CN118475322A - Shaped female die for dental restorations comprising a veneer and a crown - Google Patents

Abstract

Dental molding negative molds and crowns for making dental veneers and crowns on teeth are disclosed. The dental molded cavity block is adapted for the particular tooth type being treated in a single treatment (e.g., premolars, molars, canines, incisors, palate, lingual) to form a veneer over the teeth, which can then be refinished to obtain an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A dental molding cavity block for forming a crown on a tooth includes a body having expandable tabs that allow the diameter of an opening to expand to remove matrix from the formed crown.

Description

Shaped female die for dental restorations comprising a veneer and a crown

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is continued in part from commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/659,179, filed 4/14/2022, entitled: comprising a shaped female die (MATRICES INCLUDING CROWNS FOR DENTAL RESTORATION) for a dental crown of a dental restoration, which is a continuation of the section of commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/646,681 filed on day 12/31 of 2021, entitled: a molding die (MATRICIES FOR DENTAL RESTORATION) for a dental restoration, which is a continuation of the section of commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/173,216 filed on day 11, 2, 2021, entitled: a molding die (MATRICIES FOR DENTAL RESTORATION) for a dental restoration, which is a division of commonly owned U.S. patent application serial No. 15/856,087 filed on date 28 at 12 in 2017, entitled: a molding female mold (MATRICIES FOR DENTAL RESTORATION) for a dental restoration, now U.S. patent No. 10,952,815, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for dental restorations. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for placing dental veneers on teeth.

Background

Cosmetic dentistry generally involves a process that enhances the aesthetics of a crown, which is the portion of a tooth above the gum line covered with enamel. One example of such a process includes placing a veneer on a tooth or placing a mold made from a dental impression on a tooth, filling the mold with a dental compound or acrylic to create the veneer, while the mold is separated from the tooth, and then transferring the veneer from the mold to the tooth. The veneer is placed on the teeth and then cured or hardened. The veneer is now integral with the teeth and can now be plastic or polished by, for example, resurfacing techniques including teeth. These techniques are quite expensive and time consuming as they require considerable preparation and often cannot be performed in a single dental office visit.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide a matrix that is suitable for single treatment of a particular tooth type being treated (e.g., premolars, molars, canines, incisors, palate, lingual teeth (lingual)) to form a veneer on the tooth, which can then be resurfaced to obtain an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, the procedure of placing the veneer on the teeth using the disclosed shaped cavity blocks is a highly accurate process, is very clean and hygienic, and results in a smooth veneer, without distinction from a veneer restored tooth.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a molding female mold (molding piece) for dental treatment. The molding female die comprises: a facial member for covering teeth, at least a portion of the facial member configured to cover the teeth such that a cavity is generated between the facial member and the teeth, and a portion of the facial member forming the cavity includes at least one aperture; and first and second tab members disposed on opposite sides of the face member, each of the first and second tab members extending outwardly and having a thickness for friction fit between the covered teeth and each respective adjacent tooth to hold the forming die in place; and, at least a portion of each of the first and second tab members includes a cut-out portion configured to seat the molding female die at the gum and allow the molding female die to move, e.g., pivot, about the gum to adjust the size of the cavity, at a first end of the tab members, each of the first and second tab members configured to flex inwardly such that each second end of the tab members forms a gripping portion that adjusts the size of the cavity when moved.

Optionally, the facial member includes a facial portion configured to cover the teeth along the cheek surface and a chewing surface cap extending from the facial portion and configured to cover at least a chewing surface of the teeth, the chewing surface cap including the at least one aperture.

Optionally, each of the first tab member and the second tab member comprises: a tab, at least a portion of the tab including a cutout portion; a tab extending from the tab; and the tab meets the flap at a fold line about which the flap of each tab member may be bent to form the gripping member.

Optionally, the face portion includes oppositely disposed lateral edges, and the tabs of the first and second tab members extend from the respective oppositely disposed lateral edges.

Optionally, wherein the chewing surface cap extends between oppositely disposed lateral edges at the first end of the face portion.

Optionally, the facial portion includes a gingival edge between oppositely disposed lateral edges at the second end opposite the first end, the gingival edge configured to contact teeth slightly below the gum line.

Optionally, the gingival margin is configured for contact with a tooth approximately 1mm below the gum line.

Optionally, at least the face portion comprises a light transmissive material.

Optionally, wherein the light transmissive material allows transmission of Ultraviolet (UV) light. Optionally, the face member and the first tab member and the second tab member are arranged as a unitary member.

Optionally, the monolith has a substantially uniform thickness and comprises a flexible material.

Optionally, the facial portion includes an outer cheek surface and an inner tooth surface, and the inner tooth surface is textured to replicate the texture of the teeth.

Optionally, the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures.

Optionally, the incision portion is configured to contact the tooth about 1mm below the gum line.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for restoring teeth. The method comprises the following steps: providing a shaped cavity block for dental treatment, placing the shaped cavity block on a tooth to form a cavity between the tooth and the face member; bending the first tab member and the second tab member inwardly to encircle the tooth; placing a curable material into the cavity; and curing the curable material to form a veneer on the tooth. The molding female die comprises: a facial member for covering teeth, at least a portion of the facial member being a light transmissive material and at least a portion of the facial material being configured to cover the teeth such that a cavity is created between the facial member and the teeth, and a portion of the facial member forming the cavity includes at least one aperture; and, first and second tab members disposed on opposite sides of the face member, each of the first and second tab members extending outwardly and having a thickness for friction fit between the covered teeth and each respective adjacent tooth to hold the forming die in place; and, at least a portion of each of the first and second tab members includes a cut-out portion configured to seat the molding female die at the gum and allow the molding female die to move, e.g., pivot, about the gum to adjust the size of the cavity, at a first end of the tab members, each of the first and second tab members configured to flex inwardly such that each second end of the tab members forms a gripping portion that adjusts the size of the cavity when moved.

Optionally, the face member includes a gingival margin at an end opposite the end having the at least one aperture; and the method further comprises placing the gingival margin in contact with a tooth below the gum line.

Optionally, the method further comprises removing the shaped female mold from the tooth.

Optionally, the curing is performed by applying light to the curable material.

Optionally, the curable material is an Ultraviolet (UV) light curable material, and the light applied to the UV curable material comprises UV light.

Optionally, the inwardly bending the first tab member and the second tab member includes outwardly bending the second end of each tab member to form a gripping portion of the forming die and moving the forming die at the gripping portion to adjust the size of the cavity.

Optionally, the moving the forming die at the gripping portion to adjust the size of the cavity comprises causing the forming die to pivot about gums on opposite sides of the tooth to adjust the size of the cavity and control the thickness of the veneer (produced by the method).

Optionally, the placing the curable material into the cavity comprises injecting the curable material into the cavity.

Optionally, the injecting the curable material into the cavity comprises injecting under pressure to eliminate air bubbles and air gaps in the curable material.

Optionally, the bending the first tab member and the second tab member inwardly to encircle the teeth creates at least one of a palate shell (wall) for the upper teeth or a lingual shell (lingual shell) (wall) for the lower teeth for constructing missing portions of the teeth.

Unless defined otherwise herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Drawings

By way of example only, some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are merely examples, which may not be to scale for illustrative discussions of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings make apparent to those skilled in the art how the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

Attention is now directed to the drawings in which the same reference numerals or characters designate corresponding or similar parts. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a forming die for producing a veneer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C-1 is a perspective view of a forming die according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1C-2 is a cross-sectional view of the molding female die of FIG. 1C-1 taken along line 1C-1C;

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the molding female mold of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the molding female mold of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the molding female die of FIGS. 1A and 1B taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a tooth having a molding die according to an embodiment of the present invention placed on the tooth while generating a veneer on the tooth;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing teeth covered by a molding die as a veneer according to an embodiment of the present invention is being created on the teeth;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a tooth covered by a molding die according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a tooth covered by a molding cavity block taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of FIG. 6A, illustrating a veneering generation process according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a veneer being formed on a tooth in accordance with an veneer forming process of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a bottom view of a molding female mold according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the molding cavity of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 10A covering teeth;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a forming die according to another alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a molding cavity covering teeth according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a forming die according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the molding die of FIG. 13A taken along line 13-13;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a forming die according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the molding die of FIG. 14A taken along line 14-14;

fig. 15 is a view showing the molding die of fig. 13A and 13B moved into contact with teeth;

fig. 16 is a top view of the molding die of fig. 13A and 13B.

17A-17C are diagrams illustrating example operations of the molding female mold of FIGS. 13A-13B;

fig. 18A is a rear view of the molding female mold of fig. 18A-8C;

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the tab of the forming die taken from the inside (the cavity of the forming die body) along line 18B-18B of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18C is a side view of a molding female mold;

fig. 18D is a side view of the shaping female die with the tab of the shaping female die extended such that the shaping female die moves from a retracted (contracted) position to an extended position; and, a step of, in the first embodiment,

19A-19G are diagrams illustrating the molding cavity of FIGS. 18A-18D being used to form a crown on a tooth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 20A-20E are diagrams illustrating the molding cavity of FIGS. 18A-18D being used to form a crown on a dental implant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21A is a schematic view of another embodiment of a molding die for making a crown of a tooth in a retracted position, as seen from a rear perspective view; and, a step of, in the first embodiment,

Fig. 21B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the molding female mold of fig. 20A, as seen from a front perspective view.

Detailed Description

Throughout this document, references to directions and orientations are made, such as inward, outward, upward (square), downward (square), forward, backward, top (depression), bottom (elevation), side (lateral), derivatives thereof, and the like. These references to directions and orientations are exemplary for purposes of describing and illustrating the invention and embodiments thereof, and are not to be construed as limiting in any way.

Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 3 show a forming die 10 for being fitted over a tooth. For example, the molding die 10 is a unitary member for placement over, and typically onto, teeth so that, for example, flowable and curable material can be injected into the molding die 10 to form a veneer on the teeth. In this way, the shaped cavity block 10 is positioned on the tooth according to the desired thickness of the veneer. Once the injected material has solidified, the shaped cavity block 10 is removed from the tooth. After removal of the shaped female die 10 from the tooth, the resulting veneer is now integral with the tooth. The teeth may then be subjected to other procedures such as resurfacing, lapping, polishing, etc.

The shaped cavity block 10 includes a face portion 12 having a contour shape conforming to the shape of the outer surface of the tooth. The face portion 12 extends longitudinally between the gingival edge 14 and the chewing surface edge 15 and extends transversely between lateral or interproximal edges 16a, 16b, the gingival edge 14 being designed to be flush with the teeth at the gum line (about 1mm below the gum line). The gingival margin 14, chewing surface edge 15 and lateral edges 16a, 16b define the periphery of the face portion 12. The chewing surface cap 17 extends along the chewing surface edge 15 between the side faces 17a, 17 b. The sides 17a, 17b are flush and generally coplanar with the oppositely disposed tabs 18a, 18 b. Tabs 18a, 18b extend from lateral edges 16a, 16b of face portion 12.

The face portion 12 includes an outer cheek surface 23 and an inner tooth surface 25. For example, the inner tooth surface 25 is shaped and textured, e.g., in a non-identical manner, to provide (e.g., replicate) the texture of the natural tooth type designed for restoration, and may also include glazed transverse grooves (perikymata) and cut edge nodules (mamelonn). For example, the face portion 12 is contoured (e.g., curved) (fig. 1A and 1B) and slightly asymmetric, as shown in fig. 2A and 2B, so as to conform to the shape of a tooth, e.g., a left palate incisor, as shown in the figures.

The gingival margin 14 is designed to be flush with the gum line. For example, the shaped cavity block 10 is designed to be inserted to cover teeth such that the gingival margin 14 is located approximately 1mm from the gum line.

The chewing surface cap 17 includes a plateau 17x and an inturned lip 17y extending inwardly from the plateau 17 x. Sides 17a, 17b of the chewing surface cap 17 are connected to lateral edges 16a, 16b and tabs 18a, 18b along tab edges 18ax, 18 bx. For example, the chewing surface cap 17 includes an aperture 28 at the platform 17x through which flowable material is injected. The holes 28 are circular, but other shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, triangular, combinations thereof, etc., are suitable as long as they accommodate a syringe, needle, or other injection structure. Although a single central aperture 28 is shown, multiple apertures at multiple locations on the chew cap 17 are also possible.

Laterally disposed tabs 18a, 18b extend from respective lateral edges 16a, 16b of the face portion 12, and a portion thereof is typically attached to the chewing surface cap 17 at each side 17a, 17 b. As such, the tabs 18a, 18b define an abutment between adjacent teeth, creating frictional engagement in the space between the teeth to support the shaped cavity block 10 when engaged on the desired tooth.

Each of the tabs 18a, 18b includes a cut-out portion 30a, 30b to receive and fit the gums, thereby allowing the shaped cavity block 10 to be positioned over the teeth. The cut-out portions 30a, 30b are sized to be below or above the gums and allow the molding die 10 to pivot, moving the molding die 10 forward and backward (when pushing or pulling the tabs 18a, 18b causes pivoting) as required by the practitioner, in order to control the thickness of the material to be inserted into the molding die 10 and thus the thickness of the veneer on the teeth, as described in detail below. In this manner, the tabs 18a, 18b confine the composite material to the forming die 10, preventing it from exiting the forming die 10 and entering the mouth and/or contacting other teeth, such as teeth adjacent to the tooth being treated. The tabs 18a, 18b are flexible, e.g., made of a flexible material, so that they can fold or otherwise flex inwardly (described in detail below) during operation of the molding die 10, preventing flowable composite (e.g., and curable) material from reaching the exterior of the molding die 10, and preventing saliva, blood and other body fluids from entering the area covered (surrounded) by the molding die 10 (e.g., including the cavity 54), thereby keeping the process clean. In addition, the inwardly curved tabs 18a, 18b act as walls for constructing missing portions of teeth by forming a palate shell or wall for the upper teeth and a lingual shell or wall for the lower teeth (by filling with a flowable compound, and e.g., a curable material, as described in detail below).

The flaps 32a, 32b are also made of a flexible material, e.g., the same material as the tabs 18a, 18b, and are integral with each of the respective tabs 18a, 18b, extend from the respective tabs 18a, 18b, and may be folded or otherwise bent from the tabs at or near the respective fold lines 33a, 33b (weakened portions that permit bending and/or folding). The folded flaps 32a, 32B are generally folded about the respective fold lines 33a, 33B so as to be aligned with one another (e.g., in an orientation perpendicular to the currently inwardly curved tabs 18a, 18B), creating a gripping portion 56 (fig. 6A and 6B), which a practitioner grips with a finger or instrument and moves the molding die 10 to adjust the cavity 54 (fig. 4) (space) between the teeth for veneering and the face portion 12.

For example, the shaped cavity block 10 is a unitary member that is shaped for a particular tooth, such as a incisor, for example, the shaped cavity block 10 and other shaped cavity blocks disclosed herein may be shaped and sized for all teeth, such as the left palate (upper) incisor, as shown in fig. 4-9, or other teeth, including premolars, molars, and canines on either side of the palate and lingual (lower) portions. The molding die 10, at least the face portion 12, is made of a light transmissive material, such as a translucent or transparent material, to allow light, such as Ultraviolet (UV) light, to pass through the molding die 10 for curing the flowable composite material previously injected into the molding die 10, as described in detail below. Translucent or transparent materials include thermoplastic materials such as medical grade acrylic, polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, nylon, siliconized rubber, which are biocompatible, inert and non-toxic. Alternatively, the chewing surface cap 17 and tabs 18a, 18b may also be made of medical grade nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or polypropylene.

All of the material of the forming die 10 has a thickness of approximately uniform, for example, 0.025mm to 0.5mm. The shaped female mould 10 is typically disposable but may also be used for multiple uses.

Figures 1C-1 and 1C-2 illustrate an alternative embodiment molding die 110 for creating a veneer. The forming die 110 is similar to the forming die 10 detailed above, with the exception of the tabs 18a ', 18b' and corresponding tabs 32a ', 32b' and the intermediate folds or weakened portions 33a ', 33b' being made of metal, thin metal portions. For example, tab members 37 formed by tabs 18a ', 18b' and corresponding tabs 32a ', 32b' are made of metal portions, such as shown by shading in FIGS. 1C-1 and 1C-2. The tabs 18a 'and 18b' of the forming die 110 are each engaged in the face portion 12 by clamping (e.g., extending outwardly from the respective interproximal edges 16a, 16 b). The tab members 37 as the metal portions may be further secured by adhesive, mechanical fasteners, thermal connection, or the like. For example, the face portion 12, as well as the chew cap 17, may still, for example, be made of a light transmissive material that is a translucent and/or transparent material, as with the shaped female mold 10 described in detail above.

For example, the tab member 37 as a metal part is made of metal, such as stainless steel or other surgical grade steel or metal, for example sheet-like, which has elasticity, functioning in a spring-like manner. The tab members 37 on opposite sides of the forming die 110 are extremely thin, for example, between about 0.03mm and 0.025 mm. For example, the thickness of the metal of tab member 37 is uniform or substantially uniform along the central metal portion. This thinness of tab member 37 as a metal part makes the forming die 110 advantageous with very little or no gaps between teeth, allowing for maneuverability of the forming die 110 in these extremely tight spaces.

For example, the metal portion 27 may be unitary or uniform and devoid of any distinct tabs 18a ', 18b', flaps 32a ', 32b' and intermediate portions 33a ', 33b'. Alternatively, only one metal portion need be present on one side of the forming die, e.g., one metal tab/tab and one tab/tab of light transmissive material, and only one or more of the tabs 18a ', 18b' or tabs 32a ', 32b' may be metallic.

Attention is now additionally drawn to fig. 4-9, which illustrate the operation of the forming die 10 for producing a veneer on the tooth 50. Initially, as shown in fig. 4, the shaped female mold 10 is placed on the tooth 50 (the root 50a extends into the gum). This placement brings the facial portion 12 at the gingival margin 14 into contact with the teeth 50 just below the gum line 52 (e.g., about 1 mm) and flush with the cavity 54 relatively closed to the rest of the oral cavity and the finish line of the overlay 66 (fig. 9) just below the gum line 52. Additionally, the tabs 18a, 18b occupy the space between the tooth 50 and each adjacent tooth, creating a frictional engagement to hold the shaped cavity block 10 in place on the tooth 50. In this manner, the cut-out portions 30a, 30b allow the molding die 10 to pivot about the gums to properly position on the teeth 50. This allows the thickness of the facing 66 of the tooth 50 to be adjusted (fig. 9), by pushing or pulling on the tabs 18a, 18b, the face portion 12 of the shaped female mold 10 is moved relative to the tooth 50 (the size of the cavity 54 between the face portion 12 and the tooth 50 is adjusted). The cavity 54 has a desired thickness of the overlay 66 (fig. 9) between the facial portion 12 and the teeth 50.

For example, the cutout portions 30a, 30b are designed so as to contact the teeth 50 adjacently between the teeth 50 and each adjacent tooth together with the members of the face portion 12 so as to close the molding die 10 (and the cavity 54 thereof so that the molding die 10 surrounds the teeth 50). For example, the cut-out portions 30a, 30b are also designed to be positioned below the gum line 52 by about 1mm below the gum line 52 (where the cut-out portions 30a, 30b contact the teeth 50).

In fig. 5, when the tabs 18a, 18B are bent or folded inwardly and the flaps 32a, 32B are folded along the fold lines 33a, 33B to be at least about perpendicular to the respective tabs 18a, 18B, the teeth 50 are covered by the molding die 10, thereby forming the gripping portions 56, as shown in fig. 6A and 6B. The gripping portion 56 is grasped by a practitioner by fingertips or instruments and manipulated to pivot the molding die 10 about the gums, resulting in the cavity 54 being adjusted to the desired thickness for veneering. Optionally, the overlapping flaps 32a, 32b may be secured together with an adhesive, or by mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof. The shaped cavity block 10 currently encloses the teeth 50.

With the thickness of the overlay set, a flowable and restorable material, such as a UV light curable compound (material) 58, is injected into the cavity 54 with a syringe 60 through the aperture 28 in the chewing surface cap 17, based on the cavity 54 being set (adjusted) between the face portion 12 of the shaped female mold 10 and the teeth 50, as shown in fig. 7. The injection of the syringe 60 is under pressure (of the syringe plunger) and fills the cavity 54 in a manner that eliminates air bubbles and air gaps in the injected composite material in the cavity 54, the cavity 54 being a closed space. Oxygen cannot reach the dental composite due to the elimination of all bubbles and air gaps, and an oxygen-free inhibition layer is formed in the cavity 54, allowing all layers of the composite to cure well, as described below. Because the cavity 54 is closed (i.e., the edge of the shaped cavity block 10 is in contact with the teeth 50, the shaped cavity block 10 surrounds the teeth 50), the composite material is not contaminated with blood, saliva, body fluids, other contaminants, and the like. The injection is completed when the composite material exits the forming die 10 through the aperture 28.

Example complexes include ESPE 6020A3 from 3M St.Paul, minnesotaZ250 universal restorative charge (Universal Restorative Refill), and Herculite ^TM. A superfluid nano-hybrid flowable composite (Ultra Flow Nanohybrid Flowable Composite) from Kerr. An example Syringe that may be used is a 1-4g Syringe (Syringe).

Referring again to fig. 8, the syringe 60 is now removed and the cavity 54 is filled with the compound 58. The compound 58 is cured with UV light from an instrument 61 that emits UV light from a UV light source 62 that is applied to the shaped female mold 10 at the face portion 12. The UV light instrument can be moved to effect localized curing on the tooth 50, the movement being indicated by double arrow 64. The translucency or transparency of the face portion 12 allows the UV light to cure the composite 58 to form a veneer 66 (fig. 9) on the tooth 50, the veneer being integral with the tooth 50 as a result of curing.

Once the compound 58 has cured, the forming die 10 is removed. Facing 66 is currently positioned on tooth 50 as shown in fig. 9. Optionally, the now-formed veneer 66 integral with the tooth 50 may be resurfaced or otherwise treated by a practitioner.

Fig. 10A and 10B illustrate an alternative forming die 10' which is similar to the forming die 10 detailed above and has similar element numbers except for the chew cap 17, which has two holes 128 at its platform 17 x. Similar to the holes 28 of the shaped cavity block 10 detailed above, when the shaped cavity block 10' is on a tooth, flowable material can be injected through the two holes 128 into the cavity 54 between the facial portion and the tooth to create a veneer, as shown, for example, in fig. 10B.

Fig. 11 shows an alternative shaped female die 10 "which is similar to the shaped female die 10 detailed above and has similar element numbers except for the chew cap 17 having a hole 228 at its platform 17x formed by, for example, semi-circular double holes 228a, 228 b. When the shaped cavity 10 "is on a tooth, flowable material can be injected through the two holes 228a, 228b into the cavity 54 between the face portion 12 and the tooth to create a veneer.

Fig. 12 shows an alternative shaped female die 10' "on a tooth. The shaped female die 10' "is similar to the shaped female die 10 detailed above and has similar element numbers except for the chew cap 17 where the slot 328 replaces the aperture 28 at its land 17 x. When the forming die 10' "is on a tooth, flowable material can be injected through the slot 328 into the cavity 54 between the face portion 12 and the tooth to create a veneer.

Fig. 13A, 13B and 15-17C illustrate another dental molding die 400 that includes an outwardly extending post that engages the instrument, allowing the dentist to move the instrument and manipulate the molding die into position over the surgical teeth to create a cavity for veneering. The cavity is filled with a curable material that is cured by light, such as ultraviolet light, and once the curing is completed, the shaped cavity block is removed from the tooth, which now has the veneer formed thereon.

Fig. 13A shows a molding die 400. The shaped cavity block 400 is similar in operation to the shaped cavity blocks 10, 10', 10 "and is made of the same or similar material (including light transmissive material) as one or some of these shaped cavity blocks, and is similar in construction to those discussed above, and is correspondingly numbered in the plurality 400. The shaped female die (body) 400 includes a face portion 472 that is contoured to conform to the shape of the outer (cheek) surface of the teeth 499 (also referred to as "surgical teeth" in some examples below, as a disclosed procedure for using the shaped female die 400 on the teeth 499) (fig. 15) and includes a chewing surface cap 474 at one (outer) end 472x of the face portion 472 (opposite the gingival facing end 472 y) to cover the chewing surface of the teeth. Flanges 476a, 476b extend from opposite lateral edges 472a, 472b of face portion 472.

The molding die 400 includes a post 480, also referred to as a stem, extending from the cheek side 423 of the face portion 472 and represented by a dimension YY, which is, for example, about 1.5mm. A passage or bore 482 extends through the column 480 with a bore or opening 484 (exterior or end opening) at an outer end 480a of the column 480 and a bore or opening 486 at an inner end 480b of the column 480. The opening 486 communicates with the cavity 488 of the molding die 400 (cavity 488 formed by the concavity of the face portion 472 of the molding die 400) and opens into the cavity 488, allowing material to be introduced into the channel 482 and through the opening 486 into the cavity 488 to fill the cavity 54 (fig. 17C) between the molding die 400 and the teeth 499 as described in detail above to perform the procedure of forming, shaping and curing the veneer on the teeth by the molding die 400, as described in further detail below.

As shown in fig. 13B, for example, the channel 482 tapers inwardly (wall 482a of the channel 482) from an outer opening 484 represented by dimension XX1 to an inner opening 486 represented by dimension XX 2. For example, dimension XX1 (e.g., about 1.0mm thereof) is greater than dimension XX2 (e.g., about 0.8mm thereof) to achieve an inward taper of channel 482. This taper allows for receiving the tube 60x of the instrument 60 by frictional engagement of the tube 60x in the channel 482 of the column 480 as shown in fig. 15 and described in detail below. The channel 482 generally has the same cross-sectional shape as the openings 484, 486, e.g., circular, or oval, so as to have a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the tube 60x for receiving and frictionally engaging the tube 60 x. However, the passages 482 and the openings 484, 486 may be other suitable shapes so long as the passages 482 and the outer openings 484 are capable of receiving and engaging the tube 60x in a suitable manner. The post 480 extends a length sufficient to support and engage the tube 60x as shown in fig. 15 and discussed below.

The post 480 is positioned on the cheek side 423 of the face portion 472. For example, the post 480 is located at (positioned at) or about the orientation of the buccal side 423, which may be the volumetric center or the center of flow of the molding die 400. In this volumetric central orientation (position), the material can uniformly fill (and uniformly flow and spread) the cavity 54 between the molding cavity 400 and the teeth 499 (fig. 17C). For example, by uniformly filling cavity 54, cavity 54 is densely filled so that there is no or substantially no air bubbles, pockets, etc., which provides the maximum contact area of the material with teeth 499. The resulting veneer (e.g., when using a UV light curable material as detailed above) adheres strongly to the teeth (e.g., because the greatest amount of material is injected into the cavity between the molding cavity 400 and the teeth, resulting in the greatest contact area of the veneer material) and has the greatest strength. Alternatively, the post 480 may be placed in other orientations on the face portion 472 based on length/distance measurements or the like, including, for example, centered or substantially centered.

As such, the material of the face portion 472 and post 480 has a stiffness so as not to bend, deform, etc. inwardly and retain their original (original) shape despite any pressure changes in the molding die 400 caused by the filling of material into the cavity 54 through the post 480.

For example, the shape of the flanges 476a, 476b extending from the lateral edges 472a, 472b of the face portion 472 (rearward relative to the cheek surface 423) differs from the corresponding tabs 18a, 18 b/wings 32a,32b of the molding die 10, 10', 10", 10'" detailed above, but includes similar structures, tab 503 (similar to tabs 18a, 18 b) and wing 505 (similar to wings 32a,32 b), for example, as shown in fig. 16, described in detail below. For example, the tab 503 may include cut-out portions similar to those 30a, 30b (or portions and/or sections thereof) of the forming die 10, 10', 10", 10'"; for maneuverability, as detailed above. For example, the flanges 476a, 476b may be shorter, the same length, or longer than the tabs 18a, 18 b/fins 32a,32b of the forming die 10, 10', 10", 10'" described above, with only the tabs 503 needing to enter the interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth to create friction to secure the forming die 400 in place. The force holding the forming die 400 in place and other forces are such that the forming die 400, as the forming die 400, can be moved to be manipulated to form and size the overlay. The movement (including manipulation) of the molding die 400 for manipulating the teeth 499 may be one or both of movement from the post 480 or movement by moving the flanges 476a, 476 b. The friction created by the flanges 476a, 476b between adjacent teeth also holds the molding die 400 in place during filling of the cavity 54 with material and during the curing process (e.g., UV light curing as detailed above), as described below in fig. 15. Similar to the tabs 18a, 18 b/fins 32a,32b of the shaped cavity block 10, 10', 10", 10'", for example, at one or both fins 505, one or both of the tabs 476a, 476b may be manipulated, pulled, wrapped or otherwise adjusted to adjust the volume of the cavity 54 (including by using the shaped cavity block 400 to form a wall that compensates for a gap in a tooth or a missing portion of a tooth to form a portion of a tooth) for injecting material therein.

Fig. 14A and 14B show a forming die 400'. The forming die 400' is similar to the forming die 400, with element numbers similar to those of the forming die 400, described herein and shown in the corresponding figures (e.g., fig. 13a,13b, and 15-17C). The forming die 400 'differs from the forming die 400 in that the flanges 476a', 476b 'on opposite sides of the forming die 400' are made of thin metal sections, similar to the forming die 110 described above.

The metal portion flanges 476a ', 476b' engage in the face portion 472 by clamping (at the cheek or interproximal edges 472a, 472 b). The metal portion flanges 476a ', 476b' may be further secured by adhesives, mechanical fasteners, thermal connections, and the like. For example, the face portion 472 is still made of a light transmissive material that is translucent and/or transparent material, as is the molding die 400 (and molding die 10) described in detail above.

Fig. 15 shows an instrument such as a syringe 60 (filled with a curable material from which a veneer is formed as described in detail above) with a tube or tube portion 60x extending into a channel 482 of a cylinder 480 of a forming die 400. As such, the apparatus 60 injects the curable facer material from the apparatus 60 through the tube 60x to fill the cavity 54 of the molding die 400, as described in detail above. Tube 60x frictionally engages channel 482 (e.g., in a snug or frictionally-tight manner) with sufficient friction to hold molding die 400 in a fixed position on tube 60 x. The friction is of sufficient strength that the molding die 400 remains in a fixed position when moved into contact with the teeth 499 (e.g., by one hand of an operator such as a dentist or clinician) and then manipulated over the teeth 499 to establish the shape of the veneer.

The tube 60x remains engaged with the molding die during injection of material from the instrument 60 into the cavity 54 between the molding die 400 and the tooth, and can be engaged with or disengaged from the molding die 400 during curing of the material within the cavity 54 to form the veneer, as described in detail above. The friction created by the flanges 476a, 476b, such as by the tabs 503 in the interproximal spaces between the tooth 499 and its adjacent teeth, provides sufficient force on both sides (e.g., in a snug manner) to retain the molding die 400 on the tooth 499 in order to maintain the shape and size of the overlay during the molding and/or curing of the material.

Once the procedure is complete, the molding die 400 is removed from the teeth 499. The forming die 400 may be removed with the attached instrument 60 or separately (the instrument 60 has been separated from the forming die 400 first).

Fig. 16 shows a molding die 400 including flanges 476a, 476b, with a separation, indentation, score, or other demarcation 502, 504 between the cheek edges 472a, 472b and tab 503 (separation 502), and between tab 503 and tab 505 (separation 504) in each flange 476a, 476 b. For example, the partitions 502, 504 may be weakened portions, allowing the tab 503 (and the flap 505) to bend and move about the partition 502, and the flap 505 to bend and move about the partition 504 relative to the tab 503. For example, the flanges 476a, 476b are symmetrical, e.g., the face portion 472 is also symmetrical (along the longitudinal axis LA shown in fig. 13A and 16 (extending from the sheet). The flanges 476a, 476b are thin, having a tab 503 of a dimension PP, e.g., about 0.05mm, and a tab 505 of a dimension QQ, e.g., about 0.15mm (e.g., the thickness of the face portion 472 is also about 0.2 mm). Due to the thinness of the flanges 476a, 476b, the forming die 400 can be maneuvered to a position for filling and curing according to the embodiment process shown in fig. 17A-17C. For example, tab 503 and tab 505 are both uniform with a substantially uniform thickness.

For example, due to their thinness, the tabs 503 may be positioned at the interface between the surgical tooth 499 and each of its adjacent teeth. The abutment surface serves as a contact for engaging and retaining the molding die 400 on the surgical teeth 499 such that the molding die 400 remains engaged and retained (e.g., in a snug but movable manner) while the molding die 400 is manipulated over the teeth to define the shape of the abutment surface and, for example, remains in that position on the teeth during the curing process, typically until the molding die 400 is removed from the teeth 499 with the now formed abutment surface.

In fig. 17A, a molding die 400 is positioned and held in place on a tube 60x of an instrument 60, such as a syringe, that is filled with curable material to form a veneer, substantially without movement or without movement, as described in detail above. The instrument 60 with the shaped cavity block 400 is moved in the direction of arrow 550 towards the tooth 499. The instrument is typically manipulated and moved by a dentist, clinician or operator with one hand.

In fig. 17B, a molding die 400 held by the instrument 60 is under the teeth 499. The forming die 400 can now be moved vertically or substantially vertically upwards according to arrow 552. The vertical movement allows the flanges 476a, 476b, e.g., tabs 503, to engage the forming die 400 at the abutment between the teeth (the surgical tooth 499 and each adjacent tooth).

Fig. 17C shows the molding die 400 positioned on the surgical teeth 499 such that the molding die 400 can be manipulated to form the cavity (space) 54 for veneering. With the cavity 54 defined (or otherwise set or established), curable material for veneering is injected into the cavity 54 between the molding cavity 400 and the tooth (i.e., the surgical tooth 499). For example, once the cavity 54 is filled with a curable material, the material is cured by light, such as UV light, as described in detail above and as shown in fig. 8 and 9. With the filling of the forming die 400 complete, or with the curing complete, the instrument 60 can be separated from the forming die 400 by moving the instrument 60 in the direction of arrow 554. Once curing is complete or at the discretion of the dentist, the shaped negative mold 400 can be removed from the tooth.

Fig. 18A-18D illustrate a molding die 600, for example, for forming a dental prosthesis such as a crown of a tooth. Fig. 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate the molding die 600 in a retracted position, for example, when placed over the prepared area of the teeth and gums, and then filled with material and cured, and brought into the deployed position of fig. 18D. When the crown 655 is completed, the shaped negative mold 600 is removed from the tooth (with the newly formed crown 655 thereon).

The forming die 600 has similar materials as the forming die 400, as described above and shown in the corresponding figures (e.g., fig. 13A, 13B, and 15-17C). The forming die 600 includes a body 602, also referred to as a forming die body or body portion. The body 602 includes a wall 603, e.g., the wall 603 is continuous, and for descriptive purposes includes a first portion 603a at a first (closed) end 602a of the forming die 600/body 602 and a second portion 603b at a second (open) end 602b of the body 602, which includes an opening 602b' into the cavity 602x of the forming die 600/body 602. The opening 602b' is in the neck region 602c of the forming die 600/body 602.

For example, the bore 604 extends through the wall 603 to the lumen 602x at the first or closed end 602a of the body 602. Through this hole 604, curable material used to make a dental crown (fig. 19A-19G) is filled into the cavity 602x of the body 602 of the shaped cavity block 600, according to the process described in further detail below. While the aperture 604 is generally at the edge 602ax of the first or closed end of the body 602, it may be anywhere on the body 602.

When in the retracted position (fig. 18A-18C), the molding die 600 tapers inwardly from a first end 602a to a second end 602b, the second end 602b terminating within an opening 602b' at the neck region 602C (to the interior of the lumen 602 x). The shaped female mold 600 is placed such that an opening 602b' (at the edge of the second or open end 602 b) sized to fit over the prepared tooth, and the neck region 602c is placed in contact with or adjacent to the gums, as shown in fig. 19A-19E and described below. The opening 602b' communicates with the cavity 602x of the forming die 600/body 602. When the forming die 600 is in both the contracted and expanded positions, the opening 602b' is maintained of sufficient size to fit over the prepared/crown teeth.

The molding die 600 is shaped to correspond to a crown of a particular tooth type for which the crown is manufactured. Although the shaped cavity block 600 is shown as a crown for a incisor, the shaped cavity block 600 may be formed for crowns and other prostheses for other tooth types. As such, the wall 603 of the shaped female mold 600 has a thickness (e.g., about 0.05 to 0.07 mm) so as to fit in the interproximal spaces between the teeth to facilitate friction with the adjacent teeth (one of which is the surgical tooth). The frictional force provides sufficient force to hold the molding die 600 on the tooth (e.g., in a snug manner) (similar to the molding die 400 for veneering as detailed above) so as to maintain the shape and size of the molding die 600 (e.g., crown) during the process of manufacturing the crown 655, including injection and/or curing of the material, as detailed below.

The forming die 600 includes a tab 606 formed by three folds 607, 608a, 608b, including a main or middle fold 607, and lateral folds 608a, 608b on opposite sides of the middle fold 607. Flanges 609a, 609b are between medial fold 607 and each lateral fold 608a, 608b. For example, the primary or middle fold 607 is centrally folded (relative to flanges 609a, 609 b) because tab 606 is symmetrical. For example, tab 606 is triangular in shape so as to open and allow body 602 (and cavity opening 620 b') to expand outwardly to be at least equal to and generally greater than the diameter of the newly formed crown, as shown in fig. 18D, so as to be easily removed from the complete tooth with the new crown. Although triangular tabs 606 are shown, other shapes, such as rectangular, circular, or combinations thereof, are also suitable.

During filling and curing, tab 606 may be held in a closed or retracted position by the clinician (folding flange 609a, 609b together about center fold 607) and then manually moved to an expanded position, or slightly released by the clinician, tab 606 may behave like a spring because its material of construction is elastic and moves (expands) to an expanded position under its own power. Instead, tabs 606 may be held together in their retracted position by initial gluing of flanges 609a, 609b, (e.g., with dental or surgical glue, weld or hot bone attachment (heat boning attachment)) or otherwise adhered to one another. When expansion is desired, the clinician breaks the glued bond slightly by separating the flanges 609a, 609b from each other and manually expands the body 602, or the body 602 is made of a material that is sufficiently resilient so that once the flanges 609a, 609b are separated they expand under their own power to the expanded position, as shown in fig. 18D. Moreover, expansion may be achieved by a combination of manual forces coupled with the elasticity (e.g., spring-like behavior) of the material of tab 606.

Fig. 19A-19G illustrate an example process of forming a crown on a tooth using a forming die 600. Figures 19A-19E illustrate the forming die 600 in a retracted position when the tab 606 is in the retracted position. Fig. 19F shows the forming die in an expanded position with tab 606 in an expanded position, with a second portion of wall 603b expanded at second or closed end 602b (having expanded outwardly from an initial inward position as shown by dashed line 603 b') (in the direction of arrow 618) to an expanded position (second portion 603b shown in solid line) having a diameter at least about equal to first wall portion 603a. Fig. 19G shows the finished crown 655 of the tooth with the shaped female mold removed.

In fig. 19A and 19B, the tooth, now the preparation tooth 650 (whose root 651 in the gum 652 and oral tissue has been shown), has been prepared for a crown and the shaped negative mold 600 has been placed on a predefined dental area, e.g. the preparation tooth 650 at the gum 652.

In fig. 19C, the neck region 602C is analyzed to determine if it needs to be cut to increase its diameter to be properly positioned at the edge 651a of the root 651 of the tooth. As shown in fig. 19C, the neck region 602C has been cut (at the dashed line) to rest at the edge 651a of the root 651 in the gum 652.

In fig. 19D, the forming die 600 is now properly positioned on the preparation tooth 650 and filled with curable material 653. A syringe needle 670 attached to a syringe 671 filled with a flowable and curable composite material 653 (similar to the syringe detailed above, e.g., syringe 60) is inserted into the cavity 602x of the molding die 600 and moved toward the gums 652. As material (indicated by arrow 672) flows outwardly from needle 670, filling of curable material 653 now begins, while syringe needle 670 is gradually moved outwardly and removed from aperture 604.

In fig. 19E, the shaped female die body 602 in the interior cavity 602x is filled with curable composite material 653 through the aperture 604 (e.g., by a syringe of the shaped female die 10, 10', 10", 10'", 400 as detailed above) until filling is complete. Once the molded female mold body 602 is filled, optionally, the syringe may be removed. The curable material 653 of the shaped female die body 602 filling the cavity 602x may now be cured in the same or similar manner as shown in the shaped female dies 10, 10', 10", 10'", 400 above, for example by UV light.

In fig. 19F, a currently cured and prepared crown 655 is within a forming cavity 600. Optionally, for example, if syringe 671 (and needle 670) is still attached to molding female mold 600, it may now be removed. Tab 606 is now released for deployment from being held together by the clinician or instrument, either manually by the clinician using the instrument, or by a combination of automatic and instrument assisted deployment. The deployment of tab 606 expands the diameter of second end 602b of the forming die. This expansion causes the second wall portion 603b and the second end 602b at the neck region 602c to move outwardly from its initial retracted (contracted) position (wall portion 603b in the prior closed position shown by dashed line 603b ') to an expanded position (wall portion 603b shown by solid line) wherein, for example, the diameter at the second end 602b and opening 602b' is at least about equal to the diameter of the first portion 603a of the first end 602a (e.g., along edge 602 ax).

The shaped female mold 600 is now removed from the tooth 660 without damaging the newly formed crown 655. For example, by a clinician or instrument, and if the syringe is still attached to the shaped cavity block 600, the syringe may be used to remove the shaped cavity block from the teeth 650 (pulling the shaped cavity block 600 away from the teeth via the posts 604). A tooth with a replaced crown 655 is shown in fig. 19G.

Figures 20A-20E illustrate a molding die 600 for use with a dental implant 673. The elements of the forming die 600 correspond to those described above.

As shown in fig. 20A, the shaped female mold 600 is over a predefined dental area, e.g., the abutment 674 (covered by the cap 675) of an implant, and the shaped female mold 600 is seated in the gingiva 652. The abutment 674 is received in an implant stem 676 that is anchored in the bone 677 below the gum 652. The implant stem 676 is threaded, for example, with a screw into bone 677. For example, when the friction ball 678 is seated in the groove 675a in the cap 675 between the bridge 674 and the cap 675, the cap 675 is friction fit over the bridge 674. A root digging (undercut) 675b extends from the surface of the cap 675. This frictional attachment allows the cap 675 to be separated from the abutment 674, including when a crown 679 has been placed on the cap 675, for example, as shown in fig. 20E. For example, the cap 675 is made of a plastic or polymeric material.

Alternatively, the cap 675 may be attached to the abutment 674 via a corresponding threaded surface and screw or screw-like attachment. This will allow the crown 679 to be screwed on and off the abutment 674.

In fig. 20B, a curable material 653 forming a dental crown is injected into the cavity 602x of the molding die 600 by a syringe 671 through the hole 604. The curable material 653 contacts the cap 675 and the root 675b to securely adhere to the implant 673.

For example, in fig. 20C, curing of material 653 is accomplished by UV light 62 as detailed above, as shown in fig. 20D. The molding die 600 is now expanded from its retracted position, as detailed above (i.e., fig. 18D and 19F), so as to be removed from the crown 679, leaving the crown 679 on the implant 673, as shown in fig. 20E.

Fig. 21A and 21B illustrate an alternative molding die 600' similar to the molding die 600 detailed above, with the same or similar components having the same element numbers and the same descriptions as the molding die 600 described above (and shown in fig. 18A-18D and 19A-19G). The shaping cavity block 600' differs from the shaping cavity block 600 in that the shaping cavity block 600' includes a post or stem 680, the post or stem 680 extending from and communicating with the aperture 604 through which curable material is provided to the interior cavity 602x of the shaping cavity block 600' to produce the crown of the shaping cavity block 600 as detailed above. The post or stem 680 is similar to the post 480 of the forming die 400 described in detail above and thus can receive a syringe needle for handling and placement of the forming die 600' and to perform a material curing process similar to the forming die 600 described in detail above. Although the post 680 and its aperture 604 (open to the cavity 602 x) are shown at the first or closed end 602a of the forming die 600 '/body 602, such as along the edge 602ax, the post 680 and aperture 604 may be located anywhere on the forming die 600'/body 602.

Although the disclosed shaped cavity blocks and methods for producing veneers and/or crowns on teeth are shown for use on human teeth, the disclosed shaped cavity blocks and methods of use are also applicable to animal teeth.

Examples

Example 1

A dental molding cavity block comprising: a face portion configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the face portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides; and flanges extending from each of the oppositely disposed edges from a first side of the face portion, each flange including a thickness portion for engaging the surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth such that the shaped cavity block engages between the teeth with a force sufficient to maintain the shaped cavity block in position about at least a portion of the surgical tooth.

Example 2

The female dental modeling mold of embodiment 1, wherein each flange includes a tab and a tab, the tab coupled with oppositely disposed edges of the face portion and the tab extending from the tab, the tab including a thickness portion for engaging the surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and the adjacent tooth.

Example 3

The dental molded cavity of either embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein each flange includes a partition between the tab and the tab, allowing the flange to bend around the partition.

Example 4

The dental cavity block of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein for each of the flanges, the tab has a thickness less than a thickness of the tab.

Example 5

The dental molded cavity block of any of embodiments 1-4, further comprising a post extending from the face portion on a second side of the face portion, the post including a channel extending therethrough, and the channel communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange.

Example 6

The dental cavity block of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical tube comprising an inner wall configured to receive an instrument in frictional engagement, thereby allowing the instrument to manipulate the cavity block.

Example 7

The dental molded female mold of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical tube comprising oppositely disposed first and second openings (bores), the first opening comprising an end (e.g., outer) opening, the second (e.g., inner) opening communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange, and the channel extending between the first and second openings, the cylindrical tube comprising a tapered inner wall having a taper extending from the first opening to the second opening and increasing.

Example 8

The dental cavity block of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the tapered inner wall is sized to receive an instrument in engagement, thereby allowing the instrument to manipulate the cavity block.

Example 9

A dental molding cavity block comprising: a face portion configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the face portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides; flanges extending from each oppositely disposed edge from a first side of the face portion, each flange for engaging a surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth such that the molding die engages between the teeth with a force sufficient to maintain the molding die in position around at least a portion of the surgical tooth; and a post extending from the face portion on a second side of the face portion, the post including a channel extending therethrough, and the channel communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange.

Example 10

The dental molded cavity block of embodiment 9, wherein each of the flanges includes a portion of a thickness for engaging the surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth.

Example 11

The dental molding cavity of either embodiment 9 or embodiment 10, wherein each flange includes a tab and a tab, the tab being coupled with oppositely disposed sides of the face portion and the tab extending from the tab, the tab including a thickness portion for engaging the surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and the adjacent tooth, and the tab having a thickness less than a thickness of the tab for each flange.

Example 12

The dental molding cavity of any of embodiments 9-11, wherein each flange includes a partition between the tab and the flap, allowing the flange to bend around the partition.

Example 13

The dental cavity block of any of embodiments 9-12, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical tube comprising an inner wall configured to engage a receiving instrument to allow the instrument to manipulate the cavity block.

Example 14

The dental molded female mold of any of embodiments 9-13, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical tube comprising oppositely disposed first and second openings, the first opening comprising an end opening, the second opening communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange, and the channel extending between the first and second openings, the cylindrical tube comprising a tapered inner wall having a taper extending from the first opening to the second opening and increasing.

Example 15

The dental cavity block of any of embodiments 9-13, wherein the tapered inner wall is sized to engage a receiving instrument to allow the instrument to manipulate the cavity block.

Example 16

A method for producing a veneer on a tooth. The method comprises the following steps: a dental molding cavity block is provided. The dental molding female mold includes: a face portion configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the face portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides; flanges extending from each oppositely disposed edge from a first side of the face portion, each flange including a tab portion having a thickness for engaging a surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth such that the molding die engages between the teeth with a force sufficient to maintain the molding die in position around at least a portion of the surgical tooth; and a post extending from the face portion on a second side of the face portion, the post including a channel extending therethrough, and the channel communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange. The method further comprises: engaging an instrument, such as a syringe having a needle extending from a syringe body, with the post (e.g., the needle enters the post-to-post frictional engagement and holds the molding cavity block on the syringe), thereby moving and manipulating the molding cavity block by the instrument; the forming die is moved with the instrument such that the forming die surrounds the teeth and is manipulable by the instrument to create a cavity between the forming die and the teeth, the cavity corresponding to the veneer to be created.

Example 17

The method of embodiment 16, wherein moving the forming die with the instrument includes vertically moving the forming die until engaged with the tooth and each adjacent tooth such that a tab portion of the flange is positioned between an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth such that the forming die is engaged between the teeth with a force sufficient to retain the forming die in position around at least a portion of the surgical tooth.

Example 18

The method of embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, further comprising: a curable material is provided by the apparatus to form the veneer in a cavity between the forming die and the tooth.

Example 19

The method of any one of embodiments 16 through 18, further comprising: the curable material in the cavity is cured with light to form the overlay.

Example 20

The method of any one of embodiments 16-19, wherein the light comprises ultraviolet light.

Example 21

A dental molding cavity block comprising: a body configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the body including a first end disposed opposite a second end. The body includes: a lumen extending from the first end to the second end, the first end being closed and the second end including an opening for fitting over a predefined dental area, and an expandable portion at least proximate the second end, the expandable portion including an outwardly extending expandable tab movable between a retracted position and an expanded position such that a diameter of the second end at least proximate the opening increases when the tab is moved from the retracted position to the expanded position; and a bore in the body, the bore opening into the interior cavity.

Example 22

The dental cavity block of embodiment 21, wherein the tab includes oppositely disposed flanges separated by an intermediate fold.

Example 23

The dental molding cavity of either embodiment 21 or embodiment 22, wherein the intermediate fold is centered with respect to the oppositely disposed flange.

Example 24

The dental cavity block of any of embodiments 21-23, wherein the tab opens about the intermediate fold when the body is moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

Example 25

The dental cavity block of any of embodiments 21-24, wherein the first end has a first diameter and the second end extends from a second diameter when the tab is in a retracted position to a diameter about the first diameter when the tab has been moved to an extended position.

Example 26

The dental molded cavity block of any of embodiments 21-25, wherein the aperture is at a first end of the body.

Example 27

The dental molded negative mold of any one of embodiments 21-26, further comprising: a cylinder extending from the body and communicating with the bore.

Example 28

The dental molded cavity block of any of embodiments 21-27, wherein the cylinder comprises a bore extending therethrough configured to receive a portion of a syringe for filling the internal cavity of the body with a curable material.

Example 29

The dental molded cavity block of any of embodiments 21-28, wherein the shape of the tooth comprises a shape of a crown of the tooth.

Example 30

A method for manufacturing a structure of a dental prosthesis, e.g. a crown of a tooth, comprising: providing a forming die, the forming die comprising: a body configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the body including a first end disposed opposite a second end. The body includes: a lumen extending from the first end to the second end, the first end being closed and the second end including an opening for fitting over a predefined dental area, and an expandable portion at least proximate the second end, the expandable portion including an outwardly extending expandable tab movable between a retracted position and an expanded position such that a diameter of the second end at least proximate the opening increases when the tab is moved from the retracted position to the expanded position; and a bore opening into the interior cavity in the body. Placing the shaped negative mold on a predefined dental area in an oral cavity, placing a curable material into an inner cavity of the shaped negative mold, curing the curable material, for example by Ultraviolet (UV) light curing; the body is then moved by moving the tab from the retracted position to the extended position.

Example 31

The method of embodiment 30, wherein the body is moved such that the diameter of the second end is approximately equal to the diameter of the first end.

Example 32

The method of embodiment 30 or embodiment 31, further comprising: the forming die is removed from the dental implant structure.

Example 33

The method of any one of embodiments 30-32, wherein the denture structure comprises a crown.

Example 34

The method of any one of embodiments 30-33, wherein the predefined dental region comprises at least one of a prepared tooth, a prepared tooth portion, a gum, or a dental implant.

Example 35

A shaped female mold for dental treatment comprising: a facial member for covering teeth, the facial member comprising a facial portion configured to cover teeth along a buccal surface of the teeth, and a cap for covering at least a portion of a chewing surface of the teeth and extending toward a lingual surface of the teeth, the facial member configured to correspond to a shape of the teeth and to cover the teeth by extending from a first end for positioning at least near the gums to a second end for positioning beyond the chewing surface of the teeth, thereby creating a cavity between the facial member and the teeth, and at least one aperture in the facial member; and first and second tab members disposed on opposite sides of the face member, each of the first and second tab members extending outwardly from the face member and having a thickness for fitting between the covered tooth and each respective adjacent tooth to hold the forming die in place, the first and second tab members comprising: for positioning at least near a first edge of the gum; a second edge disposed opposite the first edge; at least a portion of each of the first tab member and the second tab member includes a cut-out portion along the first edge, the cut-out portion configured to position the molding die at least proximate to the gums to allow the molding die to move by pivoting about the gums to adjust the size of the cavity; and, each of the first tab member and the second tab member is configured to bend inwardly such that each of the first tab member and the second tab member forms a gripping portion that adjusts the size of the cavity when moved.

Example 36

The forming die of embodiment 35, wherein the metallic material comprises steel.

Example 37.

The shaped female mold of embodiment 35 or embodiment 36, wherein the cap includes the at least one aperture.

Example 38

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-37, wherein each tab member is a unitary member.

Example 39

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-38, wherein the face portion includes oppositely disposed lateral edges, and the first tab member and the second tab member each extend from respective oppositely disposed lateral edges.

Example 40

The shaped female mold of any of embodiments 35-39, wherein the face portion comprises a gingival edge between oppositely disposed lateral edges at the first end of the face portion, the gingival edge configured to contact teeth slightly below the gums.

Example 41

The shaped female mold of any of embodiments 35-240, wherein the gingival margin is configured for contact with a tooth about 1mm below the gingiva.

Example 42

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-41, wherein at least the face portion comprises a light transmissive material.

Example 43

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-42, wherein the light transmissive material allows transmission of Ultraviolet (UV) light.

Example 44

The shaped female mold of any of embodiments 35-43, wherein the unitary member has a substantially uniform thickness.

Example 45

The shaped female mold of any of embodiments 35-44, wherein the facial portion comprises an outer cheek surface and an inner tooth surface, and the inner tooth surface is textured to replicate the texture of the teeth.

Example 46

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-45, wherein the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures.

Example 47

The shaped female mold of any of embodiments 35-46, wherein the cut-out portion is configured to contact a tooth about 1mm below the gum line.

Example 48

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-47, wherein the cutout portion comprises a rounded section.

Example 49

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-48, wherein each of the first tab member and the second tab member comprises: a tab, at least a portion of the tab including a cutout portion; a tab extending from the tab; and the tab meets the flap at a fold line about which the flap of each tab member is bendable to form the gripping portion.

Example 50

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-49, wherein the face portion includes oppositely disposed lateral edges and the tabs of the first and second tab members extend from the respective oppositely disposed lateral edges.

Example 51

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 35-50, wherein the cap extends between oppositely disposed sides of the face portion.

Example 52

A shaped female mold for dental treatment comprising: a facial member for covering teeth, at least a portion of the facial member configured to cover the teeth such that a cavity is generated between the facial member and the teeth, and a portion of the facial member forming the cavity includes at least one aperture; and first and second tab members of metallic material disposed on opposite sides of the face member, each of the first and second tab members extending outwardly and having a thickness for friction fit between the covered teeth and each respective adjacent tooth to hold the forming die in place; and, at least a portion of each of the first tab member and the second tab member includes a cut-out portion configured to seat the molding female die at the gum and allow the molding female die to move about the gum to adjust the size of the cavity, at a first end of the tab members, each of the first tab member and the second tab member configured to flex inwardly such that each second end of the tab members forms a gripping portion that adjusts the size of the cavity when moved.

Example 53

The molding cavity of embodiment 52, wherein the facial member includes a facial portion configured to cover the teeth along the cheek surface and a chewing surface cap extending from the facial portion and configured to cover at least a chewing surface of the teeth, the chewing surface cap including the at least one aperture.

Example 54

The forming die of embodiment 52 or embodiment 53, wherein the metallic material comprises steel.

Example 55

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 52-54, wherein each tab member is a unitary member.

Example 56

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 52-55, wherein the face portion includes oppositely disposed lateral edges, and the first tab member and the second tab member each extend from respective oppositely disposed lateral edges.

Example 57

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 52-56, wherein each of the first tab member and the second tab member comprises: a tab, at least a portion of the tab including a cutout portion; a tab extending from the tab; and projecting the tab to meet the flap at a fold line about which the flap of each tab member may be bent to form the gripping portion.

Example 58

A method for restoring teeth, comprising: 1) Providing a shaped female mold for dental treatment, the shaped female mold comprising: a facial member for covering teeth, at least a portion of the facial member being a light transmissive material and at least a portion of the facial material being configured to cover the teeth such that a cavity is created between the facial member and the teeth, and a portion of the facial member forming the cavity includes at least one aperture; and, first and second tab members disposed on opposite sides of the face member, each of the first and second tab members of metallic material extending outwardly and having a thickness for friction fit between the covered tooth and each respective adjacent tooth to hold the forming die in place; and, at least a portion of each of the first and second tab members includes a cut-out portion configured to seat the molding female die at the gum and allow the molding female die to move about the gum to adjust the size of the cavity, at a first end of the tab members, each of the first and second tab members configured to flex inwardly such that each second end of the tab members forms a gripping portion that adjusts the size of the cavity when moved; 2) Placing the molding female mold over a tooth to form a cavity between the tooth and the facial member; 3) Bending the first tab member and the second tab member inwardly to encircle the tooth; 4) Placing a curable material into the cavity; and, 5) curing the curable material to form a veneer on the tooth.

Example 59

The method of embodiment 58, wherein the face member includes a gingival margin at an end opposite the end having the at least one aperture; and the method further comprises placing the gingival margin in contact with a tooth below the gum line.

Example 60

The method of embodiment 58 or embodiment 59, further comprising: the shaped female mold is removed from the tooth.

Example 61

The method of any of embodiments 58-60, wherein the curing is performed by applying light to the curable material.

Example 62

The method of any one of embodiments 58-61, wherein the curable material is an Ultraviolet (UV) light curable material and the light applied to the UV curable material comprises UV light.

Example 63

The method of any one of embodiments 58-62 wherein the inwardly bending the first and second tab members includes outwardly bending the second end of each tab member to form a gripping portion of the forming die and moving the forming die at the gripping portion to adjust the size of the cavity and control the thickness of the overlay.

Example 64

The method of any one of embodiments 58-63 wherein the moving the molding die at the gripping portion to adjust the size of the cavity comprises causing the molding die to pivot about gums on opposite sides of the tooth to adjust the size of the cavity.

Example 65

The method of any of embodiments 58-64, wherein the placing the curable material into the cavity comprises injecting the curable material into the cavity.

Example 66

The method of any one of embodiments 58-65, wherein the injecting the curable material into the cavity comprises injecting under pressure to eliminate air bubbles and air gaps in the curable material.

Example 67

The method of any of embodiments 58-66, wherein the bending the first tab member and the second tab member inwardly to encircle the tooth generates at least one of a palate shell for an upper tooth or a lingual shell for a lower tooth for constructing a missing portion of the tooth.

Example 68

The forming die of any one of embodiments 58-67, wherein the metallic material comprises steel.

Example 69

The molding female mold of any of embodiments 58-68, wherein each tab member is a unitary member.

It will be appreciated that the above description is by way of example only and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (69)

1. A dental molding cavity block comprising:

A face portion configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the face portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides; and

Flanges extending from each oppositely disposed edge from a first side of the face portion, each flange including a thickness portion for engaging a surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth such that the molding die engages between the teeth with a force sufficient to maintain the molding die in position around at least a portion of the surgical tooth.

2. The female dental modeling mold of claim 1, wherein each flange includes a tab and a tab, the tab being coupled with oppositely disposed edges of the face portion and the tab extending from the tab, the tab including a thickness portion for engaging the surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and the adjacent tooth.

3. The dental cavity block of claim 2, wherein each flange includes a partition between the tab and the tab, allowing the flange to bend around the partition.

4. The dental cavity block of claim 2, wherein for each flange, the tab has a thickness less than a thickness of the tab.

5. The dental molded cavity of claim 1, further comprising a post extending from the face portion on a second side of the face portion, the post including a channel extending therethrough, and the channel communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange.

6. The dental cavity block of claim 5, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical tube comprising an inner wall configured to receive an instrument in frictional engagement, thereby allowing the instrument to manipulate the cavity block.

7. The dental cavity block of claim 5, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical tube comprising oppositely disposed first and second openings, the first opening comprising an end opening, the second opening communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange, and the channel extending between the first and second openings, the cylindrical tube comprising a tapered inner wall having a taper extending from the first opening to the second opening and increasing.

8. The dental cavity block of claim 7, wherein the tapered inner wall is sized to engage a receiving instrument to allow the instrument to manipulate the cavity block.

9. A dental molding cavity block comprising:

a face portion configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the face portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides; and

Flanges extending from each oppositely disposed edge from a first side of the face portion, each flange for engaging a surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth such that the molding die engages between the teeth with a force sufficient to maintain the molding die in position around at least a portion of the surgical tooth; and

A post extending from the face portion on a second side of the face portion, the post including a channel extending therethrough, and the channel communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange.

10. The dental cavity block of claim 9, wherein each flange includes a thickness portion for engaging the surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth.

11. The dental cavity block of claim 9, wherein each flange includes a tab and a tab, the tab being coupled with oppositely disposed edges of the face portion and the tab extending from the tab, the tab including a thickness portion for engaging the surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and the adjacent tooth, and the tab having a thickness less than a thickness of the tab for each flange.

12. The dental cavity block of claim 11, wherein each flange includes a partition between the tab and the tab, allowing the flange to bend around the partition.

13. The dental cavity block of claim 9, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical tube comprising an inner wall configured to engage a receiving instrument to allow the instrument to manipulate the cavity block.

14. The dental cavity block of claim 9, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical tube comprising oppositely disposed first and second openings, the first opening comprising an end opening, the second opening communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange, and the channel extending between the first and second openings, the cylindrical tube comprising a tapered inner wall having a taper extending from the first opening to the second opening and increasing.

15. The dental cavity block of claim 14, wherein the tapered inner wall is sized to engage a receiving instrument to allow the instrument to manipulate the cavity block.

16. A method for producing a veneer on a tooth, comprising:

Providing a dental molding negative mold comprising:

A face portion configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the face portion including oppositely disposed edges, and first and second sides;

Flanges extending from each oppositely disposed edge from a first side of the face portion, each flange including a tab portion having a thickness for engaging a surgical tooth along an adjacent face of the tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth such that the molding die engages between the teeth with a force sufficient to maintain the molding die in position around at least a portion of the surgical tooth; and

A post extending from the face portion on a second side of the face portion, the post including a channel extending therethrough and communicating with a region formed by the face portion and the flange;

engaging an instrument with the post such that the instrument moves and manipulates the molding die;

The forming die is moved with the instrument such that the forming die surrounds the teeth and is manipulable by the instrument to create a cavity between the forming die and the teeth, the cavity corresponding to the veneer to be created.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein moving the molding die with the instrument comprises vertically moving the molding die until engaged with the tooth and each adjacent tooth such that a tab portion of the flange is positioned between an adjacent face of the surgical tooth and an adjacent face of an adjacent tooth such that the molding die is engaged between the teeth with a force sufficient to retain the molding die in position around at least a portion of the surgical tooth.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: a curable material is provided by the apparatus to form the veneer in a cavity between the forming die and the tooth.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: curing the curable material in the cavity with light to form the overlay.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the light comprises ultraviolet light.

21. A dental molding cavity block comprising:

a body configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the body including a first end disposed opposite a second end, the body comprising:

A lumen extending from the first end to the second end, the first end being closed and the second end comprising an opening for fitting over a predefined dental area,

An expandable portion at least proximate the second end, the expandable portion comprising an outwardly extending expandable tab movable between a retracted position and an expanded position such that a diameter of the second end at least proximate the opening increases as the tab moves from the retracted position to the expanded position; and

A bore is opened in the body that opens into the interior cavity.

22. The dental cavity block of claim 21, wherein the tab includes oppositely disposed flanges separated by an intermediate fold.

23. The dental cavity block of claim 22, wherein the intermediate fold is centered with respect to the oppositely disposed flanges.

24. The dental cavity block of claim 22, wherein the tab opens about the intermediate fold as the body moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

25. The dental cavity block of claim 21, wherein the first end has a first diameter and the second end extends from a second diameter when the tab is in a retracted position to a diameter about the first diameter when the tab has been moved to an extended position.

26. The dental cavity block of claim 21, wherein the aperture is at a first end of the body.

27. The dental molded cavity block of claim 26, further comprising: a cylinder extending from the body and communicating with the bore.

28. The dental cavity block of claim 27, wherein the cylinder includes a bore extending therethrough, the bore configured to receive a portion of a syringe for filling the internal cavity of the body with a curable material.

29. The dental molded cavity block of claim 21, wherein the shape of the tooth comprises a shape of a crown of the tooth.

30. A method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis structure, comprising:

Providing a forming die, the forming die comprising:

A body configured to correspond to a shape of a tooth, the body including a first end disposed opposite a second end, the body comprising:

A lumen extending from the first end to the second end, the first end being closed and the second end comprising an opening for fitting over a predefined dental area,

An expandable portion at least proximate the second end, the expandable portion comprising an outwardly extending expandable tab movable between a retracted position and an expanded position such that a diameter of the second end at least proximate the opening increases as the tab moves from the retracted position to the expanded position; and

A bore opening into the interior cavity in the body;

Placing the shaped female mold on a predefined dental area;

Placing a curable material into an interior cavity of the molding female mold;

curing the curable material; and, a step of, in the first embodiment,

The body is moved by moving the tab from the retracted position to the extended position.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the body is moved such that the diameter of the second end is approximately equal to the diameter of the first end.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising: the forming die is removed from the dental implant structure.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the denture structure comprises a crown.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the predefined dental region comprises at least one of a prepared tooth, a prepared tooth portion, a gum, or a dental tooth implant.

35. A shaped female mold for dental treatment comprising:

A facial member for covering teeth, the facial member comprising a facial portion configured to cover the teeth along their buccal surfaces, and a cap for covering at least a portion of their chewing surfaces and extending toward their lingual surfaces, the facial member configured to correspond to the shape of the teeth and covering the teeth by extending from a first end for positioning at least near the gums to a second end for positioning beyond their chewing surfaces, thereby creating a cavity between the facial member and the teeth, and at least one aperture in the facial member; and

A first tab member and a second tab member of metallic material disposed on opposite sides of the face member, each of the first tab member and the second tab member extending outwardly from the face member and having a thickness for fitting between the covered tooth and each respective adjacent tooth to hold the molding die in place, the first tab member and the second tab member comprising:

a first edge for positioning at least adjacent to the gums;

A second edge disposed opposite the first edge;

At least a portion of each of the first tab member and the second tab member includes a cut-out portion along the first edge, the cut-out portion configured to position the molding die at least proximate to the gums to allow the molding die to move by pivoting about the gums to adjust the size of the cavity; and, a step of, in the first embodiment,

Each of the first tab member and the second tab member is configured to bend inwardly such that each of the first tab member and the second tab member forms a gripping portion that adjusts the size of the cavity when moved.

36. The forming die of claim 35, wherein the metallic material comprises steel.

37. The molding female mold of claim 35, wherein the cap includes the at least one aperture.

38. The molding female mold of claim 35, wherein each of the tab members is a unitary member.

39. The molding female mold of claim 35, wherein the face portion includes oppositely disposed lateral edges, and the first tab member and the second tab member each extend from respective oppositely disposed lateral edges.

40. The shaped female mold of claim 39, wherein the face portion includes a gingival edge between oppositely disposed lateral edges at the first end of the face portion, the gingival edge configured to contact teeth slightly below the gums.

41. The shaped female mold of claim 40, wherein the gingival margin is configured for contact with the tooth about 1mm below the gums.

42. The molding female mold of claim 35, wherein at least the face portion comprises a light transmissive material.

43. The shaped female mold of claim 42, wherein the light transmissive material allows transmission of Ultraviolet (UV) light.

44. The molding female mold of claim 38, wherein the unitary member has a substantially uniform thickness.

45. The shaped female mold of claim 35, wherein the facial portion comprises an outer cheek surface and an inner tooth surface, and the inner tooth surface is textured to replicate the texture of the teeth.

46. The molding female mold of claim 37, wherein the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures.

47. The shaped female mold of claim 35, wherein the cutout portion is configured to contact the tooth about 1mm below the gum line.

48. The molding female mold of claim 35, wherein the cutout portion includes a rounded segment.

49. The molding female mold of claim 35, wherein each of the first tab member and the second tab member comprises:

a tab, at least a portion of the tab including the cutout portion;

a tab extending from the tab; and

The tab meets the flap at a fold line about which the flap of each tab member is bendable to form a gripping portion.

50. The molding female mold of claim 49, wherein the face portion includes oppositely disposed lateral edges, and the tabs of the first and second tab members extend from the respective oppositely disposed lateral edges.

51. The shaped female mold of claims 49 and 50, wherein the cap extends between oppositely disposed sides of the face portion.

52. A shaped female mold for dental treatment comprising:

A facial member for covering teeth, at least a portion of the facial member configured to cover the teeth such that a cavity is created between the facial member and the teeth, and a portion of the facial member forming the cavity includes at least one aperture; and, a step of, in the first embodiment,

First and second tab members of metallic material disposed on opposite sides of the face member, each of the first and second tab members extending outwardly and having a thickness for friction fit between the covered teeth and each respective adjacent tooth to hold the forming die in place; and, at least a portion of each of the first tab member and the second tab member includes a cut-out portion configured to seat the molding female die at the gum and allow the molding female die to move about the gum to adjust the size of the cavity, at a first end of the tab member, each of the first tab member and the second tab member configured to flex inwardly such that each second end of the tab member forms a gripping portion that adjusts the size of the cavity when moved.

53. The shaped female mold of claim 52, wherein the facial member includes a facial portion configured to cover the teeth along the cheek surface and a chewing surface cap extending from the facial portion and configured to cover at least a chewing surface of the teeth, the chewing surface cap including the at least one aperture.

54. The forming die of claim 52, wherein the metallic material comprises steel.

55. The molding female mold of claim 52, wherein each tab member is a unitary member.

56. The molding female mold of claim 52, wherein the face portion includes oppositely disposed lateral edges, and the first tab member and the second tab member each extend from respective oppositely disposed lateral edges.

57. The molding female mold of claim 52, wherein each of the first tab member and the second tab member comprises:

a tab, at least a portion of the tab including the cutout portion;

a tab extending from the tab; and

The tab meets the flap at a fold line about which the flap of each tab member is bendable to form a gripping portion.

58. A method for restoring teeth, comprising:

Providing a shaped female mold for dental treatment, the shaped female mold comprising:

A facial member for covering teeth, at least a portion of the facial member being a light transmissive material and at least a portion of the facial material being configured to cover the teeth such that a cavity is created between the facial member and the teeth, and a portion of the facial member forming the cavity includes at least one aperture; and, a step of, in the first embodiment,

First and second tab members disposed on opposite sides of the face member, each of the first and second tab members of metallic material extending outwardly and having a thickness for friction fit between the covered teeth and each respective adjacent tooth to hold the forming die in place; and, at least a portion of each of the first and second tab members includes a cut-out portion configured to seat the molding female die at the gum and allow the molding female die to move about the gum to adjust the size of the cavity, at a first end of the tab members, each of the first and second tab members configured to flex inwardly such that each second end of the tab members forms a gripping portion that adjusts the size of the cavity when moved;

placing the molding female mold over a tooth to form a cavity between the tooth and the facial member;

bending the first tab member and the second tab member inwardly to encircle the tooth;

Placing a curable material into the cavity; and

Curing the curable material to form a veneer on the tooth.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the face member includes a gingival edge at an end opposite the end having the at least one aperture; and the method further comprises placing the gingival margin below the gum line in contact with the tooth.

60. The method of claim 58, further comprising: the shaped female mold is removed from the tooth.

61. The method of claim 58, wherein the curing is performed by applying light to the curable material.

62. The method of claim 58, wherein the curable material is an Ultraviolet (UV) light curable material and the light applied to the UV curable material comprises UV light.

63. The method of claim 58 wherein the inwardly bending the first and second tab members includes outwardly bending the second end of each tab member to form a gripping portion of the forming die and moving the forming die at the gripping portion to adjust the size of the cavity and control the thickness of the overlay.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the moving the molding die at the gripping portion to adjust the size of the cavity comprises causing the molding die to pivot about gums on opposite sides of the tooth to adjust the size of the cavity.

65. The method of claim 58, wherein placing the curable material into the cavity comprises injecting the curable material into the cavity.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein injecting the curable material into the cavity comprises injecting under pressure to eliminate bubbles and air gaps in the curable material.

67. The method of claim 58, wherein bending the first and second tab members inwardly to encircle the teeth generates at least one of a palate shell for an upper tooth or a lingual shell for a lower tooth for constructing missing portions of the teeth.

68. The method of claim 58, wherein the metallic material comprises steel.

69. The molding female mold of claim 58, wherein each tab member is a unitary member.