Dental Matrix Positioning With an Elongating Elastomeric Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art dental matrix systems fail to adequately wedge, push, and hold the matrix against the tooth adjacent the cavity, leading to incomplete fillings and potential tooth deterioration due to food and floss entrapment.
Innovation Solution
An improved dental matrix system comprising a dental matrix with a curved cross-section, a dental spring ring, and an inter-proximal elastomeric dental wedge with a tab end, center portion, and wedge end, which elongates when pulled, wedging and pushing the matrix tightly against the tooth to secure the filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art wedges are used to hold the matrix against the tooth, then the matrix can be positioned initially, but the wedge cannot sufficiently push and hold the matrix tightly against the tooth, causing the bottom portion of the matrix to become loose and move away from the tooth
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating a pull tab that enables progressive elongation. When the pull tab is pulled, the wedge body elongates and generates increasing wedge force, transforming the application of force from a static placement to a dynamic, controllable process that adapts to the space between the matrix and tooth.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the wedge changes from an unelongated state to an elongated state through the pulling action on the tab. This parameter change in the wedge's dimensions and elastic state enables it to generate sufficient force to push the matrix tightly against the tooth, resolving the insufficiency of prior art wedges.
2Ease of operation
If the matrix is held loosely against the tooth, then the matrix can be easily placed, but the filling becomes incomplete and extends outwardly from the natural tooth surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is designed to be placed first, establishing the initial position of the matrix against the tooth. This preliminary action prepares the system for the subsequent pulling action that will achieve the tight, precise holding force needed for accurate filling, separating the placement step from the securing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a loosely placed matrix to a tightly secured matrix through the dynamic elongation of the wedge. The pull tab mechanism allows the operator to progressively apply force, transforming the matrix holding from loose to tight, ensuring both ease of initial placement and precision of final positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the matrix moves away from the tooth during filling, then the matrix can accommodate tooth contours, but food and floss become caught between the filled tooth and adjacent tooth, leading to tooth deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is placed and then pulled to tighten the matrix against the tooth before the filling procedure begins. This preliminary tightening action ensures that once the filling is in place, the matrix and tooth form a tight seal that prevents food and floss entrapment, addressing the harmful effect before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge's physical state changes from unelongated to elongated, which transforms the matrix holding force from insufficient to sufficient. This parameter change ensures the matrix remains tightly secured to the tooth, preventing gaps that would allow food and floss entrapment while maintaining adaptability to tooth contours.
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 precise and complete cavity filling by securely holding the matrix in place, preventing filling irregularities and tooth deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
the improved inter-proximal elastomeric dental wedge placed between a dental matrix and an adjacent tooth, such that when pulling on the improved wedge's tab end, and subsequently its wedge end, the dental wedge elongates and pulls its center portion further between the adjacent tooth and the dental matrix thereby wedging and pushing the dental matrix toward and holding tightly against the tooth
Data Source
AI summary
An improved dental matrix system and method for filling cavities located on a side portion of a tooth, including a dental matrix, a dental spring ring, and an improved inter-proximal elastomeric dental wedge having a wedge section, wherein when in use the dental matrix is placed adjacent the side of a tooth that has a cavity, the dental wedge is placed between the dental matrix and an adjacent tooth, then the dental spring ring is placed around the adjacent tooth and contacts the dental matrix on opposite side portions thereof to hold it in place against the tooth that has the cavity, such that when pulling on the end of the dental wedge it becomes elongated and pulls the wedge section further between the adjacent tooth and the dental matrix thereby pushing the dental matrix toward and holding tightly against the tooth that has the cavity.