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

Described are various embodiments of a butterfly-shaped dental matrix band for performing fillings on two adjacent teeth simultaneously. In one embodiment, the band comprises a central portion, the central portion resting at the contact point upon the band being engaged in-between the adjacent teeth; two thin and pliable adjacent wings, each wing surrounding and extending away circumferentially from an edge of the central portion, and wherein a first portion of each wing comprising an area extending from said central portion to a lower edge of each wing along said vertical axis has a thickness equal to at most half the thickness of the central portion; and a second portion of each wing not included in said first portion has a thickness equal to the thickness of the central portion. In some embodiments, each wing has a tab at the upper edge thereof to grab and manipulate the matrix band.

Described are various embodiments of a butterfly-shaped dental matrix band for performing fillings on two adjacent teeth simultaneously. In one embodiment, the band comprises a central portion, the central portion resting at the contact point upon the band being engaged in-between the adjacent teeth; two thin and pliable adjacent wings, each wing surrounding and extending away circumferentially from an edge of the central portion, and wherein a first portion of each wing comprising an area extending from said central portion to a lower edge of each wing along said vertical axis has a thickness equal to at most half the thickness of the central portion; and a second portion of each wing not included in said first portion has a thickness equal to the thickness of the central portion. In some embodiments, each wing has a tab at the upper edge thereof to grab and manipulate the matrix band.

The present invention relates to dental wedges that may be used for creating space between adjacent teeth. In one form, the dental wedge includes an elongated body extending from an outer end to an opposite inner end. The body has a longitudinal intermediate wall, a longitudinal first side wall connected to the intermediate wall, and a longitudinal second side wall connected to the intermediate wall. The first side wall and the second side wall each flare away from the intermediate wall such that a first distal end of the first side wall and a second distal end of the second side wall are spaced apart creating an inverted generally V-shaped transverse section for the body. The body has a top surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. The body also has a bottom surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. The dental wedge includes a grasping section connected to the outer end of the body. A hollow region is defined by the bottom surface of the wedge and a first reference line extending from the first distal end of the first side wall to the second distal end of the second side wall. At least a first portion of the body comprises a first material that transmits light.

The present invention relates to dental wedges that may be used for creating space between adjacent teeth. In one form, the dental wedge includes an elongated body extending from an outer end to an opposite inner end. The body has a longitudinal intermediate wall, a longitudinal first side wall connected to the intermediate wall, and a longitudinal second side wall connected to the intermediate wall. The first side wall and the second side wall each flare away from the intermediate wall such that a first distal end of the first side wall and a second distal end of the second side wall are spaced apart creating an inverted generally V-shaped transverse section for the body. The body has a top surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. The body also has a bottom surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. The dental wedge includes a grasping section connected to the outer end of the body. A hollow region is defined by the bottom surface of the wedge and a first reference line extending from the first distal end of the first side wall to the second distal end of the second side wall. At least a first portion of the body comprises a first material that transmits light.

A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device. The present invention is generally directed to a medical device that is at least partially made of a novel alloy having improved properties as compared to past medical devices. The novel alloy used to at least partially form the medical device improves one or more properties (e.g., strength, durability, hardness, biostability, bendability, coefficient of friction, radial strength, flexibility, tensile strength, tensile elongation, longitudinal lengthening, stress-strain properties, improved recoil properties, radiopacity, heat sensitivity, biocompatibility, improved fatigue life, crack resistance, crack propagation resistance, etc.) of such medical device.

A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device. The present invention is generally directed to a medical device that is at least partially made of a novel alloy having improved properties as compared to past medical devices. The novel alloy used to at least partially form the medical device improves one or more properties (e.g., strength, durability, hardness, biostability, bendability, coefficient of friction, radial strength, flexibility, tensile strength, tensile elongation, longitudinal lengthening, stress-strain properties, improved recoil properties, radiopacity, heat sensitivity, biocompatibility, improved fatigue life, crack resistance, crack propagation resistance, etc.) of such medical device.

A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device.

A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device.

Disclosed are various embodiments of a dental strip with elastic characteristics. The dental strip can be used for dental restoration procedure, particularly for maintaining a dry and clean area for one or more teeth. The dental strip can include a strip of elastic material. The strip has an elongated body between a first end and a second end. The elongated body comprises an upper surface and a lower surface that extend parallel between a first edge and a second edge. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces having a first edge strip and a second edge strip situated respectively along the first edge and the second edge. At least one of the first edge strip and the second edge strip being used to stabilize the strip at a position between at least two teeth of a human.