U.S. patent application number 13/007338 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for dental wedge.
Invention is credited to David J. Clark.
Application Number | 20110171596 13/007338 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44258813 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110171596 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clark; David J. |
July 14, 2011 |
Dental Wedge
Abstract
The present invention relates to dental wedges that may be used
for creating space between adjacent teeth. In one form, the dental
wedge includes an elongated body extending from an outer end to an
opposite inner end. The body has a longitudinal intermediate wall,
a longitudinal first side wall connected to the intermediate wall,
and a longitudinal second side wall connected to the intermediate
wall. The first side wall and the second side wall each flare away
from the intermediate wall such that a first distal end of the
first side wall and a second distal end of the second side wall are
spaced apart creating an inverted generally V-shaped transverse
section for the body. The body has a top surface formed by the
intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall.
The body also has a bottom surface formed by the intermediate wall,
the first side wall and the second side wall. The dental wedge
includes a grasping section connected to the outer end of the body.
A hollow region is defined by the bottom surface of the wedge and a
first reference line extending from the first distal end of the
first side wall to the second distal end of the second side wall.
At least a first portion of the body comprises a first material
that transmits light.
Inventors: |
Clark; David J.; (Lakewood,
WA) |
Family ID: |
44258813 |
Appl. No.: |
13/007338 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61295070 |
Jan 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/149 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 5/88 20170201 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/149 |
International
Class: |
A61C 3/00 20060101
A61C003/00 |
Claims
1. A dental wedge for creating space between adjacent teeth, the
dental wedge comprising: an elongated body extending from an outer
end to an opposite inner end, the body comprising a longitudinal
intermediate wall, a longitudinal first side wall connected to the
intermediate wall, and a longitudinal second side wall connected to
the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall
each flaring away from the intermediate wall such that a first
distal end of the first side wall and a second distal end of the
second side wall are spaced apart creating an inverted generally
V-shaped transverse section for the body, the body having a top
surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and
the second side wall, the body having a bottom surface formed by
the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side
wall; and a grasping section connected to the outer end of the
body, wherein a hollow region is defined by the bottom surface and
a first reference line extending from the first distal end of the
first side wall to the second distal end of the second side wall,
and wherein transverse hollow regions defined by transverse planes
moving from the grasping section to the inner end vary in area.
2. The dental wedge of claim 1 wherein: each hollow region has a
first volume that is 10% to 90% of a second volume defined by the
top surface and the first reference line.
3. The dental wedge of claim 1 wherein: a wedge width is defined by
a first distance of the first reference line extending from the
first distal end of the first side wall to the second distal end of
the second side wall, a wedge height is defined by a second
distance between the first reference line and a second reference
line tangent to a top edge of the top surface of the body, and the
wedge width is greater than the wedge height.
4. The dental wedge of claim 1 wherein: the grasping section
includes splines that are dimensioned to engage serrations of a
dental pliers.
5. The dental wedge of claim 1 wherein: at least a first portion of
the body comprises a first material that transmits light.
6. The dental wedge of claim 5 wherein: at least a second portion
of the body comprises a second material that does not transmit
light.
7. The dental wedge of claim 5 wherein: a top edge of the top
surface of the body comprises the first material.
8. The dental wedge of claim 5 wherein: at least a second portion
of the body comprises a second material that does not transmit
light, and the second portion of the body is positioned adjacent
the first portion of the body to reflect light back into the first
portion of the body.
9. A dental wedge for creating space between adjacent teeth, the
dental wedge comprising: an elongated body extending from an outer
end to an opposite inner end, the body comprising a longitudinal
intermediate wall, a longitudinal first side wall connected to the
intermediate wall, and a longitudinal second side wall connected to
the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall
each flaring away from the intermediate wall such that a first
distal end of the first side wall and a second distal end of the
second side wall are spaced apart creating an inverted generally
V-shaped transverse section for the body, the body having a top
surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and
the second side wall, the body having a bottom surface formed by
the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side
wall; and a grasping section connected to the outer end of the
body, wherein a hollow region is defined by the bottom surface and
a first reference line extending from the first distal end of the
first side wall to the second distal end of the second side wall,
and wherein the grasping section includes a first vertical land
connected to the outer end of the body, a second vertical land
spaced apart from the first vertical land, and an intermediate
section connected to the first vertical land and the second
vertical land.
10. The dental wedge of claim 9 wherein: the intermediate section
includes splines that are dimensioned to engage serrations of a
dental pliers.
11. The dental wedge of claim 9 wherein: the first vertical land
has a generally triangular shape.
12. The dental wedge of claim 9 wherein: the first vertical land
has an outer perimeter that is spaced outward from the top surface
of the body.
13. The dental wedge of claim 9 wherein: the intermediate section
has an outer perimeter that is spaced inward from an outer
perimeter of the first vertical land and an outer perimeter of the
second vertical land.
14. The dental wedge of claim 9 wherein: the second land includes a
vertical end surface, and the end surface is free from any vestige
that extends beyond the end surface.
15. A dental wedge for creating space between adjacent teeth, the
dental wedge comprising: an elongated body extending from an outer
end to an opposite inner end, the body comprising a longitudinal
intermediate wall, a longitudinal first side wall connected to the
intermediate wall, and a longitudinal second side wall connected to
the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall
each flaring away from the intermediate wall such that a first
distal end of the first side wall and a second distal end of the
second side wall are spaced apart creating an inverted generally
V-shaped transverse section for the body, the body having a top
surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and
the second side wall, the body having a bottom surface formed by
the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side
wall; and a grasping section connected to the outer end of the
body, wherein a hollow region is defined by the bottom surface and
a first reference line extending from the first distal end of the
first side wall to the second distal end of the second side wall,
wherein a first surface section of the first side wall forms a
first part of the top surface, and wherein the first part of the
top surface is convex to conform to a fluting or furcation in one
of the adjacent teeth.
16. The dental wedge of claim 15 wherein: the first part of the top
surface is located intermediate the outer end and the inner end of
the body.
17. The dental wedge of claim 15 wherein: the inner end comprises a
blunt collapsing distal tip.
18. The dental wedge of claim 15 wherein: wherein a second surface
section of the second side wall forms a second part of the top
surface, and wherein the second part of the top surface is convex
to conform to a fluting or furcation in the other of the adjacent
teeth.
19. The dental wedge of claim 15 wherein: the wedge includes
lumination features created with surface texture or chemical light
activated reflector luminescent chemicals.
20. The dental wedge of claim 15 wherein: the body includes a slip
additive to lower a coefficient of friction for the body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. patent
application No. 61/295,070 filed Jan. 14, 2010.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to dental wedges that may be
used in the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Dental cavities that have spread to the dentin or have
undergone cavitation are typically treated by removing the decayed
portion of the tooth and thereafter filling the missing tooth
structure with a restorative material such as silver (amalgam),
white (resin), porcelain, or gold. Cavities that are located
adjacent to neighboring teeth are called interproximal
cavities.
[0007] When treating interproximal cavities, the dentist first
removes the decayed portion of the side of the tooth. In order to
properly deposit the restorative material on the side of the tooth
without undesired leaking of the restorative material beyond the
side of the tooth, the dentist places a dental matrix around at
least a portion of the tooth. The dental matrix may be a metallic
or plastic strip, and when the matrix is placed around at least a
portion of the tooth, the matrix acts as a form for the desired
shape of the restored tooth.
[0008] One or more dental wedges may be used when treating
interproximal cavities. Various dental wedges are shown in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 7,223,101, 6,890,176, 6,761,562, 6,482,007, 6,435,874,
6,425,760, 6,234,792, 6,074,210, 5,743,738, 5,527,181, 5,104,317,
4,468,199, 4,337,041, 4,259,070 and D439,667, and U.S. patent
application Publication Nos. 2007/0254263 and 2003/0113688.
Historically, traditional dental wedges have been used to perform
two functions, the first and most important is to press the dental
matrix (sectional or 360 degree wrap) against the tooth so that
matrix seals the tooth and keeps the filling material inside of the
desired space. The second purpose is to separate the teeth so that
when the matrix is removed after placing and hardening the filling
material, the gap that is formed when the matrix is removed is
mitigated as the teeth "spring " back together and close the gap
that was present when the matrix was removed, typically about a two
mil thickness.
[0009] Wedging devices are typically inserted from the facial or
lingual direction to stabilize the matrix, press the matrix,
improve the adaptation of the matrix against the tooth surface, to
lightly or aggressively separate the tooth to compensate for the
thickness of the matrix, and to seal the gingival margin to keep
excess fluid from squirting past the interface thru a gap, to
discourage body fluids from entering the cavity space thru the
interface, and to apply pressure to the gingiva to control
bleeding.
[0010] Because the new composite dental filling materials are more
delicate than silver amalgam and cannot be packed as aggressively,
it is common today to see that many posterior and anterior
composite fillings have poor contacts that allow food impaction,
etc. Additionally, the typical triangular shape of most wedges
press against the matrix at the top corner, causing a flat spot in
the filling that becomes a harbor for food impaction and bacterial
accumulation. Concave surfaces in the interproximal area create an
uncleansable area as the floss arcs across the flat spot or
concavity. In addition, the papilla or gum triangle that is present
in healthy situations can become blunted without the static tension
of a full, rounded interproximal tooth shape (see, Clark,
"Restoratively Driven Papilla Regeneration: Correcting the Dreaded
Black Triangle", Canadian Journal of Restorative Dentistry and
Prosthondontics, August 2008). The ensuing "Black Triangle" can
further compromise the interproximal health with plaque
accumulation and food impaction along with esthetic compromise, as
the dark spaces between teeth are considered to be unaesthetic and
prematurely ages the smile.
[0011] Some dental wedges, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No.
7,223,101, along with others, have a slightly concave gingival
surface that does not nearly address the problem of the wedge
"riding up" into the embrasure space resulting in the above
mentioned concavity in the resultant filling shape and or black
triangle issue, as the arc is x angle or may be 5% hollow. The very
slight gingival concavity, is so minimal that it does little to
allow the wedge to seat itself deeply into the gum area and
therefore does not address the aforementioned problems that occur
in some clinical situations such as deeper decay or hypertrophic
gums (oversized interdental gum triangle).
[0012] The wedge of U.S. patent application Publication No.
2007/0254263 makes advancement in this problem with the wedge that
is in essence hollow in the gum area which allows the wedge to be
placed deeper into the gum area because it has space for the
"triangle" of gum tissue that pushes other solid wedges "up " or
"superiorly" against the matrix to create the problems heretofore
mentioned. There are however five problems with the wedge of US
2007/0254263. First, the wedge's design is so flimsy that it does
not create enough pressure to separate the teeth and is therefore
marketed with the separate V3 and V ring separators. The
disadvantage with this system is that the wedge cannot be used
alone; necessitating the additional time required to place the
separating ring in addition to placing the wedge. This becomes a
more serious problem for the anterior teeth where the separating
rings are typically not used because the shape of the front teeth
is different than the posterior teeth. For anterior teeth, the
dentist becomes limited to using only the wedge which, in the case
of the wedge of US 2007/0254263, does very little wedging.
[0013] The second problem with the wedge of US 2007/0254263 is that
the top angle or corner is pointed which can put unfavorable
pressure on the matrix and create a flat spot on the matrix and the
resultant filling shape.
[0014] The third problem is that the wedge of US 2007/0254263 is
opaque, not allowing light transmission. Most composite
restorations today require photo polymerization to harden and cure
the filling material. It is an advantage to have both matrix and
wedge that allows the curing light to transmit light through their
structures without impediment.
[0015] The fourth problem is that the wedge of US 2007/0254263
along with most other wedges must be inserted from one side of the
teeth or the other side, and that to be thin enough to pass through
the narrow space disallows a wide and broad pressure to adequately
press the matrix against the tooth in the outer curved area.
[0016] Another problem is that of translucency to allow the photons
of the curing light to reach the composite material to initiate and
complete the photopolymerization. An opaque wedge blocks any
lateral transmission of light. That is important whenever a non
metal, translucent matrix is used. A second consideration of the
wedge is luminescence. A dark material will provide less
luminescence than a white material. It may be of an advantage for
an opaque reflectant wedge or a two part translucent/opaque wedge
to indeed block the light, once the wedge portion engaging the
tooth has extended beyond (below or in the gingival direction) of
the termination or gingival margin of the filling; where it will
block the travel of the unused photons, then luminesce to
essentially reflect the light back toward the filling instead of
wasting the photon light energy that is radiating in the gingival
direction.
[0017] Furthermore, traditional dental wedges have historically had
a poorly designed grip area. In addition, the common practice of
first partially inserting the wedge with a typical grip with the
tips of the pliers, meeting resistance, releasing the wedge,
rotating the pliers to push against the wedge with the larger flat
handle of the pliers. Worsening the problem of the poorly designed
end of the wedge is that all plastic wedges to date have a vestige
on the outer end surface that disadvantages the dentist further
encouraging the back or handle end of the pliers to slip off the
outer end surface and traumatize the gums or tooth in addition to
requiring the dentist to waste time and energy.
[0018] During insertion, the dental wedge can inadvertently rotate
without visual cues to the dentist because once the wedge is
inserted the handle is the only visible portion of the wedge.
[0019] In addition, all previous wedges from top view were either
concave in the areas were the wedge engages the teeth or flat
(wedge shaped). The cervical or gum area of the teeth, especially
bicuspids and molars can have a slight or significant concavity
that is described as either fluting or a furcation. It is extremely
common in these instances for excess of filling material to squirt
through the gap present as the dental matrix arcs across the
concavity as the matrix wants to remain flat as it cuts the
shortest distance across two prominences. This is referred to as an
overhang or excess of filling material and often results in
chronically inflamed gum tissues and potential gum disease and
aggravation to patient as the floss shreds and snags.
[0020] Thus, there is a need for improved dental wedges that may be
used in the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The foregoing needs are met by the invention which provides
an improved dental wedge that may be used for creating space
between adjacent teeth. In one form, the dental wedge includes an
elongated body extending from an outer end to an opposite inner
end. The body has a longitudinal intermediate wall, a longitudinal
first side wall connected to the intermediate wall, and a
longitudinal second side wall connected to the intermediate wall.
The first side wall and the second side wall each flare away from
the intermediate wall such that a first distal end of the first
side wall and a second distal end of the second side wall are
spaced apart creating an inverted generally V-shaped transverse
section for the body. The first side wall and the second side wall
can have a thickness that varies from the inner to outer sections
of the wedge and that varies from the top to the bottom of the
wedge. The body has a top surface formed by the intermediate wall,
the first side wall and the second side wall. The body also has a
bottom surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall
and the second side wall. The dental wedge includes a grasping
section connected to the outer end of the body. A hollow region is
defined by the bottom surface of the wedge and a first reference
line extending from the first distal end of the first side wall to
the second distal end of the second side wall.
[0022] In one example form of the wedge, transverse hollow regions
defined by transverse planes moving from the grasping section to
the inner end vary in area.
[0023] In another example form of the wedge, the grasping section
includes a first vertical land connected to the outer end of the
body, a second vertical land spaced apart from the first vertical
land, and an intermediate section connected to the first vertical
land and the second vertical land.
[0024] In yet another example form of the wedge, a first surface
section of the first side wall forms a first part of the top
surface, and the first part of the top surface is convex to conform
to a fluting or furcation in one of the adjacent teeth. Concave
regions are on one or both sides of the first part of the top
surface.
[0025] In still another example form of the wedge, at least a first
portion of the body comprises a first material that transmits
light.
[0026] The wedge according to the invention is between 10% and 90%
hollow, has a variable thickness, thick in spine to allow greater
strength for insertion and greater wedging pressure than the wedge
of US 2007/0254263.
[0027] Among other things, a dental wedge according to the
invention has the following features and/or advantages.
[0028] A dental wedge according to the invention has the advantage
of being a luminescent wedge, using translucent and/or opaque
reflectant wedge.
[0029] A dental wedge according to the invention has special
lumination features created with surface texture, chemical light
activated reflector luminescent chemicals or other modifications to
allow greater luminescence than that occurring naturally in
traditional resin or wooden wedges.
[0030] A dental wedge according to the invention is a two part
translucent/opaque wedge to both allow lateral transmission of
light energy and then to eventually reflect the light, once the
wedge portion engaging the tooth has extended beyond (below or in
the gingival direction) of the termination or gingival margin of
the filling; where it will block the travel of the unused photons,
then luminesce (glow) to essentially reflect the light back toward
the filling instead of wasting the photon light energy that is
radiating in the gingival direction.
[0031] A dental wedge according to the invention is a one piece
wedge with a hollow tube area on the spine of wedge leading to an
opening in the handle allowing light to pass into the tube and then
be reflected into the spine area.
[0032] A dental wedge according to the invention can be a wedge
with a light pipe that starts in an outer grasping section and
extends to the body of the wedge.
[0033] A dental wedge according to the invention is a one piece
wedge with a hollow tube near the spine that allows enough thinness
to make the otherwise mostly opaque material constituting the wedge
to become mostly translucent allowing the light if so directed from
a more 45 degree angulation essentially from on top of the handle
of the wedge to direct the light directly to the spine in lieu of
through the handle to the spine, and conversely from the wedge tip
area or preferably simultaneously.
[0034] A dental wedge according to the invention is between 0-90%
or 10-90% or 25-90% or 30-70% hollow, has a variable thickness,
thick in spine to allow greater strength for insertion and greater
wedging pressure than wedges such as that shown in US
2007/0254263.
[0035] A dental wedge according to the invention is designed as
"low profile" to allow a natural cervical embrasure shape to the
matrix and consequent filling. "Low profile" means that the side to
side dimension is greater than or equal to the top to bottom
dimension.
[0036] A dental wedge according to the invention is designed as
"low profile" to allow an exaggerated cervical embrasure shape to
the matrix and consequent filling.
[0037] A dental wedge according to the invention has slip material
in the wedge section that contacts the adjacent teeth and
gingiva.
[0038] A dental wedge according to the invention has a handle area
has matching splines to engage the serrations of the pliers.
[0039] A dental wedge according to the invention has a collapsing
tip to avoid trauma or skewering of papilla.
[0040] A dental wedge according to the invention has a safe blunted
tip to protect operator's finger from puncture wound and cross
infection and to protect the patient's gingiva from being
skewered.
[0041] A dental wedge according to the invention can be maximized
with pre-wedging with a conventional wedge first.
[0042] A dental wedge according to the invention has an orientation
component on the handle of the wedge so the dentist is aware of any
rotation that could have occurred that would otherwise go unnoticed
which would create the wrong pressure on the matrix subsequently
resulting in a poor shape and or poor contact area of the filling
being created.
[0043] A dental wedge according to the invention has a vestige that
is moved away from typical position to allow a superior end surface
for pressing against the end or handle end of the wedge with the
opposite end of the dental pliers and placed on bottom or other
area of wedge, i.e. anywhere but the end surface of the "handle
cap" Alternatively, a dental wedge according to the invention has a
recess or inverted dome, the depth of which is equal to or greater
than the anticipated height of vestige.
[0044] A dental wedge according to the invention has a land area
that is pushing surface that is an advantage when pushing the wedge
with the tips or traditional use of pliers.
[0045] A dental wedge according to the invention has a land area
that is triangular or equivalent to not interfere with a separator
ring shape such that it fits a separator ring. The back of the
handle is too far away to be a problem however the land area is
close enough to the filling/tooth area so a complimentary
triangular shape is advantageous.
[0046] A dental wedge according to the invention has a convexity
(in top view) in mid wedge varying from slight to abrupt and in
varying lengths, some at base only, some at top only and some with
continuous convexity from top to bottom (of this middle [in top
view] area) that is designed to approximate the mid tooth concavity
present in some teeth. It is therefore an advantage to have a wedge
that has a mid tooth convexity to properly adapt and seal the
matrix where the tooth often has a corresponding concavity.
[0047] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood upon consideration
of the following detailed description, drawings and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 is a top, front, left perspective view of a first
embodiment of a dental wedge according to the invention.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a top, rear, perspective view of the dental wedge
of FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the dental wedge of FIG.
1.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the dental wedge of FIG.
1.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of FIG.
1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of FIG.
1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 in which only the top section of
the dental wedge is shown.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of FIG.
1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 in which only the bottom section
of the dental wedge is shown.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the dental wedge of FIG. 1.
[0056] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the dental wedge of FIG.
1.
[0057] FIG. 10 is a front view of the dental wedge of FIG. 1.
[0058] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the dental wedge of FIG. 1.
[0059] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 1 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.
[0060] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 1 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11.
[0061] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 1 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11.
[0062] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cotton pliers about to
grasp the outer end of the dental wedge of FIG. 1.
[0063] FIG. 16 shows the dental wedge of FIG. 1 pressing a
sectional dental matrix against a tooth being restored.
[0064] FIG. 17 is a top view of a second embodiment of a dental
wedge according to the invention.
[0065] FIG. 18 is a left view of the dental wedge of FIG. 17.
[0066] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the dental wedge of FIG. 17.
[0067] FIG. 20 shows cross-sectional views of the dental wedge of
FIG. 17.
[0068] FIG. 21 is a top, right perspective view of the dental wedge
of FIG. 17.
[0069] FIG. 22 is a front view of the dental wedge of FIG. 17.
[0070] FIG. 23 is a right view of the dental wedge of FIG. 17.
[0071] FIG. 24 is a rear view of the dental wedge of FIG. 17.
[0072] FIG. 25 is a top, right perspective view of a third
embodiment of a dental wedge according to the invention.
[0073] FIG. 26 is a front view of the dental wedge of FIG. 25.
[0074] FIG. 27 is a right view of the dental wedge of FIG. 25.
[0075] FIG. 28 is a rear view of the dental wedge of FIG. 25.
[0076] FIG. 29 is a top view of the dental wedge of FIG. 25.
[0077] FIG. 30 is a left view of the dental wedge of FIG. 25.
[0078] FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the dental wedge of FIG. 25.
[0079] FIG. 32 is a top, right perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of a dental wedge according to the invention.
[0080] FIG. 33 is a front view of the dental wedge of FIG. 32.
[0081] FIG. 34 is a right view of the dental wedge of FIG. 32.
[0082] FIG. 35 is a rear view of the dental wedge of FIG. 32.
[0083] FIG. 36 is a top view of the dental wedge of FIG. 32.
[0084] FIG. 37 is a left view of the dental wedge of FIG. 32.
[0085] FIG. 38 is a bottom view of the dental wedge of FIG. 32.
[0086] FIG. 39 shows a top view of a fifth embodiment of a dental
wedge according to the invention.
[0087] FIG. 39a shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 39 taken along line 39a-39a of FIG. 39.
[0088] FIG. 39b shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 39 taken along line 39b-39b of FIG. 39.
[0089] FIG. 39c shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 39 taken along line 39c-39c of FIG. 39.
[0090] FIG. 39d shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 39 taken along line 39d-39d of FIG. 39.
[0091] FIG. 39e shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 39 taken along line 39e-39e of FIG. 39.
[0092] FIG. 39f shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 39 taken along line 39f-39f of FIG. 39.
[0093] FIG. 40a shows cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of
a dental wedge according to the invention at a location similar to
line 39a-39a of FIG. 39.
[0094] FIG. 40b shows cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of
a dental wedge according to the invention at a location similar to
line 41b-41b of FIG. 39.
[0095] FIG. 40c shows cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of
a dental wedge according to the invention at a location similar to
line 41c-41c of FIG. 39.
[0096] FIG. 40d shows cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of
a dental wedge according to the invention at a location similar to
line 39b-39b of FIG. 39.
[0097] FIG. 40e shows cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of
a dental wedge according to the invention at a location similar to
line 39e-39e of FIG. 39.
[0098] FIG. 40f shows cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of
a dental wedge according to the invention at a location similar to
line 39f-39f of FIG. 39.
[0099] FIG. 41 shows a top view of a seventh embodiment of a dental
wedge according to the invention.
[0100] FIG. 41 a shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge
of FIG. 41 taken along line 41a-41a of FIG. 41.
[0101] FIG. 41 b shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge
of FIG. 41 taken along line 41b-41b of FIG. 41.
[0102] FIG. 41 c shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge
of FIG. 41 taken along line 41c-41c of FIG. 41.
[0103] FIG. 41d shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge of
FIG. 41 taken along line 41d-41d of FIG. 41.
[0104] FIG. 41 e shows a cross-sectional view of the dental wedge
of FIG. 41 taken along line 41e-41e of FIG. 41.
[0105] FIG. 42 shows a traditional prior art dental wedge breaking
free from a "runner" area of an injection mold that feeds resin to
the wedge, and the resultant vestige of extra resin on the end of
the wedge.
[0106] FIG. 43 shows final pressure to seat the dental wedge of
FIG. 42 with the larger flat handle of the pliers that were rotated
180 degrees in the hand of the dentist after the wedge was
initially inserted but needed significantly more pressure to be
driven completely between the teeth (simultaneously spreading the
teeth apart).
[0107] FIG. 44 is a top, right perspective view of an eighth
embodiment of a dental wedge according to the invention.
[0108] FIG. 45 is a top view of the dental wedge of FIG. 44.
[0109] FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the dental wedge of FIG. 44.
[0110] FIG. 47 is a top, right perspective view of a ninth
embodiment of a dental wedge according to the invention.
[0111] FIG. 48 is a top view of the dental wedge of FIG. 47.
[0112] FIG. 49 is a top, right perspective view of a tenth
embodiment of a dental wedge according to the invention.
[0113] FIG. 50 is a top view of the dental wedge of FIG. 49.
[0114] FIG. 51 is a bottom view of the dental wedge of FIG. 50.
[0115] Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts
from Figure to Figure in the following description of the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0116] Turning to FIGS. 1 to 16, a first embodiment of a dental
wedge 10 according to the invention is shown. The dental wedge 10
includes a top section 12 and a bottom section 14. The use of
relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "inner",
"left", "outer", "right", and the like when describing the dental
wedges of the invention is not intended to limit the orientation in
which the dental wedge 10 may be used. Such relative terms merely
serve to more conveniently describe the invention. Unless the
context clearly indicates the contrary, "top" will refer to the
direction toward the closed end of the dental wedge, "bottom" will
refer to the direction toward the open end of the dental wedge,
"inner" or "left" will refer to the direction toward the end of the
dental wedge that is first inserted between adjacent teeth, "outer"
or "right" will refer to the direction toward the end of the dental
wedge that is grasped when the dental wedge is inserted between
adjacent teeth, "front" will refer to the direction toward a viewer
when the outer end of the dental wedge is on the right when viewed,
and "rear" will refer to the direction away from a viewer when the
outer end of the dental wedge is on the right when viewed.
[0117] The top section 12 has a generally arcuate top surface 14
and a rounded top edge 15 that extends from a first vertical land
area 16 to an end 18 that is inward from the end of the wedge 10.
The top section 12 has a central longitudinal body 20 that extends
from the land area 16 to the end 18. The land area 16 includes a
transverse inner channel 19. The body 20 is located below the top
surface 14. The body 20 has arcuate tubular recesses 22a to 22g
(see FIG. 6) that extend from the front to the rear of the body 20.
Extending away from the vertical land area 16 opposite the end 18
is a first grasping section 24 having a base 26 and splines 28a,
28b, 28c and 28d that extend outwardly from the base 26. The
splines 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d are generally plate-like but can also
have other shapes. The splines 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d can provide
visual cues of inadvertent wedge rotation to the dentist. Extending
away from the first grasping section 24 opposite the vertical land
area 16 is a generally U-shaped second land 30.
[0118] The bottom section 14 of the dental wedge 10 has a generally
arcuate bottom surface 34 that extends from an inner end 36 to
paper thin collapsing distal tip 38. A body 42 of the bottom
section 14 is located above the bottom surface 34. The body 42 has
upwardly extending projections 44a to 44g, and a side projection
46.
[0119] Looking at FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14, the configuration of
cross-sections of the wedge 10 is shown at an outer location 52, an
intermediate location 54, and an inner location 56. Comparing FIGS.
12, 13 and 14, at outer location 52 of FIG. 12, the bottom surface
34 at position 58a has a lesser curvature (i.e, reciprocal of the
radius) than the curvature at position 58b of the intermediate
location 54. Also, the bottom surface 34 has a lesser curvature at
position 58b at intermediate location 54 of FIG. 13 than the
curvature at position 58c of the inner location 56 of FIG. 14.
[0120] Still looking at FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, at position 59a at
outer location 52 of FIG. 12, the rounded top surface 14 has a
lesser curvature (i.e, reciprocal of the radius) than the curvature
at position 59b of the intermediate location 54. Also, the rounded
top surface 14 has a lesser curvature at position 59b at
intermediate location 54 of FIG. 13 than the curvature at position
59c of the inner location 56 of FIG. 14.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 13, it can be seen that the distance from
the bottom of the wedge 10 to position 58b at intermediate location
54 is greater than half of the distance from the bottom of the
wedge 10 to position 59b at intermediate location 54. A hollow
region 62 is formed between the bottom surface 34 and a reference
line L. The transverse hollow region 62 can have a cross-sectional
area that is 0-90% or 10-90% or 25-90% or 30-70% or 40%-60% of the
cross-sectional area of a region bounded by the outer surface 64 of
the wedge and first reference line L. Also, as the transverse
hollow region 62 is created in transverse planes moving from the
land area 16 to the tip 38, the ratio of the transverse hollow
region to the cross-sectional area of a region bounded by the outer
surface 64 of the wedge and first reference line L can vary. For
example, at an intermediate section of the wedge 10, the hollow
region may be a greater percentage of the wedge, and at a inner and
outer end sections of the wedge 10, the hollow region may be a
lesser percentage of the wedge.
[0122] Still referring to FIG. 13, the vertical thickness of the
top section 12 is greater than the lateral thickness of the bottom
section 14. Also, the vertical thickness of the top section 12 and
the lateral thickness of the bottom section 14 vary.
[0123] Still referring to FIG. 13, a wedge width is defined by a
first distance of the first reference line L extending from the
first distal end 97 of the first side wall to the second distal end
98 of the second side wall, and a wedge height is defined by a
second distance between the first reference line L and a second
reference line L2 that is tangent to the top edge 15 of the top
surface of the wedge body. Preferably, the wedge width is greater
than the wedge height. The wedge width may be greater than the
wedge height by at least 25% or by at least 50% or by at least 75%
or by at least 100%. Also, as the wedge width and the wedge height
are calculated at selected points of the top edge 15, and the
second distal end 98 in common transverse planes moving from the
land area 16 to the tip 38, the ratio of the wedge width and the
wedge height can vary. For example, at an intermediate section of
the wedge 10, the wedge width may be less than the wedge height,
and at a inner and outer end sections of the wedge 10, the wedge
width may be greater than the wedge height.
[0124] Likewise, referring to FIG. 14, the distance from the bottom
of the wedge 10 to position 58c at inner location 56 is greater
than half of the distance from the bottom of the wedge 10 to
position 59c at inner location 56.
[0125] The dental wedge 10 can be formed using an overmolding
process. A suitable polymeric material is first molded into the
bottom section 14. Then another polymeric material is overmolded on
the bottom section 14 to form the top section 12 of the dental
wedge 10. Alternatively, the top section 12 can be molded first and
then the bottom section 14 can be overmolded. During the
overmolding process, the fluid polymeric materials allow for the
creation of mechanical interlocks between the top section 12 and
the bottom section 14. Specifically, the projections 44a to 44g of
the bottom section 14 are formed within the arcuate tubular
recesses 22a to 22g of the top section 12 to form mechanical
interlocks, and the side projection 46 of the bottom section 14 is
formed within the transverse inner channel 19 of the top section 12
to form a mechanical interlock.
[0126] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the top
section 12 of the dental wedge 10. Preferably, the top section 12
is molded from a polymeric material that forms a transparent or
translucent top section 12. Non-limiting examples of polymeric
materials for forming a transparent or translucent top section 12
include polycarbonates (e.g., Lexan.RTM. polycarbonate), acrylics
(e.g., polymethylmethacrylate), polyesters (e.g., polyethylene
terephthalate) and polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene,
polypropylene).
[0127] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the bottom
section 14 of the dental wedge 10. Preferably, the bottom section
14 is molded from a polymeric material that forms an opaque bottom
section 14. "Opaque" means the polymeric material transmits very
little light, and therefore reflects (as in specular reflection
from the interface between the top section 12 and the bottom
section 14), scatters (as in diffuse reflection from the interface
between the top section 12 and the bottom section 14), or absorbs
most of it. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials for
forming an opaque bottom section 14 include polyoxymethylene (e.g.,
Delrin.RTM. with a modulus of about 3,000 MPa).
[0128] The opacity of these polymeric materials for the bottom
section 14 can be controlled by including within the polymeric
material various amounts of a pigment having a high refractive
index such as titanium dioxide. The pigment can be dispersed
throughout the bottom section 14, or can be located at surface
areas or at the interface of the top section 12 and the bottom
section 14. Also, it can be beneficial to lower the coefficient of
friction of the surface of the opaque bottom section 14. Slip
additives can be added to the polymeric material to modify the
surface properties of the opaque bottom section 14 and thus lower
the coefficient of friction of the surface of the opaque bottom
section 14. Fatty acid amides are suitable slip additives.
[0129] FIG. 15 shows how inner end serrations 71 of a cotton pliers
73 can engage the splines 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d of the first
grasping section 24 of the dental wedge 10. FIG. 16 shows the
dental wedge 10 pressing a clear sectional dental matrix 81 against
gingiva 82 and a tooth 83 being restored so that the matrix 81
seals the tooth 83 and keeps the filling material inside of the
desired space with the wedge 10 separating adjacent teeth 83, 85 so
that when the matrix 81 is removed after placing and hardening the
filling material, the gap that is formed when the matrix 81 is
removed is mitigated as the teeth 83, 85 "spring " back together
and close the gap that was present when the matrix 81 was removed.
The wedge 10 is inserted between the teeth 83, 85 with the
collapsing distal tip 38 being inserted first while grasping the
first grasping section 24 with the cotton pliers 73.
[0130] Looking at FIG. 16, a dentist may choose to use curable
restorative material to fill interproximal cavity 87. Many curable
dental restorative materials harden by polymerization reactions
initiated by ultraviolet light or blue wavelengths.
[0131] After placing curable restorative material between the
matrix 81 and the tooth 83 being restored and in contact with the
tooth 83 being restored, the dentist uses a dental curing light
device to direct light onto the curable restorative material to
initiate polymerization of the curable restorative material. The
transparent or translucent top section 12 of the dental wedge 10
can receive and transmit light from such a dental curing light.
Therefore, the top section 12 acts as a light pipe for light from
the dental curing light. Light that is transmitted through the
transparent or translucent top section 12 can also pass through the
transparent or translucent matrix 81 onto the curable restorative
material to initiate polymerization of the curable restorative
material. Also, light that reaches an interface between the top
section 12 and the bottom section 14 is reflected back due to the
reflectant property of the opaque bottom section 14. The interface
between the top section 12 and the bottom section 14 may include
surface texturing to increase reflected back light due to the
reflectant property of the opaque bottom section 14. The reflected
light can pass through the transparent or translucent top section
12 and can also pass through the transparent or translucent matrix
81 onto the curable restorative material to initiate polymerization
of the curable restorative material. In addition, polymeric
materials for the bottom section 14 can include a fluorophore such
that absorbed radiation from the curing light can cause re-emission
of light at a different wavelength to further cure the curable
restorative material.
[0132] Turning to FIGS. 17 to 24, a second embodiment of a dental
wedge 110 according to the invention is shown. The dental wedge 110
includes a top section 112 and a bottom section 114. The use of
relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "inner",
"left", "outer", "right", and the like when describing the dental
wedge 110 of the invention is not intended to limit the orientation
in which the dental wedge 110 may be used as explained above.
[0133] The top section 112 has a generally arcuate top surface 119
and a rounded top edge 115 that extends from a first vertical land
area 116 to a paper thin (e.g., 0.001''-0.050'') collapsing distal
tip 138 that is inward from the end of the wedge 110. Extending
away from the vertical land area 116 opposite the tip 138 is a
first grasping section 124 having a base 126 and splines 128a,
128b, 128c and 128d that extend outwardly from the base 126. The
splines 128a, 128b, 128c and 128d are generally plate-like but can
also have other shapes. Extending away from the first grasping
section 124 opposite the vertical land area 116 is a generally
U-shaped second land 130.
[0134] The bottom section 114 of the dental wedge 110 has a
generally arcuate bottom surface 134 that extends from an inner end
136 to paper thin collapsing distal tip 138. Looking at FIG. 20,
the configuration of cross-sections of the wedge 110 are shown.
[0135] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the dental
wedge 110. Preferably, the dental wedge 110 is molded from a
polymeric material that forms an opaque wedge. "Opaque" means the
polymeric material transmits very little light, and therefore
reflects, scatters, or absorbs most of it. Non-limiting examples of
polymeric materials for forming an opaque wedge include
polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin.RTM. with a modulus of about 3,000
MPa).
[0136] The opacity of these polymeric materials for the wedge 110
can be controlled by including within the polymeric material
various amounts of a pigment having a high refractive index such as
titanium dioxide. The pigment can be dispersed throughout the wedge
110. Also, it can be beneficial to lower the coefficient of
friction of the surface of the wedge 110. Slip additives can be
added to the polymeric material to modify the surface properties of
the wedge 110 and thus lower the coefficient of friction of the
surface of the wedge 110. Fatty acid amides are suitable slip
additives.
[0137] Inner end serrations 71 of a cotton pliers 73 can engage the
splines 128a, 128b, 128c and 128d of the first grasping section 124
of the dental wedge 110 in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15.
Similar to FIG. 16, the dental wedge 110 can press a clear
sectional dental matrix 81 against gingiva 82 and a tooth 83 being
restored so that the matrix 81 seals the tooth 83 and keeps the
filling material inside of the desired space with the wedge 110
separating adjacent teeth 83, 85 so that when the matrix 81 is
removed after placing and hardening the filling material, the gap
that is formed when the matrix 81 is removed is mitigated as the
teeth 83, 85 "spring " back together and close the gap that was
present when the matrix 81 was removed. The wedge 110 is inserted
between the teeth 83, 85 with the collapsing distal tip 138 being
inserted first while grasping the first grasping section 124 with
the cotton pliers 73.
[0138] Turning to FIGS. 25-31, a third embodiment of a dental wedge
310 according to the invention is shown. The dental wedge 310
includes a top section 312 and a bottom section 314. The use of
relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "inner",
"left", "outer", "right", and the like when describing the dental
wedge 310 is not intended to limit the orientation in which the
dental wedge 310 may be used as explained above.
[0139] The top section 312 has a generally arcuate top surface 319
and a rounded top edge 315 that extends from a first vertical land
area 316 to an end 318 that is inward from the end of the wedge
310. The top section 312 has a central longitudinal body 320 that
extends from the land area 316 to the end 318. The body 320 is
located below the top surface 319. Extending away from the first
vertical land area 316 opposite the end 318 is a first grasping
section 324 having a base 326 and splines 328a, 328b, 328c and 328d
that extend outwardly from the base 326. The splines 328a, 328b,
328c and 328d are generally plate-like but can also have other
shapes. Extending away from the first grasping section 324 opposite
the first vertical land area 316 is a generally U-shaped second
land 330.
[0140] The bottom section 314 of the dental wedge 310 has a
generally arcuate bottom surface 334 that extends from an inner end
336 to paper thin collapsing distal tip 338. A body 342 of the
bottom section 314 is located above the bottom surface 334.
[0141] The dental wedge 310 can be formed using an overmolding
process. A suitable polymeric material is first molded into the
bottom section 314. Then another polymeric material is overmolded
on the bottom section 314 to form the top section 312 and the
second land 330 of the dental wedge 310. Alternatively, the top
section 312 and the second land 330 can be molded first and then
the bottom section 314 can be overmolded. During the overmolding
process, the fluid polymeric materials allow for the creation of
mechanical interlocks between the top section 312 and the bottom
section 314.
[0142] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the top
section 312 and the second land 330 of the dental wedge 310.
Preferably, the top section 312 and the second land 330 are molded
from a polymeric material that forms a transparent or translucent
top section 312 and second land 330. Non-limiting examples of
polymeric materials for forming a transparent or translucent top
section 312 and the second land 330 include polycarbonates (e.g.,
Lexan.RTM. polycarbonate), acrylics (e.g., polymethylmethacrylate),
polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) and polyolefins
(e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene).
[0143] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the bottom
section 314 of the dental wedge 310. Preferably, the bottom section
314 is molded from a polymeric material that forms an opaque bottom
section 314. "Opaque" means the polymeric material transmits very
little light, and therefore reflects (as in specular reflection
from the interface between the top section 312 and the bottom
section 314), scatters (as in diffuse reflection from the interface
between the top section 312 and the bottom section 314), or absorbs
most of it. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials for
forming an opaque bottom section 314 include polyoxymethylene
(e.g., Delrin.RTM. with a modulus of about 3,000 MPa).
[0144] The opacity of these polymeric materials for the bottom
section 314 can be controlled by including within the polymeric
material various amounts of a pigment having a high refractive
index such as titanium dioxide. The pigment can be dispersed
throughout the bottom section 314, or can be located at surface
areas or at the interface of the top section 312 and the bottom
section 314. Also, it can be beneficial to lower the coefficient of
friction of the surface of the opaque bottom section 314. Slip
additives can be added to the polymeric material to modify the
surface properties of the opaque bottom section 314 and thus lower
the coefficient of friction of the surface of the opaque bottom
section 314. Fatty acid amides are suitable slip additives.
[0145] Inner end serrations 71 of a cotton pliers 73 can engage the
splines 328a, 328b, 328c and 328d of the first grasping section 324
of the dental wedge 310 in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15.
Similar to FIG. 16, the dental wedge 310 can press a clear
sectional dental matrix 81 against gingiva 82 and a tooth 83 being
restored so that the matrix 81 seals the tooth 83 and keeps the
filling material inside of the desired space with the wedge 310
separating adjacent teeth 83, 85 so that when the matrix 81 is
removed after placing and hardening the filling material, the gap
that is formed when the matrix 81 is removed is mitigated as the
teeth 83, 85 "spring " back together and close the gap that was
present when the matrix 81 was removed. The wedge 310 is inserted
between the teeth 83, 85 with the collapsing distal tip 338 being
inserted first while grasping the first grasping section 324 with
the cotton pliers 73.
[0146] Turning to FIGS. 32-38, a fourth embodiment of a dental
wedge 410 according to the invention is shown. The dental wedge 410
includes a top section 412 and a bottom section 414. The use of
relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "inner",
"left", "outer", "right", and the like when describing the dental
wedge 410 is not intended to limit the orientation in which the
dental wedge 410 may be used as explained above.
[0147] The top section 412 has a generally arcuate top surface 419
and a rounded top edge 415 that extends from a first vertical land
area 416 to a paper thin collapsing distal tip 438 that is inward
from the end of the wedge 410. The top section 412 has a central
longitudinal body 420 that extends from the land area 416 to the
distal tip 438. The body 420 is located below the top surface 419.
Extending away from the first vertical land area 416 opposite the
end 418 is a first grasping section 424 having a base 426 and
splines 428b, 428c and 428d that extend outwardly from the base
426. The splines428b, 428c and 428d are generally plate-like but
can also have other shapes. Extending away from the first grasping
section 424 opposite the first vertical land area 416 is a
generally U-shaped second land 430. A light pipe 444 starts in the
second land 430, extends through the land area 416, and extends to
the body 420.
[0148] The bottom section 414 of the dental wedge 410 has a
generally arcuate bottom surface 434 that extends from an inner end
436 to the paper thin collapsing distal tip 438. A body 442 of the
bottom section 414 is located above the bottom surface 434.
[0149] The dental wedge 410 can be formed using an overmolding
process. A suitable polymeric material is first molded into the
bottom section 414. Then another polymeric material is overmolded
on the bottom section 414 to form the top section 412 and the light
pipe 444 of the dental wedge 410. Alternatively, the top section
412 and the light pipe 444 can be molded first and then the bottom
section 414 can be overmolded. During the overmolding process, the
fluid polymeric materials allow for the creation of mechanical
interlocks between the top section 412 and the bottom section
414.
[0150] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the top
section 412 and the light pipe 444 of the dental wedge 410.
Preferably, the top section 412 and the light pipe 444 are molded
from a polymeric material that forms a transparent or translucent
top section 412 and light pipe 444. Non-limiting examples of
polymeric materials for forming a transparent or translucent top
section 412 and the light pipe 444 include polycarbonates (e.g.,
Lexan.RTM. polycarbonate), acrylics (e.g., polymethylmethacrylate),
polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) and polyolefins
(e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene).
[0151] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the bottom
section 414 of the dental wedge 410. Preferably, the bottom section
414 is molded from a polymeric material that forms an opaque bottom
section 414. "Opaque" means the polymeric material transmits very
little light, and therefore reflects (as in specular reflection
from the interface between the top section 412 and the bottom
section 414), scatters (as in diffuse reflection from the interface
between the top section 412 and the bottom section 414), or absorbs
most of it. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials for
forming an opaque bottom section 414 include polyoxymethylene
(e.g., Delrin.RTM. with a modulus of about 3,000 MPa).
[0152] The opacity of these polymeric materials for the bottom
section 414 can be controlled by including within the polymeric
material various amounts of a pigment having a high refractive
index such as titanium dioxide. The pigment can be dispersed
throughout the bottom section 414, or can be located at surface
areas or at the interface of the top section 412 and the bottom
section 414. Also, it can be beneficial to lower the coefficient of
friction of the surface of the opaque bottom section 414. Slip
additives can be added to the polymeric material to modify the
surface properties of the opaque bottom section 414 and thus lower
the coefficient of friction of the surface of the opaque bottom
section 414. Fatty acid amides are suitable slip additives.
[0153] Inner end serrations 71 of a cotton pliers 73 can engage the
splines 428b, 428c and 428d of the first grasping section 424 of
the dental wedge 410 in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15.
Similar to FIG. 16, the dental wedge 410 can press a clear
sectional dental matrix 81 against gingiva 82 and a tooth 83 being
restored so that the matrix 81 seals the tooth 83 and keeps the
filling material inside of the desired space with the wedge 410
separating adjacent teeth 83, 85 so that when the matrix 81 is
removed after placing and hardening the filling material, the gap
that is formed when the matrix 81 is removed is mitigated as the
teeth 83, 85 "spring " back together and close the gap that was
present when the matrix 81 was removed. The wedge 410 is inserted
between the teeth 83, 85 with the collapsing distal tip 438 being
inserted first while grasping the first grasping section 424 with
the cotton pliers 73.
[0154] FIGS. 39 to 39f show a top view and cross-sectional views of
a fifth embodiment of a dental wedge 510 according to the
invention.
[0155] The dental wedge 510 includes a top section 512 and a bottom
section 514. The use of relative terms such as "top", "bottom",
"front", "rear", "inner", "left", "outer", "right", and the like
when describing the dental wedge 510 of the invention is not
intended to limit the orientation in which the dental wedge 510 may
be used as explained above.
[0156] The top section 512 has a top surface 519 that extends from
a first vertical land area 516 to a paper thin (e.g.,
0.001''-0.050'') collapsing distal tip 538 that is inward from the
end of the wedge 510. Extending away from the first vertical land
area 516 opposite the tip 538 is a first grasping section 524
having a base 526 and splines 528a, 528b and 528c that extend
outwardly from the base 526. The splines 528a, 528b, 528c are
generally plate-like but can also have other shapes. Extending away
from the first grasping section 524 opposite the first vertical
land area 516 is a generally U-shaped second land 530. The bottom
section 514 of the dental wedge 510 has a bottom surface 534 that
extends from an inner end 536 to the paper thin collapsing distal
tip 538. Looking at FIGS. 39a to 39f, the configuration of
cross-sections of the wedge 510 are shown.
[0157] Various opaque, translucent or transparent materials can be
used to mold the dental wedge 510. Also, it can be beneficial to
lower the coefficient of friction of the surface of the wedge 510.
Slip additives can be added to the polymeric material to modify the
surface properties of the wedge 510 and thus lower the coefficient
of friction of the surface of the wedge 510. Inner end serrations
71 of a cotton pliers 73 can engage the splines 528a, 528b, 528c of
the first grasping section 524 of the dental wedge 510 in a similar
manner as shown in FIG. 15.
[0158] FIGS. 40a to 40f show cross-sectional views of a sixth
embodiment of a dental wedge 610 according to the invention. The
dental wedge 610 includes a top section 612 and a bottom section
614. The use of relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "front",
"rear", "inner", "left", "outer", "right", and the like when
describing the dental wedge 610 of the invention is not intended to
limit the orientation in which the dental wedge 610 may be used as
explained above.
[0159] The top section 612 has a top surface 619 that extends from
a first vertical land area (similar to FIG. 39) to a paper thin
(e.g., 0.001''-0.050'') collapsing distal tip 638 that is inward
from the end of the wedge 610. Extending away from the first
vertical land area opposite the tip 638 is a first grasping section
having a base and splines (similar to FIG. 39) that extend
outwardly from the base. The splines are generally plate-like but
can also have other shapes. Extending away from the first grasping
section opposite the first vertical land area is a generally
U-shaped second land (similar to FIG. 39). The bottom section 614
of the dental wedge 610 has a bottom surface 634 that extends from
an inner end to the paper thin collapsing distal tip 638. Looking
at FIGS. 40a to 40f, the configuration of cross-sections of the
wedge 610 are shown.
[0160] Various opaque, translucent or transparent materials can be
used to mold the dental wedge 610. Also, it can be beneficial to
lower the coefficient of friction of the surface of the wedge 610.
Slip additives can be added to the polymeric material to modify the
surface properties of the wedge 610 and thus lower the coefficient
of friction of the surface of the wedge 610. Inner end serrations
71 of a cotton pliers 73 can engage the splines of the first
grasping section of the dental wedge 610 in a similar manner as
shown in FIG. 15.
[0161] FIGS. 41to 41e show a top view and cross-sectional views of
a seventh embodiment of a dental wedge 710 according to the
invention. The dental wedge 710 includes a top section 712 and a
bottom section 714. The use of relative terms such as "top",
"bottom", "front", "rear", "inner", "left", "outer", "right", and
the like when describing the dental wedge 710 of the invention is
not intended to limit the orientation in which the dental wedge 710
may be used as explained above.
[0162] The top section 712 has a top surface 719 that extends from
a first vertical land area 716 to a paper thin (e.g.,
0.001''-0.050'') collapsing distal tip 738 that is inward from the
end of the wedge 710. Extending away from the first vertical land
area 716 opposite the tip 738 is a first grasping section 724
having a base 726 and splines 728a, 728b and 728c that extend
outwardly from the base 726. The splines 728a, 728b, 728c are
generally plate-like but can also have other shapes. Extending away
from the first grasping section 724 opposite the first vertical
land area 716 is a generally U-shaped second land 730. The bottom
section 714 of the dental wedge 710 has a bottom surface 734 that
extends from an inner end 736 to paper thin collapsing distal tip
738. Looking at FIGS. 41a to 41e, the configuration of
cross-sections of the wedge 710 are shown.
[0163] FIG. 42 shows a prior art dental wedge 4201 breaking free
from a "runner" area 4202 of an injection mold that feeds resin to
the wedge 4201, and the resultant vestige 4203 of extra resin on
the end of the wedge 4201. FIG. 43 shows final pressure to seat the
prior art dental wedge 4201 of FIG. 42 with the larger flat handle
of the pliers 4210 that were rotated 180 degrees in the hand of the
dentist after the wedge was initially inserted but needed
significantly more pressure to be driven completely between the
teeth 4220, 4222 (simultaneously spreading the teeth apart). The
vestige 4203 makes it difficult to apply pressure from the pliers
4210 to the end surface 4333 of the wedge as the pliers 4210 can
slip off the vestige.
[0164] FIGS. 44 to 46 show an eighth embodiment of a dental wedge
810 according to the invention. The furca is the area where a tooth
root divides. A furcal concavity is a depression naturally present
in the furcation area of the root of a tooth.
[0165] The inward dimension of the furcal concavity is larger
closer to the apex of the root. However, the concavity is also
present near the crown. The inward dimension of the furcal
concavity may also be larger from inward decay due to the age of
the patient. The dental wedge 810 includes features that allow the
wedge 810 to seat more precisely within the furcation area of the
tooth.
[0166] The dental wedge 810 includes a central longitudinal body
820 that extends from a land area 816 to a distal tip 838. The body
820 is located below the top surface 819. The body 820 has a top
section 812 and a bottom section 814. The body 820 has a
longitudinal intermediate wall at the top surface 819, a
longitudinal first side wall 897 connected to the intermediate
wall, and a longitudinal second side wall 898 connected to the
intermediate wall. Extending away from the first vertical land area
816 is a first grasping section 824 having a base 826 and splines
828 that extend outwardly from the base 826. The splines 828 are
generally plate-like but can also have other shapes. Extending away
from the first grasping section 824 opposite the first vertical
land area 816 is a generally U-shaped second land 830. The wedge
810 has a generally arcuate bottom surface 834 that extends from an
inner end 836 to the paper thin collapsing distal tip 838.
[0167] In order to seat the wedge 810 more precisely within the
furcation area of the tooth, the wedge 810 includes central outward
protrusions 841, 842 on opposite sides of the wedge 810. The
convexity of the protrusions 841, 842 provide contact with a tooth
surface that may have inward furcation and/or fluting from decay
due to the age of the patient. The protrusions 841, 842 can extend
from the top section 812 to the bottom section 814 of the wedge
810. The protrusions 841, 842 can be located at the centerpoint of
the body 820, or in the intermediate section of the body 820
adjacent the centerpoint.
[0168] Inner end serrations 71 of a cotton pliers 73 can engage the
splines 828 of the first grasping section 824 of the dental wedge
810 in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15. Similar to FIG. 16,
the dental wedge 810 can press a clear sectional dental matrix 81
against gingiva 82 and a tooth 83 being restored so that the matrix
81 seals the tooth 83 and keeps the filling material inside of the
desired space with the wedge 810 separating adjacent teeth 83, 85
so that when the matrix 81 is removed after placing and hardening
the filling material, the gap that is formed when the matrix 81 is
removed is mitigated as the teeth 83, 85 "spring " back together
and close the gap that was present when the matrix 81 was removed.
The wedge 810 is inserted between the teeth 83, 85 with the
collapsing distal tip 838 being inserted first while grasping the
first grasping section 424 with the cotton pliers 73.
[0169] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the dental
wedge 810. The wedge 810 can molded from a polymeric material that
forms an opaque body. "Opaque" means the polymeric material
transmits very little light, and therefore reflects, scatters, or
absorbs most of it. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials
for forming the wedge 810 include polyoxymethylene (e.g.,
Delrin.RTM. with a modulus of about 3,000 MPa).
[0170] FIGS. 47 to 48 show a ninth embodiment of a dental wedge 910
according to the invention. The dental wedge 910 includes a central
longitudinal body 920 that extends from a land area 916 to a distal
tip 938. The lower edge 911 of the body 920 defines protruding
regions 912, 913, 914, 915. Extending away from the first vertical
land area 916 is a first grasping section 924 having a base 926 and
splines 928 that extend outwardly from the base 926. The splines
928 are generally plate-like but can also have other shapes.
Extending away from the first grasping section 924 opposite the
first vertical land area 916 is a generally U-shaped second land
930. The wedge 910 has a generally arcuate bottom surface.
[0171] In order to seat the wedge 910 more precisely between
anterior teeth and bicuspids, the wedge 910 has a dimension D
between protruding regions 912, 913 and between protruding regions
914, 915 of about 2 to about 8 millimeters, or about 3 to about 7
millimeters, or about 4 to about 6 millimeters, or about 5
millimeters. In contrast, this dimension can be about 7.5-8.0
millimeters for a wedge used between molars. Also, the top surface
919 of the wedge 910 can include a single pitch on each side of a
top ridge 921.
[0172] Inner end serrations 71 of a cotton pliers 73 can engage the
splines 928 of the first grasping section 924 of the dental wedge
910 in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15. Similar to FIG. 16,
the dental wedge 910 can press a clear sectional dental matrix 81
against gingiva 82 and a tooth 83 being restored so that the matrix
81 seals the tooth 83 and keeps the filling material inside of the
desired space with the wedge 910 separating adjacent teeth 83, 85
so that when the matrix 81 is removed after placing and hardening
the filling material, the gap that is formed when the matrix 81 is
removed is mitigated as the teeth 83, 85 "spring " back together
and close the gap that was present when the matrix 81 was removed.
The wedge 910 is inserted between the teeth 83, 85 with the
collapsing distal tip 938 being inserted first while grasping the
first grasping section 424 with the cotton pliers 73.
[0173] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the dental
wedge 910. The wedge 810 can molded from a polymeric material that
forms an opaque body. "Opaque" means the polymeric material
transmits very little light, and therefore reflects, scatters, or
absorbs most of it. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials
for forming the wedge 910 include polyoxymethylene (e.g.,
Delrin.RTM. with a modulus of about 3,000 MPa).
[0174] FIGS. 49 to 51 show a tenth embodiment of a dental wedge
1010 according to the invention. The dental wedge 1010 includes a
central longitudinal body 1020 that extends from a land area 1016
to a distal tip 1038. Extending away from the first vertical land
area 1016 is a first grasping section 1024 having a base 1026 and
splines 1028 that extend outwardly from the base 1026. The splines
1028 are generally plate-like but can also have other shapes.
Extending away from the first grasping section 1024 opposite the
first vertical land area 1016 is a generally U-shaped second land
1030. The wedge 1010 has a generally arcuate bottom surface 1036.
The top surface 1019 of the wedge 1010 can include a single pitch
on each side of a top ridge 1021. The pitch on each side of the
ridge 1021 is less steep and therefore, the wedge 1010 is quire
advantageous for use with deep caries.
[0175] Inner end serrations 71 of a cotton pliers 73 can engage the
splines 1028 of the first grasping section 1024 of the dental wedge
1010 in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15. Similar to FIG. 16,
the dental wedge 1010 can press a clear sectional dental matrix 81
against gingiva 82 and a tooth 83 being restored so that the matrix
81 seals the tooth 83 and keeps the filling material inside of the
desired space with the wedge 1010 separating adjacent teeth 83, 85
so that when the matrix 81 is removed after placing and hardening
the filling material, the gap that is formed when the matrix 81 is
removed is mitigated as the teeth 83, 85 "spring " back together
and close the gap that was present when the matrix 81 was removed.
The wedge 1010 is inserted between the teeth 83, 85 with the
collapsing distal tip 1038 being inserted first while grasping the
first grasping section 424 with the cotton pliers 73.
[0176] Various polymeric materials can be used to mold the dental
wedge 1010. The wedge 810 can molded from a polymeric material that
forms an opaque body. "Opaque" means the polymeric material
transmits very little light, and therefore reflects, scatters, or
absorbs most of it. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials
for forming the wedge 1010 include polyoxymethylene (e.g.,
Delrin.RTM. with a modulus of about 3,000 MPa).
[0177] Thus, the invention provides an improved dental wedge that
may be used in the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.
[0178] Although the invention has been described in considerable
detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the
art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by
other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for
purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the
scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the
description of the embodiments contained herein.
* * * * *