Interlocking Dental Restoration Molds for Precise In-Mouth Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dental restoration methods face challenges such as inadequate isolation leading to contamination, uncertainty in layering protocols for restorative materials, and imperfect geometrical guidance, resulting in time-consuming processes and suboptimal restorations.

Innovation Solution

Custom dental restoration tools with interlocking facial and lingual mold bodies, designed from 3D models of patient teeth, provide precise fit and clamping force, eliminating the need for external tools and reducing flash, while allowing controlled placement of restorative material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional isolation methods (rubber dam, cotton rolls) are used, then isolation quality can be improved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation qualityVSAvoidisolation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mold body integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides isolation barriers, tissue retraction, and restoration molding all in one component. The facial and lingual mold bodies combine to create a complete isolation and restoration system, eliminating the need for separate rubber dams, cotton rolls, and retraction cords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mold body serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it isolates the treatment area, retracts soft and hard tissues, provides geometric guidance for restoration placement, and forms the final restoration. This multi-functional design replaces multiple traditional tools with a single universal device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If geometric guidance is provided through custom mold bodies, then manufacturing precision of restoration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration geometry precisionVSAvoidmold body structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mold is divided into two separate but complementary components: a facial mold body and a lingual mold body. Each component has specific geometric features for its location, and they interlock to provide complete geometric guidance. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while working together as a system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement portions with interlocking features act as intermediaries between the facial and lingual mold bodies. These features ensure precise alignment and registration of the two components, transferring geometric accuracy from the manufactured molds to the final restoration without requiring complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple shades and layering protocols are used, then restoration quality is improved, but the process time and skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration aesthetic qualityVSAvoidrestoration process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mold body is pre-configured with geometric features, shading guides, and layering indicators that show the dentist exactly how to place different shades and layers of restorative material. This preliminary preparation of guidance information in the mold eliminates the need for complex decision-making during the procedure, reducing both time and skill requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If bulk fill materials and high intensity curing lights are used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling speedVSAvoidrestoration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mold body provides mechanical geometric guidance and constraints that replace the need for skilled manual manipulation. The physical structure of the mold ensures accurate restoration geometry even when using fast-setting bulk fill materials, as the mold itself enforces the correct shape and position regardless of material properties or curing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260041530A1Dental restoration molds

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a patient's mouth includes a facial mold body and a lingual mold body, each configured for a patient-specific, customized fit with respective sides of at least one tooth. The facial and lingual mold bodies each include restorative portions and engagement portions that interlock at locations offset from a mold cavity formed between the restorative portions. The engagement portions are dimensioned to produce a residual seating pressure that maintains the mold bodies in a clamped state when interlocked, facilitating accurate shaping of restoration material within the mold cavity. The tool may include apertures for injection of restorative material, hinged doors or plugs for sealing, and vents for controlling material flow. The device and associated methods enable the digital design and fabrication of custom dental restoration molds for single or multiple teeth, improving restoration quality and reducing overall clinical or procedural complexity.