Self-Inflating Dental Matrix for Posterior Tooth Restoration
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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 traditional matrix and clamp devices.
Innovation Solution
A self-inflatable, disposable dental matrix that contours to posterior teeth, inflates without additional equipment, and self-seals to maintain spacing between teeth, preventing filling material from spilling and reducing gum irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional matrix and clamp devices are used to retain filling material, then filling material can be retained, but patient comfort deteriorates and gum irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable matrix device that is used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for sterilization and removal procedures that cause gum irritation. The matrix is designed for single-use application, providing reliable filling material retention without the cumulative irritation problems of reusable clamps and matrices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the clamp component entirely from the traditional matrix-clamp system. The matrix alone is designed to provide sufficient retention through its self-inflating structure and adaptive fit, removing the source of gum irritation while maintaining filling material retention.
2Ease of operation
If wedges are used to separate teeth for matrix placement, then matrix can be installed, but device complexity increases and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix device is self-installing through its self-inflating mechanism. When the patient bites down, the matrix automatically inflates and adapts to the tooth shape, eliminating the need for wedges or complex positioning equipment. The device serves itself by using the patient's own bite force to achieve proper placement and retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix transitions from a flat, flexible state during insertion to an inflated, rigid state during use. This dynamic transformation allows easy installation without wedges, then provides stable retention once inflated, reducing both device complexity and patient discomfort.
3Reliability
If Toffelmire matrix steel band and clamp are used, then filling material retention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to discomfort and gum irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable matrix eliminates the need for expensive, reusable steel bands and clamps. It provides equivalent or superior filling material retention through its self-inflating design while dramatically improving patient comfort by eliminating metal contact with gums and soft tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix is constructed from flexible, thin material that can conform precisely to the tooth shape when inflated. This flexible shell provides effective retention of filling material while being gentle on surrounding tissues, unlike rigid metal bands and clamps.
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 self-inflatable matrix simplifies the tooth filling process, enhances patient comfort, and minimizes complications by securely holding filling material in place without wedges or clamps, ensuring proper spacing for flossing and dental hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the reservoir air chamber to force air into the first and second air chambers
Implementation Method 2
force air into the first and second air chambers through the first and second air passages
Implementation Method 3
exert enough force to elastomerically deform the substrate sheet to curve around the tooth being repaired
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable, self-inflatable, matrix (tooth dam) used to form a temporary, removeable side wall for the placement of a tooth filling material. It has an array of three concavities (distal, central and proximal) formed in a polymer wrap that has a planar substrate sheet affixed across the front face of the wrap. The distal air chamber has a volume that equals or exceeds the combined volume of the central and proximal air chambers. Directly below the distal concavity on the inner face of the planar substrate is an adhesive region. When the distal air chamber is depressed, the air within inflates the other air chambers and it is retained in its compressed state by the adhesive region. The remaining air chambers press against one tooth and exert enough force to elastically secure the planar panel around the adjacent tooth. It prevents the tooth filling material from leaving the prepared tooth and entering the space between.