Elastic Matrix Band with Ridge for Dental Isolation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental restoration tools, such as matrices and wedges, are technique-sensitive and can cause trauma to the gum tissue, leading to bleeding and irritation, especially during posterior tooth restorations, due to their rigidity and sharp edges, making it difficult to maintain a dry and clean field during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An elastic circular matrix band with adjustable diameter and ridges that self-stabilize around the tooth, preventing bonding materials from adhering to adjacent teeth and providing a fluid seal, reducing the need for additional tools and minimizing tissue trauma by using materials like latex, silicone, or polyurethane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid matrices and wedges are used during dental restoration, then structural stability is improved, but tissue trauma and bleeding increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid matrices and wedges with a flexible elastic matrix band that can be expanded and contracted. The band is made of elastic material that provides sufficient structural stability to maintain a dry field while being gentle on gum tissue, eliminating trauma and bleeding associated with rigid tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix band's diameter is changed from a fixed size to an adjustable parameter that can be expanded for insertion and then contracted to adhere to the tooth. This parameter change allows the same structure to provide both ease of insertion and structural stability during the procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple dental tools (matrix, stabilizer, wedge) are used, then restoration precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate tools (matrix, stabilizer, and wedge) into a single integrated elastic matrix band. The band simultaneously provides matrix support, stabilization through self-adherence, and sealing functionality, eliminating the need for multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic matrix band is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: it acts as a matrix to shape restoration material, provides stabilization by adhering to the tooth, and creates a seal to maintain a dry field, replacing several specialized tools with one multi-functional device.
3Ease of operation
If elastic material is used for the matrix band, then ease of insertion is improved, but structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix band utilizes dynamic properties of elastic material, being inserted in an expanded flexible state and then contracting to adhere to the tooth. This dynamic transition from expanded to contracted state provides both ease of insertion and subsequent structural stability during the restoration procedure.
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 elastic matrix band effectively isolates the tooth from fluids, reduces bleeding and irritation, and allows for a smooth finish without the need for additional tools, enhancing the comfort and precision of dental restoration procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic circular band can be configured to expand in order to situate the elastic circular band around a tooth and contract in order to adhere to the tooth
Implementation Method 2
the ridge is configured to displace or move an adjacent tooth away from the tooth
Implementation Method 3
the elastic circular band is configured to provide a fluid seal around the tooth
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic matrix band for use during a dental restoration process is provided. In one embodiment, among others, the matrix band may include an elastic circular band that has a first end and a second end. The elastic circular band includes an opening at the second end, and the first end has a larger diameter than the second end. The elastic circular band is configured to expand in order to situate the elastic circular band around a tooth and contract in order to adhere to the tooth. Additionally, the elastic circular band comprises a ridge that is positioned between the first end and the second end.