WO2012064750A1

WO2012064750A1 - Dental matrix with micro-pores

Info

Publication number: WO2012064750A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/059795
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon P. Mcdonald
Original assignee: Triodent Holdings Limited; Triodent Corporation
Priority date: 2010-11-10
Filing date: 2011-11-08
Publication date: 2012-05-18

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dental matrix for use repairing and restoring inter-proximal cavities on a tooth with light-cured composites, the dental matrix comprising a matrix body and a plurality of light transmitting micro-pores positioned on the matrix body and overlying the inter-proximal surface of the tooth when the dental matrix engages the restored tooth. The light - transmitting micro-pores are preferably 5-100 micrometres in diameter and may be filled with a transparent material enabling the interior surface of the matrix body to be uniform. Alternatively, a transparent film is bonded to the interior of the matrix body and covers the plurality of light - transmitting micro-pores enabling the interior surface of the matrix body to be uniform.

Description

DENTAL MATRIX WITH MICRO-PORES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to New Zealand Provisional Patent Application No. 589129, filed November 10, 2010, and New Zealand Provisional Patent Application No. 591763, filed March 16, 2011 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved device to assist dentists to form and successfully light cure composite dental restorations on inter-proximaf tooth surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Matrices and the use of matrix systems are well known and widely utilized in restorative dentistry. There are many types of matrices available and are generally made entirely of metai or plastic and are sectional or circumferential bands. Plastic matrices generally are thicker than metal matrices and this causes problems obtaining tight inter-proximal contacts. For this reason, metal matrices have been more popular for posterior teeth.

During the restoration of an inter-proximal cavity, the matrix band is secured around the tooth and cavity and forms a mould. This mould is filled with composite material and the composite is light cured. The difficulty with curing an inter-proximal restoration is that once the metal matrix band is wrapped around the tooth, the matrix band does not allow horizontal curing of the composite at the gingivo-proximal tooth surface. It has to be cured from above and this can lead to incomplete curing of the composite resin. When this occurs, composite resin can adhere to the metal matrix rather than the tooth and detach from the restoration when the matrix is removed. The restoration must then be re-done or repaired. Prior art exists of metal matrices with one or two open areas covered with a membrane of transparent material and of matrices with illuminating ports with port covers. These open areas and ports cover a relatively large area of the matrix and because these openings are either covered by a port cover or covered by a very thin expanding film, in-use, they may result in restorations with poor anatomical form.

One objective of the present invention is to provide the dentist with a means of firmly retaining the composite material with a metallic matrix while enabling direct horizontal curing of composite restorations without compromising the shape of the restoration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a dental matrix for use repairing and restoring interproximal cavities on a tooth with composite, the dental matrix comprising a matrix body and a plurality of light transmitting micro-pores positioned on the matrix body and overlying the interproximal surface of the tooth when the dental matrix engages the tooth. The light-transmitting micro-pores are preferably 5 - 100 microns in diameter and may be filled with a transparent material enabling the interior surface of the matrix body to be uniform. Alternatively, a transparent fiim is bonded to the interior of the matrix body and covers the plurality of light- transmitting micro-pores enabling the interior surface of the matrix body to be uniform. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dental matrix consists of a sectional matrix. In a second embodiment of the present invention the dental matrix consists of a shaped circumferential band matrix. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the dental matrix consists of a straight-edged circumferential band matrix.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of the present inventive dental matrix with micro-pores; Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of the inventive dental matrix with micro-pores of Figure

1 ;

Figure 3 is a second rear elevation view of the inventive dental matrix with micro-pores of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a top elevation view of the inventive dental matrix with micro-pores of Figure

1 ;

Figure 5 is a bottom elevation view of the inventive dental matrix with micro-pores of Figure 1 ;

Figures 6 and 7 are side elevation views of the inventive dental matrix with micro-pores of Figure ;

Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the invention dental matrix with micro-pores of Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 is a third rear elevation view of the inventive dental matrix with micro-pores of Figure 1 ;

Figure 10 is a fourth rear elevation view of the inventive dental matrix with micro-pores of Figure 1 ;

Figure 1 1-12 are additional rear elevation views of the first embodiment of the present inventive dental matrix with micro-pores;

Figure 13 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of the present inventive dental matrix with micro-pores;

Figure 14 is a rear elevation view of the second embodiment of the present inventive dental matrix with micro-pores;

Figure 15 is a partial rear elevation view of the second embodiment of the present inventive dental matrix with micro-pores;

Figure 16 is a front elevation view of a third embodiment of the present invention dental matrix with micro-pores; Figure 17 is a rear elevation view of the third embodiment of the present inventive dental matrix with micro-pores; and

Figure 18 is a partial rear elevation view of the third embodiment of the present inventive dental matrix with micro-pores.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1-18 show various embodiments of matrix bands incorporating the features of the present invention. Specifically, Figures 1-12 show a first embodiment of the present invention consisting of a sectional matrix. Figures 13-15 shows a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a shaped circumferential band matrix. Figures 16- 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention comprising straight-edged circumferential band matrix. Whenever possible, common reference numbers will be utilized to refer to common elements and features in each of the embodiments described below.

Turning first to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1-8, the inventive dental matrix 10 comprises a matrix body 12 having a tab 14 with a first bore 16 disposed on the top border of the matrix body 12 and a second and third bore 8, 20 disposed adjacent to either side edge of the matrix body 12. Tab 14 provides the dentist with a section of material where the matrix can be grabbed with a dental instrument and moved into or out of position in the patient's mouth. The first, second and third bores 16, 18, 20 further assist in the dentist in placing, positioning, and extracting the matrix 10 and are particularly useful when the dentist is using a pinned tweezers or other dental instrument having a pin or hook for attaching to various items. The matrix body 12 terminates at its lower margin at a flange portion 22 at the lower portion of the matrix body 12. The flange portion 22 addresses the tooth being restored at the gingival margin. While the dental matrix 10 shown in this embodiment includes a gingival flange portion 22, it is contemplated that the dental matrix 10 can be manufactured with only a dental matrix body 12 and without a gingival flange portion without falling outside the scope of the invention. When the dental matrix 10 is without a gingival flange portion, the bottom edge of the dental matrix body 12 forms the bottom edge of the dental matrix 10. Turning to Figures 4- 8, it can be seen that the matrix body 12 exhibits a degree of curvature along both its longitudinal axis and latitudinal axis, thus enabling the matrix body 12 to be formed into the proper configuration against a tooth be restored.

As shown best in Figures 1-2, the matrix body 12 further comprises a first and second light-transmitting micro-pore cluster 24, 26 generally positioned in the lower portion of the matrix body 12 and flange portion 22. The micro-pore clusters 24, 26 are positioned on the matrix body 12 and gingival flange portion 22 such that when the matrix 10 is formed into the desired configuration around the tooth being restored, the micro-pore clusters 24, 26 align with the interproximal tooth surface of the tooth being restored. In the embodiment shown in these figures, each micro-pore is substantially circular and is approximately 5 - 100 microns in diameter. As seen in Figures 9-10, it is contemplated that the micro-pores can assume different shapes and configurations, including elongated slots (Figure 9) or ovals {Figure 10). Referring to Figure 9, the micro-pores in clusters 24, 26 consist of elongated slots having a height of approximately 60 microns or less and a length 1-10 times the height of the micro-pore. Referring to Figure 10, the micro-pores in clusters 24, 26 consist of ovalized openings following approximately the same dimensional requirements as the elongated slots shown in Figure 9.

The micro-pores in clusters 24, 26 can also be arranged in a number of different configurations. Figures 1-2 show the substantially circular micro-pores arranged in staggered, horizontal line configuration. Figures 9-10 show the elongated slots and oval micro-pores arranged in a staggered horizontal line configuration aligned parallel to the top edge 36 of the matrix body 12. Figures 11 and 12 show the elongated slots and oval micro-pores arranged in a staggered horizontal line configuration aligned at an angle with respect to the top edge 36 of the matrix body 12. Each configuration described herein exhibits desirable clinical benefits. The micro-pore arrangement shown in Figures 1-2 utilize small diameter pores, which are least likely to leaves marks on the hardened composite material forming the filling. The elongated slots and ovals shown in Figures 9-12 facilitate light entry of light beams from the curing light source into the micro-pores at an angle substantially less than normal to the plane of the micro-pore, including substantially horizontal. This eliminates the need to align the light source directly perpendicular to the micro-pore, which becomes increasingly difficult as the micro-pores fall further into the inter-proximal space, to enable maximum light transmission through the dental matrix. Arranging the ovoid or elongated slot micro-pores in an angular manner with respect to a top edge of the dental matrix also facilitates formation of the matrix without creasing.

It is desired that that the interior surface of the matrix 10 be smooth and free from blemishes or imperfections that may transferred to the composite material and formed into the restoration. To maintain the smooth interior surface of the matrix 10, the individual micro-pores are filled with a transparent, light transmitting material 28. Preferably, the micro-pores are filled with poiytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such DuPont's TEFLON®. It is contemplated that any suitable transparent, light transmitting material may be used to fill the micro-pores. Alternatively, as seen in Figure 3, a transparent, light transmitting film 30 may be bonded to the interior surface of the dental matrix 10 overlying the micro-pore clusters 24, 26. Preferably, the film 30 consists of DuPont's MYLAR® polyester film having a thickness of approximately 12 microns and adhesive on a single side of the film.

The inventive dental matrix 10 operates in the following manner. First, the dentist prepares an inter-proximal cavity on the surface of the tooth being restored to receive the light- cured composite/restoration material. The dental matrix 10 is then inserted into the interproximal space and held securely against the tooth being restored with a retaining device. Next, to ensure there is no leaking of the composite between the dental matrix 10 and tooth, a dental wedge may be inserted into the inter-proximal space to hold the dental matrix 10 firmly against the surface of the tooth being restored. Once the dental matrix 10 is secured in position, the cavity is then filled with composite material. Finally, the composite is light-cured from an occlusal direction as per normal but can also be cured horizontally through the micro-pores in the dental matrix.

Figures 13-15 show a second embodiment of the inventive dental matrix 0 consists of a shaped circumferential band matrix. As shown in Figure 13, the dental matrix 10 comprises a matrix body 12 having a first and second extension 32, 34 extending outwardly from either side of the matrix body 12. The bottom portion of the matrix body 12 includes a first cluster of light- transmitting micro-pores 24. As with the first embodiment described above, to maintain a smooth interior surface on the matrix band 10, the micro-pores are each filled with a transparent, light transmitting materia! 28. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 14, a transparent, light-transmitting film 30 covers the first cluster of light-transmitting micro-pores 24. While Figures 13-14 show the micro-pores as substantially circular in configuration, it is contemplated that micro-pores of different shapes can also be utilized in this invention. Figure 15 shows the first micro-pore cluster 24 consisting of micro-pores in the form of elongated slots, similar those described above.

Figures 16-18 shows a third embodiment of the inventive dental matrix 10 consists of a straight-edged circumferential band matrix. As shown in Figure 16, the dental matrix 10 comprises a matrix body 12 consisting of a single, straight extension of material and having a straight top and bottom edge. The bottom portion of the matrix body 12 includes a first cluster of light-transmitting micro-pores 24. As with the first and second embodiments described above, to maintain a smooth interior surface on the matrix band 10, the micro-pores are each filled with a transparent, light transmitting material 28. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, a transparent, light-transmitting film 30 covers the first cluster of light-transmitting micro-pores 24. While Figures 16-17 show the micro-pores as substantially circular in configuration, it is contemplated that micro-pores of different shapes can also be utilized in this invention. Figure 18 shows the first micro-pore cluster 24 consisting of micro-pores in the form of elongated slots, similar those described above.

While the present invention has been described in connection with a specific application, this application is exemplary in nature and is not intended to be limiting on the possible applications of this invention. It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is intended as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. The disclosure is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A dental matrix for use repairing and restoring inter-proximal cavities on a tooth with light-cured composites, the dental matrix comprising a matrix body and a plurality of light transmitting micro-pores positioned on the matrix body and overlying the inter-proximal surface of the restored tooth when the dental matrix is positioned and engages the tooth being restored.

2. The dental matrix of Claim 1 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are substantially circular in shape and are approximately 5 - 100 microns in diameter.

3. The dental matrix of Claim 1 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are elongated slots.

4. The dental matrix of Claim 3 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores consist of a first height of approximately 60 microns or less and a first length approximately 1-10 times the first height.

5. The dental matrix of Claim 3 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are arranged in substantially horizontal lines and aligned substantially parallel to a top edge of the dental matrix.

6. The dental matrix of Claim 3 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are arranged in substantially horizontal lines and aligned at an angle to a top edge of the dental matrix.

7. The denial matrix of Claim 1 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are substantially oval in shape.

8. The dental matrix of Claim 7 wherein the elongated slots consist of a first height of approximately 60 microns or less and a first length approximately 1-10 times the first height.

9. The dental matrix of Claim 7 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are arranged in substantially horizontal lines and aligned substantially parallel to a top edge of the dental matrix.

10. The dental matrix of Claim 7 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are arranged in substantially horizontal lines and aligned at an angle to a top edge of the dental matrix.

11. The dental matrix of Claim 1 wherein each light-transmitting micro-pore is configured and positioned to enable entry of curing light from a light source into the micro-pore at an angle less than normal to the plane of the micro-pore.

12. The dental matrix of Claim 11 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are elongated slots having a first height of approximately 60 microns or less and a first length approximately 1-10 times the first height.

13. The dental matrix of Claim 12 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are arranged in substantially horizontal lines and aligned substantially parallel to a top edge of the dental matrix.

14. The dental matrix of Claim 12 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are arranged in substantially horizontal lines and aligned at an angle to a top edge of the dental matrix.

15. The dental matrix of Claim 11 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are substantially oval in shape having a first height of approximately 60 microns or less and a first length approximately 1-10 times the first height.

16. The dental matrix of Claim 15 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are arranged in substantially horizontal lines and aligned substantially parallel to a top edge of the dental matrix.

17. The dental matrix of Claim 15 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are arranged in substantially horizontal lines and aligned at an angle to a top edge of the dental matrix.

18. The dental matrix of Claim 1 wherein the light-transmitting micro-pores are filled with a transparent material enabling the interior surface of the matrix body to be uniform.

19. The dental matrix of Claim 1 wherein a transparent film is bonded to the interior of the matrix body and covers the plurality of tight-transmitting micro-pores enabling the interior surface of the matrix body to be uniform.

20. The dental matrix of Claim 1 wherein the dental matrix consists of a sectional matrix.

21. The dental matrix of Claim 1 wherein the dental matrix consists of a shaped circumferential band matrix.

22. The device of Claim 1 wherein the dental matrix consists of a straight-edged circumferential band matrix.