Dental Veneer Matrix System for In Situ Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental restoration methods for placing veneers are expensive, time-consuming, and often require multiple visits, lacking in accuracy and hygiene due to the complexity of preparing and shaping the veneers outside the mouth.
Innovation Solution
A matrix system specifically designed for each tooth type, featuring a facial member with apertures and adjustable tab members for precise placement, allowing for the creation of a veneer through a cavity filled with a curable material, which is then cured in situ, ensuring a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional dental restoration methods are used to place veneers, then the veneers can be placed on teeth, but the procedure is expensive, time-consuming, and requires multiple visits
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix is pre-formed with the exact geometry needed for the specific tooth type, including pre-positioned tabs and apertures. This preliminary preparation of the restoration device eliminates the need for complex in-office preparation procedures, allowing the veneer placement to be completed in a single visit without requiring multiple appointments for shaping and fitting.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional dental restoration methods are used, then veneers can be placed, but the procedures lack accuracy and hygiene due to complexity of preparation outside the mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The restoration system is segmented into distinct functional components: the facial member that contacts the tooth, the tabs that engage adjacent teeth for positioning, and the apertures that allow material injection and air evacuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving placement accuracy while simplifying the overall procedure by eliminating the need for complex external preparation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix serves as an intermediary device that is placed over the tooth to create a controlled cavity space. This intermediary structure provides the framework for accurate veneer formation directly in the oral environment, eliminating the need for complex external molding and preparation procedures while maintaining high precision through its pre-formed geometry.
3Reliability
If a matrix system is used for veneer placement, then accuracy and hygiene are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated matrix structure: the facial member, tabs, and apertures are formed as one piece. This merging maintains the reliability benefits of having specialized components for each function (positioning, containment, material delivery) while simplifying the clinical procedure by eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate parts in the office.
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
The matrix system provides a highly accurate, hygienic, and efficient method for placing veneers in a single visit, resulting in a seamless integration with the tooth that can be further polished, offering improved aesthetics and reduced procedural time.
Implementation Method 1
The material is injected into the cavity through the aperture(s) and is then cured to form the veneer
Data Source
AI summary
A matrix adapted is for the specific tooth type, and is positioned on the tooth to covers the tooth, so that an injected curable material is encased by the matrix over the tooth. When the curable material has cured, the matrix is removed, resulting in a veneer on the tooth.