Techniques are described for automating the design and manufacture a dental restoration appliance for restoring the dental anatomy of a patient. For example, a system processes a digital three-dimensional (3D) model of a future (desired) dental anatomy of a patient, the future dental anatomy representing an intended shape of at least one tooth of the patient. The system includes a landmark identifier configured to automatically compute, based on the digital 3D model of the future dental anatomy of the patient, one or more landmarks of the future dental anatomy of the patient. The system also includes a custom feature generator configured to automatically generate, based on the one or more landmarks, one or more custom appliance features for a dental appliance for restoring the at least one tooth of the patient. The system further includes a memory device configured to store a digital model of the dental appliance.

A dental matrix includes an outwardly extending column, which is engaged by an instrument, allowing the dentist to move the instrument and maneuver the matrix into position on the operative tooth to create a cavity for the veneer. The cavity is filled with curable material, which is cured by light, such as ultraviolet light, and once curing is complete, the matrix is removed from the tooth, which now has the veneer formed thereon.

A dental matrix includes an outwardly extending column, which is engaged by an instrument, allowing the dentist to move the instrument and maneuver the matrix into position on the operative tooth to create a cavity for the veneer. The cavity is filled with curable material, which is cured by light, such as ultraviolet light, and once curing is complete, the matrix is removed from the tooth, which now has the veneer formed thereon.

A dental matrix for forming a crown on a tooth includes a body having a expandable tab, which allows the diameter of an opening to be expanded for removal of the matrix from the formed crown.

A dental matrix for forming a crown on a tooth includes a body having a expandable tab, which allows the diameter of an opening to be expanded for removal of the matrix from the formed crown.

A crown handling device is provided to allow an operator to hold the crown between fingers. The crown handling device comprises a matrix member; and a pinch holding member having a substantially round shape and a plurality of openings for inserting therethrough the matrix member secured to one side of the pinch holding member.

Dental matrix band devices including a housing with a band, a tensioning device for the band with the control for the tensioning mechanism controllable by a control knob external to the housing. and at least one deflector pushbutton. The deflector pushbutton(s) applies pressure on an upper or lower portion of the band causing the geometry of the band to change. The resulting band geometry forms a conical loop better matching the configuration of a tooth. In one embodiment two deflector pushbuttons are provided and positioned to apply pressure on the upper or lower portion of the band depending on which deflector pushbutton is depressed in the housing. In another embodiment a single deflector pushbutton unit is provided with a pushbutton at each end.

Dental matrix band devices including a housing with a band, a tensioning device for the band with the control for the tensioning mechanism controllable by a control knob external to the housing. and at least one deflector pushbutton. The deflector pushbutton(s) applies pressure on an upper or lower portion of the band causing the geometry of the band to change. The resulting band geometry forms a conical loop better matching the configuration of a tooth. In one embodiment two deflector pushbuttons are provided and positioned to apply pressure on the upper or lower portion of the band depending on which deflector pushbutton is depressed in the housing. In another embodiment a single deflector pushbutton unit is provided with a pushbutton at each end.

Dental matrix bands with novel surface structures and use thereof in dental procedures are described herein. The matrix band features a three-dimensional surface structure that is contoured to an outer portion of a torus to allow the matrix band to securely fit around a tooth. The matrix band comprises: an outer surface of the matrix band; an upper and lower edge of the matrix band; a proximal and distal end of the matrix band; and a concave ridge disposed along the band. The outer surface of the band forms a first convex curve between the upper edge and the lower edge of the band and a second convex curve between the proximal and the distal end of the band. The concave ridge may extend between the upper edge and the lower edge of the band and between the proximal and distal ends of the band.

Dental matrix bands with novel surface structures and use thereof in dental procedures are described herein. The matrix band features a three-dimensional surface structure that is contoured to an outer portion of a torus to allow the matrix band to securely fit around a tooth. The matrix band comprises: an outer surface of the matrix band; an upper and lower edge of the matrix band; a proximal and distal end of the matrix band; and a concave ridge disposed along the band. The outer surface of the band forms a first convex curve between the upper edge and the lower edge of the band and a second convex curve between the proximal and the distal end of the band. The concave ridge may extend between the upper edge and the lower edge of the band and between the proximal and distal ends of the band.