Novel composite tools for reinforcing dental hand-sculpted and 3d-printed composites

Abstract

The present invention provides novel tools and methods for improving load transfer in dental isotropic particulate reinforced composites. By creating textured composite interfaces during chairside composite lamination or layering, the load transfer in hand sculpted and 3D printed composites can be significantly enhanced without the need for embedding fibers or reinforcing elements. This leads to improved stress transfer, load-bearing capacity, and reduced shrinkage stress in dental composites. The invention also has applications in structural composite materials technology, aerospace engineering, and resin SLA 3D printing, allowing the mechanical properties and response of the composite to be easily enhanced or tailored.

Description

[0001] Novel composite tools for reinforcing dental hand-sculpted and 3D-printed composites

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to dental materials, more specifically provides novel tools and methods for improving load transfer in dental isotropic particulate reinforced composites.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Isotropic particulate-filled polymer matrix composites have filler particles uniformly distributed within the resin matrix, resulting in countless planes of material property symmetry. These composites are available in the form of thick pastes or low-viscosity liquids, which are invariably reinforced or stiffened using embedded fibers or fiber reinforcing elements. The mechanical properties of an isotropic composite lamina without such embedded fibers are consistent in all directions, making the composite homogeneous. However, this homogeneity causes uneven distribution of loads, leading to a lack of stiffness along a specific or a more crucial load or stress bearing direction. But in contrast, it is well known that orthotropic composites which have embedded fibers, allow the material properties of the composite to be tailored or enhanced along specific directions.

[0006] It is widely known that isotropic composites are easier to mechanically characterize as they only require two elastic constants namely the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. "For an isotropic material, there are only two independent elastic constants. For a material with cubic symmetry, we need three independent elastic constants" (Chawla, Metal Matrix Composites 2nd ed, p. 122). Mechanical characteristics of fully anisotropic materials such as extension-extension coupling, shear-extension coupling, and shear-shear coupling are absent within isotropic materials. This reduces their ability to distribute normal and shear stresses and strains effectively. But on a comparison, all stresses and strains are coupled in inhomogeneous anisotropic materials resulting in an overall improvement in the distribution of stresses and strains along a particular direction of loading in anisotropic materials. Reinforcing isotropic dental materials is not new. Australian patent (AU2021203859B2) describes a lamination strategy wherein a single reinforcing zirconia mesh is embedded and permanently engaged with dental porcelain. But on the flipside, such a zirconia mesh employed for reinforcing dental porcelain may interfere with the overall esthetics of the restoration and may even be difficult to fabricate. US patent (US20180098828A1) , on the other hand, describes additive manufacturing methods and materials for dental zirconia ceramic crowns having internal ribs, slots, porous meshes, as pure design features or elements for enhancing integral retention, identification, adjustability, flexibility, and tailored porosity, without the express use of a reinforcing material. Therefore it becomes clear and obvious that an alteration in the mechanical response of a material may be made by either adding a reinforcing element to the material, or by simply changing the design parameters or features of the part or restoration itself. A design feature in this context, may simply be an internal design feature present only at the intaglio surface of the restoration, or it may be a plurality of interfaces, present within specific stratas or layers of the isotropic composite part or structure.

[0007] It is also well known that localized behavior or brittless in an isotropic composite laminate is due to the small length scales of the filler particles present in the composite, with the characteristic morphology of the composite becoming more simple and repetitive. Discretization and failure modes may then correspond to the individual materials constituents used in the composite. According to Chen et al. (2018), "the interfacial characteristics of polymer nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes significantly influence their mechanical properties, often resulting in increased brittleness and localized failure modes". The particulate filled composite may alsotend to demonstrate more local behavior, and failure modes can develop very close to individual microconstituents or micro filler particles, and as noted by Soderholm (2012), "fractures were transgranular through the reinforcing particles" leading to increased brittleness and reduced fracture toughness. Conversely, an orthotropic composite comprises well bonded longitudinal fibers or fillers and has more complex geometry, leading to smeared mechanical properties of the composite. This results in the development of complex failure modes and a shift towards a more globalized response or behavior of the orthotropic composite. The numerical analysis of an orthotropic composite structure is more challenging since "The complex geometries and varying material properties make the detailed three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) computationally prohibitive" (Liu & Yu, 2017, p. 2). Therefore it can be inferred that the retentive interfacial or morphological keying features particularly of a high order of magnitude introduced over isotropic composite lamina, can improve the overall macro mechanical response of an isotropic particulate filled dental composite to an extent or degree, depending on the geometry or the structure of the morphological keying features introduced.

[0008] Presently, it is well known that the very fine homogenization within particulate filled isotropic dental composites leads to greater concentration of normal and shear stresses and strains in specific regions of the isotropic dental composite. This is unlike what is evident in anisotropiccomposites, where strain energy is preserved and anisotropic elasticity is present, and stressesand strains are more distributed in the anisotropic composite. While one object of the presentinvention is to prevent stress concentrations and reinforce dental composites without increasing the level of discretization present in them, the other object is to minimize the concentration of fillers that may be added to the resin matrix purely for the purpose of achieving a reinforcement benefit. Another object of the present invention is to reduce the polymerization shrinkage stress pile up of incremental layers of dental composite while the individual laminas or increments of the dental composite are formed or hardened by the dentist. Yet another object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency and speed of dental chairside composite layering procedures which are utilized for the build up of dental composites.

[0009] Since an alteration in the mechanical response of a material may be made by simply changing the design parameters or features of the composite component or part itself, macro-mechanical keying features may be simply introduced over the surface of unpolymerized composite resin during the dental chairside composite buildup or 3D printing process itself. The macro-mechanical keying features introduced over individual dental composite lamina, would then facilitate mechanical keying within dental composite on the whole, and promote better stress transfer within dental composites while offsetting their frailty and poor fracture toughness which are common to isotropic composite materials. The introduction of well tessellated macro texture patterns over the dental composite lamina, brings about excellent mechanical keying and stress transfer between individual dental isotropic composite laminas or layers, simply by the introduction of such keying features which won’t serve as stress concentrators within the composite.

[0010] Isotropic composites applied as a veneering or protective covering over a base composite or substructure, often serve additional functions such as reducing aero or hydrodynamic drag. The macro mechanical response of such isotropic composite veneerings can be greatly enhanced by the careful introduction of well tessellated macro-mechanical keying features over the individual composite laminas during layer by layer manufacturing processes.

[0011] While the present invention focuses on novel methods and tools for tailoring or enhancing the overall mechanical response of dental chairside composites and 3D printed composites, examining the strategies of the current invention, provides further insights into the scope and effectiveness of the proposed strategies across various other fields where composites are manufactured using a layer by layer approach.

[0012] US patent document US 11116603B2 describes matrices that are known in dentistry as the Bioclear System.

[0013] US patent document US6093021A mentions a parallel airstream dental air-abrasion system.

[0014] European patent document EP2416891B1 describes reinforced ultraviolet (UV) radiation-curable composites and processes for forming reinforced UV-curable composites.

[0015] WIPO (PCT) document W02005021634A2 describes an ultraviolet (UV) light curable formulation useful for repairing composite materials incrementally.

[0016] US patent document US7294656B2 describes a non-aqueous composition curable by UV radiation.

[0017] WIPO (PCT) document WO2016140888A1 describes a method popularly known in the 3D printing industry as CLIP 3D printing.

[0018] US patent document US20220193987A1 describes techniques for reducing separation forces using a jittering or vibrating step during 3D printing.

[0019] Japan patent document JP2004321801A describes a spot-curing lens that can be used together with a dental curing device.

[0020] US patent document US20150282906A1 describes a template for forming a veneer known in dentistry as the Uveneer™ Direct Composite Template System.

[0021] European patent document EP0087022A1 describes a crown form for making surface repairs to damaged teeth using a restorative material comprising a recessed form or portion.

[0022] US patent document US4999143A describes an improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object.

[0023] US patent document US20190083208A1 describes dental restoration molds.

[0024] US patent document US3404748A describes insulation laminate with a corrugated layer.

[0025] European patent document EP2579075A1 describes a rod-shaped light guide that comprises a light entrance side end.

[0026] US patent document US10231810B2 describes a dental irradiation device for light hardening of a dental material.

[0027] US patent document US20110186685A1 describes a film composite having generally parallel riblets to reduce drag on the flow of fluid over a surface.

[0028] China patent document CN 105437562B describes a method for embossing patterns onto composite laminates.

[0029] China patent document CN1832852B describes the process and apparatus for fabricating precise microstructures and polymeric molds.

[0030] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The present invention encompasses a range of novel tools and methods to tailor or enhance the mechanical response of isotropic particulate-reinforced polymer matrix composites such as dental and 3D printed composites, while reinforcing them optimally using textured interfaces having a higher order of magnitude than the polymer chains present in the composite resin matrix. Since the interface governs the load transfer efficiency and plays an important role in determining the mechanical properties of a polymer composite, the mechanical properties of the composite are highly dependent upon the nature of the interface, and the control of properties at the interface. The nature of the interface is further complicated because the dimension of filler particles may be of the same order of magnitude as that of polymer chains, resulting in the lack of efficient load transfer within an isotropic composite. The novel composite tools described herein, enhance macro mechanical keying between the layers or laminas of dental and 3D printed composites and improve overall composite stiffness and strength along specific directions, and also offer stress relief via interfaces that have a higher order of magnitude than the polymer chains present in the resinous matrix of the composite. This provides means for the load transfer efficiency within an isotropic polymer matrix composite to be tailored or enhanced without being overruled by the concentration of reinforcing filler particles. This advancement is versatile and finds applications across diverse fields.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1. illustrates the chairside use of a zero-memory dental composite texturing mesh fabric (100) and further described in claim 5.

[0034] Figure 2. illustrates the chairside use of a texturing mesh holder which serves to texture dental composite (200) using mesh fabric described in claim 5.

[0035] Figure 3. illustrates the chairside use of different dental composite texturing rollers (300) and further described in claim 6.

[0036] Figure 4 & Figure 4A. illustrate the chairside use of composite stamp ( 401 ) for texturing dental composite further described in claim 7.

[0037] Figure 5 & Figure 5A. illustrate the chairside use of a textured circumferential matrix band (500 ) and chairside use of a textured sectional matrix band for texturing dental composite mentioned in claim 7.

[0038] Figure 6. illustrates different types of macro textured 3D printing release film ( 600 ) and textured resin 3D printing approaches, further described in detail in claim 8.

[0039] Figure 7. illustrates the chairside use of the textured anterior tooth templates ( 700 ), which is further described in claim 9.

[0040] Figure 8. illustrates the chairside use of textured composite instrument tips ( 800 ) , which is further described in claim 10.

[0041] Figure 9. illustrates the chairside use of textured light transmitting probe tips ( 900 ), which is further described in claim 11.

[0042] Figure 10. illustrates the chairside use of textured composite inserts ( 2000 ), which is further described in claim 12.

[0043] Figure 11. illustrates the flexure testing of hand sculpted dental composite coupon ( 3002 ) and 3D-printed composite sample coupon ( 3000 ) and described in page 6 under mechanical testing.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Statement of the Problem: Dental composites are tooth-colored materials used for cavity fillings that provide a natural appearance and strong bond to teeth. Although they are prone to wear and staining, they are widely used due to their aesthetic and functional benefits. Dentists utilize techniques like micro air abrasion or sandblasting to improve the micro mechanical bond of the dental composite to teeth. However, there are currently no tools available in dentistry that enhance the macro mechanical bonding between multiple increments or layers of dental composite or laminas, and simultaneously minimize the polymerization shrinkage stress pileup. While the dentist builds up the dental composite layer by layer over the tooth, the dentist also tries to minimize the distortion occurring to the shape of the overall composite buildup. So it becomes vital that some of the proposed methods utilized for texturing the unpolymerized composite paste do not cause distortions or slumping of the whole dental composite paste buildup. While macro retentive features are commonly employed to improve the retention of orthodontic brackets over teeth, it is well known that macro retentive features are not introduced over individual dental composite layers or laminas during dental composite layering. Texture is most often considered as a feature which helps to lessen adhesion between dental composite as taught in US Patent 20170367787A.

[0046] Therefore it can be stated that the key role macro texture plays in improving the overall macro mechanical response of the isotropic dental composite restoration is largely unrecognized.

[0047] Likewise in Patent document US 10327865B2, texture is primarily regarded to reduce the water contact angle of a dental composite roller device, and decrease its adherence to dental composite paste while spreading the dental composite paste using the roller device. The intended object or purpose of the texture present over the dental restoration tool described in US 10327865B2 is clearly not to improve the mechanical response of the composite restoration, and there are no tools presently available in the market the dentist can use to introduce a well- defined texture over a sculpted layer of dental composite paste. Patient demand for aesthetic dentistry with minimally invasive procedures has always resulted in the extensive utilization of freehand composite sculpting techniques involving bonding of composite resin to teeth. In this context, the dentist would highly desire macro texture to be present between individual composite layers, and would also desire that the act of texturing the individual composite paste layer would not result in distortion or slumping of the entire composite buildup. Chairside composite dentistry is an art by itself, which the dentist learns and perfects over time, and a lot of distortions happening to dental composite paste during texturing may waste precious chairtime and also lead to unsatisfactory outcomes. Since the micromechanical bonds in dental composite frequently contain microscopic defects which result in compromised stiffness or modulus, the dentist would want to get the maximum mileage or benefit out of macroscopic retentive interfaces of a greater order of scale or magnitude than the microscopic defect laden chemical bonds, by simply texturing the layers of dental composite. In this context, a macro texture pattern when scrupulously introduced over a layer of dental composite, tends to inform composite macromechanics more than it would inform composite micromechanics, and provides improved ability for the dentist to tailor or improve the stiffness and modulus of the dental composite restorations chairside. For example : An orthodontic bracket mesh with microscopic patterns lead to concentrated stresses, showing that surface pattern or geometry has a role to play in stress transfer and distribution. The shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets is known to simply increase with a macro-retentive design (Hodecker et al., 2023).

[0048] Solution

[0049] Macro-mechanical keying features having a higher order of magnitude, operating at a greater magnification pitch or scale, improves the overall macro mechanical response of the dental composite material or restoration. Using the present invention, the dentist or dental laboratory technician can introduce beneficial macro mechanical keying features over dental compositelayers. True-to-life dental restorations can be designed and delivered because dental composites need not be over-engineered using filler particles which make them look opaque and lifeless. On a comparison, micro retentive features introduced using micro air- abrasion or sandblasting leads to more defects within the dental composite material, making the material even more frail or brittle. The dentist may then be able to easily tailor the material response of dental composites to suit a particular clinical situation or loading condition more closely.

[0050] It is well known that in an orthotropic lamina, fibers at 90 or 0° angles to the lamina's axis are not good at handling shear, and adding fibers at a 45° angle, further improves its shear modulus and stiffness. It is also well known that an orthotropic composite laminate may have to be both specially and generally orthotropic to resist forces from all directions. On the other hand, in an isotropic lamina, there is a lack of shear-normal coupling, and the resin matrix alone handles shear stresses. The fiber direction along the interface the fiber forms with the resin, is known to be an important element which governs the distribution or transfer of stresses within a fiber reinforced composite, and without the bonded interface, the reinforcing effect would largely be absent.This signifies the rather universal role interfaces play within resins and resin composites, highlighting how the increase in interfacial area for bonding would influence the overall mechanical response of the composite. Fiber addition or laminate surface preparation procedures such as sandblasting are therefore viewed in light of the defects or disorder or a lack of directionality or atomic alignment each of the aforementioned procedures would introduce into the composite. Formation of a resin to resin interface is common in incremental layering processes such as composite 3D printing or layering, where the stacking of the numerous interfaces formed is simply enough to lead to some degree of anisotropic material behavior. The running direction of the macro mechanical keys introduced over the isotropic composite lamina will therefore influence the degree of stress transfer within the composite, and can be beneficial in isotropic particulate filled composites such as dental composites. By strategically layering dental composite and introducing texture patterns running at various directions and angles to the global axis of the tooth substrate layer, a dental composite laminate may effectively be finetuned or tailored to handle different types of loading conditions during mastication.

[0051] Mechanical testing:

[0052] Mechanical testing showed a profound increase in both the flexural modulus and strength of the dental composite. The method mentioned in claim 8 was used to 3D print rectangular strength testing coupons that were printed using clear 3D printed resin. Graphs in ( Fig- 11 ) show the improved flexural modulus and stiffness of the rectangular strength testing coupon. However, when a micro pattern was present or introduced over the surface of the release film ( 601 ), the testing results obtained were not satisfactory, due to the size or scale of the retentive features that poorly inform macromechanics, and caused more discretization and less smearing of mechanical properties during bending or flexure. Graph ( 3005 ) ( Fig- 11 ) shows a plot of stress Vs strain of a test 3D printed coupon ( 3000 ) ( Fig-11 ) 3D printed using the method mentioned in claim 8. Graph ( 3006 ) (Fig-11) shows a plot of stress Vs strain of the regular control 3D printed coupon. When testing nano filled 3D printing resins, the flexural strength varied based on filler particle distribution and porosity, but the modulus or stiffness of the 3D printed nanocomposite was significantly enhanced. The findings were very telling of the influence, porosity and filler distribution had over flexural strength more than the modulus or stiffness of the nanocomposite.

[0053] Chairside dental composite bonding or veneering procedures are in many ways similar to resin 3D printing where composite is hardened layer by layer. A circular biaxial coupon ( 3002 ) ( Fig-11) was prepared for biaxial testing in accordance with the method mentioned in claim 5.

[0054] The Stress-Strain diagrams or curves of biaxial flexure ( 3007 ) and ( 3008 ) ( Fig-11 ) shows both stiffness and strength of the test coupons were higher than what was seen in the control group of the dental composite. See graph ( 3007 ) ( Fig-11). There was a clear and significant improvement seen in the modulus or stiffness in the test group of coupons, but again, the strength varied depending on the amount of defects or porosity present in the testing coupons or samples.

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ITS VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, a texturing mesh fabric ( 100 ) which has poor or no fabric memory as illustrated and described in ( Fig-1 ) and claim 1, is used to engraved retentive features ( 109 ) over dental composite paste, which serve as well distributed mechanical keys over composite lamina or layer of a dental composite veneer once hardened or polymerized. The mesh fabric ( 100 ) tessellates or spreads well over the dental composite paste surface, while making contact with the paste surface, to engrave the paste surface uniformly. While the mesh fabric ( 100 ) may engrave the paste surface in one embodiment, it may also be used to emboss , deboss , bosselate and imprint the paste surface in other embodiments, depending on the features present over mesh fabric ( 100 ), and also depending on the viscosity of the increment of the composite paste ( 109 ). In some embodiments, the mesh fabric ( 100 ) may be selected from a group of different types of applique or ornamental needlework such as knitted applique fabric, embroidered applique fabric, hybrid applique fabric (where two types of yarn are used), crocheted applique fabric, macrame applique fabric, tatted applique fabric, cro-tatted applique fabric, needlepoint on mesh applique fabric, embroidered or micro embroidered applique fabric and combinations thereof, with the texture pattern standing out prominently. Illustrated in ( Fig-1 ) is a non-woven mesh fabric ( 100 ), with a hexagonal openwork structure ( 103 ), but any openwork structure shape may be used in place of a hexagonal openwork structure.

[0057] In another embodiment, the mesh fabric ( 100 ) may be used to create a bosselated surface ( 110 ) or a surface that has raised rounded or domed features, resembling small mounds or bosses distributed across the surface depending on viscosity of the composite paste. Adapting mesh fabric ( 100 ) over the surface of the dental composite paste using mild pressure, tends to bosselate the paste giving it the appearance of being marked or covered with many bosses, depending on the viscosity of the dental composite paste. Mesh fabric ( 100 ) employed may have a specific texture pattern such as honeycomb or hexagonal openwork pattern, or it may have different patterns such as diamond, rhombus, riblet, grid, wave, chainmail, ovoid, curvilinear, geometric interlocks, ribbed, pyramid, circular holes or dimples, textured lines (straight, curved, or zigzag patterns), triangles, squares, circles, and irregular patterns and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, mesh fabric ( 100 ) may also be sized into regular shapes such as square or rectangle or circle, or into a tooth outline or a silhouette ( 111 ). The silhouette ( 111 ) may have a plurality of handling or placement tabs ( 112 ) which help place the silhouette completely over a particular tooth or within a mold body of an anterior tooth template.

[0058] The tooth substrate layer ( 105 ) in ( Fig-1 ), is the layer or substrate surface upon which the dental composite paste with adequate viscosity is first adapted or spread using a dental composite instrument ( 107 ). Depending on the viscosity of the dental composite paste, and the conformity or adaptation of mesh fabric ( 100 ), the viscous composite paste ( 108 ), is allowed to optimally flows into the openwork structure ( 103 ) of mesh fabric ( 100 ), without completely embedding mesh fabric ( 100 ) within the dental composite paste. The mesh fabric ( 100 ) is then easily removed or peeled away from the composite paste surface ( 108 ), without distorting the composite paste surface ( 108 ), leaving behind a well-defined texture pattern ( 109 ) over the unpolymerized composite paste surface. The composite paste is then immediately hardened using visible blue light, and the texture pattern solidified, to serve as mechanical keys ( 109 ). The mechanical keys ( 109 ) formed also serve as shrinkage stress relief zones for the lamina of dental composite formed, and are ready to receive the next layer or lamina of dental composite.

[0059] In some embodiments, the infiltrant mentioned in claim 1, serving as a carrier for different reinforcing constituents may be evenly embedded using mesh fabric ( 100 ) into the mechanical keys ( 109 ) resembling grooves present over the lamina. Viscous composite paste ( 108 ) is again spread evenly over said mechanically keyed lamina of composite ( 109 ), and in some embodiments the angle of placement of mesh fabric ( 100 ) over the second layer or increment of dental composite, may be varied by the dentist. In another embodiment, a different mesh fabric having a different pattern may be employed to texture the said second layer of dental composite paste, with the goal of creating macro mechanical retentive keys running at a different angle to the global axis of the tooth substrate layer ( 105 ). The aforementioned process is repeated till an adequately thick isotropic composite laminate is formed over the tooth substrate layer ( 105 ), and the mechanical keys introduced may be running at specific angles such as 90°, + / - 45° and 0° with respect to the global axis of the tooth substrate. In another embodiment, the infiltrant mentioned in claim 1 may simply be applied over mechanically keyed lamina of composite ( 109 ) using a brush, to make the infiltrant flow into and infiltrate grooves ( 109 ), carrying the constituents present in the infiltrant into the grooves ( 109 ). After infiltrating grooves ( 109 ) with the infiltrant, the mechanically keyed lamina of composite ( 109 ) may be solidified using visible blue light. And in this manner, the mechanical properties of an individual isotropic composite lamina ( 109 ) may be finely tailored using different types of agents such as reinforcing filler particles , crosslinking agents and plasticizing agents mentioned in claim 3. In a preferred embodiment, the texturing mesh fabric ( 100 ) is manufactured using non-woven mesh fabric materials. This is because it’s easier to customize non-woven fabrics in terms of their thickness and pattern, and a number of defects which may be present in woven fabrics such as bad selvedge, broken ends or warp, broken picks or weft, and loose warp which needs to be considered. In an exemplary embodiment, a woven fabric used, may have a distinct grain direction determined by the orientation of the warp and weft yarns. The standard mesh count of nonwoven mesh may typically range from 16 to 32 holes per square inch ( HPI ). The 6 HPI to 20 HPI mesh count range is considered coarse, with larger mesh openwork. The 20 HPI to 24 HPI mesh count range may provide a good balance between the size of the openwork in the mesh fabric, and the ability of composite resin to optimally flow through the openwork based on its viscosity. The 24 HPI to 32 HPI mesh count offers a very good distribution of mesh openwork and may in some cases be the preferred mesh count in the non woven fabric ( 100 ).In another exemplary embodiment, mesh fabric ( 100 ) has a large U shape ( 113 ) or shape of the full dental arches. This will help the dentist texture and reinforce more extensive long span restorations or prostheses which may be hand sculpted instead of being 3D printed. In another exemplary embodiment, the dentist may utilize a micro mesh with a very high mesh count to contact and impart very small texture features over the dental composite lamina or increment, to simply reduce the shrinkage stress without imparting macro mechanical keys over the lamina.

[0060] In yet another embodiment illustrated in ( Fig-2 ) and described in both claims 1 and 5, mesh fabric ( 100 ) may be cut to a specific size or shape, and attached to a mesh holder ( 200 ), via bendable frame ( 201 ), for improving the adaptation of the mesh fabric ( 202 ) over any particular tooth, and also for improving the reach of mesh fabric ( 100 ) within the oral cavity. In another embodiment, the mesh fabric ( 202 ) is bonded to the bendable frame ( 201) using an adhesive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, mesh fabric ( 202 ) may be pinned to a wire frame with protruding pins along its periphery. The wire frame ( 201 ) and mesh holder ( 200 ) may be made using pieces of ductile wire which are welded or soldered together. ( Fig-2 ) shows a non woven mesh fabric ( 202 ), but a woven mesh fabric may also be employed. A large or small frame ( 201 ) may be employed to attach mesh fabric ( 202 ), depending on the length and mesiodistal width of the tooth. The frame ( 201 ) may simply be bent and adjusted by the dentist to make mesh fabric ( 202 ) spread and contact the layer of dental composite paste, without distorting the composite paste layer. After isolating the patient’s teeth using dental dam ( 205 ), the dentist may first trial fit the ductile wire frame ( 201 ) over an aspect of the tooth, by adjusting the frame (201) in such a manner that mesh fabric ( 100 ) would evenly cover or spread over dental composite paste applied over an aspect of the tooth structure. A layer of dental composite paste is then evenly applied and spread over the tooth substrate using a dental composite instrument, and the trial fitted and adjusted ductile wire frame ( 201 ) is scrupulously placed over a layer of dental composite paste. The dentist at this point can easily control the intensity of the texture pattern over composite paste build up ( 204 ), by governing the pressure applied by the mesh fabric ( 202 ) over the composite paste. Due to the very low fabric memory of mesh ( 202 ) and its lightness, the shape of the overall composite buildup ( 204 ) is preserved, and is not distorted or smudged depending on how scrupulously the mesh fabric ( 202 ) was placed and removed from the dental composite paste. The dentist then hardens the textured composite layer ( 204 ) immediately, and adapts another layer of composite paste over the solidified layer of composite ( 207 ) to form the mechanically keyed layers of dental composite with reduction in the overall shrinkage stress because of the texture relief space.

[0061] In yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in ( Fig-3 ) and described in claim 3, the dentist uses a textured roller ( 300 ) snugly inserted into a flexible roller holder or handle ( 303 ) for texturing dental composites. The flexibility of the roller handle ( 303 ), may be easily enhanced by incorporating a highly bendable portion ( 308 ) at a suitable point along the handle ( 303 ). In another embodiment, the bendable portion ( 308 ) may simply be a wire ( 308 ) with a good degree of flexibility and shape memory. In another embodiment, the bendable portion ( 308 ) may be a bendable and ductile piece of wire or metal ( 308 ) which stays bent and has no springiness or shape memory. In yet another embodiment, there might be one bendable portion ( 308 ) along with one ductile portion along the same roller handle ( 303 ) for bending and adjusting the roller handle ( 303 ). In another embodiment, the roller handle ( 303 ) may simply be contraangled for improving reach of the textured roller ( 300 ) within the oral cavity.

[0062] The dentist may then roll the roller ( 300 ) over a layer of highly viscous dental composite paste ( 304 ), to scrupulously transfer the texture present on the surface of the roller ( 300 ) onto the surface of the dental composite paste ( 304 ), without distorting the composite paste. The rolling direction of the roller over the composite paste may then be easily varied or controlled by the dentist, and a distinct texture pattern may be introduced over the dental composite paste, depending on the viscosity of the paste and the mechanical properties of the roller ( 300 ) itself.

[0063] The texture pattern ( 307 ) imparted over the dental composite paste is for improving the retention between the layers of the dental composite, and also for reducing the shrinkage stress in a laminate or layer of dental composite. In yet another embodiment, the roller ( 300 ) has a very good degree of intrinsic flexibility to prevent the distortion or slumping of composite paste during the act of rolling the roller over the composite paste. The roller ( 300 ) in this case may simply be a highly flexible sleeve or a stent or a spring, shaped in any manner which facilitates rolling over the composite paste. One end of the shapely stent or sleeve or spring is fitted tightly over a bearing (

[0064] 302 ) , and the bearing in turn is fitted to an axle rod ( 301 ). The rod ( 301 ) is then attached to the handle portion ( 303 ). The flexibility of the stent or sleeve or spring ( 302 ) along with handle (

[0065] 303 ), then determines the intensity of the texture pattern left over the unpolymerized composite paste without distorting the entire dental composite paste build up. A CompoRoller ( 305 ) which is used by dentists for dental composite modeling or sculpting, lacks macro texture present on its surface. The different shapes of CompoRoller tips ( 305 ) presently available are used by dentists for spreading the dental composite, and due to the lack of flexibility of both the CompoRoller tips ( 305 ) and the CompoRoller handle, the CompoRoller is good only for spreading the composite uniformly. In yet another embodiment, textured CompoRoller tips ( 306 ) are attached to a more springy and flexible Comporoller handle ( 309 ) to prevent distorting and flattening out the composite build up during texturing altogether. In another embodiment, the highly flexible stent or sleeve or spring ( 300 ) may simply be inserted over a CompoRoller ( 302 ), making the CompoRoller suitable for texturing dental composite. In another embodiment, a cushioning spring ( 307 ), which cushions the forces while rolling and prevents the CompoRoller ( 302 ) from distorting the composite paste layer or buildup, may be added anywhere along the handle portion of the CompoRoller ( 309 ). It also becomes obvious that the length and thickness of the rollers determine the flexibility and softness of the rolling action required for texturing the dental composite paste, without distorting the composite buildup. In some embodiments, the rollers may be lengthy, while in some other embodiments, the rollers may be short depending on the need or application. The stent ( 300 ) may also be a sleeve or a spring, and may have a conical, tapered or ovoid shape, which allows the roller to be freely rolled over the composite paste. ( 304 ) illustrates the well- defined texture pattern which is left over the unpolymerized composite surface soon after rolling, and which is immediately hardened by the dentist using visible blue light. The dentist may then add a second layer of dental composite paste over the solidified layer ( 304 ). The dentist may also want to vary the texture pattern which serves as macro mechanical keys between composite increments or layers.

[0066] Different types of texturing patterns mentioned in claim 4 may be employed to texture unpolymerized dental composite using such roller devices. In some embodiments, a very hard and rigid spindle roller ( 310 ) attached to a flexible handle may be employed to texture a very highly viscous dental composite paste. In another exemplary embodiment, the roller may simply be a spring loaded textured ball roller ( 311 ) for texturing composite paste within small cavities or tight spaces.

[0067] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in ( Fig-4 ) and described in claim 7, cut pieces of textured transparent plastic sheet of various shapes and sizes are used as dental composite texturing stamps for texturing dental composite within a tooth cavity. German patent DE4219793C1 for instance, describes a dental stamp which is non- textured, and therefore not suitable for tailoring the composite’s mechanical response . A textured dental stamp in yet another embodiment as illustrated in ( Fig-4 ), may be a horizontal composite stamp ( 401 ), which is utilized for texturing dental composite in a horizontal manner, by placing stamp ( 401 ) parallel to the floor of the tooth cavity, and in contact with the dental composite paste. Horizontal composite stamp ( 401 ) snugly fits into a stamp holder ( 403 ). In another embodiment, the horizontal composite stamps ( 401 ) may be used to stamp micro texture patterns over a layer of dental composite within a cavity. In another embodiment, the horizontal composite stamps ( 401 ) may be used to stamp out macro texture patterns over dental composite. In another embodiment, the stamp ( 401) may have both micropattems and macro patterns superimposed over each other. In another embodiment as illustrated in ( Fig-4 ), a vertical composite stamp ( 402) is utilized for texturing dental composite by placing the stamp ( 402 ) perpendicular to the floor of the tooth cavity, and in contact with the dental composite paste. In some embodiments, the dental composite stamps ( 401 ) and ( 402 ) may be flat, and in some other embodiments, the stamps may be curved or contoured. In yet another embodiment, the composite stamps ( 401) and ( 402 ) may have a regular shape such as rectangle, square or circle.

[0068] In some embodiments, the composite stamps ( 401) and ( 402 ) may fit the outline form or silhouette of a tooth or a tooth cavity. The flexibility or stiffness of the dental composite texturing stamps ( 401) and ( 402 ) can be varied depending on the viscosity of the dental composite. A very thick and highly viscous dental condensable composite paste in some embodiments requires a composite stamp with adequate stiffness. A highly flowable dental composite paste ( 406 ) may first be applied over the embossed or textured surface of the stamp

[0069] ( 402 ), or directly over the conditioned tooth substrate. The horizontal stamp ( 401 ) or ( 402 ) is then placed over the substrate in contact with the dental composite paste ( 407 ). A textured composite layer is then formed by hardening the paste using a lightsource ( 405 ). Likewise in some embodiments, a vertical embossing stamp ( 402 ) ( Fig-4 ) is placed in contact with the composite paste ( 407 ) in a vertical manner to texture dental composite paste while hardening using the lightsource ( 405 ). After hardening, the dentist removes the composite stamps from the solidified composite to form mechanical keys for the next layer or increment of dental omposite. In some embodiments, the dentist may combinedly use composite stamps ( 402 ) and

[0070] ( 401 ) to tailor and improve the mechanical response of the dental composite filling or restoration. However in some embodiments, composite stamps ( 411 ) have the outline form or silhouette of a particular aspect of a tooth as illustrated in ( Fig-4A ). The composite stamps ( 411 ) are thin and contoured according to the natural anatomy of the teeth, with texture being present on their intaglio surfaces. ( 412 ) is then the joint between stamp body and handle which may offer a degree of adjustability in some embodiments. Any macro texture pattern may be present on the intaglio surface of the stamps including the texture patterns mentioned in claim 4.

[0071] The composite stamp body ( 411 ) ( Fig-4A )may have the shape of a prepared tooth cavity ( 413 ) and may fit the tooth cavity ( 415 ). In another embodiment, a vertical composite stamp ( 414 ) may fit a cross- section of the tooth cavity ( 416 ).

[0072] In yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in ( Fig- 5 ), textured circumferential matrix bands ( 500 ) as mentioned in claim 7 are utilized for the restoration of damaged teeth. This may specifically apply to construction of the core of a highly damaged tooth illustrated in ( Fig-5 ) ( 501) circumferentially. In such clinical scenarios, the dentist may sculpt and contour a high- viscosity core build-up material to reinforce the tooth stump ( Fig-5 ) ( 501 ) layer by layer, for optimally reinforcing highly damaged teeth ( 501 ) using a plurality of mechanically keyed layers of dental composite. After isolating the highly damaged tooth ( 501 ) using a rubber dam and removing all the carious decay to prepare the tooth for chairside composite bonding, the dentist may then apply a highly viscous composite to fill all the irregularities and surround the damaged tooth ( 501 ) with composite while restoring its natural contour or emergence profile. Tooth ( 501) may be considered simply as an exemplary illustration of the initial clinical situation. The dentist may then apply a textured dental matrix band ( 500 ) which may be contoured or non-contoured, to layer the dental composite circumferentially around the damaged tooth ( 501 ), using a matrix band retainer ( 502 ). After applying the composite paste around the highly damaged tooth ( 501 ), the textured dental matrix band ( 500 ) is applied around the tooth, contacting the composite paste , and the excess composite is removed by fastening the textured matrix band ( 500 ) using matrix band retainer ( 502 ). After removing the excess composite paste, the dentist hardens the dental composite paste using a dental light curing device ( 503 ). After hardening the dental composite paste, the dentist removes the dental matrix band ( 500 ) from the textured layer of hardened composite (504 ) , with mechanical keying texture running all around the damaged tooth ( 501 ). The dentist may then repeat the same procedure and apply a second increment of dental composite, circumferentially around the textured layer of composite ( 504 ). In some embodiments, a textured dental matrix band ( 507 ) having a different mechanical keying texture may then be applied around the tooth, and the excess extruded composite removed, by fastening the textured matrix band using the matrix band retainer ( 502 ). The dentist hardens the composite again and creates the second incremental composite layer ( 505 ). The dentist then applies dental composite paste, again over the second incremental composite layer ( 505 ) and would use a contoured non-textured finishing matrix band ( 506 ) to create a final smooth and contoured layer of composite around the highly damaged tooth ( 501 ). Textured matrix bands ( 500 ) may feature different texture patterns. In some embodiments, a textured posterior sectional matrix band ( 509 ) may be used to texture some layers of composite before using a non textured posterior sectional matrix band ( 508 ). In some embodiments as illustrated in ( Fig-5A ), textured dental composite layers may be formed using very thin anterior textured sectional matrix bands ( 601 ) which are mini textured versions of the Bioclear matrix band ( 600 ) specifically designed to sequentially introduce texture within the moldspace of the Bioclear matrix ( 600 ), for improving the overall mechanical response of the dental composite restoration. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in ( Fig-6 ) and mentioned in claim 8, a macro textured 3D printing release film ( 701 ) is utilized for resin SLA 3D printing.

[0073] Presently, 3D printing release films have no macroscopic surface texture present on them, and due to this reason, the retention or the bonding between resin 3D printed layers is purely micromechanical in nature. The overall macro-mechanical response of a resin 3D printed object or dental prosthesis may be significantly improved if the resin 3D printing strategy would also inform macromechanics without affecting the quality of print. Conventionally, the overall macro mechanical response of the 3D printed object is enhanced by altering the 3D printed object’s design parameters or adding reinforcements such as lengthy whiskers to the resin matrix.

[0074] Printing features such as infill patterns may not be practical when it comes to 3D printing dental restoration and prosthesis because of the small size of a dental restoration or prosthesis, and their tendency to wear over time. A simpler strategy however would be to employ textured 3D printing and texture the 3D printing release film ( 700 ), to introduce Gaussian topology or a macro texture pattern ( 701 ) evenly over 3D printing release film ( 700 ). This leads to the macro texture pattern ( 701 ) getting imprinted on every layer of composite resin 3D printed.

[0075] Depending on the Gaussian topology or macro texture pattern introduced over every layer of the 3D printed object, the overall macro mechanical response such as stiffness, modulus and strength of the 3D printed object may be tailored or enhanced, without altering the stoichiometry of the 3D printing resin or resin composite. The surface area of 3D printing release film ( 700 ) increases due to the texture, and thus even a mild pattern or waviness introduced over the 3D printing membrane would influence the macro mechanical keying and stress coupling between the 3D printed layers significantly. In some embodiments, textured 3D printed layers may be introduced without negatively influencing the intaglio fit and finish of the 3D printed object or restoration, by simply embedding the macro textured layer between non -textured composite layers. FluoroEthylenePropylene or FEP possesses a semi-crystalline structure, which allows for some degree of molecular movement and elongation before failure. It exhibits a moderate elongation at break, typically ranging from 200% to 400%, and undergoes significant deformation and elongation before rupture. This makes the FEP membrane ( 700 ) ideal for introducing engraved macro texture patterns using tools like Cricut maker in some embodiments.

[0076] In another embodiment, macro texture patterns on an FEP release film ( 700 ) may be introduced using a die press ( 702 ) by applying very uniform pressure over the FEP sheet ( 700 ). The FEP sheet ( 700 ) is then attached to the printer vat or resin container. The mold ( 705 ) and die ( 704 ) used in the die press ( 702 ) have a very good degree of accuracy of fit and finish, and would not distort or tear the FEP sheet ( 700 ) during the macro texturing process. In another embodiment, both pressure and a mild degree of heat may be applied on the FEP sheet ( 700 ), making sure that the application of heat is uniform and just about adequate for texturing the FEP sheet ( 700 ).

[0077] In yet another embodiment, the FEP sheet ( 700 ) may first be micro embossed or nano -imprinted before being macro textured. In yet another embodiment, only very uniform pressure may be applied over the FEP sheet ( 700 ) to facilitate the uniform compression and deformation of the FEP sheet ( 700 ) between mold ( 705 ) and pattern die ( 704 ). In another embodiment, FEP sheet ( 700 ) may be fed between textured rollers ( 703 ) and ( 706 ) to introduce the required macro texture pattern over FEP sheet ( 700 ). In yet another embodiment, a texturing template ( 707 ) and hand burnishing tool ( 708 ) may be employed to very selectively texture or emboss FEP membrane ( 700 ) in specific areas, for tailoring the mechanical response of the 3D printed object in specific portions or regions alone. The FEP texturing template ( 707 ) may be a perforated mesh or a plate upon which the FEP sheet ( 700 ) is first placed and securely firmly using tape. A spheroidal or spherical hand burnishing tool ( 708 ) is then used to indent and burnish FEP sheet ( 700 ) manually, by carefully forcing the film into the perforations present in the texturing template ( 707 ). In yet another embodiment, the resin container or vat ( 709 ) fitted with the macro textured FEP sheet ( 701 ), is used to 3D print textured layers of composite, by manually swapping or interchanging the resin containers during 3D printing.

[0078] In yet another embodiment, an elongated movable vat or resin container, is fitted with a FEP membrane ( 720 ) which is partially textured and comprises a plain FEP release film portion ( 712 ) and a textured or partially textured FEP release film portion ( 711 ) juxtaposed to each other.

[0079] In yet another embodiment, the plain and textured portions ( 712 ) and ( 711 ) may be brought in alignment with the build platform automatically during 3D printing using printer firmware or a microcontroller. In another embodiment, the plain and textured portions ( 712 ) and ( 711 ) may be brought in alignment with the build platform manually, by pausing 3D printing and simply moving the vat ( 710 ) to the left or the right side. The elongated resin container or vat ( 710 ) is placed on guiding rails or smooth slides ( 713 ) to bring FEP portions ( 712 ) and ( 711 ) into alignment with the build-platform ( 715 ) of the 3D resin printer. In yet another embodiment, the resin container ( 710 ) may not be elongated but it may be cylindrical and may translate or rotate around an axis bringing plain and textured portions ( 712 ) and ( 711 ) in alignment with the buildplatform ( 715 ) . In yet another embodiment , an array of individual vats or resin containers may be used, where some vats in the array or circle may be fitted with a textured FEP film or release surface. An actuator ( 714 ) may be used to move or resin vat ( 710 ) on guiding rails or slides ( 713 ) or on-the -fly during 3-D printing, under the command of a microcontroller which automatically pauses 3D printing, and moves the vat ( 710 ) accordingly to 3D print textured or non textured layers. Depending on the thickness of the object being 3D printed, the strata of textured layers printed can be increased, providing more possibilities for tailoring the macromechanics of the 3D printed part or component. After 3D printing each layer, the layer_count can be incremented . If layer_count reaches the threshold (layers_before_move), the resin container is moved along the X-axis or rotated, and layer_count is reset. The platform is lifted and then lowered by the layer height to prepare for the next layer. This loop can be continued until all layers are printed. Upon completion, the platform is lifted to the maximum height to access the finished print, marking the end of the process. This ensures periodic resin container repositioning and accurate platform movement throughout the print job and can introduce a strata of textured layers within the 3D printed component.

[0080] In yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in ( Fig- 7 ) and described in claim 9, textured tooth templates ( 801 ) are utilized along with non textured tooth templates ( 800 ) for fabricating a stiffer and stronger dental composite veneer.

[0081] In another embodiment, the textured tooth templates ( 801 ) help the dentist to stratify or layer the dental composite in a guided manner during the chairside veneering process. Presently, a dental tooth template ( 800 ) is simply filled with highly viscous dental composite paste of a particular shade and applied over slightly reduced anterior teeth to expeditiously and easily fabricate a dental composite veneer using an overmolding approach. However, it is known that the isotropic nature of the dental composite material often leads to veneers lacking bending stiffness, strength and also natural esthetics because of the single step composite overmolding approach utilized. This problem may be readily addressed by using textured dental tooth templates ( 801 ) in conjunction with dental tooth templates ( 800 ) which are non- textured. The textured dental tooth templates ( 801 ) guide the dentist in the emulation of individual layers or zones of tooth structure like deep dentine, dentine and enamel resulting in superior strength and true to nature results. The non-textured template ( 800 ) may then be simply used by the dentist as a finishing tooth template. US patent US20150282906A1 describes a non-textured template ( 800 ) in detail, and there currently is no way to improve the mechanical response of the veneer or emulate natural esthetics while using a non-textured tooth template ( 800 ). In another embodiment, the dentist may simply select an appropriate tooth template set for a tooth, which may include textured templates ( 801) and ( 803 ) , which are pinned and indexed over the non- textured tooth template ( 800 ) using indexing pins ( 802 ) present over the handle portion of the non-textured template ( 800 ). The dentist first places the topmost textured tooth templates ( 801) over the dental composite paste applied over the tooth surface, and presses it against the paste. The excess of composite which flows from the textured tooth template is removed before hardening the composite within the template body, and this helps emulate a deep dentine layer of composite which is also preferably textured. The dentist then removes the template set from the tooth, and peels away or removes pinned and textured tooth template ( 801 ) to expose the pinned and textured tooth template ( 803 ) present below template ( 801 ). Textured template ( 803 ) is then used to emulate a textured enamel layer, which macro mechanically keys with the deep dentine layer of composite already created by the dentist. The dentist in a final step, removes or peels away pinned tooth templates ( 803 ) to use the designated U- veneer template or the non- textured template ( 800 ) which is right at the bottom of the stack of pinned templates, and would use the template typically only as a finishing template. In another embodiment, the dentist may also texture and stratify dental composite layers in the reverse order within the moldspace of the U-veneer template to create a tooth pontic. This may be done using a tooth template set in which the anatomical info is present on the dorsum of the textured tooth templates ( 801 ) and ( 803 ) instead of the ventrum. and which assist the dentist to emulate the esthetic enamel layer according to what is seen in nature, and also key it properly with the underlying material or structure. In another embodiment, the silhouette ( 111 ) may simply be placed within the tooth template ( 800 ) to texture dental composite applied within the tooth template.

[0082] In yet another embodiment, a dentist may simply use silhouette (111) of a specific tooth to first texture a few layers of dental composite right over the patient’s tooth, without the emulation guidance provided by the textured templates, before using the non textured U-Veneer template ( 800 ) as a finishing template.

[0083] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, textured composite instruments ( 900 ) as illustrated in ( Fig-8 ) and mentioned in claim -10 are used for quickly and effortlessly texturing and tack hardening multiple increments of dental composite. Dentists prefer bulk filling composite because incremental layering dental composite consumes a significant amount of chairtime. Chairtime can be conserved if the tack hardening of multiple increments of dental composite paste can be done more quickly and effortlessly. US Patent documents US4673353A and US5098292A , describe dental instruments with the objects of preventing eye strain and exposure and for controlled activation of the activator in the composite, and not necessarily the conservation of chairtime or improvement of operational efficiency. A dentist would certainly find it convenient and save chairtime while incrementally layering dental composites, if dental composite instruments are fitted with mini high power LEDS and texturing tips, for quickly texturing and tack hardening multiple layers of dental composite. LEDs are becoming more durable, powerful and compact, with the small form factor of some LEDs allowing them to be easily incorporated into the body or the tip portion of the composite instrument itself. The composite instrument may then serve dual tasks of tack hardening and texturing dental composite, without the need for using a separate device for tack hardening.

[0084] In some embodiments, the LED may be incorporated into the tip portion of the composite instrument, if the LED is small and powerful enough for tack hardening the dental composite resin. The dentist may select a specific texturing composite instrument tip ( 900 ) from a kit of different composite instruments designed for a particular dental restorative task or purpose. The overall shape of the composite instrument ( 900 ) is very similar to a regular composite instrument, and it would be preferable that its textured tips ( 901 ) and ( 902 ) be made using transparent or translucent materials. The textured surface of tips ( 901) and ( 902 ) may be coated or overmolded using a clear and rubbery material such as silicone, which can be released easily from the solidified composite surface. A spherical tip ( 901) or an oval tip ( 902 ) may be employed for containing a powerful LED ( 905) right within the tips ( 901) and ( 902 ), depending on the availability of such a small and powerful LED ( 905 ) in the market.

[0085] In some embodiments, a light guide which extends into the handle portion of the composite instrument may be employed to transmit light from an LED situated within the handle portion to the tip portion but is not shown in ( Fig-8 ).

[0086] In some other embodiments, composite texturing tips ( 901 ) and ( 902 ) may be attached or detached from a single end of an ergonomic handle portion ( 900 ) which encases a rechargeable battery or capacitor ( 903 ), switches ( 904 ), a RC receiver circuit and a LED coupled to a light guide. In another embodiment, composite texturing tips ( 901 ) and ( 902 )may be attached or detached from both ends of the ergonomic handle portion ( 900 ). Electrical leads or wires ( 906 ) then by standard, connect LED ( 905 ) to rechargeable battery ( 903 ) via switch ( 904 ).

[0087] In another embodiment, a wired or wireless foot switch ( 908 ) may be used by the dentist to initiate tack curing. In another embodiment, the LED ( 905 ) may be present within an enclosure ( 909 ) that mounts and holds a detachable texturing tip ( 911 ). The enclosure ( 909 ) is designed in a manner substantially large enough for accommodating a Batwing or Lambertian style or configuration of a LED ( 910 ), or a SMD LED array which emits light over the tip ( 911 ) with sufficient intensity for tack hardening the dental composite. Different shapes of composite texturing tips ( 911 ) can be fitted extending from the LED enclosure ( 909 ) and placed over the dental composite for simultaneously texturing and tack hardening the dental composite paste. The control circuit within the body portion has a built-in timer which turns off the LED after a brief period of tack curing, which can be adjusted by the dentist. In another exemplary embodiment, an adjustable clip- on LED light ( 912 ) may simply be clipped onto a transparent plastic dental composite instrument ( 913 ) for tack hardening and texturing dental composites. The clip-on LED light ( 912 ) comprises a rechargeable battery or a capacitor and circuitry to adjust tack hardening time, and a RC circuit to turn on or off the LED light using foot switch (908 ).

[0088] In yet another embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in ( Fig-9 ) and mentioned in claim 11, textured light transmitting probe tips ( 1000 ) may be attached to standard light curing probe tips ( 1001 ) to simultaneously photocure and impart retentive texture to the surface of dental composite. US patent 20040214130A1 describes a flexible protective cover which is used as a protective sleeve for a light transmitting probe tip attached to a dental light curing unit ( 1002 ). The main object of such an invention is to protect the light transmitting probe tip from impacts. Dental light curing units ( 1002 ) may or may not come with a detachable light curing probe ( 1001 ). For example: US patent US5471129A describes a dental light curing unit which has a standard detachable light transmitting probe, and US patent US9693846B2 describes a dental light curing unit which does not have the standard detachable light transmitting probe, but has a powerful LED present right at its probe tip. There are numerous brands of dental light curing units in the market without the light transmitting probe ( 1001 ), having a powerful LED encased within their low profile heads, extending from their body encasing as described in detail in US patent US6318996B1 and US patent 20030148242A1. Due to a lot of variations in the design of dental light curing units, the textured light transmitting probe tips ( 1000 ) have to be designed in a manner that allows them to be attached to different types of light curing devices available in the market. Textured light transmitting probe tips ( 1000 ) are basically designed in such a manner that they essentially make contact with the dental composite and impart texture to the solidified composite surface ( 1006 ). For the aforementioned reason, textured light transmitting probe tips ( 1000 ) in some embodiments, may have a pointed or tapered tip end ( 1005 ) for enhancing reach within dental cavities or recesses. In yet another embodiment, textured light transmitting probe tips (1000) may have multiple sides or faceted surfaces.

[0089] Texture may typically be present over the entire probe tip surface, or it may be present at least over one surface of probe tip ( 1000 ). Textured light transmitting probe tips ( 1000 ) may snugly fit standard light curing probe tips ( 1001 ). Though only a conical textured light transmitting probe tip ( 1000 ) is shown in ( Fig-9 ), different shapes and sizes and texture patterns may be employed for imparting texture over the hardened dental composite. Soon after applying a blob of dental composite ( 1006 ) within the tooth cavity ( 1004 ), the dentist may attach a textured lighttransmitting probe tip ( 1000 ) from an assortment of probe tips, and would place its textured surface over the blob or increment of dental composite ( 1006 ) and harden the increment of composite. In some embodiments, the increment of dental composite may be textured in a horizontal fashion, while in some other embodiments the blob of composite may be textured vertically, depending on the location of the faceted texturing surface over the textured lighttransmitting probe tip ( 1000 ). The dentist may then choose to texture the second increment of composite differently by choosing a different texturing tip having a different tip shape, size, or texture pattern. The textured light transmitting probe tips ( 1000 ) may generally be made out of materials such as clear silicone which are autoclavable, and the texturing tip surface ( 1004 ) may be flat or contoured according to the contoured surface of a tooth. The width and length of textured light transmitting probe tips ( 1000 ) may be varied according to clinical requirements such as tooth cavity width and tooth cavity depth. In another embodiment, the textured light transmitting probe tips ( 1000 ) may be attached to the dental light curing unit ( 1003 ) using embedded magnets ( 1007 ) placed closely along the fitting surface of textured light transmitting probe tip ( 1000 ). In another exemplary embodiment, the textured probe tips ( 1000 ) may be magnetically retained over the dental light curing unit ( 1003 ).

[0090] In yet another embodiment illustrated in ( Fig- 10 ) and mentioned in claim 12, textured composite inserts for promoting mechanical keying within isotropic particulate-filled composites are employed. Due to the presence of specific macro texture on the surfaces of the composite inserts ( 2000 ), the macro mechanical response of dental composites can be enhanced. US patent document US20030032693A1, describes a dental composite having high filler loading and low shrinkage, thereby providing good strength and marginal integrity. However, because of the very small size of the prepolymerized filler particles present within the isotropic particulate-filled dental composite, increased discretization takes place with poor smearing of mechanical properties. To further improve the smearing of mechanical properties and to tailor or enhance the overall mechanical response of the composite, textured pre-polymerized composite inserts ( 2000 ) in suitable shapes and sizes may be employed by extruding composite paste between textured surfaces, and hardening the composite between the textured surfaces.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, textured mini tablet mold ( 2001 ) is employed to form texturedmcomposite inserts ( 2000 ) in various sizes and shapes, which is inserted within a tooth cavity to form macro mechanically keyed interfaces with the dental composite. In some embodiments, the type of texture present over the mold surface may be varied, while in some other embodiments, the dental composite used for making the insert ( 2000 ) may comprise some of the constituents present in the infiltrant mentioned in claim- 1.

[0092] The present invention has been elucidated through descriptions of its various embodiments. It is imperative to clarify that the Applicant does not intend to confine or curtail the ambit of the appended claims solely to the particulars of these descriptions. Those proficient in the relevant field will readily discern additional benefits and alterations. Hence, the invention, in its broader context, transcends the specific details and representations delineated herein. While this exposition has expounded upon the present invention, including its preferred composition as presently understood, it is essential to underscore that the true definition of the invention is delineated exclusively by the appended claims.

Claims

We claim:1) A set of novel dental composite texturing tools, and related methods for reinforcing laminas or layers of dental isotropic particulate-filled composite, wherein the object is to improve the overall mechanical response and esthetics of the layers or buildup of the dental composite, while concomitantly minimizing shrinkage stress, comprising: a novel mesh tool for texturing the unpolymerized surface of dental composite paste, wherein the mesh is placed in contact thereof with the paste surface before being scrupulously removed from the paste surface, for leaving undistorted texture over the paste surface, even before hardening the paste surface thereof ; and wherein the mesh is a piece of fabric cut into any specific regular shape; and also wherein the mesh is a piece of fabric which has the shape of a tooth and attached to a mesh fabric holder; a novel flexible roller with a flexible handle for texturing the unpolymerized dental compositepaste, wherein the roller is placed in contact with the dental composite paste surface, to texture the paste surface thereof by the act of rolling the roller over the paste surface, before hardening or curing the composite paste surface present thereof; a novel textured matrix band for texturing the surface of dental composite paste, wherein the matrix band is placed in contact with the paste surface, to thereof texture the paste surface, even while hardening the paste surface present thereof; a novel textured light guide or probe tip for texturing the surface of dental composite paste, wherein the tip is placed in contact with the paste surface thereof, to texture the paste surface, even while hardening the paste surface present thereof; a novel textured stamp for texturing the surface of the dental composite paste, wherein the stamp is placed in contact with the paste surface thereof, to texture the paste surface while hardening the paste surface present thereof; wherein at times, the stamp is carefully or scrupulously removed from the paste surface even before hardening the paste surface present thereof; a novel textured 3D printing release film or surface for 3D printing textured composite layers, wherein the release film or surface in contact with the paste surface, textures the paste surface thereof, while hardening the paste surface thereof during layer by layer resin 3D printing; a novel textured dental composite instrument tip, wherein the instrument tip is placed in contact with the dental composite paste surface thereof, to texture the pastesurface thereof, while quickly tack hardening the paste surface thereof; wherein the light emitted for tack hardening is radiated over the paste from within the instrument tip thereof;a novel textured tooth template or matrix tool for use along with a non-textured tooth template or matrix or mold, wherein the tool is placed in contact with the dental composite paste surface, while hardening the paste, to create at least one textured dental composite layer thereof, before using the tooth template or matrix as a final or a finishing template or matrix thereof; a novel textured prepolymerized dental composite inserts for use in conjunction with the dental composite paste, wherein the inserts are placed completely infiltrated with the paste, within a tooth cavity, before hardening the paste present within the tooth cavity thereof; wherein the texture introduced by the texturing tools, provides adequate texture relief space for minimizing the shrinkage stress in a lamina or increment of dental composite formed thereof; wherein the texture introduce over the lamina or increment of composite paste may behardened using light or chemical means thereof; wherein the novel dental composite texturing tools may engrave or emboss or deboss or bosselate or imprint texture over the dental composite paste, depending on the viscosity of the paste and the tool being employed thereof; wherein at times, the dental composite texturing tool may be coated or wetted with a carrier or an infiltrant, before placing the tool in contact with dental composite paste surface thereof and removing the tool from the paste surface thereof; wherein at times, the infiltrant is simply applied thinly over all the layers or laminas of the dental composite or only over specific layers or laminas of the dental composite present thereof; wherein a plurality of layers or laminas of dental composite are formed, with at least a few laminas of the composite having surface texture present over their surfaces thereof; wherein the texture introduced over one layer or lamina may differ from the texture introduced over the other layer or lamina of the dental composite laminate formed thereof; wherein the texture introduced, mechanically keys at least a few layers or laminas or increments of dental composite formed thereof; wherein a reinforced and stress relieved dental composite laminate is obtained using a plurality of shades of dental composites hardened over the tooth substrate thereof2) The dental composite paste according to claim 1, wherein the dental composite paste may be selected from a group of composite pastes including but not limited to highly flowable nano- filled dental composites, micro- filled dental composites, highly viscous micro- filled or nano -filled dental composites, bulk-fill composite, compomers, Giomer composites, highly viscous microfilled, or nano- filled hybrid dental composites,3D printable composite liquids or pastes, ceramic resin slurries, composite pastes having varied liquid state properties such as bulk modulus3) The infiltrant mentioned in claim 1 wherein the infiltrant may comprise variousconstituents selected from a group of constituents including but not limited to fillerparticles and coupling agents, impact-modifying fillers, plasticizers, glass fiberwhiskers, fumed silica particles, silorane, thermoplastics, silane, triethylene glycolDi methacrylate (TEGDMA) as a diluent, MethacryloxyPropyltrimethoxySilane(MPS), mercapto-functionalized silanes, Nano-sized fillers 5 to 100 nm, or fusedaggregates of primary nanoparticles, barium glass filler, Secondary fillers such asSingle Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT), Spirocyclic monomers suchas methylene-7- phenyl-l,4,6,9-tetra oxaspiro[4.4] nonane, coloring agent, Camphor quinone as photosensitizer or PPD (1 -phenyl- 1,2-propanedione), a tertiaryaromatic amine as a photo reductant, ethyl-4- dimethylaminobenzoate (EDMAB) or N, N-dimethylamine benzyl alcohol, 4- (N, N- dimethylamino) phenethyl alcohol (DMPOH), N, N-3,5-tetramethylaniline (TMA), iodonium salt as an electron donor thatcreates the active cationic species, Vinyl ether monomers, Allyl sulfide moieties,Thiol-Ene systems, Dimer-Acid-Derived Di methacrylate (DADMA) monomers, Acidicmonomers synthesized from o-hydroxyaryl phosphonates, Morpholine carbonylmethacrylate along with Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA), Tri ethyleneglycol Di methacrylate (TEGDMA), A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA), Mono methacrylate monomers such as morpholine carbonyl methacrylate, Polyhedraloligomeric silsesquioxane methacrylate (POSS-MA), Pendant urethane acrylates, Di methacrylate monomers, Phosphine oxide initiators and Benzoyl Germanium Derivatives and combinations thereof.4) The texture according to claim 1, wherein the texture introduced over the dental composite lamina or layer formed thereof, may have a certain specific size ranging between 0.5 mm (about 0.02 in) to several millimeters over the hardened or unhardened surface of the dental composite lamina or layer thereof; wherein the texture pattern may be selected from a group of texture patterns including but not limited to honeycomb, hexagonal, diamond, rhombus-shaped, riblet, grid, wave, chainmail, ovoid, curvilinear, geometric interlocks, ribbed, pyramid, circular holes or dimples, textured lines (straight, curved, or zigzag), triangles, squares, circles, needle punched patterns, which may be either macro embossed texture patterns or macro debossed texture patterns or bosselated texture patterns, having Gaussian or non-Gaussian topology and combinations thereof.5) The novel mesh tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mesh is a piece of well tessellating coated or uncoated mesh fabric with poor fabric memory; wherein the poor fabric memory of the mesh facilitates a custom texture to be introduced quickly and effortlessly over any layer of viscous dental composite paste applied over tooth substrate thereof in a distortion free manner; wherein the mesh may be fitted or pinned to mesh holders of different sizes which have an adjustable or bendable frame and handle which improves the mesh's reach within the patient’s mouth, and helps adjust mesh tautness and anisotropy of the mesh fitted to the mesh holders thereof; wherein the shape of the mesh may be any regular shape such as rectangle, square or circle, or it may have an irregular shape; also wherein the shape of the mesh may be the outline form or silhouette of a tooth or a dental tooth template or matrix; also wherein the shape of the mesh may be the outline forms or silhouettes of standard tooth cavities such as class I or II cavities; also wherein the shape of the mesh may be U- shaped or matching the shape of the dental arches; also wherein the mesh may be a woven mesh or a non-woven mesh or a knitted mesh ; wherein the fabric material of the mesh is chosen from a group comprising different fabric materials including but not strictly limited to materials such as Kevlar (HDPE), cotton, poly cotton, polyethylene, foam, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, neoprene, metal or polymer chainmail fabric, tulle, elastane, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and combinations thereof; wherein a single or a plurality of mesh tabs or extensions extend from the mesh, for facilitating placement and distortion free removal of the mesh from the dental composite paste surface; wherein the mesh may be coated using nonstick coatings or agents selected from a group of non-stick coatings or agents including but not limited to PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene) or hydrophilic monomers (like HEMA Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate), dental bonding agent, silicone, wax, methacrylate-based monomers and combinations thereof; wherein the mesh may be coated with the infiltrant mentioned in claim 1 thereof.6) The novel roller with a flexible handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller may be fitted to the flexible handle for both improving the reach of the roller within the oral cavity, and for controlling the pressure of the roller over the dental composite paste during the act of rolling; wherein the roller may preferably be rolled over highly viscous dental composite pastes applied over the tooth thereof without distorting the shape or form of the dental composite paste or build up achieved by the dentist thereof; also wherein the intrinsic flexibility or shape memory of the roller, along with the flexibility of the handle, provides the right amount of cushioning to texture the surface of the dental composite paste, without distorting the shape or form of the dental composite build up achieved thereof; wherein the flexibility of the handle may be improved using springs which connect sections of the handle; wherein the sections of the handle may be connectedusing wire having shape memory; wherein theroller may be a spring-loaded roller comprising a spring, a mounting assembly and a frame; wherein the roller may also be very rigid and not flexible, and only the handle may be flexible for texturing the dental composite build up thereof; wherein the roller may be manufactured using materials selected from a group of materials including but not limited to materials such as polyurethane foam, memory foam, stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, aluminum alloys, high-density plastics, foam rubber, polyurethane, natural or synthetic latex rubber, resin-based materials, silicone foam, and silicone, 3D printing resins, 3D printed stent, Nitinol, PTFE and combinations thereof; wherein the roller may be a sharply knurled, or a textured brayer roller to block print or imprint infiltrant mentioned in claim 1 over hardened or unhardened composite; wherein theroller may simply be a Nitinol stent fitted over another dental composite spreader roller; wherein the roller may have at least one texture pattern mentioned in claim 4.7) The novel matrix band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the matrix band may be a circumferential or a sectional matrix band fitted surrounding a tooth or only over anaspect or portion of the tooth thereof; wherein the circumferential matrix bandfitted to a matrix band retainer is secured around a structurally compromised tooth, to reinforce the core of the tooth present thereof using textured circumferential layers of dental composite formed thereof; wherein the sectional matrix band reinforces only a portion or an aspect of the tooth present thereof using textured sectional layers of dental composite formed thereof; wherein the material used to manufacture the matrix bands may be transparent or opaque and may be selected from a group of transparent polymer film materials including but not limited to high tensile strength stainless steel, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), cellophane, celluloid (Cellulose nitrate), PP (Polypropylene), or PE(Polyethylenes) and clear silicone and combinations thereof; wherein the polymer film selected may be sized and further molded into textured and flat strips, or textured and mildly contoured strips, or even more so into textured and highly contoured shells using any known industrial manufacturing process using textured dies and molds; wherein the textured strips or shells may have a thickness ranging between 0.0381 mm (about 0 in) to 2 mm (about 0.08 in); wherein the shells may match the shape of a sectional dental matrix band and may simply be mini versions of any sectional dental matrix band present in the market; wherein any specific texture may be imparted over the shells and strips and over both intaglio and dorsal surfaces present thereof; wherein the texture imparted over the shells and strips thereof may be based on any texture pattern including and are not limited to patterns and surface topologies mentioned in claim 4 thereof, and also wherein features such as perforations ranging between 0.5 mm (about 0.02 in) to 2mm (about 0.08 in) may also be present well distributed amidst the texture pattern present over the shells andstrips thereof; wherein the strips may be sized and used as either horizontal or vertical dental composite texturing stamps, to texture dental composite paste applied within a tooth cavity thereof; wherein a handle is provided for the shell or the stamp for its placement over dental composite applied over tooth surface or within a tooth cavity thereof; wherein the perforations serve as opening for imprinting the infiltrant mentioned in claim 1 thereof over tooth substrate or hardened or unhardened composite surface.8) The novel textured 3D printing release film or surface as claimed in claim 1 thereof, wherein the textured release film or surface may be a partially textured release film or surface, or a selectively textured release film or surface or a fully textured release film or release surface, used in conjunction with a non-textured release film or surface to 3Dprint interspersed textured layers of resin or resin composite; wherein the fully textured release film or surface is fitted to a vat or a resin container present thereof in a resin 3Dprinter; and wherein the texture present over the release surface or the release film is transferred to the layer 3D printed thereof, depending on the presence of the textured release film or surface under the build platter thereof; also wherein the release film or surface under the build platter may be manually changed or replaced with the fully textured release film or surface, by pausing 3D printing and manually swapping resin containers for changing the 3D print type from plain print type to textured print type; also wherein the textured release film or surface may be a partially textured release film or surface having a plurality of textured and non-textured regions seamlessly juxtaposed with one another; and wherein the partially textured release film or surface may be fitted to an elongated resin container or vat; and wherein the elongated resin container or vat is movable in a direction parallel to the build platter surface, to bring either the textured region or the non-textured region present juxtaposed over the partially textured release film or surface in alignment with the build platter surface thereof; also wherein the alignment of the release film or surface is manually performed during 3D printing, by briefly pausing 3D printing, and manually moving the elongated resin container to a predetermined location or point anywhere along the X-axis or direction, and locking the elongated resin container in place along X-axis or direction thereof; wherein the precise movement of the elongated resin container along the X direction is brought about by well known mechanisms such as linear rails with carriages, linear motion rods with bushings, slides, lead screw mechanisms, built into the resin 3D printer thereof; also wherein the elongated resin container may be actuated using an actuator or stepper motor controlled by 3D printer firmware for proper positioning under build platter; also wherein the resin container may not be elongated, but may be cylindrical and be rotated using a stepper motor; wherein the selectively textured release film or surface may be fitted to any resin container, for 3D printing texture in a very selective manner for improving stiffnessof the printed part in a selected area or portion thereof; also wherein the textured 3D printing release film or surface may be fitted to an array of individual resin containers or vats of a multi material 3D printer while having a non textured release film or surface fitted to at least one vat of the multi material 3D printer present thereof; wherein the textured 3D printing release film or surface has adequate transparency and ductility such as FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) release film or surface; wherein the textured 3D printing release film or surface has both microscopic and macroscopic texture patterns to increase the surface area of the release film or release surface present thereof wherein the 3D printing release film or surface film after being subjected to a known nanoimprinting method, may further be subjected to an engraving process such as macro embossing or macro debossing, to produce the textured 3D printing release film or surface thereof; wherein any suitable film such as the FEP release film may be placed between an embossing tool and a counter pressure plate to apply very uniform pressure and / or heat to the embossing tool to transfer a macro texture pattern onto the surface of the film present thereof; wherein the texture introduced over the film, or the release surface may be chosen from a group of texture patterns including but not limited to texture patterns or surface topologies mentioned in claim 4 and combinations thereof; wherein the 3D printing release film or surface has multiple selectively textured regions or multiple fully textured regions juxtaposed with at least one nontextured portion of the film or surface present thereof; wherein the film may be textured using a Cricut maker debossing tool, textured rollers, dies and combinations thereof; wherein said 3D printing release film or surface may be selected from a group of polymer film including but not solely limited to Polyimide film (e.g., Kapton), TEFLON AF 1600™ or TEFLON AF 2400™ fluoropolymer films, crosslinked PFPE (perfluoropolyether) film, ACF (Advanced Composite Film), poly(l -trimethylsilyl- 1 -propyne) (PTMSP), Polyethylene terephthalate film (PET), Polyethylene film (PE), Polycarbonate films, Poly vinylidene fluoride film (PVDF), Polytetrafluoroethylene film (PTFE), Polypropylene film (PP), Polyethylene naphthalate film (PEN), Polyvinyl chloride film (PVC), Ethylene vinyl acetate film (EVA), PDMS (Poly dimethylsiloxane), PDMS over acrylic, Optically Clear Silicone over glass, Polyurethane film, Polyolefin film, FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) release films, Perfluoro alkoxy or PFA release film, or a composite of two or more films or combinations thereof.9) Novel Textured tooth template or matrix or mold tools as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tools are utilized to create at least one textured layer of dental composite when used inconjunction with a tooth mold or a tooth matrix or a tooth template system; wherein thesystem may be any chairside template or matrix or mold system used in dentistry, suchas the 3M™ Filtek™ Matrix system, or the U- Veneer tooth template system ; wherein the tools are configured to contact the tooth in sucha manner that the compositepaste present within mold space of the tools thereof is made to flow evenly, helping thedentist to create at least one textured layer of dental composite in a guided manner, complementary to the natural subsurface anatomy or strata present in the tooth beingveneered thereof; wherein the plurality of the tools which may be used in conjunctionwith the tooth template or matrix or mold, may be pinned or indexed with the toothtemplate or matrix or mold, using indexing pins or slots present over an extension suchas the handle portion of the tooth template or matrix or mold thereof; wherein the tool pinned or indexed as topmost tool over the extension or the handle portion of the template, may be used by the dentist for emulating the dentine layer of the designated tooth for which the tooth template has been designed or made thereof; wherein a tool pinned right below the topmost tool may be used by the dentist to emulate the enamel layer of the designated tooth for which the tooth template has been designed ormade thereof; wherein in a final step, all the textured tooth template tools are removed by the dentist from their pinned and indexed locations, and the non-textured matrix or mold or tooth template is used to form the highly finished and polished superficial enamel layer of highly translucent dental composite, devoid of mechanical keying texture thereof; wherein the mesh or tooth silhouette mentioned in claim 5 may simply be used by the dentist for texturing a few layers of dental composite applied over a tooth or within the tooth mold or matrix or template selected thereof; wherein the tools pinned or indexed with the tooth template or mold or matrix, clearance fit one another in a specific order or sequence corresponding with the anatomical stratified layers of tooth to be emulated thereof; wherein the tools may have texture imparted over a plurality of their surfaces such as their intaglio or dorsal surfaces, and the texture imparted thereof may be based on any texture pattern or topology including but not limited to texture patterns or topologies mentioned in claim 4 thereof; wherein the texture may also feature perforations for excess composite resin to flow out easily, and, for applying the infiltrant mentioned in claim 1 over and through the perforations thereof; wherein the tools may be made out of any resilient and transparent material, including but not limited to medical-grade translucent plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and acrylic (PMMA), silicone, silicone blends and combinations thereof.10) The novel textured dental composite instrument tip as claimed in claim 1 thereof, wherein the tip introduces texture of choice quickly over a plurality of increments of highly viscous or flowable dental composite paste, and mechanically keys the increments of dental composite present thereof for improving overall mechanicalresponse of a buildup of composite; wherein at least one textured surface of the tip isscrupulously placed in contact with a layer of dental composite paste, while hardeningor tack hardening the paste present thereof; wherein the paste may be hardened throughmeans of light radiated from within the tip while imparting texture over the composite paste thereof; also wherein the paste may be hardened through means of light radiated from within an enclosure, present very close to the tip thereof for imparting texture over the paste present thereof; wherein the tip minimizes the shrinkage stress of the increment or layer formed thereof through means of texture relief space introduced by the tip thereof; wherein the tip present thereof may not emit light thereof and a dental light curing device is used for hardening or tack hardening the dental composite paste thereof; wherein the tip may be attached to both ends of a handle portion thereof; wherein the tip extending from the handle portion, may snap-fit into the handle portion therethrough, making an electrical circuit with the terminals of the capacitor or battery within the handle portion thereof; wherein the light source may be present within the handle portion thereof or tip portion thereof; wherein the light may be transmitted from the handle portion thereof to the tip portion thereof through means of a a fiber optic light guide; wherein the power source such as rechargeable battery or capacitor for driving the light source, may be located within the handle portion of the instrument thereof; wherein the battery or the capacitor present within the handle portion thereof may be charged wirelessly, or via micro-USB port located in the handle portion thereof; wherein the light source may be a LED simply clipped onto to the handle portion of a composite instrument thereof; wherein the lightsource for tack hardening may be toggled on or off using means such as a wired or wireless footswitch or a wireless smart switch; wherein the tip may be made out of a material selected from a group of materials including but not limited to rubbery optically transparent materials including crystalline polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), acrylic, also known as Plexiglas, Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Chloro-sulfonated Polyethylene (CSM) Rubber, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Rubber, Polysulfide Rubber and combinations thereof; wherein the handle portion may be made of materials such as metal or rigid plastic; wherein the tip may present multiple textured sides or surfaces thereof; wherein the tip may present at least one texture pattern thereof selected from a group of texture patterns including but not limited to patterns and topologies mentioned in claim 4 thereof; wherein the snap-fit achieved by a snap-fit mechanism, may be a torsional or annular snap fit mechanism, with electrical terminals or snap latches with electrical contacts and combinations thereof; wherein the light source is located at a position embedded within the tip portion; wherein a stopper which glides over the tip is used for controlling composite layer thickness thereof.11) The novel textured light guide or probe tip tools as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tools facilitate the introduction of a custom texture pattern of choice quickly over dental composite paste, by scrupulously placing a textured surface of the tool in contact with the dental compositepaste layer thereof, and hardening or tack hardening the paste layer present thereof; wherein the tools are threaded or inserted over the end of a light guide or probe tip of a dental light curing unit thereof; wherein the tools may also be fitted to a low-profile head of a dental light curing unit which has no probe tip present, through means of an adapter sheath clamped onto the low-profile head of the light curing unit thereof; wherein the adapter sheath has a fixture or means to insert or mount the tools precisely in alignment with the optical axis of the LED or light source present within the low-profile head thereof; wherein the fixture serving to receive or mount the light guide over the low-profile head, may be any fixture for stably fixing or mounting the lightguide, such as internally or externally threaded cylindrical fixture, anon-threaded fixture, a snap-fit mechanism, interlocking tabs, press-fit connections, bayonet mounts or magnetic attachments thereof; wherein the probe tip tools may have aconically shaped tip and a cylindrical cross section having an inner diameter slightly greater than a standard light guide or probe tip diameter; wherein the probe tip tools may have a tapered or pointed shape for insertion within a tooth cavity, and for contacting thedental composite paste applied within the tooth cavity thereof; wherein the probe tip tools comprise at least one tip surface which is textured thereof; wherein the tools may preferably be made using any low or high shore hardness transparent rubbery materials, which may further be selected from a group of materials including but not limited to silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, fluoro silicone rubber, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Chloro-Sulfonated Polyethylene (CSM) rubber, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Rubber, Polysulfide Rubber, plastic optical fiber bundle, Optically Clear Silicone Elastomers, Polysiloxane Rubber, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) and Polycarbonate (PC); wherein the fit of the tools to the standard lightguide or probe tips thereof include but are not limited to precision glide fit or a threaded fit or a slide fit using a suitable coupler at the fitting end of the tools or the standard lightguide or probe tips; wherein the coupler may feature interchangeable sockets, providing adaptability between tool tip sizes and probe tip sizes present thereof; wherein the adapter sleeve may be any type of sleeve both rigid and flexible including but not be limited to clamshell sleeve, slip-on elastic sleeve or snap-on sleeve which fit the low-profile head of a dental light curing unit thereof; wherein the probe tip tools may simply latch-on to any existing provision for attaching different types of curing lenses in a dental light curing unit present thereof; wherein the probe tip tools may feature an adjustable probe stopper comprising a stopper body; wherein the tools have at least one textured surface with a topology such as what is mentioned in claim 4.12) The novel textured prepolymerized dental composite insert as claimed in claim 1 thereof, wherein the insert may be used in conjunction with any dental composite paste by layering and hardening the composite along with insert as a reinforcing aid; wherein the insert may be madeusing various shades and types of dental composites; wherein the insert may be placed and sandwiched both horizontally and vertically within a tooth cavity along with flowable composite or infiltrant mentioned in claim 1 ; wherein theinsert may have a regular shape such as circle, square, rectangle and are made usingtextured insert molds; wherein the insert mold may have any shape such as flat, square, round, spherical, ovoid, discoid, tablet, cylindrical, said mold may have any textureengraved or embossed on its surface thereof including but not solely limited to texture patterns and topologies mentioned in claim 4 thereof

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