Elastic Dental Matrix System for Posterior Tooth Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental restoration procedures for posterior teeth are technique-sensitive, requiring coordination of multiple tools that can cause trauma and bleeding, and existing matrices like stainless steel and Mylar matrices have sharp edges and require wedges for stabilization, making the process difficult and uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
An improved dental matrix system with an elastic restoration band that expands and contracts to fit around a posterior tooth, eliminating the need for wedges and reducing trauma by using elastic upper and lower circular rims and a sleeve to self-stabilize and prevent bonding materials from adhering to adjacent teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional stainless steel or Mylar matrices are used, then the matrix can be used for dental restoration, but the sharp edges cause trauma and bleeding to the gingiva
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid stainless steel or Mylar matrices with a flexible elastic matrix system composed of circular rims and an elastic band. This flexible construction eliminates sharp edges that cause gingival trauma while maintaining the necessary structural integrity to hold restoration materials and provide a tight seal between teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix system combines multiple elastic materials (circular rims and elastic band) to create a composite structure that is both gentle on gingival tissue and sufficiently rigid to perform its restorative function. The elastic properties of the materials allow for trauma-free insertion and adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If traditional matrices are used, then the matrix can stabilize the restoration area, but additional tools like wedges are required which increases procedure complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple traditional tools (matrix band, wedge, and stabilizing elements) into a single integrated elastic matrix system. The elastic band and circular rims work together to provide both the matrix function and the stabilizing effect previously requiring separate wedges, thereby simplifying the procedure and reducing the number of tools the dentist must coordinate.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic matrix system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the matrix band to hold restoration material, provides stabilization without requiring separate wedges, and creates a tight seal between teeth. This multi-functional design reduces procedural complexity while maintaining all necessary restorative capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the matrix diameter is fixed, then the matrix structure is simple, but the matrix cannot adapt to different tooth sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elastic materials that allow the matrix diameter to change during the procedure. The circular rims and elastic band can be expanded to fit over the tooth and then contracted to create a tight seal, adapting to different tooth sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size matrices. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece structure.
4Ease of operation
If multiple tools are coordinated during the procedure, then the restoration can be performed, but the technique sensitivity increases making the procedure more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the matrix band, stabilizing wedge, and seal-making functions into a single elastic matrix system, the patent reduces the number of tools that must be coordinated during the procedure. This eliminates the technique sensitivity associated with coordinating multiple separate tools while maintaining all necessary restorative functions, thereby improving procedural efficiency.
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 smooth finish, reduces bleeding and irritation, and allows for a tight seal without the need for additional tools, enhancing the comfort and effectiveness of posterior tooth restoration procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an upper circular rim of elastic material that has a first channel. The top edge of the restoration band is positioned in the first channel, and the restoration band expands and contracts a diameter of the apparatus along the first channel as the upper circular rim is manipulated
Implementation Method 2
an elastic sleeve that attaches the upper circular rim to lower circular rim
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic matrix system for use during a dental restoration process is provided. In one embodiment, among others, the matrix system may include a restoration band having an elongated body between a first end and a second end. The restoration band comprises a top edge and a bottom edge. The matrix system also includes an upper circular rim of elastic material that has a first channel. The top edge of the restoration band is positioned in the first channel, and the restoration band expands and contracts a circumference of the matrix system along the first channel as the upper circular rim is manipulated. The matrix system also includes a lower circular rim of elastic material that has a second channel. The elastic sleeve attaches the upper circular rim to lower circular rim.