, the gingival section of the strip corresponding in shape to a coronally oriented protrusion of a gingival papilla adjacent the tooth.

20. The dental matrix of claim 14 , wherein the material is translucent.

21. A plurality of matrices; a first matrix including a curved strip of a first material of the plurality of matrices, the first strip having a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end sufficient to create a shape for molding restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, the first strip having sides that include a radius, and an interruption of the radius with a flat area in a middle section of the first matrix; a second matrix of the plurality of matrices comprising a curved strip of a second material, the second strip having a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end sufficient to create a shape for molding restorative material to a surface of another tooth to be restored, the second strip having sides that include a radius, and an interruption of the radius with a flat area in a middle section of the second matrix; the first matrix and the second matrix have different overall sizes to accommodate different tooth heights, tooth widths, or both tooth heights and tooth widths to accommodate different sized anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular teeth; kit.

22. 22. The kit of claim 21, wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are tooth-specific.

23. 22. The kit of claim 21, wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are tooth type specific.

24. 22. The kit of claim 21, wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are specific for a tooth surface.

25. 1. A method of closing a gap between a first tooth and a second tooth, comprising: providing a plurality of dental matrices according to claim 14 including a first dental matrix and a second dental matrix; inserting a root end section of the first dental matrix into a groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the first tooth; disposing a composite restorative material between the first dental matrix and the first tooth surface; Thereafter, the composite restorative material is allowed to harden. How to close the gap.

26. inserting a root end section of the second dental matrix into the groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the second tooth; disposing a second composite restorative material between the second dental matrix and the second tooth surface; and then allowing the second composite restorative material to harden.

26. The method of claim 25.

27. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the gap is selected from a midline diastema gap, a naturally occurring gap, a black triangle gap, and a missing tooth gap.

28. A dental matrix having a curved strip of material, the strip extending from a first end sufficient to form a shape for molding the restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. a side having a length to a second end and including a constant radius, and an interruption in the constant radius with a concave area in an intermediate section of the matrix that is located in a contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed over the restored tooth. Dental matrix.

29. 30. The dental matrix of claim 28, wherein the radiused interruptions range from top to bottom in size from 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters and from front to back in size from 0.25 millimeters to 5 millimeters.

30. 30. The dental matrix of claim 29, wherein the radiused interruption measures about 4 millimeters from top to bottom and within 1.5 millimeters from front to back.

31. 29. The dental matrix of claim 28, wherein the constant radius of interruption is concave in both an occlusal direction from the center of the side and a gingival direction from the center of the side, and is concave in both a buccal direction from the center of the side and a lingual direction from the center of the side.

32. 29. The dental matrix of claim 28, wherein the matrix includes a notch defined by a gingival section of the strip, the gingival section including, in a side view, a recess, a first convex portion, and a second convex portion, the gingival section of the strip corresponding in shape to a coronally oriented protrusion of a gingival papilla adjacent a tooth.

33. 30. The dental matrix of claim 28, wherein the material is translucent.

34. A plurality of dental matrices; a first matrix including a curved strip of a first material of the plurality of matrices, the first strip having a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end sufficient to create a shape for molding restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, the first strip having sides including a radius, and an interruption of the radius with a recessed area in a middle section of the first matrix; a second matrix of the plurality of matrices comprising a curved strip of a second material, the second strip having a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end sufficient to create a shape for molding restorative material to a surface of another tooth to be restored, the second strip having sides including a radius, and an interruption of the radius with a concave region in a middle section of the second matrix; the first matrix and the second matrix have different overall sizes to accommodate different tooth heights, tooth widths, or both tooth heights and tooth widths to accommodate different sized anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular teeth; kit.

35. 35. The kit of claim 34, wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are tooth-specific.

36. 35. The kit of claim 34, wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are tooth type specific.

37. 35. The kit of claim 34, wherein the first matrix and the second matrix are specific for a dental surface.

38. 1. A method of closing a gap between a first tooth and a second tooth, comprising:

35. Providing a plurality of dental matrices according to claim 34, comprising a plurality of first dental matrices and a plurality of second dental matrices; inserting a root end section of a first dental matrix into the groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the first tooth; disposing a composite restorative material between the first dental matrix and the first tooth surface; Thereafter, the composite restorative material is allowed to harden. How to close the gap.

39. inserting a root end section of the second dental matrix into the groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the second tooth; disposing a second composite restorative material between the second dental matrix and the second tooth surface; 40. The method of claim 38, further comprising thereafter allowing the second composite restorative material to harden.

40. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the gap is selected from a midline diastema gap, a naturally occurring gap, a black triangle gap, and a missing tooth gap.

41. A handle segment; a distal end section coupled to the handle section, the distal end section including graduated sections of various widths and sized to measure gaps between the teeth to select a dental matrix for closing the gaps between the teeth. Measuring gauge.

42. 42. The gauge of claim 41, wherein the distal end section can be used to measure interdental gaps for selecting the dental matrix or pair of dental matrices.

43. 43. The gauge of claim 42, wherein the gap is selected from a midline diastema gap, a naturally occurring gap, a black triangle gap, and a missing tooth gap.

44. 42. The gauge of claim 41, wherein the width ranges from 0.25 millimeters to 5 millimeters.

45. 42. The gauge of claim 41, wherein the widths have an abrupt transition therebetween.

46. 42. The gauge of claim 41, wherein the distal end section has a uniform and smooth transition between widths.

47. 42. The gauge of claim 41, wherein the distal end section is round in cross section.

48. 42. The gauge of claim 41, wherein the distal end section is triangular in cross section.

49. 42. The gauge of claim 41, wherein the widths are in equal sized steps.

50. 42. The gauge of claim 41, wherein the widths are in increments of 0.25 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, or 1 millimeter.

51. (i) a measurement gauge comprising a handle section and a distal end section connected to said handle section and including graduated sections of various widths, said measurement gauge including different indicia associated with each of said widths; (ii) a plurality of dental matrices, each comprising a curved strip of material, the strip having a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to form a shape for molding a restorative material onto a surface; Equipped with a first said dental matrix having a first matrix of indicia corresponding to one of the different indicia of the gauge, and a second said dental matrix having a second matrix of indicia corresponding to another one of the different indicia of the gauge; kit.

52. 52. The kit of claim 51, wherein the constant radius interruption is a flat area of ​​an intermediate section of the matrix that is located in a contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed over the restored tooth.

53. 54. The kit of claim 53, wherein the constant radius interruption is a flattened area of ​​an intermediate section of the matrix that is located in a contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed over the restored tooth.

54. 55. The kit of claim 54, wherein the flattened regions have a greater radius of curvature between the flattened regions.

55. 52. The kit of claim 51, wherein the constant radius interruption is a concave area in an intermediate section of the matrix that is located in a contact area of ​​the restored tooth when the matrix is ​​placed over the restored tooth.

56. 52. The kit of claim 51, wherein the first matrix indicia is a first color and the second matrix indicia is a second color.

57. 52. The kit of claim 51, wherein the indicia of the first matrix are first numbers and the indicia of the second matrix are second numbers.

58. 52. The kit of claim 51, wherein the indicia of the first matrix are first characters and the indicia of the second matrix are second characters.

59. 52. The kit of claim 51, wherein the first matrix representation is a first symbol and the second matrix representation is a second symbol.

60. 52. The kit of claim 51, further comprising a tooth chart with symbols to allow a user to record each different width and check an appropriate box with a matrix corresponding to each different width of the plurality of dental matrices.

61. the first dental matrix includes a convex inner surface at the root-cap junction, the convex inner surface extending into a second section, thereby forming a bulge that closes a gap between the restored tooth and an adjacent tooth for placement adjacent the gum line of the restored tooth; the second dental matrix includes a convex inner surface at the root-cap junction, the convex inner surface extending into a second section, thereby forming a bulge that closes a gap between the restored tooth and an adjacent tooth for placement adjacent the gum line of the restored tooth; 52. The kit of claim 51, wherein the bulge of the first dental matrix and the bulge of the second dental matrix have different magnitudes.

62. 1. A method of closing a gap between a first tooth and a second tooth, comprising: (a) providing a plurality of dental matrices, each of said plurality of dental matrices having respective size indicia, a first matrix of said plurality of matrices comprising a curved strip of a first material, said first strip having a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end sufficient to mold restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, said first strip having a side that includes a radius and an interruption in said radius with a flat area in a middle section of the first matrix, and a second matrix of said plurality of matrices comprising a curved strip of a second material, said second strip having a length from a first end to a second end and a height from a third end to a fourth end sufficient to mold restorative material to a surface of another tooth to be restored, said second strip having a side that includes a radius and an interruption in said radius with a flat area in a middle section of the second matrix, said first matrix and said second matrix having different overall sizes to accommodate different tooth heights, tooth widths, or both tooth heights and tooth widths to accommodate anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular teeth of different sizes; (b) measuring the width of the gap with a digital camera or digital scanner; (c) selecting one of the plurality of matrices by matching the representation to the width; (d) inserting the root end section of the one of the plurality of matrices into a groove between the gingival papilla and the gingival portion of the first tooth; (e) disposing a composite restorative material between said one of said plurality of matrices and said first tooth surface; (f) thereafter allowing the composite restorative material to harden; How to close the gap.

63. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein software proposes said one of said plurality of matrices.

64. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein step (c) includes printing or milling one of the plurality of matrices to be shipped to a user using a milling or printing machine at a remote facility based on the gap width measured by the camera or scanner and a calculation file created for printing or milling.

65. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein step (c) includes printing or milling one of the plurality of matrices using a chairside office printer or milling machine that renders one of the plurality of matrices ready for use.

66. 1. A method of overmolding or molding a dental restorative material onto a tooth, comprising: (a) measuring the dimensions of the gaps adjacent to said teeth with a digital camera or digital scanner; (b) printing or milling a dental matrix based on the dimensions to create a shape for overmolding or molding the restorative material into the gap; Overmolding or molding methods.

67. (c) disposing a composite restorative material between the dental matrix and the tooth surface; 67. The method of claim 66, further comprising: (d) thereafter curing the composite restorative material.

68. 67. The method of claim 66, wherein step (b) comprises printing or milling the dental matrix using a chairside office printer or milling machine to produce the matrix ready for use.

69. (a) Gauges, digital scanners, X-ray devices, ultrasound devices, MRI imaging devices or another imaging device to digitally record the shape of the teeth; (b) digitally create new tooth designs to restore broken, diseased or worn teeth, or to add to teeth for cosmetic or functional reasons; (c) A method of restoring or adding teeth that allows for chairside or remote printing or milling of a dental matrix or set of dental matrices to be placed on or around the teeth, allowing for injection molding and injection overmolding of the teeth.

70. A handle segment; a distal end section connected to the handle section, the distal end section including a plurality of adjacent surface sections, each surface section dimensioned to have one of a plurality of different indicia to be used as a gauge to select an appropriate thickness of light curable flowable composite resin to be placed in the cavity formation; Measuring gauge.

71. 71. The gauge of claim 70, wherein each of the plurality of different indicia is a different color.

72. 71. The gauge of claim 70, wherein each of the plurality of different indicia is a different number.

73. 71. The gauge of claim 70, wherein each of the plurality of different indicia is a different symbol.

74. the plurality of adjacent surface segments; (i) a first surface section having a first longitudinal length extending from a tip of the distal end section to a proximal end of the first surface section, the first longitudinal length corresponding to a cure depth value of a photocurable flowable composite resin; (ii) a second surface section extending proximally from a proximal end of the first surface section; 71. The gauge of claim 70.

75. the plurality of adjacent surface segments; (i) a first surface section having a first longitudinal length, the first longitudinal length extending from a tip of the distal end section to a proximal end of the first surface section, the first longitudinal length corresponding to a first cure depth value of a photocurable flowable composite resin at a first location of the cavity formation; (ii) a second surface section, the second surface section extending proximally from the proximal end of the first surface section such that a second longitudinal length extending from a tip of the distal end section to a proximal end of the second surface section corresponds to a second cure depth value of the photocurable flowable composite resin at a second position of the cavity formation; (iii) a third surface section extending proximally from a proximal end of the second surface section.

76. 1. A method for restoring a tooth, comprising: (a) removing a portion of the tooth to form a hollow cavity; (b) inserting a distal end section of the gauge of claim 70 into the hollow cavity formation until a tip of the distal end section of the gauge contacts a bottom surface of the cavity formation; (c) observing the location of the top of the cavity formation relative to the distal end section of the gauge and selecting one of the surface sections closest to the top of the cavity formation; (d) injecting a depth of a photocurable flowable composite resin into the cavity formation based on an indication of one of the surface sections closest to an upper edge of the cavity formation; (e) photocuring the flowable composite contained in the cavity formation; Methods for restoring teeth.

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