Dental Matrix Band With Micro-Apertures For Light Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal dental matrix bands hinder horizontal light curing of composite resin in inter-proximal restorations, leading to incomplete curing and adhesion issues, while existing solutions with open areas or ports result in poor anatomical form.
Innovation Solution
A dental matrix with a metal substrate featuring micro-apertures filled with transparent resin and a non-stick polymer layer, allowing for effective light transmission and secure composite retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal matrix band is used to form a mould around the tooth, then the composite material can be retained, but horizontal light curing at the gingivo-proximal tooth surface is blocked leading to incomplete curing
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix band is segmented into multiple functional layers: a metal substrate layer for structural support and composite retention, and a transparent polymer coating layer that allows light transmission. This segmentation enables the metal substrate to retain composite while the transparent layer permits horizontal light curing at the gingivo-proximal surface.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent polymer coating acts as an intermediary layer between the metal substrate and the external environment. This intermediary layer allows light to pass through while the metal substrate beneath continues to provide mechanical retention for the composite material.
2Illumination intensity
If large open areas or ports are provided in the matrix to allow light transmission, then light curing is enabled, but the anatomical form of the restoration becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of large open areas, the invention applies a transparent polymer coating uniformly across the entire surface of the metal substrate. This provides local quality transformation where the coating material changes the optical properties of the metal surface, allowing light transmission without compromising the anatomical form.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameter of the matrix surface by coating the metal substrate with a transparent polymer. This parameter change allows the metal substrate to become light-transmissive while maintaining its original shape and anatomical form.
3Ease of manufacture
If a thick polymer matrix is used, then the material is easier to manufacture, but tight inter-proximal contacts cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining metal substrate and polymer coating. The metal substrate provides the necessary thin profile for tight inter-proximal contacts, while the polymer coating adds ease of handling and light transmission properties. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between thickness and manufacturability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables complete curing of composite resin while preventing adhesion to the matrix, ensuring anatomically accurate restorations by allowing horizontal light penetration and secure composite retention.
Implementation Method 1
a metal substrate comprising a plurality of micro-apertures... the micro apertures are filled with a transparent or semi transparent resin... allowing for effective light transmission and secure composite retention... enabling complete curing of composite resin while preventing adhesion to the matrix, ensuring anatomically accurate restorations by allowing horizontal light penetration
Implementation Method 2
the polymer layer is a fluorocarbon... the fluorocarbon is polytetra-fluoroethylene... the polymer layer forming a smooth non-stick surface finish
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dental matrix for use repairing and restoring inter-proximal cavities on a tooth with light-cured composites, the dental matrix comprising a matrix body and a plurality of light transmitting micro-pores positioned on the matrix body and overlying the inter-proximal surface of the tooth when the dental matrix engages the restored tooth. The present invention further relates to a method manufacture of such dental matrix.