U.S. patent application number 10/476063 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band.
Invention is credited to Haraden, Robert E, Haraden, William J.
Application Number | 20050221255 10/476063 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31990943 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050221255 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haraden, William J ; et
al. |
October 6, 2005 |
Dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band
Abstract
A coated matrix band or coated separating strip for use in
dentistry eliminates capillary action between a tooth and the
matrix band due to the coating while the tooth is being filled,
while at least one aperture in the matrix band assists with removal
of the matrix band from the tooth, after the filling is complete.
The improvement in the coated matrix band or coated separating
strip is a coating applied to the surface thereof in order to
minimize the ingress of fluid between the tooth and the device as
the tooth is being filled. At least one aperture therein assists
with the removal from the tooth after the filling is complete.
Inventors: |
Haraden, William J;
(Libertyville, IL) ; Haraden, Robert E; (Boulevard
Grayslake, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MATHEW R. P. PERRONE, JR.
210 SOUTH MAIN STREET
ALGONGUIN
IL
60102-2639
US
|
Family ID: |
31990943 |
Appl. No.: |
10/476063 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
September 5, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US03/27871 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
433/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 5/85 20170201 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/039 |
International
Class: |
A61C 005/04 |
Claims
What is claimed and sought to be protected by Letters Patent
is:
1. A matrix band or separating strip for use in dentistry, the
improvement comprising a coating applied to the surface of the
matrix band to minimize the ingress of fluid between a tooth and
the matrix band.
2. The matrix band of claim 1 further comprising a coating applied
to a ductile matrix band or separating strip, which minimizes the
ingress of fluid due to capillary action or other means, between
the matrix band and a tooth being filled while the matrix band is
positioned therearound in order to support adherence of a filling
material to the tooth.
3. The matrix band of claim 2 further comprising the coating being
at least one coating selected from the group consisting of at least
one pharmaceutically acceptable polymer and at least one
pharmaceutically acceptable metal.
4. The matrix band of claim 3 further comprising the polymer
coating including of composites of metal or ceramic.
5. The matrix band of claim 3 further comprising the polymer
coating including a flexible ceramic.
6. The matrix band of claim 3 further comprising the polymer
coating being replaced by laminates or tapes.
7. The matrix band of claim 3 further comprising: (a) the metal
being an alloy comprising at least one metal from the following
group: tin zinc, copper, bismuth, indium, mercury, aluminum and
platinum; and at least one metal selected from the group consisting
of silver, gold, zinc, copper, bismuth, indium, mercury, aluminum
and platinum; (b) the polymer being polysiloxane, silicone,
composites of metal or ceramics or flexible ceramic; and (c) the
alloy being pharmaceutically acceptable.
8. The matrix band of claim 7 further comprising a polymer coating
that softens when exposed to body temperature to provide a tighter
seal between the matrix band or separating strip and the tooth.
9. The matrix band of claim 7 further comprising a polymer coating
that become hydrogels upon exposure to body fluids, providing a
barrier to rapid fluid flow between the dental matrix band or
separating strip and the tooth.
10. The matrix band of claim 7 further comprising a polymer coating
that contains a plasticiser to make the polymer more flexible to
provide a tighter seal between the tooth and the matrix band or
separating strip and the tooth.
11. The matrix band of claim 7 further comprising a coating having
a thickness of about 0.001 millimeter to about 0.25 millimeter.
12. The matrix band of claim 11 further comprising the coating
having a thickness of about 0.01 millimeter to about 0.2
millimeter.
13. The matrix band of claim 12 further comprising the coating
having a thickness of about 0.02 millimeters to about 0.1
millimeters.
14. The matrix band of claim 11 further comprising: (a) the at
least one aperture being adapted to assist with a removal of the
matrix band from the tooth; (b) the matrix band utilizing a clamp
to secure the matrix band around the tooth and; (c) the clamp being
situated between the tooth and the at least one aperture.
15. The matrix band of claim 12 further comprising: (a) the at
least one aperture being adapted to assist with a removal of the
matrix band from the tooth; (b) the matrix band utilizing a clamp
to secure the matrix band around the tooth and; (c) the clamp being
situated between the tooth and the at least one aperture.
16. The matrix band of claim 14 further comprising: (a) the at
least one aperture being adapted to assist with a removal of the
matrix band from the tooth; (b) the matrix band utilizing a clamp
to secure the matrix band around the tooth and; (c) the clamp being
situated between the tooth and the at least one aperture.
17. The matrix band of claim 7 further comprising the coating being
a continuous coating.
18. The matrix band of claim 7 further comprising the coating being
a discontinuous coating.
19. A method for making a coated matrix band comprising: (a)
etching a matrix band to receive a capillary action reducing
coating; (b) applying the coating to the matrix band in order to
provide the matrix band with a reduced capillary action between the
matrix band and a tooth; (c) adhering the capillary action reducing
coating to the matrix band in order to form the coated matrix band;
and (d) recovering the coated matrix band with the reduced
capillary action.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: (a) adhering the
capillary action reducing coating to a surface of the matrix band
with an appropriate process selected from the following group:
electroplating, chemical plating or mechanical abrasion, and
melting the coating with at least one flux; and (b) forming the
coated matrix band.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising adhering the
capillary action reducing coating to the surface of the matrix band
by: (a) degreasing the stainless steel dental matrix band was by
immersion in trichloromethane, followed by warm methanol, followed
by a distilled water rinse; (b) etching the stainless steel matrix
band in a 30% (v/v) solution of sulphuric acid at 60.degree. C. for
a time long enough to remove 80 g of metal per square meter; (c)
treating the band in a solution of twelve to fifteen percent (v/v)
sulfuric acid and two percent (v/v) sodium dichromate at 60.degree.
C. for four minutes and then rinsing with warm water; (d) priming
the treated surface of the dental matrix band by coating with a one
percent (v/v) aqueous solution of silane-based primer containing an
equal volume percent of amine curing agent. (e) coating the primed
surface then with a polymer to provide a more tightly bound seal
coating for the dental matrix bond.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the silane-based primer such is
gamma glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane and the amine curing agent
is tri-z-ethyl hexanote of
2,4,5-tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol.
23. The method of claim 21 further comprising the primer coating
selected from the group being comprised of: polyurethane, acrylate,
saran and polyvinyl chloride.
24. The method of claim 19 further comprising: (a) providing at
least one aperture in the matrix band; (b) using the matrix band
around the tooth; (c) fitting a dental tool into the at least one
aperture; and (d) removing the matrix band from the tooth with
cooperation between the dental tool and the at least one
aperture.
25. The method of claim 19 wherein the etching is photo etching,
acid etching or mechanical abrasion.
26. The method of claim 19 wherein the acid etching of the matrix
band is at a pH of about 4 to about 6.
27. The method of claim 19 wherein the photo etching of the matrix
band includes the steps of: (a) degreasing the matrix band; (b)
rinsing the matrix band; (c) acid washing the matrix band; (d)
bonding a photo resist coating to the matrix band; (e) selectively
applying an exposing agent to a selected area of the photo resist
coating to form an exposed coating; (f) removing the exposed
coating to form at least one exposed area on the matrix band; and
(g) applying a capillary action reducing coating to the at least
one exposed area.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the photo etching of the matrix
band further includes the steps of: (a) removing of an unexposed
section of photo resist coating sections is accomplished by a
developing step to form an uncoated area; (b) washing and then
cleaning the uncoated area; and (c) etching the uncoated area.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein the photo etching of the matrix
band further includes the steps of: (a) applying the capillary
action reducing coating to the etched surface; (b) applying the
capillary action reducing coating to eliminate capillary action;
and (c) removing any remaining photo resist coating with an
alkaline wash.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein the photo etching of the matrix
band further includes the step of applying a siloxane or a silicone
coating to the matrix band.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application incorporates by reference U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/238,295 as originally filed on Oct. 23,
2002, by the same inventors.
[0002] This invention relates to a matrix band and more
particularly to a dental matrix band seal in combination with a
matrix band or a separation strip for use by a dentist to provide a
framework for applying cavity filling material to a tooth; which
minimizes, if not eliminates, capillary action which causes at
least one body fluid to flow into the area between the matrix band
and the tooth being filled and does not adhere to the cavity
filling material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A matrix band is a common tool used in dentistry. Typically,
the matrix band is a thin, flexible piece of material. Generally
speaking, the matrix band is metallic in nature. A dentist will
position the band around a tooth to be filled. The band is then
tightened around the tooth, with a clamping device, in order to
form a mold or an appropriate support for applying a filling
material to the tooth.
[0004] Another device used in dentistry, for a purpose similar to
that of a matrix band, is a separating strip. The main difference
between a matrix band and a separating strip is in the material
used. The separating strip is usually formed from a plastic strip.
The plastic must be flexible and pharmaceutically acceptable, and
may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Generally, the
separating strip is adhered to at least one tooth, rather than
being wrapped around and clamped to the tooth as with a matrix
band. Thus, it is clear that the matrix band may be also a plastic
sheet material. The preferred of such materials is a polycarbonate
sheet polymer, commonly under the registered trademark MYLAR.RTM.,
available from E. I. Dupont Chemical Company of Wilmington,
Del.
[0005] The matrix band of the prior art is metallic, comprising
stainless steel. The matrix band must be substantially impervious
to, or not reactive with, fluids in a person's mouth. The matrix
band must also be made of a metal that is nontoxic. Because the use
of a dental matrix band is well defined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,883
to Nakisher and Uditsky, incorporated herein by reference, the use
thereof need not be further defined.
[0006] There are a number of different dental matrix bands or
devices currently on the market; Universal Adult Matrix Band
(available in sizes of 0.0015 inch and 0.002 inch); Adult Molar
Matrix Band; Child Matrix Band; and Auto Matrix System.
[0007] Although the matrix band is a common and long-used dental
implement, problems do exist with the currently used technology.
Firstly, capillary action between the matrix band and the tooth
causes at least one body fluid, to dampen or contaminate the
surface of the tooth being filled. This is extremely undesirable
since the presence of an undesirable fluid in the area interferes
with the adhesion of the cavity filling material to the tooth, and
causes deterioration of the cavity filling material.
[0008] Typically, body fluids do interfere with this work. Such
body fluids include, but are not limited to, blood and saliva.
Interference is caused between the tooth and the filling material,
because the best adherence of a filling to a tooth occurs when the
tooth is dry, and the mechanical strength of the filling material
is maximized.
[0009] Another difficulty with a matrix band of the prior art is
the tendency of the bands to adhere to the cavity filling material.
This adherence may make the matrix band difficult to remove from
the tooth, when the filling process is complete, and may require
the dentist to exert extra force on the patient's mouth in order to
remove that matrix band. A difficult removal of the matrix band may
well be uncomfortable for the patient, and weaken the bond between
the cavity filling material and the tooth. Without a good bonding
between filling material and the tooth, the dental procedure is
ineffective.
[0010] Still another difficulty of currently utilized matrix bands
is the flat surface of the bands, which contain no indentations
where a dental instrument can be used to grasp the band to assist
in removing the band after the cavity has been filled. This makes
the removal of the band more difficult.
[0011] Many devices are known in the prior art, which allegedly
permit easy removal of a matrix band from a tooth. One attempt to
solve the problem included making the matrix band with a gold
plating. However, this gold-plated matrix band does not completely
solve or eliminate the ingress of fluid, which causes an undesired
body fluid flow into the desired work area.
[0012] While it is not desired to be bound by any particular
theory, the capillary action is believed to occur because the solid
gold or gold alloy matrix band, as well as the gold-plated matrix
band is not soft enough to form a seal with the tooth, thereby
failing to eliminate the ingress of fluid due to capillary
action.
[0013] Also, the separating strip suffers from problems caused by
the presence of body fluids present because of capillary action or
other sources between the separating strip and the tooth. Although
the separating strip is formed from a plastic strip, it is not
flexible enough to form a seal tight enough to eliminate the
fluid.
[0014] While polymer coatings can successfully form a seal with the
tooth, the adherence of the polymer to the matrix band or the
separating strip for dental purposes is often defective. If the
coating does not properly adhere to the matrix band, the
effectiveness of the entire band is severely compromised.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision
of a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band, the
matrix band being coated with a suitable polymer, which at least
minimizes the ingress of fluid between the matrix band and the
tooth, by creating a seal which keeps the surface of the tooth dry
during the filling process.
[0016] Another objective of this invention is the provision of a
dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band with at
least one aperture on the band to assist in the removal of the band
from the tooth when the filling procedure is completed.
[0017] Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of
a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band, which
is nontoxic to the patient.
[0018] Still another objective of this invention is the provision
of a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band,
with a polymer coating thereon.
[0019] A further objective of this invention is the provision of a
dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band, with a
soft metal coating thereon.
[0020] Yet, a further objective of this invention is the provision
of a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band,
with a coating strongly adhered thereon.
[0021] A still further objective of this invention is the provision
of a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band.
[0022] Also, a further objective of this invention is the provision
of a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band,
which eliminates the ingress of fluid due to capillary action or
other means.
[0023] Still a further objective of the is invention is the
provision of a separating strip with a flexible coating, which
eliminates the ingress of fluid due to capillary action or other
means.
[0024] These and other objectives of the invention (which other
objectives become clear by consideration of the specification,
claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a dental
matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band for use in
dentistry, wherein the matrix band has a polymer coating or a soft
metal applied to an etched surface, which reduces or eliminates
capillary action between a tooth and the matrix band, while at
least one aperture in the matrix band assists with removal of the
matrix band from the tooth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a straight coated
matrix band 100 with a strip polymer 120 of this invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of a straight coated matrix band
100 with a strip polymer 120 of this invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectioned view of the straight coated
matrix band 100 of this invention along Line 3-3 and based on FIG.
2.
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectioned view of the straight coated
matrix band 100 based on FIG. 2 around tooth 110.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the straight coated
matrix band 100 with spots group 140 of this invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a straight coated matrix band
100 with spots group 140 of this invention.
[0031] FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectioned view of straight coated
matrix band 100 of this invention along Line 7-7 and based on FIG.
6.
[0032] FIG. 8 depicts a top, plan view of straight coated matrix
band 100 of this invention based on FIG. 6.
[0033] FIG. 9 depicts a rear perspective view of a winged coated
matrix band 200 with a flange 160 of this invention.
[0034] FIG. 10 depicts a front perspective view of a winged coated
matrix band 200 with a flange 160 of this invention.
[0035] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a winged coated matrix band
200 with a flange 160 of this invention.
[0036] FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectioned view of winged coated
matrix band 200 with a flange 160 of this invention along Line
12-12 and based on FIG. 11.
[0037] FIG. 13 depicts a top, plan view of winged coated matrix
band 200 of this invention based on FIG. 9.
[0038] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a plain, elliptical
coated matrix band 300 with full polymer strip 170 of this
invention.
[0039] FIG. 15 depicts a side view of a plain, elliptical coated
matrix band 300 with full polymer strip 170 of this invention.
[0040] FIG. 16 depicts a cross-sectioned view of plain, elliptical
coated matrix band 300 of this invention along Line 16-16 and based
on FIG. 15.
[0041] FIG. 17 depicts a top, plan view of plain, elliptical coated
matrix band 300 of this invention based on FIG. 14.
[0042] FIG. 18 depicts a front perspective view of an apertured
elliptical coated matrix band 400 with centered discontinuous strip
470 of this invention.
[0043] FIG. 19 depicts a full front view of an apertured elliptical
coated matrix band 400 with centered discontinuous strip 470 of
this invention.
[0044] FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectioned view of apertured
elliptical coated matrix band 400 of this invention along Line
19-19 and based on FIG. 18.
[0045] FIG. 21 depicts a top, plan view of apertured elliptical
coated matrix band 400 of this invention based on FIG. 17.
[0046] Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part
appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is
applied thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] With the matrix band or separating strip of this invention
being suitable for use in dental procedures and having a coated
surface thereon, capillary action between the tooth and the band is
at least substantially reduced, if not eliminated. The coated
surface has a soft coating at least partially covering the
same.
[0048] The concept disclosed and claimed herein may be described as
a dental matrix seal and is applicable to any dental matrix device,
regardless of the geometric shape of the dental matrix device. The
geometric shape of the seal is irrelevant to the function of the
seal. The dental matrix seal is made of any material, whether metal
or plastic; which has a soft malleable consistency and is applied
as a coating to any dental matrix device. Clearly both the soft
metal coating and the soft plastic coating are preferably
pharmaceutically acceptable. The seal may also be made of flexible
ceramic or composites of metal or ceramic. The matrix seal may also
be applied as a laminate or tape instead of a coating.
[0049] Adhesion of the coating as dental matrix seal to any dental
matrix device is assured by etching the surface of the dental
matrix device. Etching of the matrix band may be accomplished in
any suitable fashion. Acid etching and photochemical etching are
specially suitable processes for etching the matrix band, as long
as the procedures are pharmaceutically acceptable. Pharmaceutically
acceptable includes those materials suitable for use in a person's
mouth.
[0050] Additionally, the matrix band may be etched by using
mechanical abrasion. Mechanical abrasion may be obtained by
subjecting the metal surface to a high velocity stream of silica
particles or soft metal particles, or by rubbing the surface with a
silica or diamond encrusted paper or metal sheet. Clearly, any
abrasive system may be used.
[0051] The preferred method of applying coating, laminate or tapes
to the separating strip is by using a pharmaceutically acceptable
adhesive, but any other suitable method may be used.
[0052] Coatings with a thickness of about 0.001 millimeter to about
0.25 millimeter are adequate to reduce the capillary action.
Coatings with a thickness of about 0.01 millimeter to about 0.2
millimeter reduce the capillary action more effectively. Coatings
with a thickness of 0.02 millimeters to about 0.1 millimeters is
most effective in reducing, if not eliminating, the capillary
action.
[0053] Acid etching preferably occurs in a pharmaceutically
acceptable acid at a pH of 4 to 6. More preferably, the pH is 4.2
to 5.9. Most preferably, the pH is 4.4 to 5.7. Below these pH
ranges in a more acidic etching solution, the surface of the dental
matrix device is compromised and cannot be made suitable for dental
use. Above these pH ranges in a more basic etching solution, the
surface of the dental matrix device is etched insufficiently so
that a durable coating cannot be applied thereto and cannot be made
suitable for dental use.
[0054] The etching acid can be any pharmaceutically acceptable acid
having a pH in the desired range. Acetic acid, phosphoric acid,
citric acid, hydrochloric acid and suitable mixtures thereof in the
desired pH range are quite useful. This etching process is quite
acceptable for the purposes of this invention.
[0055] A second etching process that may be used is photochemical
etching. Photochemical etching appears to be the preferable method.
Appropriate tests are run to determine if the matrix band is
suitable for the coating process. After proper inspection, the
matrix band is degreased and rinsed. The standard acid wash,
followed by appropriate scrubbing and drying, is the final step for
the inspection of the matrix band. A photo resist coating is bonded
to the surface of the matrix band under a controlled temperature. A
controlled ultraviolet light exposure is selectively applied to at
least one selected area of the photo resist coating in order to
polymerize certain sections thereof.
[0056] The unexposed matrix band coating is removed by a standard
development system. This developing system dissolves the unexposed
areas of the photo resist coating. Washing and cleaning then
follows. The exposed parts of the matrix band are then etched with
an acid on both sides thereof, if desired. A desired coating is
applied to the etched surfaces.
[0057] The etching parameters are adjusted empirically as desired.
An alkaline wash removes the remaining photo resist coating. The
part is then recovered, and one achieves the desired coated matrix
band of this invention.
[0058] Prior to this invention, one must conclude that, the
silicones, siloxanes or adhesives cannot be successfully applied to
the matrix band to create a seal. In an attempt to reduce the
costs, while maintaining or improving desired results with the
design of the above referenced co-pending patent application having
the tin applied to the dental matrix band, the successful and
micro-mechanically attached tin makes the dental matrix band much
more efficient.
[0059] The process of photo etching the stainless steel matrix band
causes microscopic pits in the surface thereof. With a rolling of
the two materials together after the photo etching, a
micro-mechanical bond between the matrix band and the desired
coating is achieved. This process can be adapted to the use of
silicones and adhesive materials in order to successfully attach
the seal or coating to the dental matrix band.
[0060] If desired, at least one aperture may be put in the matrix
band. Such an aperture; situated in the central portion of a long
edge of the matrix band, with the clamp between the aperture and
the tooth around which the matrix band is placed; is used to assist
with the removal of the band from the tooth. This can be
accomplished with the standard dental tool commonly known as the
explorer.
[0061] Referring now to the drawings, the following references to
specific drawing figures are intended to illustrate without unduly
limiting the invention disclosed herein. The polymer coated matrix
band of this invention is a result of the etching treatments of the
metallic matrix band prior to coating with the desired polymer.
[0062] Considering now FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the
straight coated matrix band 100 has a support base 114 with a strip
polymer 120 applied thereto. The strip polymer 120 is applied after
the support base 114 is etched. Strip polymer 120 may have a
rectangular cross section 122, although other suitable geometric
shapes may be used. Band apertures 124 facilitate applying of the
straight coated matrix band 100 to a tooth 110 (FIG. 4) or removing
the same therefrom.
[0063] Support base 114 has a first wing 116 and a second wing 118
distinguish by a wing angle 126 therebetween. Each of band
apertures 124 are in the support base 114 and outside the strip
polymer 120. Strip polymer 120 may also have tapered sides 130 and
a trapezoidal cross section 132. Strip polymer 120 forms a
continuous or substantially continuous coating for the support base
114.
[0064] Considering now FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, the
straight coated matrix band 100 has spots group 140. Spots group
140 serves to form an effective discontinuous coating for the
coated matrix band. Each spot in spots group 140 may be an
appropriate, pharmaceutically acceptable polymer, or an
appropriate, pharmaceutically acceptable metal.
[0065] Within spots group 140 may be at least one generally
circular shape 142, at least one generally triangular shape 144, at
least one generally rectangular shape 146, or at least one
generally U-shape 148. Such shapes are a matter of choice both in
number and type. Each shape may have a tapered side 150. The
structure appears between straight coated matrix band 100 and the
tooth 110, and supplies necessary sealing qualities.
[0066] Further versions of winged coated matrix band 200 appear in
FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a flange 160 appears
on a top portion of winged coated matrix band 200. Below the flange
160, the winged coated matrix band 200 has a triangular section 162
with an arm 164 of the triangular section 162 being adjacent to the
winged support base 214. Most preferably, triangular section 162 is
substantially a right triangle. Below flange 160 on the winged
support base 214 of the winged coated matrix band 200 is a complete
triangulated coating 166 having a coating aperture 168 concentric
with flared base aperture 224. Triangulated coating 166 extends
down winged support base 214.
[0067] Still further versions of plain, elliptical coated matrix
band 300 appear in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, plain,
elliptical coated matrix band 300 provides a full polymer strip 170
centrally located along the length of elliptical support base 314.
Such a full polymer strip 170 also operates as a sealing mechanism.
Clearly, full polymer strip 170 may be metallic, polymeric, polymer
composites of metal or ceramic or flexible ceramics.
[0068] Another version of apertured elliptical coated matrix band
400 appears in FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21, apertured
elliptical coated matrix band 400 provides a centered discontinuous
strip 470 located along the length of elliptical apertured support
base 414 adjacent to concentric strip aperture 172. This concentric
strip aperture 172 provides an appropriate removal mechanism for
the apertured elliptical coated matrix band 400. Clearly here also,
centered discontinuous strip 470 may be metallic, polymeric,
polymer composites of metal or ceramic or flexible ceramics.
[0069] In the following examples, which are intended to illustrate
without unduly limiting the invention disclosed herein, all parts
and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise specified.
EXAMPLE ONE
[0070] With the straight coated matrix band 100; having a strip
polymer 120 is applied onto a stainless steel support base 114
etched in an acetic acidic solution having a pH of 5.5, the strip
polymer 120 being based on a pharmaceutically acceptable siloxane
polymer. That straight coated matrix band 100 is applied to a tooth
110 under repair, where the coating provided a seal that prevented
the ingress of fluid into the area of the tooth being repaired.
EXAMPLE TWO
[0071] The procedure of Example One is repeated except that the
etching solution is phosphoric acid and has a pH of 5.0. The
coating adheres as well as in Example One.
EXAMPLE THREE
[0072] The procedure of Example One is repeated except that the
etching solution has a pH of 4.7. The coating adheres adequately
but is not as durable as the coating set forth in Example Two.
EXAMPLE FOUR
[0073] The procedure of Example One is repeated except that the
etching solution has a pH of 6.2. The coating fails to adhere as in
Example One.
EXAMPLE FIVE
[0074] The procedure of Example One is repeated except that the
etching solution has a pH of 4.0. The integrity of the support base
114 is compromised in that matrix is of insufficient strength to
fit around tooth 110.
EXAMPLE SIX
[0075] The procedure of Example One is repeated except that the
acid etching process is replaced with the photo etching process.
The coating adheres and provides an effective dental straight
coated matrix band 100.
EXAMPLE SEVEN
[0076] The procedure of Example One is repeated except that the
acid etching process is replaced with the mechanical abrasion
process utilizing a high velocity stream of silica aimed at the
surface of the band to etch the surface. The coating adheres and
provides an effective dental straight coated matrix band 100.
EXAMPLE EIGHT
[0077] The procedure of Example Seven is repeated except that the
acid etching process is replaced with the mechanical abrasion
process utilizing a high velocity stream of soft metal particles
aimed at the surface of the band. Such action forms a micro alloy
on the surface. The coating forms and provides an effective seal
that prevented the ingress of fluid into the area of the tooth
being repaired.
EXAMPLE NINE
[0078] The procedure of Example One is repeated except that the
acid etching process is replaced with the mechanical abrasion
process involving the buffing of the matrix band's surface with a
silica or diamond encrusted sheet to etch the surface of the matrix
band. The coating adheres and provides an effective seal that
prevented the ingress of fluid into the area of the tooth being
repaired.
EXAMPLE 10
[0079] A procedure as described by Gettings and Kinlock "Surface
Characterization and adhesives Bonding of Stainless Steals II--the
Steal/Adhesive Interface"; Surface and Interface Analysis Vol. 1
No. 6, p. 189-195, 1979, is used to provide a primer coating to the
dental matrix band device. The stainless steel dental matrix band
is degreased by immersion in trichloromethane, followed by warm
methanol, followed by a distilled water rinse. The stainless steel
dental matrix band was etched in a 30% (v/v) solution of sulphuric
acid at 60.degree. C. The band is etched for a time long enough to
remove 80 g of metal per square meter, which is approximately five
minutes. The band is then treated in a solution of twelve to
fifteen percent (v/v) sulfuric acid and two percent (v/v) sodium
dichromate at 60.degree. C. for four minutes. The band is then
rinsed with warm water. The treated surface of the dental matrix
band is coated with a one percent (v/v) aqueous solution of
silane-based primer such as gamma glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane
containing an equal volume percent of amine curing agent such as
tri-z-ethyl hexanote of 2,4,5-tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol. The
primed surface then is coated with a polymer to provide a more
tightly bound seal coating for the dental matrix bond. Acceptable
primers include but are not limited to: polyurethanes, acrylates,
saran and polyvinyl chloride.
[0080] This application; taken as a whole with the abstract,
specification, claims, and drawings being combined; provides
sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the
art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any
measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the
skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that
person has made a careful study of this disclosure.
[0081] Because of this disclosure and solely because of this
disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear
to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such
modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.
* * * * *