A wedge system for use in a dental restoration procedure for a posterior tooth. The wedge system includes a first wedge including a body portion adapted to be disposed in an approximal space, a first arm extending from the body, a second arm extending from the body portion, a gap formed between the first arm and the second arm, a first rib arranged on an inner surface of the first arm, and a second rib arranged on an inner surface of the second arm, wherein each of the first and second ribs is adapted to engage tissue defining the approximal space. In some cases, the wedge system may also include a second wedge including a body portion, at least a portion of which can be disposed in the gap of the first wedge to removably secure the second wedge to the first wedge.

An elastic matrix band for use during a dental restoration process is provided. In one embodiment, among others, the matrix band may include an elastic circular band that has a first end and a second end. The elastic circular band includes an opening at the second end, and the first end has a larger diameter than the second end. The elastic circular band is configured to expand in order to situate the elastic circular band around a tooth and contract in order to adhere to the tooth. Additionally, the elastic circular band comprises a ridge that is positioned between the first end and the second end.

An elastic matrix band for use during a dental restoration process is provided. In one embodiment, among others, the matrix band may include an elastic circular band that has a first end and a second end. The elastic circular band includes an opening at the second end, and the first end has a larger diameter than the second end. The elastic circular band is configured to expand in order to situate the elastic circular band around a tooth and contract in order to adhere to the tooth. Additionally, the elastic circular band comprises a ridge that is positioned between the first end and the second end.

A custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient includes a one-piece mold body providing for a customized fit with at least one tooth of the patient, the one-piece mold body including an occlusal portion forming an occlusal surface corresponding with an occlusal surface of the tooth, a mesial proximal portion forming a mesial proximal surface corresponding with a mesial proximal surface of the tooth, and a distal proximal portion forming a distal proximal surface corresponding with a distal proximal surface of the tooth. The mold body is configured to combine with the tooth of the patient to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the tooth. The occlusal portion, the mesial proximal portion, and the distal proximal portion are based on three-dimensional scan data of the mouth of the patient.

A custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient includes a one-piece mold body providing for a customized fit with at least one tooth of the patient, the one-piece mold body including an occlusal portion forming an occlusal surface corresponding with an occlusal surface of the tooth, a mesial proximal portion forming a mesial proximal surface corresponding with a mesial proximal surface of the tooth, and a distal proximal portion forming a distal proximal surface corresponding with a distal proximal surface of the tooth. The mold body is configured to combine with the tooth of the patient to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the tooth. The occlusal portion, the mesial proximal portion, and the distal proximal portion are based on three-dimensional scan data of the mouth of the patient.

An interdental laterally expansive wedge includes a prismatic wedge member having a furled bottom side expansible from a first position to an expanded position when fluid is forcibly directed into the wedge member through a proximal interconnect. Lateral expansion of the wedge member is thereby effected when each of a pair of basal ridges is forced apart to impress consistent and even pressure in contact with interproximal structure, such as approximal teeth and a matrix band inserted to gird a cavosurface for approximal filling preparation and finishing. Importantly, the present interdental laterally expansive wedge is laterally expansive without effecting deformation or ballooning between and around the teeth, and prevents invasion into the cavity proper.

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.

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.

The present invention relates to methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of an anterior tooth or re-restoration of a previously filled anterior tooth, and to dental matrices and composite resin dispensers that may be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of an anterior tooth.

The present invention relates to methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of an anterior tooth or re-restoration of a previously filled anterior tooth, and to dental matrices and composite resin dispensers that may be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of an anterior tooth.