Pivoting Dental Matrix Retainer for Unobstructed View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental matrix band securing systems for light-curable fillings are inefficient due to the use of wedges and clamps, which can cause discomfort and obstruct the dental professional's view during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a U-shaped spring member with pivotally coupled lugs that apply a clamping force to secure the matrix band around the tooth, allowing for rotational adjustment and easy placement without obstructing the dental professional's view, and can be easily cleaned or replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wedges and clamps are used to secure the matrix band, then the matrix band is held firmly against the tooth, but the dental professional's view is obstructed and patient comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the obstructive clamps and wedges from the dental matrix securing system. Instead, it uses a resilient body member with lugs that pivotally couple to the matrix band, eliminating the need for separate clamping components that block the dental professional's view while maintaining reliable matrix retention through the resilient clamping action of the body member.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient body member functions as a flexible elastic element that provides continuous clamping force on the matrix band. This flexible structure replaces rigid clamps and wedges, allowing the matrix to be secured firmly against the tooth while the thin profile of the resilient body minimizes obstruction of the dental professional's view.
2Reliability
If traditional clamps are used to secure the matrix band, then the matrix is held in place, but the complexity of the device increases and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the functions of clamps, wedges, and matrix retainers into a single integrated resilient body member with pivotally coupled lugs. This unified structure eliminates multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable matrix band securing through the combined clamping and retaining actions of the resilient body and lugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient body member is divided into distinct functional segments: the main resilient body that provides clamping force and the pivotally coupled lugs that engage with the matrix band. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while remaining part of an integrated, easily cleanable structure without multiple separate components.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient body member with pivotally coupled lugs is used, then the lugs can rotate to allow adjustment without obstructing view, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates pivotally coupled lugs that can rotate relative to the resilient body member, transforming the static clamping structure into a dynamic, adjustable mechanism. This allows the lugs to rotate and adjust their position to accommodate different matrix sizes and shapes while providing continuous clamping force, enhancing ease of operation without significantly increasing complexity.
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 solution provides a secure and adjustable matrix band retention system that minimizes obstruction during procedures, facilitates easier placement and curing of dental fillings, and allows for convenient cleaning and replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient body member connecting between said first lug and said second lug, said body member holding said lugs such that they must be separated to fit over said proximal contact, wherein the body member applies a restorative or clamping force biasing said lugs together
Implementation Method 2
each of the first and second lugs pivotally coupled to the resilient body member to allow the resilient body member to rotate relative to the lugs while providing the clamping force biasing the lugs together
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention pertains to a device for retaining a matrix band about at least a portion of a periphery of a tooth to be treated, the device comprising: a first lug to fit on one side of a proximal contact between two teeth; a second lug to fit on the other side of said proximal contact, and a resilient body member connecting between the first lug and said second lug. The body member applies a restorative or clamping force biasing the lugs together against opposed sides of the proximal contact and holds the lugs such that they must be separated to fit over the proximal contact. The first and second lugs are pivotally coupled to the resilient body member to allow the resilient body member to rotate relative to the lugs while providing the clamping force biasing the lugs together.