Methods and devices for interproximal dental restoration

Abstract

Methods and devices for interproximal dental restoration are disclosed. One version of the present disclosure provides a method for the restoration of a first tooth having an original shape including a top surface and an interproximal surface facing an adjacent second tooth. The method comprises: (a) forming a hollow cavity preparation, the cavity preparation extending from the top surface to the interproximal surface of the first tooth; (b) surrounding the removed portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth with a matrix comprising a strip of material having a curvature; (c) broadening the matrix buccal / lingually; (d) bonding a section of the matrix to the first tooth; (e) injecting a light-curable composite resin into the cavity preparation; and (f) light curing the composite resin contained in the cavity preparation. In one embodiment, step (c) broadening the matrix buccal / lingually using a dental tool disclosed herein.

Description

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INTERPROXIMAL DENTAL RESTORATIONCROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 615,694 filed December 28, 2023, and entitled, “Methods and Devices for Interproximal Dental Restoration,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to methods and devices for interproximal dental restoration.2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Dental cavities that have spread to the dentin or have undergone cavitation are typically treated by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and thereafter filling the missing tooth structure with a restorative material such as silver (amalgam), white (resin), porcelain, or gold. Cavities that are located adjacent to neighboring teeth are called interproximal cavities.

[0005] When treating interproximal cavities, the dentist first removes the decayed portion of the side of the tooth. In order to properly deposit the restorative material on the side of the tooth without undesired leaking of the restorative material beyond the side of the tooth, the dentist places a dental matrix around at least a portion of the tooth. The dental matrix may be a metallic or plastic strip, and when the matrix is placed around at least a portion of the tooth, the matrix acts as a form for the desired shape of the restored tooth.

[0006] The Bioclear® brand matrix (available at http: / / www.bioclearmatrix.com) has advanced, among other things, interproximal dental restoration with an injection molding process. See U.S. Patent No. 9,308,058.

[0007] Even with the advancements provided in U.S. Patent No. 9,308,058, there is still a need for further advancement in methods and devices for interproximal dental restoration. In particular, there is a need for methods and devices forinterproximal dental restoration that result in even better posterior composite filling contacts.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure provides a method for the restoration of a first tooth having an original shape including a top surface and an interproximal surface facing an adjacent second tooth. The method comprises: (a) removing a portion of the top surface of the first tooth and a portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth to form a hollow cavity preparation, the cavity preparation extending from the top surface to the interproximal surface of the first tooth; (b) surrounding the removed portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth with a matrix comprising a strip of material having a curvature; (c) broadening the matrix buccal / lingually; (d) bonding a section of the matrix to the first tooth; (e) injecting a light-curable composite resin into the cavity preparation; and (f) light curing the composite resin contained in the cavity preparation. In one embodiment, step (c) comprises broadening the matrix buccal / lingually (e.g., using a dental tool). In one embodiment, the dental tool comprises a first arm and an opposed second arm connected at a first proximal end of the first arm and a second proximal end of the second arm, the first arm terminating in a first distal hand, and the second arm terminating in a second distal hand, and step (c) comprises broadening the matrix buccal / lingually using the first distal hand and the second distal hand of the dental tool to widen the matrix to create a large and slightly cupped contact to adapt to the adjacent second tooth. In some embodiments, a method can include step (c) further comprising moving the matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation toward the second tooth.

[0009] The method can also include injecting a light-curable composite resin into the cavity preparation, light curing the composite resin contained in the cavity preparation, and placing a light-curable resin tooth bonding agent into the cavity preparation before injecting the light-curable composite resin into the cavity preparation. The method can also comprise extruding a light-curable paste composite resin into the composite resin. The composite resin can be added after this step such that the method produces a single cured layer of composite resin. The cured layer of composite resin can be seamless.

[0010] The method can also include a pre-wedging step including inserting a wedge pre-operatively between the interproximal surface of the first tooth and an interproximal surface of the second tooth. The method can also include moving the matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation toward the second tooth using a dental tool and then moving the matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation toward the second tooth until the matrix contacts the second tooth. The dental tool may be any dental tool described herein. The method can further include bonding a second section of the matrix to the first tooth, and bonding a third section of the matrix to the first tooth. The third section of the matrix can be on an interproximal side of the first tooth when the matrix surrounds the removed portion of the interproximal surface. The method can further comprise moving the matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation toward the second tooth using a dental tool. The dental tool may be any dental tool described herein. The method can also include a pre-wedging step including inserting a wedge pre-operatively between the interproximal surface of the first tooth and an interproximal surface of the second tooth. The steps of the method can also be performed in different orders.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dental tool can comprise a first arm and an opposed second arm connected at a first proximal end of the first arm and a second proximal end of the second arm, the first arm terminating in a first distal hand, and the second arm terminating in a second distal hand; and a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm, the slider configured to move toward and away from the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm for holding the first distal hand and the second distal hand in at least a first spaced relationship and a second spaced relationship different from the first spaced relationship. At least one of the first arm and the second arm can include indicia for indicating a position of the slider with respect to the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm. At least one of the indicia can correlate with a distance from the first distal hand to the second distal hand when the slider is adjacent the at least one of the indicia. The distance from the first distal hand to the second distal hand can be in a range of 4 millimeters to 10 millimeters. The dental tool can further comprise: a first projectionon the first arm or the second arm, and a second projection on the first arm or the second arm, wherein the first projection limits motion of the slider towards the first proximal end of the first arm, wherein the second projection limits motion of the slider towards the first distal hand. At least one of the first arm and the second arm can includes indicia for indicating a position of the slider with respect to the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm, and wherein the indicia are located between the first projection and the second projection.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dental matrix can comprise a curved strip of translucent material, the strip having a length from a first edge to a second edge sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, the strip having a third edge and an opposite fourth edge, wherein the third edge is gingival-facing when the curved strip creates the form for molding the restorative material, wherein the fourth edge is palatal-facing or lingual facing when the curved strip creates the form for molding the restorative material, the strip having a tab intermediate the first edge and the second edge, the tab extending away from the fourth edge, wherein the dental matrix has a matrix indicia on the tab. In one embodiment, the matrix indicia is color. In one embodiment, the matrix indicia is a number. In one embodiment, the matrix indicia is a letter. In one embodiment, the matrix indicia is a symbol.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprises: (i) a measuring gauge comprising: a handle section; and a distal end section connected to the handle section, the distal end section including a plurality of contiguous surface sections, each surface section being dimensioned to have one of a plurality of different indicia, and (ii) a plurality of dental matrices, each of the dental matrices comprising a curved strip of translucent material, the strip having a length from a first edge to a second edge sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, the strip having a third edge and an opposite fourth edge, wherein the third edge is gingival-facing when the curved strip creates the form for molding the restorative material, wherein the fourth edge is palatal-facing or lingual facing when the curved strip creates the form for molding the restorative material, the strip having a tab intermediate the first edge and the second edge, thetab extending away from the fourth edge, wherein a first of the dental matrices has a first matrix indicia on the tab corresponding to one of the different indicia of the gauge, and wherein a second of the dental matrices has a second matrix indicia on the tab corresponding to another of the different indicia of the gauge. In one embodiment, the first matrix indicia is a first color, and the second matrix indicia is a second color. In one embodiment, the first matrix indicia is a first number, and the second matrix indicia is a second number. In one embodiment, the first matrix indicia is a first letter, and the second matrix indicia is a second letter. In one embodiment, the first matrix indicia is a first symbol, and the second matrix indicia is a second symbol.

[0014] The kit can further comprise: a dental tool comprising: (i) a first arm and an opposed second arm connected at a first proximal end of the first arm and a second proximal end of the second arm, the first arm terminating in a first distal hand, and the second arm terminating in a second distal hand; and (ii) a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm, the slider configured to move toward and away from the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm for holding the first distal hand and the second distal hand in at least a first spaced relationship and a second spaced relationship different from the first spaced relationship, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm includes tool indicia for indicating a position of the slider with respect to the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm, and wherein one of the tool indicia corresponds to the first matrix indicia and another of the tool indicia corresponds to the second matrix indicia. At least one of the tool indicia can correlate with a distance from the first distal hand and the second distal hand when the slider is adjacent the at least one of the tool indicia. In one embodiment, the distance from the first distal hand and the second distal hand is in a range of 4 millimeters to 10 millimeters. In one embodiment, the tool indicia is a color. In one embodiment, the tool indicia is a number. In one embodiment, the tool indicia is a letter. In one embodiment, the tool indicia is a symbol.

[0015] It is one advantage of the present disclosure to provide a dental tool for broadening buccal / lingually a dental matrix that is positioned on a first tooth betweenan adjacent second tooth in a method for the restoration of the first tooth such that a wide stable contact between the first tooth and the second tooth is achieved.

[0016] It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide an adjustable dental tool that can be narrow in size for placement in smaller cavity preparations.

[0017] It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide an adjustable dental tool that can be wider in size for placement in larger cavity preparations.

[0018] It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a light-cured composite resin layer that is seamless and has good wide contact between teeth.

[0019] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a dental tool. The dental tool can include a body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a first arm coupled to the body at the first end. The first arm can terminate in a first distal hand. The dental tool can include a second arm coupled to the body at the first end. The second arm can terminate in a second distal hand. The dental tool can include a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm. The slider can be configured to move toward and away from a first proximal end of the first arm and a second proximal end of the second arm for holding the first distal hand and the second distal hand in a first spaced relationship and a second spaced relationship different from the first spaced relationship. The dental tool can include a first tool indicia on at least one of the first arm or the second arm to indicate the first spaced relationship when the slider is positioned at the first tool indicia. The dental tool can include a second tool indicia on at least one of the first arm or the second arm to indicate the second spaced relationship when the slider is positioned at the second tool indicia.

[0020] In some embodiments, a second spaced relationship can be larger than a first spaced relationship.

[0021] In some embodiments, a first tool indicia can correspond to a first matrix indicia of a first dental matrix. The first matrix indicia can be indicative of a size of the first dental matrix. A second tool indicia can correspond to a second matrix indicia of a second dental matrix. The second matrix indicia can be indicative of a size of the second dental matrix.

[0022] In some embodiments, a first tool indicia and a first matrix indicia can include a first color. A second tool indicia and a second matrix indicia can include a second color different from the first color.

[0023] In some embodiments, a first spaced relationship can be about 8 millimeters, about 7 millimeters, about 6 millimeters, about 5 millimeters, or about 4.5 millimeters. A second spaced relationship can be about 8 millimeters, about 7 millimeters, about 6 millimeters, about 5 millimeters, or about 4.5 millimeters.

[0024] In some embodiments, a first tool indicia and a second tool indicia can be visible irrespective of a position of a slider along a first arm and a second arm.

[0025] In some embodiments, a slider can include a first channel on a first side of the slider and a second channel on a second side of the slider. The first side can be opposite the second side. A first arm can be positioned in the first channel and a second arm is positioned in the first channel to prevent the slider from falling through the first arm and the second arm.

[0026] In some embodiments, a slider can include a first pair of protrusions defining a first channel and a second pair of protrusions defining a second channel.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one of a first arm or a second arm can include a first projection. At least one of the first arm or the second arm can include a second projection. The first projection can block a slider from sliding past the first projection towards a first end of a body. The second projection can block the slider from sliding past the second projection away from the first end of the body. The first projection can define a maximum separation distance between the first arm and the second arm, such that when the slider contacts the first projection, the first arm and the second arm are spaced at the maximum separation distance. The second projection can define a minimum separation distance between the first arm and the second arm, such that when the slider contacts the second projection, the first arm and the second arm are spaced at the minimum separation distance.

[0028] In some embodiments, a maximum separation distance can be about 8 millimeters. The minimum separation distance can be about 4.5 millimeters.

[0029] In some embodiments, a dental tool can include a third arm coupled to a body at a second end. The third arm can terminate in a third distal hand. The dentaltool can include a fourth arm coupled to the body at the second end. The fourth arm can terminate in a fourth distal hand. The dental tool can include a plurality of pairs of grooves. A first groove of each pair of grooves can be positioned on the top of the third arm and a second groove of each pair of grooves can be positioned on the top of the fourth arm. Each pair of grooves can be aligned with each other. Each pair of grooves can be configured to receive a finger of a practitioner at a given time to provide a finger rest for the practitioner.

[0030] In some embodiments, a first arm and a second arm have a minimum separation distance. A third arm and a fourth arm have a maximum separation distance. The minimum separation distance can be larger than the maximum separation distance.

[0031] In some embodiments, a first arm, a second arm, a body, a third arm, and a fourth arm can define an S shape.

[0032] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a dental tool. The dental tool can include a body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a first tool portion coupled to a first end of the body. The first tool portion can include a first arm and a second arm. The first tool portion can define a minimum separation distance between the first arm and the second arm. The dental tool can include a second tool portion coupled to a second end of the body. The second tool portion can include a third arm and a fourth arm. The second tool portion can define a maximum separation distance between the third arm and the fourth arm. The minimum separation distance can be larger than the maximum separation distance.

[0033] In some embodiments, a first tool portion can include a slider positioned between a first arm and a second arm to vary a separation distance between the first arm and the second arm. A second tool portion can include a plurality of pairs of grooves. A first groove of each pair of grooves can be positioned on the top of the third arm and a second groove of each pair of grooves can be positioned on the top of the fourth arm. Each pair of grooves can be aligned with each other. Each pair of grooves can be configured to receive a finger of a practitioner at a given time to provide a finger rest for the practitioner.

[0034] In some embodiments, a portion of an exterior surface of a body can have a rough surface treatment to facilitate gripping by a practitioner’s hand.

[0035] In some embodiments, a first tool portion, a body, and a second tool portion can define an S shape.

[0036] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a dental tool. The dental tool can include a body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first arm coupled to the body at the first end, a second arm coupled to the body at the first end, and a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm. The slider can slide along the first arm and the second arm to vary the separation distance between the first arm and the second arm. The dental tool can include a tool indicia on at least one of the first arm or the second arm to indicate a specific separation distance between the first and the second arm when the slider is positioned at the tool indicia. The tool indicia can be visible irrespective of a position of the slider along the first arm and the second arm.

[0037] In some embodiments, a dental tool can include a plurality of tool indicia that can include a tool indicia. Each tool indicia of the plurality of tool indicia can indicate a specific separation distance between a first arm and a second arm when a slider is positioned at the tool indicia. The plurality of tool indicia can be all visible irrespective of a position of the slider along the first arm and the second arm.

[0038] In some embodiments, a slider can include a first channel on a first side of the slider and a second channel on a second side of the slider. The first side can be opposite the second side. The first arm can be positioned in the first channel and the second arm can be positioned in the first channel to prevent the slider from falling through the first arm and the second arm.

[0039] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a method. The method can include placing a dental matrix around a cavity preparation of a first tooth, moving the dental matrix towards a second tooth adjacent the first tooth and away from the cavity preparation while broadening the dental matrix with a dental tool of any of the claims herein, securing the dental matrix to the first tooth, and filling the cavity preparation with a restorative material after the dental matrix is secured to the first tooth.

[0040] In some embodiments, moving a dental matrix can include contacting the dental matrix with a first arm and a second arm of a dental tool and pushing or pulling the matrix away from a cavity preparation while the first arm and the second arm are in contact with the dental matrix to broaden the dental matrix.

[0041] In some embodiments, a method can include expanding a separation distance between a first arm and a second arm prior to contacting a dental matrix with the first arm and the second arm.

[0042] In some embodiments, expanding a separation distance can include sliding a slider of a dental tool.

[0043] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a method. The method can include selecting a first dental matrix, placing the first dental matrix around a cavity preparation of a first tooth, moving the first dental matrix away from the cavity preparation of the first tooth and towards a second tooth that is adjacent the first tooth, inverting the first dental matrix from the moving of the first dental matrix, selecting a second dental matrix that is larger than the first dental matrix, placing the second dental matrix around the cavity preparation of the first tooth, and moving the second dental matrix away from the cavity preparation of the first tooth and towards the second tooth.

[0044] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a matrix insertion step of the method of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 2 is a top view of a dental tool of the present disclosure with the spaced apart arms of the dental tool in the wide pull position in a tooth restoration method of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0048] Figure 4 is a top view of a dental tool of the present disclosure with the spaced apart arms of the dental tool in the narrow pull position in a tooth restoration method of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0050] Figure 6 is a top view of a dental tool of the present disclosure with the spaced apart arms of the dental tool in the narrow push position in a tooth restoration method of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0052] Figure 8 is a top view of a dental tool of the present disclosure with the spaced apart arms of the dental tool in the wide push position in a tooth restoration method of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 8.

[0054] Figure 10 is a top view of a dental tool in a pull position of a tooth restoration method of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 11 is a top view of a dental tool in a push position of a tooth restoration method of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a matrix of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 13 is another perspective view of the matrix of FIG. 12.

[0058] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

[0059] Figure 15 is a right rear perspective view of an embodiment of a dental tool of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 16A is another right rear perspective view of the dental tool of Figure 15.

[0061] Figure 16B is an inverted right rear perspective view of the dental tool of Figure 15.

[0062] Figure 17 is a front left perspective view of the dental tool of Figure 15.

[0063] Figure 18 is a front right perspective view of the dental tool of Figure 15.

[0064] Figure 19 is a left side view of the dental tool of Figure 15.

[0065] Figure 20 is a right side view of the dental tool of Figure 15.

[0066] Figure 21 is a right side perspective view of the dental tool of Figure 15.

[0067] Figure 22 shows front views of four color coded matrices of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 23 shows perspective views of the four color coded matrices of Figure 22.

[0069] Figure 24 shows a front view of the black color coded matrix of Figure 22.

[0070] Figure 25 shows a front view and perspective views of five sizes of the black color coded matrix of Figure 22.

[0071] Figure 26 shows front views of the blue, orange, and red color coded matrix of Figure 22.

[0072] Figure 27 shows a front view and perspective views of five sizes of the blue color coded matrix of Figure 22.

[0073] Figure 28 shows a front view and perspective views of five sizes of the orange color coded matrix of Figure 22.

[0074] Figure 29 shows a front view and perspective views of five sizes of the red color coded matrix of Figure 22.

[0075] Figure 30 is a right side perspective view of the dental tool of Figure 15 with correspondence to the four color coded matrices of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 31 shows a measurement tool being used to measure a distance from the gingiva to an occlusal surface of a molar.

[0077] Figure 32 shows a tooth of a 70 year old patient wherein the tooth has worn against the neighboring tooth and the contact area of the teeth has changed over the decades from two radii coming together with a small tangent to a very large, cupped contact.

[0078] Figure 33 shows a naturally broad contact which over time can develop as the teeth kept contact, or it can develop as simply a large natural broad contact.

[0079] Figure 34 shows a point contact between teeth where the roots are closer together with a narrow embrasure that creates the potential for decay.

[0080] Figure 35 shows a point contact between teeth where the roots are far apart.

[0081] Figure 36 shows a photograph of the lower incisors of a patient who requested treatment for a black triangle.

[0082] Figure 37 shows a photograph of the lower incisors of the patient of Figure 35 wherein at two year recall, one can see that the large cupped or super contact is accumulating less tartar on the teeth.

[0083] Figure 38 shows a photograph of the lower incisors of the patient of Figure 35 wherein the point contacts of the other interproximal areas with natural point contacts are accumulating more tartar on the teeth.

[0084] Figure 39 shows a flowchart of a process of restoring an interproximal cavity.

[0085] Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] The present invention provides a method for the restoration of a tooth including a top surface, and an interproximal surface facing an adjacent tooth. The method of restoration includes removing a portion of the top surface of the tooth, and a portion of the interproximal surface of the tooth to form a hollow cavity preparation extending from the top surface to the interproximal surface. The removed portion of the interproximal space is surrounded by a dental matrix. Restoration of the tooth further includes moving the dental matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation towards the adjacent tooth, and bonding at least one section of the dental matrix to the tooth. Light-curable composite resin is injected into the cavity preparation and light cured.

[0087] Turning to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown various steps and devices in an example method according to the invention for restoration of a tooth. In a first step, the dentist locates a first tooth having a cavity. Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown a first tooth 12 having a top occlusal surface 14 and an interproximal side surface 16. A hollow cavity preparation 18 has been prepared in tooth 12. The hollow cavity preparation 18 includes an inner surface 19, a side surface 20, an opposite side surface 21 and a bottom surface 22. Using the well-known classification system developed by Dr. G. V. Black in 1908, this would be a Class II cavity involving the interproximal side surface 16 and top occlusal surface 14 of tooth 12, which may be a premolar or molar.

[0088] The tools and techniques for removing a portion of the top surface 14 of the tooth 12 and a portion of the interproximal surface 16 of the tooth 12 to form the hollow cavity preparation 18 are well known in the art and therefore will not be explained further. However, the Class II cavity preparation 18 of FIG. 1 is saucer shaped when viewed from above and does not have the usual box-like shape of a conventional Class II cavity preparation. Specifically, the ends 17a, 17b of the cavity preparation 18 are not tangential to the tooth outside surface. Also, the cavity preparation 18 does not extend inward more than two millimeters inward from the interproximal side surface 16.

[0089] After preparation of the saucer shaped Class II cavity preparation 18 in the tooth 12 of FIG. 1 , a wedge (148 in FIG. 3) is inserted between the interproximal surface 16 of the tooth 12 and the interproximal surface 26 of adjacent tooth 24 to create a gap between the tooth 12 and the tooth 24. Known wedges are suitable for this "pre-wedging" step. A sectional anatomic translucent anatomic dental matrix 30 is inserted between the tooth 12 and the tooth 24 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0090] The clear plastic anatomical sectional matrix 30 is placed around the tooth 12 maintaining anatomic root adaptation contact. A metallic elastic separator ring 78 is then placed in the interproximal embrasure to create slight tooth separation and additional adaptation pressure on the interproximal wedge 148 and / or the matrix 30. A first tab 87 on the matrix 30 extending away from an edge of the matrix 30 is on a lingual side of the tooth 12 when the matrix surrounds the removed portion of the interproximal surface 16. A second tab 88 on the matrix 30 extending away from the edge of the matrix 30 is on a buccal side of the tooth 12 when the matrix surrounds the removed portion of the interproximal surface 16. Looking at FIG.1 , the dental matrix 30 includes a curved strip 32 of translucent material. The dental matrix 30 can be formed from a translucent material such as a polymeric film. One non-limiting example material is the polyester film commercially available as Mylar™. The strip 32 has a length running from a first end 34 to a second end 36 of the dental matrix 30. The length of the dental matrix 30 is sufficient to extend beyond a first vertical junction 23L of the interproximal cavity preparation 18 and an interproximal surface 16 of the tooth 12 and to extend beyond a second vertical junction 23R of theinterproximal cavity preparation 18 and the interproximal surface 16 of the tooth 12 to create the form for filling the interproximal cavity preparation 18. The strip 32 of the dental matrix 30 also has a base portion 42.

[0091] In the method of the present invention, after the matrix 30 is placed around the tooth 12, the matrix 30 is moved away from the hollow cavity preparation 18 towards adjacent tooth 24. The method of moving the dental matrix 30 away from the hollow cavity preparation 18 towards adjacent tooth 24 includes use of a dental tool 100 having a first arm 102 that is movable toward and away from a second arm 104. In FIG. 2, the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 are in a wider relationship (i.e., there is more space between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104). This wider relationship between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 may be suitable for pulling the matrix 30 in direction D1 toward adjacent tooth 24 using angled tips 105 of each of the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 when a wider cavity preparation has been formed in the tooth. In FIG. 4, the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 are in a narrower relationship (i.e., there is less space between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104). This narrower relationship between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 may be suitable for pulling the matrix 30 in direction D1 toward adjacent tooth 24 using angled tips 105 of each of the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 when a narrower cavity preparation has been formed in the tooth. The dental practitioner may also choose to first engage the matrix 30 with the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 in the narrower relationship of FIG. 4 and then allow the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 to open into the wider relationship of FIG. 2 before pulling the matrix in direction D1 . Moving from the narrower relationship to the wider relationship between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 creates spreading forces in directions F1 and F2 that serve to spread open the matrix buccally and lingually thereby expanding the matrix 30. The matrix 30 may be pulled toward the adjacent tooth 24 so that the matrix 30 contacts the adjacent tooth 24 thereby eliminating any gap G (see FIG. 3) present between teeth 12 and 24 when the matrix 30 is placed on the tooth 12.

[0092] In FIG. 8, the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 are in a wider relationship (i.e., there is more space between the first arm 102 and the second arm104). This wider relationship between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 may be suitable for pushing the matrix 30 in direction D1 toward adjacent tooth 24 using angled tips 105 of each of the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 when a wider cavity preparation has been formed in the tooth. In FIG. 6, the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 are in a narrower relationship (i.e., there is less space between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104). This narrower relationship between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 may be suitable for pushing the matrix 30 in direction D1 toward adjacent tooth 24 using angled tips 105 of each of the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 when a narrower cavity preparation has been formed in the tooth. The dental practitioner may choose to first engage the matrix 30 with the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 in the narrower relationship of FIG. 6 and then allow the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 to open into the wider relationship of FIG. 8 before pushing the matrix in direction D1. Moving from the narrower relationship to the wider relationship between the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 creates spreading forces in directions F1 and F2 that serve to spread open the matrix buccally and lingually thereby expanding the matrix. The matrix 30 may be pushed toward the adjacent tooth 24 so that the matrix 30 contacts the adjacent tooth 24 thereby eliminating any gap G (see FIG. 9) present between teeth 12 and 24 when the matrix 30 is placed on the tooth 12.

[0093] After the matrix 30 has been pushed or pulled into the desired spatial relationship or contacting relationship with the tooth 24, the matrix 30 may be bonded in a desired position on the tooth 12. Looking at FIGS. 1 and 2, the first tab 87 on the matrix 30 is bonded to location 10b on the tooth 12 with a cured amount of resin 47, a lower edge of the matrix 30 is bonded to or adjacent a lower interproximal edge 10c of the hollow cavity preparation 18 with a cured amount of resin 45, and the second tab 88 on the matrix 30 is bonded to location 10a on the tooth 12 with a cured amount of resin 48. This may be accomplished with a variety of techniques. For example, a first amount of a curable flowable composite resin (such as a resin available from 3M under tradename Filtek™) may be placed in contact with the first tab 87 of the matrix 30 and the tooth 12, a second amount of a curable flowable composite resin may be placed in contact with the lower edge of the matrix 30 andthe tooth 12, and a third amount of a curable flowable composite resin may be placed in contact with the second tab 88 of the matrix 30 and the tooth 12 before pushing or pulling the matrix 30 into the desired spatial relationship or contacting relationship with the tooth 24. After the matrix 30 has been pushed or pulled into the desired spatial relationship or contacting relationship with the tooth 24, each of the first, second and third amount of the curable flowable composite resin may be light cured thereby bonding the matrix 30 in the desired position on the tooth 12. Alternatively, the first amount of a curable flowable composite resin may be placed in contact with the first tab 87 of the matrix 30 and the tooth 12, a second amount of a curable flowable composite resin may be placed in contact with the lower edge of the matrix 30 and the tooth 12, and a third amount of a curable flowable composite resin may be placed in contact with the second tab 88 of the matrix 30 and the tooth 12 after pushing or pulling the matrix 30 into the desired spatial relationship or contacting relationship with the tooth 24. Each of the first, second and third amount of the curable flowable composite resin may then be light cured thereby bonding the matrix 30 in the desired position on the tooth 12.

[0094] Having bonded the matrix 30 in the desired position on the tooth 12, the cavity preparation 18 in tooth 12 is then etched with liquid and / or gel phosphoric acid, about 2 millimeters past the margins. The cavity preparation 18 in tooth 12 is then rinsed and dried. A lightly filled or unfilled light curable resin tooth bonding agent is then applied to tooth 12 covering the entire cavity preparation 18 and about 0.5-1 .5 millimeters past the margins. The resin tooth bonding agent is then air thinned except on surface 22 where a small pool of resin tooth bonding agent is maintained. The resin tooth bonding agent is not light cured at this point. Resin tooth bonding agents improve composite to enamel and / or dentin bonding.

[0095] A light curable flowable composite resin is then injected directly into the pool of resin tooth bonding agent (under magnification if possible) without incorporating bubbles. A tiny amount of the light curable flowable composite resin is expressed before placement to ensure that there is no air in the cannula. The light curable flowable composite and resin tooth bonding agent are not light cured at this point. Generally, light curable flowable composite resins contain 20-25 percent lessfiller in the light curable polymeric material than nonflowable paste materials. Light curable flowable composite resins are available under tradenames such as Filtek™. Light curable resins are preferred as light cured resins are more color stable than chemically cured resins.

[0096] A light curable paste composite resin is then extruded into the pool of flowable composite resin and resin tooth bonding agent without creating air bubbles, allowing the composite resin to displace most of the lesser filled flowable composite resin and resin tooth bonding agent (under magnification if possible). Composite resins are available under tradenames such as 3M Z100™, and 3M Filtek Supreme™. The next steps are burnishing, carving the anatomy and carving excess composite. There is no need to use a condenser or plugger. The filled cavity preparation is then cured using a curing light such as high intensity light emitting diode (LED) lights, plasma-arc curing lights, halogen lights, and laser lights. This produces a single cured layer of composite resin. The single layer eliminates adding composite resin after initial adding of resin for a seamless final cured layer of composite resin. The matrix 30 and the cured amount of resin bonding the matrix 30 to the tooth 12 may then be removed with appropriate dental tools.

[0097] Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the dental tool 100 can be used to pull on a first matrix 30a on a mesial side of tooth 12, as shown in FIG. 10, or to push on a second matrix 30b on a distal side of tooth 12, as shown in FIG. 11 , until the matrix 30 contacts an adjacent tooth. The push-pull method allows for eliminating any gaps between tooth 12 and adjacent tooth after the dental restoration is complete. In the method shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , it is advantageous that the wedge 248 is a wedge described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2015 / 187927 and the separator 278 is a separator device described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2016 / 183360.

[0098] Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, there is shown a dental matrix 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The dental matrix 300 can be a thickness within a range of 50 micrometers to 100 micrometers. As an example, the dental matrix 300 can have a thickness of 75 micrometers. The dental matrix 300 includes a curved strip. The dental matrix 300 can be formed from atranslucent material such as a polymeric film. One non-limiting example material is the polyester film commercially available as Mylar™. The strip can have a length from a first edge 302 to a second edge 304. The length of the strip is sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, as described above. The strip can also have a width from a top edge 306 to a bottom edge 308. The strip may or may not have a tab 312 intermediate the first edge 302 and the second edge 304. The strip can further include an inwardly directed cutaway 310a located between the tab 312 and the first edge 302. Another inwardly directed cutaway 310b can be located between the tab 312 and the second edge 304.

[0099] In some embodiments, the top edge 306 and the first edge 302 are joined at the inwardly directed cutaway 310a. The top edge 306 and the second edge 304 can also be joined at another inwardly directed cutaway 310b. The inwardly directed cutaways 310a, 310b can be a keyway shape, a square shape, or a rectangular shape. The inwardly directed cutaways 310a, 310b can be at an angle. The angle can be defined between the first edge 302 and the top edge 306 or between the second edge 304 and the top edge 306. The angle of the inwardly directed cutaways 310a, 310b can be within a range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees. As one example, the angle of the inwardly directed cutaways 310a, 310b can be 45 degrees. The inwardly directed cutaways 310a, 310b can be used as a marker for locating a position along the matrix 300 during the process of restoration of a tooth. The process of performing and teaching the restoration of the tooth 12 can be standardized and made consistent between different restorations by bonding the matrix 300 to the tooth 12 at the same location each time.

[0100] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for the restoration of a tooth including a top surface, and an interproximal surface facing an adjacent tooth. The method of restoration includes removing a portion of the top surface of the tooth, and a portion of the interproximal surface of the tooth to form a hollow cavity preparation extending from the top surface to the interproximal surface. The removed portion of the interproximal space is surrounded by a dental matrix. The dental matrix includes a cutaway. Restoration of the toothfurther includes moving the dental matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation towards the adjacent tooth, and bonding at least one section of the dental matrix to the tooth at the cutaway. Light-curable composite resin is injected into the cavity preparation and light cured.

[0101] There is shown various steps and devices for another example method according the second embodiment of the invention. This example method is similar to the example method as described above. In a first step, the dentist locates a first tooth having a cavity. Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown a first tooth 12 having a top occlusal surface 14 and an interproximal side surface 16. A hollow cavity preparation 18 has been prepared in tooth 12. The hollow cavity preparation 18 includes an inner surface 19, a side surface 20, an opposite side surface 21 and a bottom surface 22. Using the well-known classification system developed by Dr. G. V. Black in 1908, this would be a Class II cavity involving the interproximal side surface 16 and top occlusal surface 14 of tooth 12, which may be a premolar or molar.

[0102] After preparation of the saucer shaped Class II cavity preparation 18 in the tooth 12 of FIG. 1 , as described above, a wedge (148 in FIG. 3) is inserted between the interproximal surface 16 of the tooth 12 and the interproximal surface 26 of adjacent tooth 24 to create a gap between the tooth 12 and the tooth 24. Known wedges are suitable for this "pre-wedging" step. A sectional anatomic translucent anatomic dental matrix 300 is inserted between the tooth 12 and the tooth 24 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0103] The clear plastic anatomical sectional matrix 300 is placed around the tooth 12 maintaining anatomic root adaptation contact. A metallic elastic separator ring 78 is then placed in the interproximal embrasure to create slight tooth separation and additional adaptation pressure on the interproximal wedge 148 and / or the matrix 300.

[0104] In the method of the present invention, after the matrix 300 is placed around the tooth 12, the matrix 300 is moved away from the hollow cavity preparation 18 towards adjacent tooth 24. The method of moving the dental matrix 300 away from the hollow cavity preparation 18 towards adjacent tooth 24 is similar to that described above.

[0105] After the matrix 300 has been pushed or pulled into the desired spatial relationship or contacting relationship with the tooth 24, the matrix 300 may be bonded in a desired position on the tooth 12. The matrix 300 includes cutaways 310a, 310b each located near the first edge 302 and the second edge 304, respectively. The matrix 300 is bonded to the tooth 12 at the cutaways 310a, 310b with a cured amount of resin 47. This may be accomplished with a variety of techniques. For example, a first amount of a curable flowable composite resin (such as a resin available from 3M under tradename Filtek™) may be placed in contact with the matrix 300 and the tooth 12 at a cutaway 310a joining the first edge 302 and the top edge 306. A second amount of a curable flowable composite resin may be placed in contact the matrix 300 and the tooth 12 at a cutaway 310b joining the second edge 304 and the top edge 306. The curable flowable composite resin is placed in each location by injecting the curable flowable composite resin through the cutaways 310a, 310b before pushing or pulling the matrix 300 into the desired spatial relationship or contacting relationship with the tooth 24. After the matrix 300 has been pushed or pulled into the desired spatial relationship or contacting relationship with the tooth 24, each of the first, and second amount of the curable flowable composite resin may be light cured thereby bonding the matrix 300 in the desired position on the tooth 12. The curable flowable composite resin may be light cured through the cutaways 310a, 310b thereby creating a mechanical lock between the tooth 12 and the matrix 300 through the cutaways 310a, 310b.

[0106] Alternatively, the first amount of a curable flowable composite resin may be placed in contact with the matrix 300 and the tooth 12 at a cutaway 310a joining a first edge 302 and a top edge 306. A second amount of a curable flowable composite resin may be placed in contact with the matrix 300 and the tooth 12 at a cutaway 310b joining a second edge 304 and a top edge 306, after pushing or pulling the matrix 300 into the desired spatial relationship or contacting relationship with the tooth 24. The cutaways 310a, 310b provide a consistent location for bonding the matrix 300 to the tooth 12. Each of the first, and second amount of the curable flowable composite resin may then be light cured thereby bonding the matrix 300 in the desired position on the tooth 12 through the cutaways 310a, 310b. Light curingthe curable flowable composite resin creates a mechanical lock between the tooth 12 and the matrix 300.

[0107] Looking to FIG. 14, the curable flowable composite resin placed in contact with the matrix 300 and the tooth 12 at the cutaway 310a creates a vertical portion 31 and a top portion 316 from the curable flowable composite resin at the cutaway 310a. The vertical portion 314 connects the matrix 300 to the tooth 12 through a cavity to be filled 318. The top portion 316 creates a dome on top of the matrix 300 connecting the vertical portion 314 to the top of the matrix 300. A combination of the vertical portion 314 and the top portion 316 create the mechanical lock that secures the matrix 300 to the tooth 12 in the desired position.

[0108] Having bonded the matrix 300 in the desired position on the tooth 12 by a mechanical lock between the matrix 300 and the tooth 12, the cavity preparation 18 in tooth 12 is then etched with liquid and / or gel phosphoric acid, about 2 millimeters past the margins. The cavity preparation 18 in tooth 12 is then rinsed and dried. A lightly filled or unfilled light curable resin tooth bonding agent is then applied to tooth 12 covering the entire cavity preparation 18 and about 0.5-1.5 millimeters past the margins. The resin tooth bonding agent is then air thinned except on surface 22 where a small pool of resin tooth bonding agent is maintained. The resin tooth bonding agent is not light cured at this point. Resin tooth bonding agents improve composite to enamel and / or dentin bonding.

[0109] A light curable flowable composite resin is then injected directly into the pool of resin tooth bonding agent (under magnification if possible) without incorporating bubbles. The light curable flowable composite and resin tooth bonding agent are not light cured at this point. A light curable paste composite resin is then extruded into the pool of flowable composite resin and resin tooth bonding agent without creating air bubbles, allowing the composite resin to displace most of the lesser filled flowable composite resin and resin tooth bonding agent (under magnification if possible). The next steps are burnishing, carving the anatomy and carving excess composite. The filled cavity preparation is then cured producing a single cured layer of composite resin. The single layer eliminates adding composite resin after initial adding of resin for a seamless final cured layer of composite resin.

[0110] The matrix 300 and the cured amount of resin bonding the matrix 300 to the tooth 12 may then be removed with appropriate dental tools. Once the matrix 300 is removed, it leaves leaving a smooth restoration of the tooth 12. Taking the matrix 300 away can involve using the appropriate dental tool to simply pull the matrix 300 in a direction away from the tooth 12. Bonding the tooth 12 and the matrix 300 at the cutaway 310a by a mechanical lock prevents the matrix 300 from ripping or tearing while it is being removed after the restoration is complete. Any excess composite that is left bonded to the tooth 12 from the mechanical lock, at the vertical portion 314 or the top portion 316 can be removed by burnishing, carving the anatomy and carving excess composite away to mold the shape of the tooth 12 to be similar to that of a natural tooth. The matrix 300 can be reused on a different tooth in the same patient because the quality of the matrix 300 has not been compromised.

[0111] Looking to FIG. 2, the dental tool 100 can be selected for a variety of operations. For example, the dental tool 100 can be used to pull on a first matrix 30a on a mesial side of tooth 12, as shown in FIG. 10, or to push on a second matrix 30b on a distal side of tooth 12, as shown in FIG. 11 , until the matrix 300 contacts an adjacent tooth. The push-pull method allows for eliminating any gaps between tooth 12 and adjacent tooth after the dental restoration is complete, as described above.

[0112] The dental tool can include a first arm and a second arm. As an example, both the first arm and the second arm can be moved towards each other and away from each other to adjust the width between the first arm and the second arm. Adjusting the width of the arms allows the dental tool to be flexible for a variety of cavity preparations. Preferably, the first arm and the second arm can be moved towards and away from each other for wider or narrower cavity preparations.

[0113] The dental tool can further include an adjustment module and textured sides on the first and second arm to adjust the first arm and the second arm. The adjustment module can be a slider, wedge, elastic (e.g., silicone) ring, knurled knob, screw knob, or a rotating knurled threaded tightener.

[0114] Each of the mechanisms of the adjustment module of the dental tool can be configured to move the first and second arm of the dental tool in a variety of ways. For example, the slider is kept in place by textured sides of the dental tool. Asanother example, a welded end can join the first arm and the second arm. The slider can also include a pin slot. The pin slot, made of stainless steel, is pressed forward for narrow cavities and pulled back to space apart the first arm and the second arm of the dental tool for wider cavity preparations.

[0115] Looking to Figures 15 to 21 , there is shown an example embodiment of a dental tool 1500 advantageously used in the present invention. The dental tool 1500 can be selected for a variety of operations. For example, the dental tool 1500 can be used to pull on a first matrix 30a on a mesial side of tooth 12, as shown in FIG. 10, or to push on a second matrix 30b on a distal side of tooth 12, as shown in FIG. 11 , until the matrix 300 contacts an adjacent tooth (e.g., with the dental tool 1500 pushing or pulling on an inner surface of the matrix that faces the cavity preparation). The push-pull method allows for eliminating any gaps between tooth 12 and adjacent tooth after the dental restoration is complete, as described above. The dental tool 1500 can be used to broaden buccal / lingually a first matrix 30a on a mesial side of tooth 12.

[0116] The dental tool 1500 includes a body 1501 from which extends a first arm 1502 and a second arm 1504. Both the first arm 1502 and the second arm 1504 can be moved towards each other and away from each other to adjust the width between the first arm 1502 and the second arm 1504. Adjusting the width of the arms 1502, 1504 allows the dental tool 1500 to be flexible for a variety of cavity preparations. The first arm 1502 and the second arm 1504 can be moved towards and away from each other for narrower or wider cavity preparations. The first arm 1502 includes a first distal curved hand 1506 at the distal end. The second arm 1504 includes a second distal curved hand 1507 at a distal end.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 18, the body 1501 of the dental tool 1500 can be cylindrical, however, the body 1501 can have other shapes (e.g., octagonal, hexagonal, a prism, etc.). The body 1501 can have an exterior surface 1520 that can have different sections 1522, 1524, 1526. The section 1522 is adjacent to tool portion 1528 (e.g., which includes the arms 1502, 1504, and a slider 1510), while the section 1526 is adjacent to tool portion 1530 (e.g., that includes the arms 1576, 1577). As shown in FIG. 18, the section 1524 that defines a center of the tool 1500can be positioned between the sections 1522, 1526. The section 1524 can be partially or entirely smooth, and can include a tool indicia, which indicates one or more properties or characteristics of the tool, maker, etc. Each section 1522, 1526 can include one or more portions having different surface treatments. For example, the section 1522 can include portions 1534, 1536 that have rough surface treatments (e.g., multiple small protrusions, recesses, etc.). The section 1522 can also include portions 1538 1540, each of which can have smooth surface treatments (i.e. , free of rough patches). As shown in FIG. 18, the portions 1538, 1540 (i.e., smooth patches) can be situated between the portions 1534, 1536 (i.e., rough patches). Further, the portions 1538, 1540 can each have smaller widths than the portions 1534, 1536. In some cases, and as illustrated, a section can have an alternating pattern of rough and smooth portions, such as a rough portion followed by a smooth portion followed by a rough portion, and so on, along the length of the section. The pattern of rough and smooth portions (and particularly the rough portions in general) of the section 1522 can allow a practitioner to more easily grip the tool 1500 during use of the tool portion 1528. As shown in FIG 18, the sections 1522, 1526 can be identical to each other; however, the sections 1522, 1526 can be different (e.g., have different numbers of portions). Similarly to the section 1522 the pattern of portions on the section 1526 can help the practitioner grip the tool 1500 during use of the tool portion 1530. In some cases, the body 1501 of the tool can be formed out of a metal; however, the body 1501 can be formed out of other materials including polymers (e.g., plastics).

[0118] The dental tool 1500 further includes a slider 1510 (or in other words an adjustment sliding button) configured to move the first arm 1502 and the second arm 1504 of the dental tool 1500 together or apart. For example, as the slider 1510 is moved towards the center of the tool 1500 (or towards the section 1522) including away from the hands 1506, 1508, the arms 1502, 1504 spread further apart. Conversely, as the slider 1510 is moved away from the center of the tool 1500 (or away from the section 1522) including towards the hands 1506, 1508, the arms 1502, 1504 move closer together. The dental tool has four projections 1512a, 1512b, 1516, 1518 on the arms 1502, 1504 that keep the slider 1510 from coming loose (e.g.,sliding past the protrusions). Although the arms 1502, 1504 can include four projections 1512a, 1512b, 1516, 1518, which can prevent undesirable rotation of the slider 1510 when pressed against a pair of projections (e.g., projections 1516, 1518), in other configurations, the arms 1502, 1504 can include one projection on one end and a second projection an on opposing end. Stated another way, the arms 1502, 1504 can include one of the projections 1512a, 1512b, and the arms 1502, 1504 can include one of the projections 1516, 1518. The slider 1510 may or may not have natural lubricity to slide forward and backward to expand the width of the arms 1502, 1504. In this regard, the slider 1510 can be formed out of a polymer (e.g., a plastic) that has a lower sliding coefficient of friction to facilitate easy sliding of the slider 1510.

[0119] In some embodiments, one or both of the projections 1512a, 1512b can define a minimum separation distance of the tool portion 1528 of the dental tool 1500. That is, when the slider 1510 is forced against one or both of the projections 1512a, 1512b, the separation distance is at its minimum and cannot be decreased any further. Similarly, one or both of the projections 1516, 1518 can define a maximum separation distance of the tool portion 1528 of the dental tool 1500. That is, when the slider 1510 is forced against one or both of the projections 1516, 1518, the separation distance is at its maximum and cannot be increased any further.

[0120] In some cases, a width of the slider 1510 (e.g., between opposing sides of the slider 1510) can be about 1 millimeter (or less than 1 millimeter when, for example, the slider 1510 is made out of a metal).

[0121] Referring back to FIG. 17, the tool portion 1528 is described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 17, the slider 1510 can include channels 1544, 1546, each of which is positioned on an opposing side of the slider 1510. Each channel 1544, 1546 receives a respective arm 1502, 1504, such that the slider 1510 can slide along the respective arm 1502, 1504 via the channels 1544, 1546. In addition, each side of the slider 1510 also include protrusions which can prevent or otherwise block the slider 1510 from falling through the arms 1502, 1504. For example, one side of the slider 1510 can include protrusions 1548, 1550 that extend away from the slider 1510 and the arms 1502, 1504. The protrusions 1548, 1550 can be define the channel1546, where the protrusion 1548 blocks downward translation of the slider 1510 and the protrusion 1550 blocks upward translation of the slider 1510. Although not shown in FIG. 17 due to obscuring of the particular view, the slider 1510 can include two protrusions that define the channel 1544 (e.g., on the opposing side of the slider 1510 as the channel 1546), in a similar way to the protrusions 1548, 1550. Those protrusions function in a similar way to the protrusions 1548,1550. Further, the four protrusions advantageously further prevent rotation of the slider 1510 since the protrusions 1548, 1550 contact the arm 1504 while the other protrusions contact the arm 1502. Accordingly, the four protrusions simultaneously contact the arms 1502, 1504 to only permit sliding of the slider 1510 along the arms 1502, 1504. As described below, the engagement between the slider 1510 and the arms 1502, 1504 can be particularly advantageous in that a tool indicia 1514 can be visible irrespective of the position of the slider 1510. In other words, the slider 1510 does not cover or obscure the tool indicia 1514 regardless of its position along the arms 1502, 1504.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 17, the top of each arm 1502, 1504 can include a respective recess 1552, 1554. Each recess 1552, 1554 can be positioned between the body 1501 and a projection. For example, the recess 1552 can be positioned between the body 1501 and the projection 1512a, while the recess 1554 can be positioned between he body 1501 and the projection 1512b. In some cases, the size, shape, etc., of the recesses 1552, 1554 can be substantially the same (i.e., deviating less than 30% from each other). As described below, a practitioner can stabilize the tool portion 1528 by placing a finger within both recesses 1552, 1554 simultaneously (e.g., to rest the practitioner’s finger therein and therefore stabilize the arms 1502, 1504). In some cases, the top of the slider 1510 can be pressed by a practitioner’s finger to adjust the separation distance of the arms 1502, 1504. And although the top of the slider 1510 is circular, the top of can have different shapes (e.g., octagonal, hexagonal, square, rectangular, etc.). In some cases, the top of the slider 1510 can be rounded to prevent uncomfortable engagement with a finger. In some cases, the top of the slider 1510 can include a recess 1556 to allow the tip of the finger of a practitioner to rest therein to better engage the slider 1510.Accordingly, the recess 1556 can be curved (e.g., hemispherical, partially spherical, etc.) to permit comfortable engagement with a tip of a finger of a practitioner.

[0123] Referring back to FIG. 18, the dental tool 1500 can also include a third arm 1576 and a fourth arm 1577 extending from the body 1501. The third arm 1576 and the fourth arm 1577 are in a fixed relationship to each other. That is, the separation distance between the arms 1576, 1577 is constant. However, in some cases, the arms 1576, 1577 can be forced into contact with each other, and then can release back to the separation distance when the force is removed (e.g., in a springlike manner). Grooves 1572 positioned on the top of and along the sides of the dental tool 1500 can receive a practitioner’s finger to maintain the corresponding distance between the arms 1576, 1577. That is, the grooves 1572 allow a practitioner to stabilize the arms 1576, 1577 by placing a finger in one of the pairs of grooves (e.g., to prevent the arms 1576, 1577 from contacting each other). For example, FIG. 16B shows the grooves 1572 in more detail. The grooves 1572 can include one or more pairs of grooves, with each groove within the pair aligned with each other. As an example, the grooves 1572 can include grooves 1578, 1580, 1582, 1584, with the grooves 1578, 1582 being positioned on the top of the arm 1576 and the grooves 1580, 1584 being positioned on the top of the arm 1577. As shown in FIG. 16B, the grooves 1578, 1580 are aligned with each other (e.g., completely aligned) and the grooves 1582, 1584 are also aligned with each other (e.g., completely aligned). In some cases, each groove of the grooves 1572 can have the same or substantially the same shape. For example, each groove can be curved (and can be hemispherical). Although the tool portion 1530, and in particular the grooves 1572 of the arms 1576, 1577 include five pairs of grooves, the grooves 1572 can include other numbers of pairs of grooves (e.g., two, three, four, etc.). Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, a curved protrusion can be positioned between adjacent grooves. For example, a curved protrusion 1586 of the arm 1576 can be positioned between the grooves 1578, 1582. Similarly to the grooves 1572, each curved protrusion within a pair of protrusions can be aligned with each other and one curved protrusion of the pair can be positioned on the arm 1576 (e.g., the top of the arm), while the other protrusion of the pair of curved protrusions can be positioned on thearm 1577. In addition, although four pairs of curved provisions are shown in FIG. 16B, the tool portion 1530 can include other numbers of pairs of curved protrusions (e.g., two, three, four, etc.). As shown in FIG. 16B, the tool portion 1530 also includes hands 1588, 1590, extending downwardly away from the grooves 1572. For example, the hand 1588, coupled to a distal end of the arm 1576, and the hand 1590, coupled to a distal end of the arm 1577, can extend (or can be angled) downwardly away from the grooves 1572 and the body 1501 of the tool 1500.

[0124] Similarly, to the tool portion 1528, the tool portion 1530 can broaden or expand a dental matrix buccally and lingually (e.g., relative to the location of a cavity preparation) to improve the contact of the restoration (e.g., increasing the contact distance between adjacent teeth from the standard single contact point). In this regard, the arms 1576, 1577, although static, are both forced into contact with the dental matrix to push or pull the dental matrix away from the cavity. This motion not only forces the dental matrix away from the cavity preparation distally (or mesially) relative to the cavity preparation, but also broadens (or at least partially flattens) the dental matrix where the dental matrix contact the arms 1576, 1577. This broadening advantageously slightly deforms the dental matrix to provide a larger interproximal contact for the dental restoration. This process, although described for the tool portion 1530, is also applicable to the tool portion 1528. In some cases, the separation distance between the arms 1576, 1577, and specifically between the hands 1588, 1590 can be about 4 mm, 3.5 millimeters, 3 millimeters, 2 millimeters, etc., or can be less than about 4 mm, 3.5 millimeters, 3 millimeters, 2 millimeters, etc. In some cases, the separation distance between the arms 1576, 1577, and specifically between the hands 1588, 1590 can include the gap between the arms or hands and the thickness of each arm or hand. In this way, the separation distance is defined between opposing outer surfaces (or outer diameters) of the hands (or the arms). In some cases, the gap (e.g., the open space between the arms or hands) can be about 1 millimeter.

[0125] In some configurations, the natural biasing (or springing) of the arms 1576, 1577 can be particular advantageous for smaller cavity preparations. In this case, where the constant separation distance between the arms 1576, 1577 is toolarge, the arms 1576, 1577 can be forced together (e.g., until the arms 1576, 1577 and more specifically the hands 1588, 1590 contact each other) to decrease the separation distance between the arms 1576, 1577 (or the hands 1588, 1590) to fit the smaller cavity preparation. In some cases, this decrease in separation distance can occur automatically as the hands 1588, 1590 are pushed or pulled towards the adjacent tooth. Further, when the hands 1588, 1590 contact each other (or more generally when the separation distance is decreased), the hands 1588, 1590 stabilize the tool.

[0126] In some embodiments, the maximum separation distance of the tool portion 1530 (e.g., between the arms 1576, 1577 or between the hands 1588, 1590) can be smaller than the minimum separation distance of the tool portion 1528 (e.g., between the arms 1502, 1054 or between the hands 1506, 1508, which is at about 4.5 mmm in the illustrated embodiment). In this way, the tool portion 1530 can advantageously be used for smaller interproximal contact widths (e.g., depending on the type of tooth and size of the cavity preparation).

[0127] In some embodiments, the tool portion 1530 can include a tool indicia 1592 corresponding to the static separation distance. As shown in FIG. 16B, the tool indicia 1592 is the number “3” corresponding to a separation distance of 3 millimeters. In other configurations, however, the tool indica 1592 can include a symbol, color, number, letter, etc. In FIG. 16B, the tool indicia 1592 is shown coupled to a side of the arm 1576 (e.g., to a flat side surface of the arm 1576), however, a second tool indicia (or alternatively the tool indicia 1592) can be positioned on the arm 1577 in a similar manner to the tool indicia 1592 on the arm 1576. Regardless of the configuration, the one or more tool indicia of the tool portion 1530 can be visible to a practitioner (e.g., when completing a tooth restoration procedure).

[0128] In some configurations, a finger can rest within a pair of grooves of the grooves 1572 (and in particular one pair of grooves at a time) to stabilize the arms 1576, 1577 such as to prevent he arms from contacting each other (and being biased to subsequently spring out naturally). Each of the third arm 1576 and the fourth arm 1577 includes a curved hand at a distal end. In an uncompressed state of oneembodiment, a distance between the curved hands of the third arm 1576 and the fourth arm 1577 can be about (i.e., deviating from less than 30% from) 3.5 millimeters. In a compressed state of the third arm 1576 and the fourth arm 1577 after being moved together, a distance between the curved hands of the third arm 1576 and the fourth arm 1577 can be about 2.5 millimeters, about 3 millimeters, etc. The curved hands of the third arm 1576 and the fourth arm 1577 allow for the dental tool 1500 to push or pull on or widen a device used in a dental procedure. For example, the dental tool 1500 can pull on a first matrix on a mesial side of tooth. As another example, the dental tool 1500 can push on a second matrix on a distal side of tooth, until the matrix contacts an adjacent tooth. The dental tool 1500 can also broaden buccal / lingually a first matrix on the tooth as the hands 1588, 1590 push or pull the matrix away from the cavity preparation, as described above.

[0129] Referring back to Figure 18, the first arm 1502 of the dental tool 1500 includes tool indicia 1514 (in this embodiment numbers 4.5, 5, 6, 7, and 8) which each indicate a distance D (see Fig.17) from the first distal hand 1506 to the second distal hand 1507 when the slider 1510 is adjacent one of the tool indicia 1514. In another embodiment, the tool indicia 1514 includes one or more colors. In another embodiment, the tool indicia 1514 includes one or more letters. In another embodiment, the tool indicia 1514 includes one or more symbols. In another embodiment, the tool indicia 1514 includes any combination of number(s), color(s), letter(s), and symbol(s).

[0130] In some embodiments, the tool indicia 1514, and in particular sub indicia of the tool indicia 1514, can correspond to (or can be associated with) a separation distance (e.g., distance D) between the arms 1502, 1504 (and specifically the hands 1506, 1507). For example, a sub indicia of the tool indicia 1514 can be the number “8” and when the slider 1510 is positioned at this particular sub indicia, the separation distance is about 8 millimeters. Accordingly, a specific separation distance of the arms 1502, 1504 can correspond to or can be associated with a sub indicia. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 18 where the separation distances are about 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm , 5 mm, and 4.5 mm, each sub indicia (i.e., five in this case) can correspond to the separation distance, where each sub indicia isthe actual separation distances (i. e. , about 8 mm of separation corresponds to the sub indicia of the number “8,” about 7 mm of separation distance corresponds to the sub indicia of the number “7,” and so on). In other configurations, as described below, each sub indicia can be a different color that corresponds to a different separation distance. For example, using the separation distance of the illustrated embodiment, a separation distance of about 8 mm corresponds to the sub indicia of a symbol having the color blue (e.g., a circle, the number 8 colored in blue, etc.), a separation distance of about 7 mm corresponds to the sub indicia of a symbol having the color green, a separation distance of about 6 mm corresponds to the sub indicia of a symbol having the color yellow, a separation distance of about 5 mm corresponds to the sub indicia of a symbol having the color orange, and a separation distance of about 4.5 mm corresponds to the sub indicia of a symbol having the color red.

[0131] Similarly to the tool portion 1530, the separation distance between the arms 1502, 1504, and specifically the separation distance between the hands 1506, 1507, can include the gap between the arms or hands and the thickness of each arm or hand. In this way, the separation distance is defined between opposing outer surfaces (or outer diameters) of the hands (or the arms). In some cases, the separation distance can be in a range from about 10 millimeters to about 3 millimeters or in a range from about 8 millimeters to about 4.5 millimeters.

[0132] Although the tool indicia 1514 is shown on the arm 1502 of the tool portion 1528 of FIG. 18 (e.g., on a flat side surface of the arm 1502), the tool indicia 1514 can be positioned on the arm 1504 (e.g., on a flat side surface of the arm 1502). In other configurations, each arm 1502, 1504 can include a tool indicia (e.g., the tool indicia 1514). In some cases, the tool indicia 1514 of the tool portion 1528 can be positioned on one side of the tool (e.g., on the arm 1502), while one or more tool indicia can be positioned on the opposite side of the tool (e.g., on the arm 1577).

[0133] In some cases, pairs of hands of the tool 1500 can extend in opposite directions, yielding an “S” shape of the tool 1500 when viewed from the side view. For example, the hands 1506, 1507 extend in an opposite direction to the hands 1588, 1590 (and vice versa). In other configurations, however, the hands 1506, 1507can extend in the same direction to the hands 1588, 1590 (e.g., yielding a “U” shape of the tool 1500 when viewed in a side view). Regardless of the configuration, the hands 1506, 1507 being angled relative to the body 1501 (e.g., downwardly, away from the body 1501 ) can advantageously provide a better resultant dental restoration than if the hands were not angled (e.g., and rather were points). For example, the terminal outer surfaces of the hands 1506, 1507 can de forced against the adjacent tooth (e.g., away from the cavity preparation), such that the terminal outer surfaces of the hands 1506, 1507 are oriented substantially parallel to the outer surface of the adjacent tooth. In other words, the terminal surfaces of the hands 1506, 1507 extend along the height of the adjacent tooth (and along the height of the matrix). Accordingly, the broadening of the dental matrix occurs along a height of the dental matrix (rather than just between two contact points). This advantage is also present with the hands 1576, 1577 of the tool portion 15530 that extends upwardly away from the body 1501.

[0134] As described above, the tool portions 1528, 1530 are different and can advantageously be used for different procedures. For example, the tool portion 1528 with the slider 1510 can provide a greater expansion distance for wider restoration contacts, whereas the tool portion 1530 with the grooves 1572 can provide a smaller, constant separation distance for smaller width restoration contacts. The slider 1510 is advantageous for wider separation distances because the practitioner can adjust the separation distance as required and is not constrained to the constant separation distance of the tool portion 1530. Although this configuration having different tool portions 1528, 1530 is advantageous, in some cases, the tool portions 1528, 1530 can have the same movement mechanism, that is, the tool portions 1528, 1530 can each have a slider, or can each have grooves. In some cases, in the configuration where both tool portions 1528, 1530 includes sliders, the slider of the reconfigured tool portion 1530 can be made with a smaller width than the slider 1510 (e.g., can have a width that is less than about 1 mm) and can be made out of metal (or a material that is harder than a polymer, such as plastic) to maintain its integrity when sliding. In this case, however, the metal slider can be lubricated to ensure proper sliding (e.g., between the metal slider and the metal arms 1576, 1577).

[0135] In some cases, the tool 1500 and the components thereof, can be formed out of a metal (e.g., stainless steel), including the slider 1510 (e.g., which can be made out of a polymer, such as plastic). In other configurations, the tool 1500, and the components thereof, can be formed out of a polymer, such as plastic.

[0136] Turning now to FIGS. 22 and 29, there is shown dental matrices 1300a (black indicia), 1300b, (blue indicia), 1300c (orange indicia) and 1300d (red indicia) according to other non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] The dental matrix 1300a has a curved strip 1301a of translucent material having a curvature. The dental matrix 1300a (black indicia) can be of a thickness within a range of 50 micrometers to 100 micrometers. As an example, the dental matrix 1300a can have a thickness of 75 micrometers. The dental matrix 1300a can be formed from a translucent material such as a polymeric film. One nonlimiting example material is the polyester film commercially available as Mylar™. The strip 1301 a has a length from a first edge 1302a to a second edge 1304a sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. The strip has a third edge 1306a and an opposite fourth edge 1308a, wherein the third edge 1306a is gingival-facing when the curved strip 1301a creates the form for molding the restorative material, wherein the fourth edge 1308a is palatal-facing or lingual facing when the curved strip 1301a creates the form for molding the restorative material. The strip 1301a has a tab 1310a intermediate the first edge 1302a and the second edge 1304a, wherein the tab 1310a extends away from the fourth edge 1308a. The dental matrix 1300a has a matrix indicia 1311a on the tab 1310a. The dental matrix 1300a is designed with an aggressively rounded emergence profile. Shaped specifically for premolar teeth, the matrix 1300a can be used anywhere you would typically use a matrix on premolars. One tip is to rotate the matrix 1300a into place. The dental matrix 1300a can be manufactured with different heights H, such as about or exactly 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, and 10 millimeters. The dental matrix 1300a can be manufactured with a curved profile, and a normal width W1 for a premolar. In some cases, the width W1 can be the width of the matrix between opposing ends of the matrix (e.g., where one end is the lingual end and the other end is the buccal end,that is, the buccal end engaging with a buccal surface of a tooth and the lingual end engaging with a lingual surface of a tooth). In some cases, the width W1 can be in a range of about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 6 mm to about 9 mm. In some cases, the width of the interproximal contact area of the dental matrix 1300a, that is, the width of the matrix that ultimately forms the interproximal contact area of the restoration can be in a range from about 3 mm to about 4.5 mm.

[0138] The dental matrix 1300b has a curved strip 1301 b of translucent material having a curvature. The dental matrix 1300b (blue indicia) can be of a thickness within a range of 50 micrometers to 100 micrometers. As an example, the dental matrix 1300b can have a thickness of 75 micrometers. The dental matrix 1300b can be formed from a translucent material such as a polymeric film. One nonlimiting example material is the polyester film commercially available as Mylar™. The strip 1301 b has a length from a first edge 1302b to a second edge 1304b sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. The strip has a third edge 1306b and an opposite fourth edge 1308b, wherein the third edge 1306b is gingival-facing when the curved strip 1301 b creates the form for molding the restorative material, wherein the fourth edge 1308b is palatal-facing or lingual facing when the curved strip 1301 b creates the form for molding the restorative material. The strip 1301 b has a tab 1310b intermediate the first edge 1302b and the second edge 1304b, wherein the tab 1310b extends away from the fourth edge 1308b. The dental matrix 1300b has a matrix indicia 1311 b on the tab 1310b. The dental matrix 1300b is designed with an aggressively rounded emergence profile and an average width and is suitable for the majority of posterior cases. One tip is to rotate the matrix 1300b into place. The dental matrix 1300b can be manufactured with different heights H, such as about or exactly 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, and 9 millimeters. The dental matrix 1300b can be manufactured with a curved profile, and a normal width W2 for a premolar. In some cases, the width W2 can be the width of the matrix between opposing ends of the matrix (e.g., where one end is the lingual end and the other end is the buccal end, that is, the buccal end engaging with a buccal surface of a tooth and the lingual end engaging with a lingual surface of a tooth). In some cases, the width W2 can bein a range of about 5 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, or about 9 mm to about 12 mm. In some cases, the width of the interproximal contact area of the dental matrix 1300a, that is, the width of the matrix that ultimately forms the interproximal contact area of the restoration can be in a range from about 4.5 mm to about 6 mm.

[0139] The dental matrix 1300c has a curved strip 1301c of translucent material having a curvature. The dental matrix 1300c (orange indicia) can be of a thickness within a range of 50 micrometers to 100 micrometers. As an example, the dental matrix 1300c can have a thickness of 75 micrometers. The dental matrix 1300c can be formed from a translucent material such as a polymeric film. One nonlimiting example material is the polyester film commercially available as Mylar™. The strip 1301c has a length from a first edge 1302c to a second edge 1304c sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. The strip has a third edge 1306c and an opposite fourth edge 1308c, wherein the third edge 1306c is gingival-facing when the curved strip 1301c creates the form for molding the restorative material, wherein the fourth edge 1308c is palatal-facing or lingual facing when the curved strip 1301c creates the form for molding the restorative material. The strip 1301 c has a tab 1310c intermediate the first edge 1302c and the second edge 1304c, wherein the tab 1310c extends away from the fourth edge 1308c. The dental matrix 1300c has a matrix indicia 1311 c on the tab 1310c. The dental matrix 1300c features a flatter emergence profile than the matrix 1300b. The dental matrix 1300c is perfect for patients with average-sized molars where the tooth is too flat for the matrix 1300b. One tip is to rotate the matrix 1300c into place. The dental matrix 1300c can be manufactured with different heights H, such as exactly or about 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, and 9 millimeters. In some specific cases, the dental matrix 1300c can be manufactured with different heights such as exactly or about 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, and 9 millimeters. The dental matrix 1300c can be manufactured with a curved profile, and a normal width W3 for a premolar. In some cases, the width W3 can be the width of the matrix between opposing ends of the matrix (e.g., where one end is the lingual end and the other end is the buccal end, that is, the buccal end engaging with a buccal surface of a tooth and the lingual end engaging with a lingual surface of atooth). In some cases, the width W3 can be in a range of about 6 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, or about 12 mm to about 14 mm. In some cases, the width of the interproximal contact area of the dental matrix 1300a, that is, the width of the matrix that ultimately forms the interproximal contact area of the restoration can be in a range from about 6 mm to about 7 mm.

[0140] The dental matrix 1300d has a curved strip 1301 d of translucent material having a curvature. The dental matrix 1300d (red indicia) can be of a thickness within a range of 50 micrometers to 100 micrometers. As an example, the dental matrix 1300d can have a thickness of 75 micrometers. The dental matrix 1300d can be formed from a translucent material such as a polymeric film. One nonlimiting example material is the polyester film commercially available as Mylar™. The strip 1301 d has a length from a first edge 1302d to a second edge 1304d sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored. The strip has a third edge 1306d and an opposite fourth edge 1308d, wherein the third edge 1306d is gingival-facing when the curved strip 1301d creates the form for molding the restorative material, wherein the fourth edge 1308d is palatal-facing or lingual facing when the curved strip 1301d creates the form for molding the restorative material. The strip 1301d has a tab 131 Od intermediate the first edge 1302d and the second edge 1304d, wherein the tab 131 Od extends away from the fourth edge 1308d. The dental matrix 1300d has a matrix indicia 1311 d on the tab 1310d. The dental matrix 1300d is designed with a minimal emergence profile curvature and broad width and allows the dentist to work on wider first and second maxillary molars. The dental matrix 1300d is used where the matrix 1300b and the dental matrix 1300c invert. One tip is to rotate the matrix 1300d into place. The dental matrix 1300d can be manufactured with different heights H, such as exactly or about 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, and 9 millimeters. In some specific cases, the dental matrix 1300d can be manufactured with different heights such as exactly or about 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, and 9 millimeters. The dental matrix 1300d can be manufactured with a curved profile, and a normal width W4 for a premolar. In some cases, the width W4 can be the width of the matrix between opposing ends of the matrix (e.g., where one end is the lingual end and theother end is the buccal end, that is, the buccal end engaging with a buccal surface of a tooth and the lingual end engaging with a lingual surface of a tooth). In some cases, the width W4 can be in a range of about 6 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, or about 14 mm to about 16 mm. In some cases, the width of the interproximal contact area of the dental matrix 1300a, that is, the width of the matrix that ultimately forms the interproximal contact area of the restoration can be in a range from about 7 mm to about 8 mm.

[0141] In a Class 2 tooth restoration according to the present invention, the methods of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0386515 (which is incorporated herein by reference) can be improved by broadening buccal / lingually the matrix with the dental tool to widen the matrix to adapt the matrix to create a large and slightly cupped contact (e.g., the inner surface of the dental matrix that receives the restorative material being concave, that is, slightly concave, and the restored tooth at this location being convex, that is, slightly convex) to adapt to a neighboring tooth that may be flat, or slightly convex, or any of a myriad of shapes. This creates the super stable contact that is now becoming more common in indirect restorations such as a gold or porcelain crowns. In other words, dentists and patients are moving toward much broader contacts than was the bias in past years in dentistry.

[0142] In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the dental tool 1500 of Figure 15-21 has a slider 1510 (in this embodiment colored orange) that may or may not have natural lubricity to slide forward and backward to expand the width of the matrix using the first distal hand and the second distal hand of the dental tool to broaden the matrix buccal / lingually. Because the Bioclear® brand matrix is unique and made of a polymer, such as polyester (e.g., Mylar®), the matrix very often needs to be approximated and then adapted to the neighboring tooth which can be either flat, or convex, or any of a myriad of shapes. In one embodiment of the invention, the dental tool 1500 is what the dentist needs as a guide for the amount of expansion of the matrix depending on several factors. One of the factors is that the matrix can only be expanded so far. The matrix can be slightly widened to create this super contact; however, if the expansion of the matrix of polyester (or even a metal matrix) is excessive, the matrix material can undergo complete plastic deformation where itinverts or in other words becomes caved in or “crumpled”. If the matrix completely inverts, this creates painful food impaction, bacterial accumulation and the shape of the composite material that can be prone to fracturing.

[0143] There is a subtle difference between (1 ) a matrix that is not adapted and has a point contact, (2) a matrix that is ideally adapted where the contact area becomes much wider where the teeth come together, and (3) the matrix is expanded excessively such that the matrix hits the point of no return and becomes inverted and becomes a disaster for both the patient and the dentist. In one embodiment of the invention, the dental tool 1500 includes the slider 1510 which has a certain area of throw that starts with the distal or “hands” side dimension of 4.5 millimeters between the first distal hand 1506 and the second distal hand 1507, and then as the slider 1510 is moved towards the proximal or “handle” end of the first arm 1502 and the second arm 1504, the expansion creates a dimension of up to 8 millimeters between the first distal hand 1506 and the second distal hand 1507. These numbers, or other indicia, on the dental tool 1500 is a novel concept and will guide the dentist to make good decisions about the level of expansion. This level of expansion is that these numbers can be linked via corresponding indicia to the size of the different widths and anatomical categories of the matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d. In other words, each matrix can have a matrix indicia (i.e., a unique matrix indicia) corresponding to the size of that matrix (e.g., the width of the matrix, such as W1 , W2, W3, W4, etc., the contact width of the matrix, etc.). Each matrix indicia can then correspond to a specific tool indicia (or sub indicia thereof), where each specific tool indicia corresponds to a separation distance (e.g., a maximum separation distance) of the arms of the dental tool 1500. In this way, each matrix indicia can match with one or more characteristics of a given specific tool indicia (e.g., a matrix indicia and the specific tool indicia both being red). In this way, a practitioner can easily see how far to open the arms, based on the matrix indicia by moving the slider to (or placing a finger at) the location of the arms that shares the matrix indicia.

[0144] In some cases, for example, for the premolar matrix 1300a, which is black, the optimal width of the dental tool 1500 can be from about 4.5 to 5 millimeters (and in some cases about 4.5 millimeters). In this example, if the dental tool 1500was expanded as much as 8 millimeters, the premolar matrix 1300a would probably invert, and the restoration would be a failure. Also, in one embodiment of the invention, the matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d are color-coded for the emergence profile of the matrix and the width buccal-lingually of the matrix and the tool indicia 1514 (e.g., numbers and colors) of the expansion of the tool 1500 can correspond to the indicia 1311 a, 1311 b, 1311 c, and 1311d (e.g., colors) of the matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d to make a more simplified process for the dentist. In another example, for the blue matrix 1300b that has a certain width that numerical expansion would be in the range of five to six millimeters. For the orange matrix 1300c, which is wider, that would be in the range of 7 millimeters. For the red matrix 1300d that expansion would be 8 millimeters.

[0145] In one example embodiment of the invention, for the tool indicia 1514, there can be color ranges as a background to the printed black numbers (e.g., 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) printed as a series of rainbow transition in this bar of color. These could correspond to the different widths of the matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d, or different posterior teeth that need various widths such as maxillary premolars, mandibular premolars, mandibular 1st molars, etc. and mesial / distal surfaces that tend to fall in general patterns of width. In the past when metal matrices were the norm for Class II composites or amalgams, there was a common technique used to adapt the matrix called burnishing. In other words, a dental tool such as a “ball burnisher” while the matrix was in the mouth was placed in the space once the cavity was prepared and the sectional or Tofflemire band pushed and rubbed against the matrix and neighboring tooth, to crudely adapt and reshape and to oppose a metal matrix toward the neighboring tooth to get a tight contact. The shape of the matrix will dictate the shape of the filling material that is then placed inside the matrix and cured or in the case of amalgam is cured with a chemical cure or in the case of a composite with a light curing. Later, the matrix is removed creating the shape where the teeth come together. The dental tool 1500 replaces the concept of burnishing with a more physiologically appropriate shape that is smoother than a burnished metal matrix; also, with the evolution of the matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d with clear shapes that allow transillumination to cure the materials for betterdepth of cure so that the doctor does not have to put individual layers of composite because of the depth of life care issues. A polyester (e.g., Mylar®) matrix cannot be burnished as was the case with the metal matrix. Therefore, an advancement is needed to be able to adapt and oppose a polyester (e.g., Mylar®) matrix to the neighbor tooth to ideal shapes. Further, by having two hands (or arms) of the dental tool 1500 contact the matrix at the same time to broaden the matrix (and thus the resulting interproximal contact between adjacent teeth), the shape of the restored tooth is more ideally broadened (or adapted to the adjacent tooth) as opposed to say, a ball burnisher that only creates a single point contact and does not broaden a matrix.

[0146] In one embodiment of the invention, the doctor needs to have a more recipe-based method to expand and oppose the matrix to the neighboring tooth which is achieved through use of the dental tool 1500 of Figures 15-21 and 30 and / or the matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d of Figures 22-29 which allow for this method.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 30, some separation distances between the arms 1506, 1507 (or the arms 1502, 1504 more generally) can be ideal for specific sized dental matrices. For example, the separation distance of about 4.5 mm (about 4.5 mm to 5 mm) can be used for the black matrix 1300a (or other matrix with that specific width), the separation distance of about 5 millimeters to about 6 millimeters (or about 6 millimeters to about 7 millimeters) can be used for the blue matrix 1300b (or other matrix with that specific width), the separation distance of about 7 millimeters to about 8 millimeters (or about 7 millimeters) can be used for the orange matrix 1300c (or other matrix with that specific width), and the separation distance of about 8 can be used for the red matrix 1300d (or other matrix with that specific width). In some cases, where the interproximal contact width is less than 4.5 millimeters, the tool portion 1530 can be used with the static arms 1576, 1577. In some cases, a ratio between the separation distance between the arms or hands of the dental tool 1500 and the width of a dental matrix (e.g., W1 ) can be about 0.5, about 1 / 3, less than about 0.5, less than about 1 / 3, etc. Accordingly, the separation distance between he arms or hands of the dental tool 1500 can be less than thewidth of a dental matrix. In some cases, the separation distance between the arms (or the hands) of the dental tool 1500 can be substantially the same as the width of the cavity preparation (i.e., where substantially is deviating be less than 30 percent from).

[0148] Looking at Figure 31 , a measurement tool T can be used to measure a distance from the gingiva to an occlusal surface of a molar. The measurement tool T can be positioned with a tip of the distal end section of the measuring tool contacting gingiva. The dentist observes a location of an occlusal surface of a molar relative to the distal end section of the measuring tool. The distance measured can be used to select a matrix having a suitable height H from the plurality of matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d. Likewise, the measurement tool T can be used to measure a distance from buccal to lingual of a molar to select a matrix having a suitable width W1 , W2, W3, or W4 from the plurality of matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d. Similarly, the measurement tool T can be inserted into a hollow cavity preparation of a tooth until a tip of the distal end section of the measuring tool contacts a bottom surface of the cavity preparation. The dentist observes a location of an upper edge of the cavity preparation relative to the distal end section of the measuring tool to measure depth of the cavity preparation. Then, 1 -2 millimeters can be added to the depth of the cavity preparation to select a matrix having a suitable height H from the plurality of matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d.EXAMPLE

[0149] The following Example is provided in order to demonstrate and further illustrate certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0150] Modern dental restorations demand a higher level of functionality than previous iterations. I have learned over time that a supernatural type of contact can be more favorable than a standard point contact between two teeth. In Figure 32, one can see a tooth and a 70 year old patient that has a tooth that was extracted because of a periodontal abscess. Over time it has worn against the neighboring tooth and the contact area of the teeth has changed over the decades from two radii coming together with a small tangent to a very large, cupped contact. This large,cupped contact eliminates food impaction that is common with a point contact. Also, in nature one sees a variety of contact shapes. In Figure 33, one sees a naturally broad contact which over time can develop as the teeth kept contact, or it can develop as simply a large natural broad contact. In Figure 34, one sees a point contact where the roots are closer together with a narrow embrasure that creates the potential for decay. In Figure 35, one sees a point contact where the roots are far apart. In Figure 36, one can see a patient who requested treatment for a black triangle. This patient had a single black triangle treated but deferred on treating the other areas. At two year recall, one can see that the large cupped or super contact is accumulating less tartar on the teeth (see Figure 37) than the point contacts of the other interproximal areas with natural point contacts (see Figure 38).

[0151] Figures 33-38 show such large contacts and their advantages. In methods of the present invention, broadening buccal / lingually the matrices 1300a, 1300b, 1300c, and 1300d with the dental tool 1500 as described herein can widen the matrix to adapt the matrix to create a large and slightly cupped contact to adapt to a neighboring tooth that may be flat, or slightly convex, or any of a myriad of shapes. The use of the dental tool 1500 with a pair of movable arms with terminal distal hands allows for such buccal / lingual broadening of the matrix which is not possible with single armed tools or tools with immovable arms. This creates the super stable contact that is now becoming more common in indirect restorations such as a gold or porcelain crown. In other words, dentists and patients are moving toward much broader contacts than was the bias in past years in dentistry.

[0152] FIG. 39 shows a flowchart of a process 1600 of restoring an interproximal cavity, which can be implemented using any of the devices, components, etc., herein (e.g., the dental tool 1500, any of the matrices, etc.). Further, any of the method steps described previously can be applicable to the process 1600 (and vice versa). At 1602, the process 1600 can include creating a cavity preparation in a first tooth. The cavity preparation can be an interproximal cavity and can be similar to creating the cavity preparation as described previously (e.g., the hollow cavity preparation 18).

[0153] At 1604, the process 1600 can include measuring the cavity preparation and one or more dimensions of the first tooth. For example, a practitioner can use the measurement tool T to determine the height of the tooth, the width of the tooth (e.g., between buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth), etc.

[0154] At 1606, the process 1600 can include selecting a dental matrix. In some cases, this can include selecting the dental matrix based on the one or more measurements determined at block 1604 of the process 1600. In some cases, the width of the dental matrix can be larger than the width of the first tooth (e.g., defined between the buccal and lingual surfaces of the first tooth) and the height of the dental matrix can be larger than the height of the first tooth (e.g., defined between the gingival and occlusal surfaces of the first tooth). As described above, the dental matrix can be translucent, and can be made of a polymer (e.g., a plastic such as Mylar®). Correspondingly, in some cases, the dental matrix does not include a metal (e.g., is not formed out of a metal).

[0155] At 1608, the process 1600 can include placing the dental matrix (e.g., selected at the block 1606) around the cavity preparation. In some cases, this can include using the dental matrix to cover the entirety of the cavity preparation (e.g., the denial matrix covering the entire cavity preparation). In some case, after the dental matrix is placed, the process 1600 can include securing the dental matrix to the first tooth (e.g., by using one or more beads of curable composite resin and then curing the beads thereafter).

[0156] At 1610, the process 1600 can include moving the dental matrix, such as described previously. This can include moving the dental matrix using any of the tools and processes described herein. For example, this can include contacting the dental matrix (e.g., at its inner surface that faces the cavity preparation) with a first arm and a second arm of a dental tool (e.g., simultaneously) and while the first arm and the second arm are contacting the dental matrix, pushing or pulling the dental matrix away from the cavity preparation and towards a second tooth that is adjacent the first tooth. This push or pulling of the matrix with the spaced apart arms (or hands) of a dental tool results in a broadening of the matrix (along a height of the matrix, corresponding to the heights of the arms or other portion that contacts thedental matrix, if applicable). In some cases, before contacting the dental matrix, the separation distance of the dental tool (e.g., between arms or hands of the tool) can be set by a practitioner. This can include sliding a slider of the dental tool to a tool indicia (or sub indicia) that matches with a matrix indica (e.g., both having the same color).

[0157] In some cases, as described above, broadening or flattening the dental matrix can occur in a buccal and lingual direction of the dental matrix thereby increasing the width of the resultant interproximal contact after restorative material is placed in the cavity preparation. In some cases, the first arm and the second arm can be positioned within the cavity prior to, or during movement of the first arm and the second arm away from the cavity preparation. This broadening of the dental matrix can partially flatten the radius of the dental matrix between the first arm and the second arm (e.g., and in some cases entirely flatten the radius) to ultimately provide a better interproximal contact between adjacent teeth.

[0158] As described above, the block 1610 can include orienting the arms of the dental tool, such that the outer terminal surfaces of the arms extend along a height of the adjacent tooth and along a height of the dental matrix. This orienting can occur prior to, during, or both, the actual movement of the arms towards the adjacent tooth and away from the cavity preparation.

[0159] At 1612, the process 1600 can include determining whether the dental matrix has inverted (e.g., folded over itself at least partially). If at 1612, the dental matrix has been at least partially inverted, particularly after moving the matrix at the block 1610, the process 1600 can proceed back to the block 1606 to select a different dental matrix. The different dental matrix can be a larger size than the first or previously used dental matrix (e.g., the width is larger). In some cases, the blocks 1606-1612 can proceed until the selected matrix does not invert. For example, with each iteration of 1606-1612 the selected matrix can be larger (e.g., have a larger width) than the previously used dental matrix. If, however, at the block 1612, the dental matrix does not invert, the process 1600 can proceed to the block 1614 to secure the (non-inverted) dental matrix to the first tooth.

[0160] Although the block 1612 has been described with respect to inversion, in some cases, the block 1612 is also applicable to whether the hands fit the cavity preparation. If at 1612, the practitioner determines that the separation distance is too large for the cavity preparation (e.g., the hands do not fit within the width of the cavity preparation), the practitioner can decrease the separation distance (e.g., by sliding the slider) and can attempt again. If at 1612, the practitioner determines that the separation distance is suitable for the cavity preparation, the practitioner can proceed to move the dental matrix (at block 1610). Further, in some cases, such as when the dental tool 1500 is used, the tool portion 1528 can be attempted to be used prior to the tool portion 1530. That is, the tool portion 1528 can be set to its minimum separation distance (e.g., 4.5 mm) and if that is still too large, the practitioner can utilize the tool portion 1530 for the movement of the dental matrix.

[0161] In some cases, including if the matrix has not inverted, the practitioner can move the non-inverted matrix according to the block 1610 a number of times (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.). In some cases, multiple movements can ensure that the matrix is broadened appropriately (e.g., buccally and lingually, as well as mesially and distally).

[0162] At 1614, the process 1600 can include securing the dental matrix to the first tooth. In some cases, such as if the (non-inverted) dental matrix was previously secured (e.g., using one or more beads of curable composite resin), the block 1614 can include further securing the dental matrix to the first tooth (e.g., by using one or more additional beads of curable composite resin and thereafter curing the one or more beads).

[0163] At 1616, the process 1600 can include filling the cavity preparation (e.g., according to the processes described herein).

[0164] Thus, the invention provides methods and devices for interproximal dental restoration.

[0165] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, thescope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat Is Claimed Is:1 . A dental tool comprising: a body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first arm coupled to the body at the first end, the first arm terminating in a first distal hand; a second arm coupled to the body at the first end, the second arm terminating in a second distal hand; a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm, the slider configured to move toward and away from a first proximal end of the first arm and a second proximal end of the second arm for holding the first distal hand and the second distal hand in a first spaced relationship and a second spaced relationship different from the first spaced relationship; a first tool indicia on at least one of the first arm or the second arm to indicate the first spaced relationship when the slider is positioned at the first tool indicia; and a second tool indicia on at least one of the first arm or the second arm to indicate the second spaced relationship when the slider is positioned at the second tool indicia.

2. The dental tool of claim 1 , wherein the second spaced relationship is larger than the first spaced relationship.

3. The dental tool of claim 1 , wherein the first tool indicia corresponds to a first matrix indicia of a first dental matrix, the first matrix indicia being indicative of a size of the first dental matrix; and wherein the second tool indicia corresponds to a second matrix indicia of a second dental matrix, the second matrix indicia being indicative of a size of the second dental matrix.

4. The dental tool of claim 3, wherein the first tool indicia and the first matrix indicia include a first color; and wherein the second tool indicia and the second matrix indicia include a second color different from the first color.

5. The dental tool of claim 1 , wherein the first spaced relationship is about 8 millimeters, about 7 millimeters, about 6 millimeters, about 5 millimeters, or about 4.5 millimeters; and wherein the second spaced relationship is about 8 millimeters, about 7 millimeters, about 6 millimeters, about 5 millimeters, or about 4.5 millimeters.

6. The dental tool of claim 1 , wherein the first tool indicia and the second tool indicia are visible irrespective of the position of the slider along the first arm and the second arm.

7. The dental tool of claim 1 , wherein the slider includes a first channel on a first side of the slider and a second channel on a second side of the slider, the first side being opposite the second side; and wherein the first arm is positioned in the first channel and the second arm is positioned in the first channel to prevent the slider from falling through the first arm and the second arm.

8. The dental tool of claim 7, wherein the slider includes a first pair of protrusions defining the first channel and a second pair of protrusions defining the second channel.

9. The dental tool of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm includes a first projection; wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm includes a second projection;wherein the first projection blocks the slider from sliding past the first projection towards a first end of the body; wherein the second projection blocks the slider from sliding past the second projection away from the first end of the body; wherein the first projection defines a maximum separation distance between the first arm and the second arm, such that when the slider contacts the first projection the first arm and the second arm are spaced at the maximum separation distance; and wherein the second projection defines a minimum separation distance between the first arm and the second arm, such that when the slider contacts the second projection, the first arm and the second arm are spaced at the minimum separation distance.

10. The dental tool of claim 9, wherein the maximum separation distance is about 8 millimeters; and wherein the minimum separation distance is about 4.5 millimeters.11 . The dental tool of claim 1 , further comprising: a third arm coupled to the body at the second end, the third arm terminating in a third distal hand; a fourth arm coupled to the body at the second end, the fourth arm terminating in a fourth distal hand; and a plurality of pairs of grooves, wherein a first groove of each pair of grooves is positioned on the top of the third arm and a second groove of each pair of grooves is positioned on the top of the fourth arm, each pair of grooves being aligned with each other; and wherein each pair of grooves is configured to receive a finger of a practitioner at a given time to provide a finger rest for the practitioner.

12. The dental tool of claim 11 , wherein the first arm and the second arm have a minimum separation distance; wherein the third arm and the fourth arm have a maximum separation distance; and wherein the minimum separation distance is larger than the maximum separation distance.

13. The dental tool of claim 11 , wherein the first arm, the second arm, the body, the third arm, and the fourth arm define an S shape.

14. A dental tool comprising: a body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first tool portion coupled to a first end of the body, the first tool portion including a first arm and a second arm, and the first tool portion defining a minimum separation distance between the first arm and the second arm; a second tool portion coupled to a second end of the body, the second tool portion including a third arm and a fourth arm, and the second tool portion defining a maximum separation distance between the third arm and the fourth arm; wherein the minimum separation distance is larger than the maximum separation distance.

15. The dental tool of claim 14, wherein the first tool portion includes a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm to vary the separation distance between the first arm and the second arm; wherein the second tool portion includes a plurality of pairs of grooves, wherein a first groove of each pair of grooves is positioned on the top of the third arm and a second groove of each pair of grooves is positioned on the top of the fourth arm, each pair of grooves being aligned with each other; and wherein each pair of grooves is configured to receive a finger of a practitioner at a given time to provide a finger rest for the practitioner.

16. The dental tool of claim 14, wherein a portion of an exterior surface of the body has a rough surface treatment to facilitate gripping by a practitioner’s hand.

17. The dental tool of claim 14, wherein the first tool portion, the body, and the second tool portion define an S shape.

18. A dental tool comprising: a body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first arm coupled to the body at the first end; a second arm coupled to the body at the first end; a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the slider slides along the first arm and the second arm to vary the separation distance between the first arm and the second arm; a tool indicia on at least one of the first arm or the second arm to indicate a specific separation distance between the first and the second arm when the slider is positioned at the tool indicia; and wherein the tool indicia is visible irrespective of the position of the slider along the first arm and the second arm.

19. The dental tool of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of tool indicia that includes the tool indicia; wherein each tool indicia of the plurality of tool indicia indicate a specific separation distance between the first arm and the second arm when the slider is positioned at the tool indicia; wherein the plurality of tool indicia are all visible irrespective of the position of the slider along the first arm and the second arm.

20. The dental tool of claim 18, wherein the slider includes a first channel on a first side of the slider and a second channel on a second side of the slider, the first side being opposite the second side; andwherein the first arm is positioned in the first channel and the second arm is positioned in the first channel to prevent the slider from falling through the first arm and the second arm.

21. A dental matrix comprising: a curved strip of translucent material, the strip having a length from a first edge to a second edge sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, the strip having a third edge and an opposite fourth edge, wherein the third edge is gingival-facing when the curved strip creates the form for molding the restorative material, wherein the fourth edge is palatal-facing or lingual facing when the curved strip creates the form for molding the restorative material, the strip having a tab intermediate the first edge and the second edge, the tab extending away from the fourth edge, wherein the dental matrix has a matrix indicia on the tab.

22. The dental matrix of claim 21 wherein: the matrix indicia is color.

23. The dental matrix of claim 21 wherein: the matrix indicia is a number.

24. The dental matrix of claim 21 wherein: the matrix indicia is a letter.

25. The dental matrix of claim 21 wherein: the matrix indicia is a symbol.

26. A kit comprising:(i) a measuring gauge comprising: a handle section; and a distal end section connected to the handle section, the distal end section including a plurality of contiguous surface sections, each surface section being dimensioned to have one of a plurality of different indicia, and(ii) a plurality of dental matrices, each of the dental matrices comprising a curved strip of translucent material, the strip having a length from a first edge to a second edge sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of a tooth to be restored, the strip having a third edge and an opposite fourth edge, wherein the third edge is gingival-facing when the curved strip creates the form for molding the restorative material, wherein the fourth edge is palatal-facing or lingual facing when the curved strip creates the form for molding the restorative material, the strip having a tab intermediate the first edge and the second edge, the tab extending away from the fourth edge, wherein a first of the dental matrices has a first matrix indicia on the tab corresponding to one of the different indicia of the gauge, and wherein a second of the dental matrices has a second matrix indicia on the tab corresponding to another of the different indicia of the gauge.

27. The kit of claim 26 wherein: the first matrix indicia is a first color, and the second matrix indicia is a second color.

28. The kit of claim 26 wherein: the first matrix indicia is a first number, and the second matrix indicia is a second number.

29. The kit of claim 26 wherein: the first matrix indicia is a first letter, and the second matrix indicia is a second letter.

30. The kit of claim 26 wherein: the first matrix indicia is a first symbol, and the second matrix indicia is a second symbol.31 . The kit of claim 26 further comprising: a dental tool comprising:(i) a first arm and an opposed second arm connected at a first proximal end of the first arm and a second proximal end of the second arm, the first arm terminating in a first distal hand, and the second arm terminating in a second distal hand; and(ii) a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm, the slider configured to move toward and away from the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm for holding the first distal hand and the second distal hand in at least a first spaced relationship and a second spaced relationship different from the first spaced relationship, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm includes tool indicia for indicating a position of the slider with respect to the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm, and wherein one of the tool indicia corresponds to the first matrix indicia and another of the tool indicia corresponds to the second matrix indicia.

32. The kit of claim 31 wherein: at least one of the tool indicia correlates with a distance between the first distal hand and the second distal hand when the slider is adjacent the at least one of the tool indicia.

33. The kit of claim 32 wherein: the distance from the first distal hand and the second distal hand is in a range of 4 millimeters to 10 millimeters.

34. The kit of claim 31 wherein: the tool indicia is a color.

35. The kit of claim 31 wherein: the tool indicia is a number.

36. The kit of claim 31 wherein: the tool indicia is a letter.

37. The kit of claim 31 wherein: the tool indicia is a symbol.

38. A method for the restoration of a first tooth having an original shape including a top surface and an interproximal surface facing an adjacent second tooth, the method comprising:(a) removing a portion of the top surface of the first tooth and a portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth to form a hollow cavity preparation, the cavity preparation extending from the top surface to the interproximal surface of the first tooth;(b) surrounding the removed portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth with a matrix comprising a strip of material having a curvature;(c) broadening the matrix buccal / lingually;(d) bonding a section of the matrix to the first tooth;(e) injecting a light-curable composite resin into the cavity preparation; and(f) light curing the composite resin contained in the cavity preparation.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein: step (c) comprises broadening the matrix buccal / lingually using a dental tool.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein:the dental tool comprises a first arm and an opposed second arm connected at a first proximal end of the first arm and a second proximal end of the second arm, the first arm terminating in a first distal hand, and the second arm terminating in a second distal hand, and step (c) comprises broadening the matrix buccal / lingually using the first distal hand and the second distal hand of the dental tool to widen the matrix to create a large and slightly cupped contact to adapt to the adjacent second tooth.41 . The method of claim 38 wherein: step (c) further comprises moving the matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation toward the second tooth.

42. A dental tool comprising: a first arm and an opposed second arm connected at a first proximal end of the first arm and a second proximal end of the second arm, the first arm terminating in a first distal hand, and the second arm terminating in a second distal hand; and a slider positioned between the first arm and the second arm, the slider configured to move toward and away from the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm for holding the first distal hand and the second distal hand in at least a first spaced relationship and a second spaced relationship different from the first spaced relationship.

43. The dental tool of claim 42 wherein: at least one of the first arm and the second arm includes indicia for indicating a position of the slider with respect to the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm.

44. The dental tool of claim 43 wherein: at least one of the indicia correlates with a distance from the first distal hand to the second distal hand when the slider is adjacent the at least one of the indicia.

45. The dental tool of claim 44 wherein: the distance from the first distal hand to the second distal hand is in a range of 4 millimeters to 10 millimeters.

46. The dental tool of claim 42 further comprising: a first projection on the first arm or the second arm, and a second projection on the first arm or the second arm, wherein the first projection limits motion of the slider towards the first proximal end of the first arm, wherein the second projection limits motion of the slider towards the first distal hand.

47. The dental tool of claim 46 wherein: at least one of the first arm and the second arm includes indicia for indicating a position of the slider with respect to the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm, and wherein the indicia are located between the first projection and the second projection.

48. A method comprising: placing a dental matrix around a cavity preparation of a first tooth; moving the dental matrix towards a second tooth adjacent the first tooth and away from the cavity preparation while broadening the dental matrix with a dental tool of any of the claims herein; securing the dental matrix to the first tooth; and filling the cavity preparation with a restorative material after the dental matrix is secured to the first tooth.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein moving the dental matrix includes contacting the dental matrix with a first arm and a second arm of the dental tool andpushing or pulling the matrix away from the cavity preparation while the first arm and the second arm are in contact with the dental matrix to broaden the dental matrix.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising expanding the separation distance between the first arm and the second arm prior to contacting the dental matrix with the first arm and the second arm.51 . The method of claim 49, wherein expanding the separation distance includes sliding a slider of the dental tool.

52. A method comprising: selecting a first dental matrix; placing the first dental matrix around a cavity preparation of a first tooth; moving the first dental matrix away from the cavity preparation of the first tooth and towards a second tooth that is adjacent the first tooth; inverting the first dental matrix from the moving of the first dental matrix; selecting a second dental matrix that is larger than the first dental matrix; placing the second dental matrix around the cavity preparation of the first tooth; and moving the second dental matrix away from the cavity preparation of the first tooth and towards the second tooth.

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