U.S. patent application number 09/897563 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-09 for dental wedge with elastomeric sides for enhanced retention.
Invention is credited to Fischer, Dan E., McLean, Bruce S..
Application Number | 20020055084 09/897563 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24840681 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020055084 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer, Dan E. ; et
al. |
May 9, 2002 |
DENTAL WEDGE WITH ELASTOMERIC SIDES FOR ENHANCED RETENTION
Abstract
The invention generally provides for a dental wedge with
elastomeric sides. The body of the dental wedge comprises a head
and a tip and generally tapers from the head to the tip. The body
of the dental wedge also comprises recessed or mounting surfaces
located on each side of the tapered body. Layers, strips, or other
forms of elastomeric material are affixed to each of the mounting
surfaces. When the dental wedge is inserted between adjacent teeth,
the layers of elastomeric material are compressed between the teeth
and the body of the dental wedge in such as way as to conform to
the contours and irregularities of the tooth surfaces. This
generally increases the friction that is applied between the dental
wedge and the teeth, thereby providing the dental wedge with
increased retention capabilities for remaining in place. The dental
wedge can also hold a form against a tooth.
Inventors: |
Fischer, Dan E.; (Sandy,
UT) ; McLean, Bruce S.; (Sandy, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Rick D. Nydegger
WORKMAN, NYDEGGER & SEELEY
1000 Eagle Gate Tower
60 East South Temple
Salt Lake City
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
24840681 |
Appl. No.: |
09/897563 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09897563 |
Jul 2, 2001 |
|
|
|
09707183 |
Nov 6, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/149 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 5/88 20170201; A61C
5/85 20170201 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/149 |
International
Class: |
A61C 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters
Patent is:
1. A dental wedge comprising: a substantially rigid body configured
to be inserted within an interproximal space between two adjacent
teeth, wherein said substantially rigid body tapers from a proximal
end to distal end; and an elastomeric material affixed to at least
a portion of the substantially rigid body such that when said
dental wedge is inserted within an interproximal space between two
adjacent teeth the elastomeric material becomes at least partially
compressed between the substantially rigid body and at least one of
said two adjacent teeth.
2. A dental wedge as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least
partially compressed elastomeric material substantially conforms to
the shape of the at least one of said two adjacent teeth against
which the elastomeric material is compressed.
3. A dental wedge as defined in claim 2, wherein the at least
partially compressed elastomeric material substantially conforms to
the shape of the at least one of said two adjacent teeth against
without causing separation of the two adjacent teeth.
4. A dental wedge as defined in claim 2, wherein a matrix band is
disposed against one of the said two adjacent teeth, such that when
said dental wedge is inserted within the interproximal space
between the two adjacent teeth the elastomeric material becomes at
least partially compressed between the substantially rigid body and
the matrix band and holds the matrix band in place while urging the
matrix band to conform to the shape of the tooth against which it
is disposed.
5. A dental wedge as defined in claim 2, wherein the elastomeric
material comprises at least one of rubber, silicone, and latex.
6. A dental wedge as defined in claim 2, wherein the substantially
rigid body includes at least two sides and wherein the elastomeric
material is affixed to at least a portion of each of said two
sides.
7. A dental wedge as defined in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric
material is attached as an elastomeric strip.
8. A dental wedge as defined in claim 2, wherein the proximal end
of the substantially rigid body includes a head.
9. A dental wedge as defined in claim 8, wherein the head is
configured to facilitate gripping during insertion into and removal
of said wedge from an interproximal space between two adjacent
teeth.
10. A dental wedge as defined in claim 8, wherein the head includes
at least one of a concaved surface and a gritty surface.
11. A dental wedge comprising: a substantially rigid body
configured to be inserted within an interproximal space between two
adjacent teeth, wherein said substantially rigid body comprises a
first side and a second side and tapers from a head to a tip; and
an elastomeric material affixed to each of the first and second
sides, such that when said dental wedge is inserted within the
interproximal space, the elastomeric material becomes at least
partially compressed between the substantially rigid body and at
least one of said two adjacent teeth.
12. A dental wedge as defined in claim 11, wherein the at least
partially compressed elastomeric material substantially conforms to
the shape of the at least one of said two adjacent teeth against
which the elastomeric material is compressed.
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein the elastomeric
material comprises multiple layers of elastomeric material, and
wherein each layer of elastomeric material has different material
properties.
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein each of said
multiple layers comprises at least one of a chemical set and a
thermal set material.
15. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein the elastomeric
material is textured.
16. A dental wedge as defined in claim 11, wherein the head is
configured to facilitate gripping for insertion into and removal of
said wedge from an interproximal space between two adjacent
teeth.
17. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said tip is
bulbous.
18. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said tip is
sharply pointed.
19. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said body is
substantially wedge-shaped.
20. A dental wedge comprising: a substantially rigid body
configured to be inserted within an interproximal space between two
adjacent teeth, wherein said substantially rigid body tapers from a
proximal end to distal end; an elastomeric material adjacent to at
least a portion of the substantially rigid body;and a gritty
material on at least a portion of a surface of said elastomeric
material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/707,183, entitled "Dental Wedges Having
Proximal Ends With Gritty Top Layers," filed Mar. 19, 2001, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is in the field of dental retention
devices. In particular, the present invention relates to dental
wedges that are used for separating teeth and for holding matrix
bands against teeth during dental procedures. Even more
particularly, the present invention relates to dental wedges
comprising elastomeric sides.
[0004] 2. The Prior State of the Art
[0005] In the field of dentistry, dental practitioners often treat
patients who have developed cavities in teeth. In order to treat
cavities the dental practitioner removes the infected portion of
the tooth and then deposits a filling material such as a composite,
a resinous material, or an amalgam into the tooth preparation.
[0006] During the dental filling procedure, a matrix band is
typically placed against the side of the tooth to keep the filling
material within the tooth preparation from flowing beyond the
desired boundary of the restored tooth. A matrix band typically
comprises a thin metallic or plastic strip that is flexible and can
be bent around the tooth being restored. If the matrix band is not
properly held in place then the filling may be expressed beyond the
tooth preparation, thereby distorting the configuration of the
restored tooth and possibly causing ledges or overhangs, which can
be problematic to adjacent tissues and inhibit cleaning.
[0007] An improper filling can lead to dental discomfort,
misalignment of teeth, capture of food particles, infections, and
other dental problems. To avoid these problems, and to fix a
distorted dental filling, it may be necessary to grind or drill the
filling material down to the proper shape, or even replace the
filling entirely. It is desirable to avoid this process because it
can increase the time and expense of restoring the tooth and can
also create anxiety and discomfort for the patient being treated.
Accordingly, it is desirable to keep the matrix band in proper
placement during the filling procedure so that the dental filling
material molds into a shape that approximates the desired shape of
the restored tooth and fits precisely.
[0008] In order to hold the matrix band in a desired placement,
small dental wedges are often placed in the interproximal spaces
between the matrix band and the adjacent tooth. Sometimes, dental
wedges are also used to separate the teeth to make room to
accommodate, or to compensate for, the thickness of the matrix band
between the teeth. Existing dental wedges are typically composed of
a wood or semi-rigid plastic material having properties that enable
the dental wedge to be slightly deformed while maintaining a
sufficiently rigid or semi-rigid structure. These properties
generally enable the dental wedge to force teeth apart without
damaging the teeth. After the dental wedge is removed the
compressed periodontal fibers return to their original dimension
and cause the displaced teeth to return to their designated
positions.
[0009] One inherent problem with the use of dental wedges, however,
is that they are prone to slipping out from between the teeth
during the dental procedure because the frictional forces holding
the dental wedges in place are not adequate. Additionally, existing
dental wedges are particularly susceptible to slipping out of place
because they are generally incapable of conforming to and
accommodating the irregularities of, and between, the teeth. They
therefore make only limited contact with the teeth, thereby further
limiting the frictional forces necessary to hold the dental wedges
in place. This is particularly problematic when the surfaces of the
dental wedges become wet and slippery from the patient's saliva or
blood, thereby further decreasing the friction that is applied over
this limited area of contact between the dental wedges and the
surfaces of the teeth.
[0010] One attempt to address the problems associates with rigid
wedges is the FLEXI-WEDGE, which is made from a semi-rigid plastic
material and which has a generally upside-down V-shaped cross
section. This makes it capable of flexing along its base as it is
forced between teeth. Nevertheless, the FLEXI-WEDGE also suffers
from an inability to accommodate and conform to irregularities of,
and between, the teeth.
[0011] Accordingly, there is currently a need in the art for an
improved dental wedge with improved retention capabilities for
remaining in place within the interproximal space between teeth,
for spacing teeth apart, and for hold matrix bands in proper
placement during dental procedures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is directed to improved dental wedges
for use in dental procedures. In particular, dental wedges of the
invention have retention capabilities that help the dental wedges
stay in place when inserted between adjacent teeth.
[0013] In one presently preferred embodiment, a dental wedge of the
invention comprises a tapered body that is configured to be
inserted within the interproximal space between two adjacent teeth.
The body comprises a head and a tip and generally tapers from the
head to the tip.
[0014] The body of the dental wedge also comprises recessed
mounting surfaces located on each side of the tapered body. Layers,
strips, or other forms of elastomeric material are affixed to each
of the recessed mounting surfaces. When the dental wedge is
inserted between adjacent teeth, the strips of elastomeric material
become compressed as needed between the teeth and the body of the
dental wedge. As the strips of elastomeric material are compressed,
they bulge out and extend beyond the surfaces of the teeth against
which they are compressed. This increases the surface area over
which friction is applied and also causes the dental wedge to apply
multi-directional forces to the surfaces of the teeth, thereby
holding the dental wedge in place and keeping the dental wedge from
slipping out from between the teeth. To further increase the
frictional forces holding the dental wedge in place, the
elastomeric sides may be textured, such as with a gritty
surface.
[0015] The present invention contemplates the use of elastomeric
materials that are completely resilient, i.e., materials that will
spring back to their original shape after being deformed. On the
other hand, it may be desirable, in some cases, to utilize an
elastomeric material that is not entirely resilient but which
exhibits some degree of semi-set or deformation memory. This allows
the wedge to be deformed during placement to a desired degree
without the resiliency of elastomer thereafter substantially
increasing the level of spreading force between the teeth while
still being able to rebound enough to conform to the irregularities
of, and between, the teeth. Conforming to the irregularities of the
teeth not only increases the frictional force between the wedge and
teeth but also helps to prevent the dental filling material from
expressing into gaps associated with the irregularities prior to
setting.
[0016] In one preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material
comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. It should be appreciated,
however, that the elastomeric material can comprise any substance
having elastomeric properties. Other suitable elastomers include,
but are not limited to rubber, silicone, latex, chemical set and
thermoset elastomers, and equivalents. The strips of elastomeric
material that are deposited on the tapered body can also vary in
thickness in order to alter the retention capabilities of the
dental wedge. For example, the elastomeric material may be
deposited in greater thickness near the tip or center portions of
the dental wedge, or they may follow the same contours as
conventional wedges that are not elastomeric. They may be convex,
concave or irregular so as to accommodate any desired
situation.
[0017] The elastomeric material can be affixed to the body of the
dental wedge by any suitable process, such as by casting or
co-molding together with the other structural components of the
dental wedge. The elastomeric material can also be manufactured
separately from the body and subsequently affixed to the body with
any suitable attachment means, such as with ultrasonic welding,
friction welding, adhesives, glues, epoxies, and cements.
[0018] The benefits, features and advantages of the dental wedges
of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the
following description and appended claims, or may be learned by
practicing the invention as set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A more extensive description of the present invention,
including the above-recited features and advantages, will be
rendered with reference to the specific embodiments that are
illustrated in the appended drawings. Because these drawings depict
only exemplary embodiments, the drawings should not be construed as
imposing any limitation on the present invention's scope. As such,
the present invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a dental wedge
according to the present invention, including a head, a tip, a
tapered body that generally tapers from the head to the tip, and a
strip of an elastomeric material affixed to the tapered body;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side view of the dental wedge of FIG. 1 that
shows the tapered body of the dental wedge tapering from the head
down to the tip;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the
dental wedge of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 showing strips of
elastomeric material affixed to opposite sides of the tapered
body;
[0023] FIG. 4A is a top view illustrating a body of a dental wedge
according to the invention having recessed surfaces and straight
elastomeric sides deposited on the recessed surfaces;
[0024] FIG. 4B is a top view illustrating a body of a dental wedge
according to the invention having convex elastomeric sides;
[0025] FIG. 4C is a top view illustrating a body of a dental wedge
according to the invention having concave elastomeric sides;
[0026] FIG. 4D is a top view illustrating a body of a dental wedge
according to the invention having irregular shaped elastomeric
sides, with a greater portion of the elastomeric material deposited
near the front;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional top view illustrating a
thin wedge-shaped body in which elastomeric material is deposited
over the body;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a top view of the dental wedge of FIG. 1 with a
tip of the dental wedge being inserted between two adjacent teeth;
and
[0029] FIG. 7 is a top view of the dental wedge of FIG. 1 inserted
between two of three adjacent teeth, with elastomeric sides of the
dental wedge compressed between the teeth and the body of the
dental wedge. FIG. 7 also illustrates a second dental wedge
inserted between two of the three teeth with elastomeric sides that
are conforming to the contours and irregularities of the teeth.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention relates to improved dental wedges,
more particularly, to dental wedges having elastomeric sides that
provide improved retention capabilities for keeping the dental
wedges in place within the interproximal spaces between adjacent
teeth.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a presently preferred embodiment of a
dental wedge of the invention. As shown, dental wedge 10 comprises
a body 12 extending from a proximal end 14 to a distal end 16. As
depicted, proximal end 14 can have an octagonal shaped head 22 to
facilitate gripping of the dental wedge 10, using fingers, pliers
or other appropriate instruments. This embodiment is useful for
enabling dental practitioners to insert dental wedge 10 into the
interproximal space between adjacent teeth at various angles, if
needed. It should be appreciated that the shape of proximal end 14
and head 22 can vary in size and shape and is not limited to the
octagonal shape shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] According to the present embodiment, head 22 also comprises
a face 24 that is preferably textured and concaved. The concaved
shape and texture of face 24 is useful for overcoming a common
problem with existing dental wedges, in which tools that are used
to push the dental wedges into the interproximal spaces between
teeth are susceptible to slipping off of the dental wedges while
applying a force to the dental wedges. This is a problem because
the tool can potentially cause damage to teeth and sensitive mouth
tissue when they slip off of the dental wedges. The present
embodiment of the invention overcomes this problem by providing a
contour and texture to face 24 that helps to prevent tools from
slipping off of the face 24 while applying a force to dental wedge
10.
[0033] Other benefits and features of texturing the proximal end of
a dental wedge are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/707/183, filed Mar. 19, 2001, and entitled "Dental Wedges Having
Proximal Ends With Gritty Top Layers," which is incorporated herein
by reference.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a side view of dental wedge 10 of the present
embodiment. As shown, body 12 tapers from proximal end 14 to distal
end 16, such that distal end 16 comprises a tip 26. As shown, tip
26 is somewhat bulbous or blunt, which is useful in certain
circumstances because the bulbous or blunt shape makes tip 26 less
likely to pierce sensitive mouth tissue than a sharply pointed tip.
It should be appreciated, however, that tip 26 can be configured
into any suitable shape. For example, tip 26 can also be sharply
pointed to facilitate the insertion of dental wedge 10 into very
narrow interproximal spaces between teeth. When tip 26 is sharply
pointed, it may be useful to coat tip 26 with elastomeric material
so as to provide a cushion that can help prevent tip 26 from
damaging sensitive mouth tissue.
[0035] According to one embodiment, body 12 is composed of a
substantially rigid material. Suitable materials for body 12 may
include, but are not limited to plastics, woods, metals, and
ceramics. According to one embodiment, body 12 is composed of a
thermoplastic or thermoset material and may be formed by injection
molding or casting. The rigidity of body 12 enables dental wedge 10
to separate adjacent teeth when body 12 is inserted between the
teeth. The further dental wedge 10 is inserted between the teeth,
the more the teeth will be separated.
[0036] Typically, when teeth are separated with a dental wedge,
periodontal fibers attached to the teeth apply a countervailing
force that pulls the teeth back together. This force is transferred
from the teeth to the dental wedge and tends to urge the dental
wedge from out from between the teeth. This is an inherent problem
with existing dental wedges of the prior art, in that they are
susceptible to slipping out from between the teeth.
[0037] The dental wedges of the present invention overcome this
problem by providing a rigid inner body 12 with elastomeric outer
sides 18 and 20. The rigid inner body 12 generally enables the
dental wedges 10 to separate adjacent teeth while the elastomeric
outer sides 18 and 20 generally provide the retention capabilities
for overcoming the forces that are generated by the periodontal
fibers, thereby enabling the dental wedges 10 of the invention to
remain in place within the interproximal spaces between adjacent
teeth while conforming to the irregularities and contours of the
teeth. Conforming to the irregularities of the teeth not only
increases the frictional force between the dental wedge 10 and
teeth but also helps to prevent the dental filling material from
expressing into gaps associated with the irregularities prior to
setting. To further increase the frictional forces holding the
dental wedge 10 in place, the elastomeric sides 18 and 20 may also
be textured, such as with a gritty surface, as illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0038] The present invention contemplates the use of elastomeric
materials that are completely resilient, i.e., materials that will
spring back to their original shape after being deformed. On the
other hand, it may be desirable, in some cases, to utilize an
elastomeric material that is not entirely resilient but which
exhibits some degree of semi-set or deformation memory. This allows
the wedge to be deformed during placement to a desired degree
without the resiliency of elastomer thereafter substantially
increasing the level of spreading force between the teeth while
still being able to rebound enough to conform to the irregularities
of, and between, the teeth. According to the present embodiment,
the elastomeric sides comprise one or more strips of elastomeric
material affixed to the body 12 of the dental wedge 10. Suitable
elastomeric material may include, but is not limited to rubber,
silicone, latex, elastic, chemical set and thermoset plastics.
[0039] It should be appreciated that although the dental wedge of
the invention is useful for separating teeth, the width of the body
12 may vary to accommodate different needs and purposes. For
example, in one alternative embodiment, the body 12 of the dental
wedge 10 is very narrow, so as to not further separate the teeth,
but is provided for supporting the elastomeric sides 18 and 20.
This embodiment is useful, for example, for pushing and holding a
matrix band conformingly in place against the surface of a tooth
without further separating the teeth.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view 3-3 of FIG. 1 that better
depicts elastomeric sides 18 and 20 affixed to rigid body 12 of
dental wedge 10. Elastomeric sides 18 and 20 can be affixed to body
12 by any suitable means. By way of example and not limitation,
elastomeric sides 18 and 20 can be co-molded or cast onto body 12.
Elastomeric sides 18 and 20 may also be manufactured independently
and subsequently connected to body 12 by, e.g., ultrasonic welding,
friction welding, adhesives, glues, epoxies, or cements.
[0041] Although FIG. 3 shows elastomeric sides 18 and 20 having a
cross-sectional area that is substantially triangular, it should be
appreciated that the size and shape of elastomeric sides 18 and 20
can vary without departing from the spirit of the invention. For
example, the cross-sectional area of elastomeric sides 18 and 20
can also be rectilinear, angular, or curved.
[0042] Elastomeric sides 18 and 20 can vary in thickness and
material properties for providing different compression, adhesion,
and retention capabilities to dental wedge 10 and for enabling the
dental wedge 10 to conform to different magnitudes of
irregularities and curvatures of the teeth. According to one
alternative embodiment, elastomeric sides 18 and 20 comprise
multiple layers of elastomeric material, with each layer possessing
different elastomeric properties.
[0043] FIG. 4A illustrates one presently preferred embodiment of
rigid body 12 of dental wedge 10 in which body 12 is configured
with recessed surfaces 30 and 32 for receiving and mounting strips
of elastomeric material comprising elastomeric sides 18 and 20.
Although recessed surfaces 30 and 32 are shown to be smooth, it
should be appreciated that they can also be textured. Texturing may
be desirable in order to improve the bond between surfaces 30 and
32 and the elastomeric material deposited thereon. As described
earlier, the width of the body 12 may also vary to accommodate
different purposes.
[0044] Although certain embodiments show and describe elastomeric
material affixed only to the side portions of body 12, it should be
appreciated that the elastomeric material of elastomeric sides 18
and 20 can be coated or layered over the entire of dental wedge 10
or over any selected portions of dental wedge 10. Furthermore,
although the elastomeric sides 18 and 20 are shown to be straight,
it should be appreciated that the elastomeric sides 18 and 20 may
also be convex, concave or irregular so as to accommodate any
desired situation. For example, the elastomeric material of the
elastomeric sides 18 and 20 may be deposited in greater thickness
near the tip 26 or center portions of the dental wedge 10.
[0045] FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment in which the elastomeric
sides 18 and 20 are convex, having more elastomeric material
deposited near the center portions of the body 12. This embodiment
is useful when there are deep contours or irregularities between
the teeth that can conformingly be filled with the elastomeric
material. FIG. 4C illustrates one embodiment in which the
elastomeric sides 18 and 20 are concave. This embodiment is useful
when there are only shallow contours or irregularities between the
teeth. FIG. 4D illustrates one embodiment in which the elastomeric
sides 18 and 20 are irregularly shaped, with more elastomeric
material deposited in greater thickness near the front of the
dental wedge 10 to create greater compression and frictional
surface area on the innermost interproximal spaces between teeth.
This embodiment is particularly useful for providing the dental
wedge 10 with additional resistance from slipping out from between
the teeth once it is inserted.
[0046] According to yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the
body 12 of the dental wedge 10 comprises a conventional wedge shape
and the elastomeric material is deposited over the entire body 12
of the dental wedge 10. This embodiment may be preferred for ease
of manufacture.
[0047] A preferred method for using the dental wedge of the present
invention to separate teeth will now be shown and described in
reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view of two adjacent teeth
40 and 42. FIG. 6 also shows one presently preferred embodiment of
dental wedge 10 in position to be inserted between teeth 40 and 42,
with tip 26 inserted slightly within the interproximal space 50
between teeth 40 and 42. To further separate teeth 40 and 42, tip
26 is inserted into the interproximal space 50 between the teeth 40
and 42, as shown, and a force is applied to the back of dental
wedge 10 at the proximal end 14. The force can be applied by
pushing directly on the face 24 of the proximal end 14 or by
gripping and pushing the head 22 with cotton pliers or another
device, as described in reference to FIG. 1. Once an adequate force
is applied to proximal end 14, dental wedge 10 will be forced
between the teeth 40 and 42, thereby causing the teeth 40 and 42 to
separate.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, once dental wedge 10 has been forced
between teeth 40 and 42, elastomeric side 18 is compressed between
tooth 40 and rigid body 12, and elastomeric side 20 is compressed
between tooth 42 and body 12. This compression causes each of the
elastomeric sides 18 and 20 to better conform to the enlarged space
between the teeth 40 and 42, and also to deform and bulge outwardly
somewhat, thereby increasing the frictional surface area over which
dental wedge 10 is in contact with the teeth 40 and 42. It will be
appreciated that this directly improves the retention capabilities
of dental wedge 10 because friction is applied over the entire area
in which dental wedge 10 makes contact with the surfaces of teeth
40 and 42. Essentially, elastomeric sides 18 and 20 conform and
adhere to the surfaces of teeth 40 and 42, thereby preventing
dental wedge 10 from slipping out from between the teeth 40 and 42.
The bulging portion of the elastomeric strips 18 and 20 further
help to retain dental wedge 10 in place between teeth 40 and
42.
[0050] The deformation of the elastomeric sides 18 and 20 also
creates multidirectional forces 60 that improve the retention
capabilities of dental wedge 10. Multidirectional forces 60 consist
of multiple discrete forces that are distributed over the contact
area existing between elastomeric sides 18 and 20 and each of the
tooth surfaces. In particular, a discrete force is applied at every
point of contact between dental wedge 10 and the surfaces of teeth
40 and 42. Some multidirectional forces 60 are illustrated in FIG.
7. It should be appreciated that multidirectional forces 60
generally increase the friction between dental wedge 10 and teeth
40 and 42, thereby helping to retain dental wedge 10 in place
within the interproximal space 50 between tooth 40 and tooth 42. As
described above, and as shown, the elastomeric sides 18 and 20 may
also be textured to increase the frictional retention forces. When
desired, dental wedges 10 can be pulled out from between the teeth
40 and 42 with pliers, fingers, or another device.
[0051] FIG. 7 also illustrates a second dental wedge 10a that is
inserted between teeth 42 and 44. Second dental wedge 10a is
substantially similar to dental wedge 10 except that body 12a is
very thin and wedge-shaped with elastomeric sides 18a and 20a
extending all the way down to and over tip 26a, which is pointed.
Because body 12a is so thin, dental wedge 10a does not cause
excessive spacing of the teeth 42 and 44. In some circumstances
this is preferred, such as for holding a matrix band form in place.
Even without spacing the teeth, elastomeric sides 18a and 20a are
able to compress and conform to the surface contours and
irregularities of the teeth 42 and 44 and may therefore provide a
suitable aid for filling a tooth with a dental filling by
preventing the dental filling material from expressing into gaps
associated with the irregularities prior to setting. Although
dental wedge 10a may be used alone, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that the dental wedge 10a is particularly well suited
for use in combination with a matrix band for providing form for a
dental filling. In particular, dental wedge 10a can securely press
against and hold a matrix band against the surface of a tooth,
while urging the matrix band to conform to the shape of the tooth,
and thereby provide desired form for filling the tooth.
[0052] Accordingly, although certain embodiments of the dental
wedges of the invention are shown and described as being used for
separating teeth, it should be appreciated that uses and
applications of the dental wedges of the present invention extend
beyond separating teeth. For example, the dental wedges of the
invention can be used to hold a matrix band in a desired placement
against a tooth, even without separating teeth, by placing a
suitable dental wedge of the invention between the matrix band and
an adjacent tooth. The dental wedges of the invention can conform
to the shape of the teeth, with or without separating the teeth,
thereby providing form and support, such as, for example, when
holding a matrix band in place against a tooth. Dental wedges of
the invention can also be placed between two matrix bands for
holding each of the matrix bands against adjacent teeth in desired
placements. The benefits and advantages of the present invention
extend to these and other applications by providing elastomeric
sides that generally enable the dental wedges to maintain a desired
position between teeth, while conforming to the shape of the teeth,
so as to effectively separate the teeth and/or for holding matrix
bands or other similar devices firmly in place against the surfaces
of the teeth.
[0053] The invention, as it has been described herein, generally
provides a dental wedge with elastomeric sides. When the dental
wedge is inserted between teeth, it causes the teeth to separate
and the elastomeric sides to conform to the surfaces of the
separated teeth. The elastomeric sides generally provide increased
areas of contact between the dental wedge and the separated teeth
and further provide multidirectional forces that are applied to the
teeth, thereby providing the dental wedge with increased retention
capabilities for remaining in position between the teeth. It should
be appreciated that these benefits of the invention are advantages
over the prior art.
[0054] It should also be appreciated that the present invention may
be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or
essential characteristics. For example, the shape of the body of
the dental wedge may vary and the elastomeric material affixed to
the dental wedge can cover the entire dental wedge or any selected
portions of the dental wedge. Additionally, the elastomeric
material can be deposited in varying thickness and patterns over
the body of the dental wedge in order to alter the retention
capabilities of the dental wedge. For example, the elastomeric
material may be deposited in greater thickness near the tip or
center portions of the dental wedge to create greater compression
and frictional surface area on the innermost interproximal spaces
between teeth.
[0055] Furthermore, according to other embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 1-7, body 12 of dental wedge 10 may also comprise a recessed
neck 70 that facilitates the receipt of prongs of special pliers,
such as cotton pliers, or other pulling devices for pulling dental
wedge 10 out from between teeth 40 and 42. Neck 70 can also be used
for receiving prongs of a tool for pushing dental wedge 10 into the
interproximal space between teeth. It should be appreciated,
however, that in other embodiments dental wedge 10 does not
comprise a neck 70.
[0056] Accordingly, the invention is not limited to dental wedges
comprising only elastomeric sides. As properly understood, the
preceding description of specific embodiments is illustrative only
and in no way restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the appended claims as follows.
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