Interproximal matrix with elastomeric wedge
US6890176B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C5/85
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dental apparatus adapted to facilitate formation of a filling in an object tooth and to retain the filling within normal boundaries of the object tooth and generally spaced from an adjacent tooth includes a matrix having a resilient wedge member attached thereto. The resilient wedge member is elongated and has enlargements at opposite ends thereof. In use, the resilient wedge member is stretched. While the resilient wedge member is in the stretched state, the matrix and resilient wedge member are placed together between the object tooth and an adjacent tooth. The resilient wedge member is then released and contracts toward its natural unstretched state. As the resilient wedge member contracts, it urges the matrix to surroundingly conform to the object tooth. In this way, a tooth is comfortably and conveniently prepared to receive a filling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.