Inflatable Dental Matrix for Filling Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current dental restoration methods involving tooth decay repair are complicated by the lack of a side boundary to retain filling materials when decay penetrates the marginal ridge, leading to discomfort and gum irritation from existing matrix and clamp devices.

Innovation Solution

A disposable, inflatable dental matrix that contours to the tooth anatomy, self-seals, and can be quickly installed without additional equipment, using a flexible planar panel with inflatable air bags and a sealing mechanism to prevent filling material from spilling between teeth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional matrix and clamp devices are used to retain filling material, then filling material retention is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and gum irritation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling material retentionVSAvoidgum irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable inflatable matrix device that is used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for sterilization and removal procedures that cause gum irritation. The matrix is inflated to the required shape, used for the filling procedure, and then discarded after a single use, providing reliable filling material retention without repeated patient discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an inflatable matrix filled with gas or fluid to achieve the desired shape and pressure for retaining filling material. The pneumatic inflation allows the matrix to be adjusted to fit the tooth anatomy precisely and maintain adequate pressure to prevent material spillage, while being gentler on the gums compared to rigid clamp devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If Toffelmire matrix steel band and clamp are used to ensure seal around tooth, then filling material retention is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal around toothVSAvoidband clamp structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible inflatable matrix made of thin film material that can be easily inserted between teeth and inflated to create a seal around the tooth. This flexible shell approach replaces the complex rigid band and clamp structure, achieving the same sealing function with a simpler, more adaptable device that conforms to the tooth anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The matrix transitions from a flat, flexible state during insertion to an inflated, rigid state during use. This dynamic transformation allows the device to be easily installed in a simple flat configuration and then transformed into a structured seal-forming device through inflation, reducing the apparent complexity of the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If wedges are used to force teeth apart for band placement, then tooth separation is achieved, but patient discomfort and gum irritation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth spacingVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using mechanical wedges to force teeth apart, the patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic inflation of the matrix to gently expand and separate the teeth. This gradual inflation process achieves the necessary tooth spacing without the sudden mechanical force of wedges, reducing patient discomfort and gum irritation while maintaining adequate separation for the filling procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Reduces setup time and minimizes complications by maintaining proper tooth spacing and preventing gum irritation, allowing for efficient and comfortable dental restorations.

Implementation Method 1

an inexpensive, single use inflatable dental matrix (tooth dam) is provided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a cutable, sterile matrix that can self-seal at any inflatable profile is provided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-sealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11596498B2Inflatable tooth dam

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 THORESON MARK

AI summary

A disposable, inflatable, matrix (tooth dam) used to form a temporary, removeable side wall for the placement of a tooth filling material. It establishes the original dental anatomy of the tooth, and maintains the correct contact between adjacent teeth for flossing purposes and gingival health. It accomplishes this by inflating a pair of self-sealing air chambers that extend from the back face of a planar panel that they are formed on, such that these chambers contact and press against the adjacent tooth and exert enough force to elastically secure the planar panel without wedges and clamps. It prevents the tooth filling material from leaving the prepared tooth and entering the space between the teeth to enhance flossing and proper dental hygiene. This device will greatly enhance patient comfort, procedural efficiency and consistency.