OLED Dental Matrix Band for Interproximal Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental matrix systems fail to allow for effective horizontal curing of composite resin in interproximal areas between teeth, leading to incomplete curing and adhesion issues with metal matrices, requiring rework or repair.
Innovation Solution
A dental matrix system comprising a metal matrix band with an integrated organic light-emitting diode (OLED) layer and a pin-tweezer-type electrical connector, enabling direct horizontal curing of composite material within the interproximal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal matrix band is wrapped around the tooth and cavity, then the matrix band forms a mold for the composite material, but the matrix band does not allow horizontal curing of the composite at the gingivo-proximal tooth surface
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix band is divided into multiple sections with illuminated ports positioned at specific locations (including gingivo-proximal areas) to enable localized light curing in regions that would otherwise be inaccessible. This segmentation allows light to reach the composite material from multiple directions, ensuring complete curing while maintaining the structural integrity of the matrix band.
Solution Approach 2:
Illuminated ports with port covers serve as intermediaries between the external curing light source and the internal composite material. These ports allow light to penetrate through the matrix band structure to reach the composite material in the gingivo-proximal area, enabling horizontal curing without compromising the matrix band's containment function.
2Reliability
If open areas and illuminating ports are added to the matrix band, then horizontal curing becomes possible, but the matrix band becomes thinner and may result in restorations with poor anatomical form
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix band is designed with non-uniform thickness and selective port placement rather than uniform thinning throughout. The port covers are positioned at specific locations where light transmission is needed, while other areas maintain sufficient thickness to support proper anatomical form. This localized modification allows curing effectiveness without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The port covers are designed with light-transmitting properties that allow selective light passage. The material and design of the port covers enable controlled light transmission to the composite material while maintaining the structural appearance and anatomical form of the matrix band in visible areas.
3Ease of operation
If the matrix band is made thinner to allow light transmission, then curing accessibility improves, but the structural strength and support for anatomical form decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix band structure is segmented with reinforced sections and strategic port placement to maintain overall structural strength while creating localized light transmission pathways. The segmentation allows different regions of the matrix band to serve different functions: structural support in thick areas and light transmission in port regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix band incorporates composite material construction combining metal or plastic with light-transmitting port covers. This composite approach allows the main matrix band to maintain its structural strength while the port covers provide the necessary light transmission capability, achieving both structural integrity and curing accessibility.
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
Ensures consistent curing of dental restoration materials by providing light energy directly from the interproximal space, reducing the need for rework and improving anatomical form of restorations.
Implementation Method 1
A polymer-based light emitting diode (PLED) is a device that consists of an electroluminescent conductive polymer sandwiched between an anode and a cathode on a substrate. An electrical voltage applied between the electrodes will cause the polymer to glow.
Implementation Method 2
An electrical voltage applied between the electrodes will cause the polymer to glow
Implementation Method 3
This mold is filled with composite material and the composite is light cured
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A dental matrix according to the present invention comprises (a) a metal matrix band comprising an internal surface and an external surface; and (b) an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer disposed on at least a first portion of the internal surface of the metal matrix band, the OLED layer comprising a first electroluminescent polymer disposed between a first and a second electrode layer. Applying an electrical current across the OLED generates light energy suitable for curing dental restoration material with the light energy being applied from the interproximal space.