Anatomically shaped sectional matrix band retainers

Abstract

The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines that are anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure and for keeping the matrix band retainer from slipping out of position. The tines may be curved and/or include a wedge-shaped portion to facilitate insertion of the tines into the interproximal spaces between two adjacent teeth. The matrix band retainers also comprise two apertures that are configured in size and shape to receive the prongs of a rubber dam clamp or other tine-spreading device for enabling the rubber dam clamp to spread the tines of the matrix band retainer in a safe and secure manner.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for retaining a matrix band against a tooth comprising: 
 a flexible member, and    first and second tines connected by the flexible member, wherein each of said first and second tines comprises at least one of a curved body or a wedge-shaped body in order to facilitate retention of a matrix band within the interproximal spaces between a pair of adjacent teeth.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second tines comprises a curved body, said body extending between a proximal end and a distal end.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second tines comprises a wedge-shaped body having an angled edge portion that is oriented so as to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between the pair of adjacent teeth, said angled edge portion having an angle in the range of about 30° to about 90°.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the wedge-shaped body comprises a substantially triangular cross-sectional area.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member comprises two apertures extending therethrough, and wherein each of said apertures is configured to receive a prong of a tool that is used to bend the flexible member, such that the tool spreads the first and second tines apart.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 5 , wherein said tool is a rubber dam clamp.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member comprises stainless spring steel.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of at least one of either said first and second tines further comprises a foot.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the foot protrudes away from the at least one of either the first and second tines towards the distal end of the other of the first or second tines.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member comprises an arcuate member.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said first and second tines are positioned substantially perpendicular to the flexible member.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for retaining a matrix band against a tooth comprising: 
 a flexible member interconnecting a first tine and a second tine,    each of said first and second tines comprising a wedge-shaped body having an acutely-angled edge portion oriented so as to facilitate insertion of the wedge-shaped body into interproximal spaces between two adjacent teeth.    
     
     
         13 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein each tine is further curved so as to more closely approximate the anatomy of the two adjacent teeth.  
     
     
         14 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein said flexible member comprises two apertures extending through the flexible member, and wherein each of said two apertures is configured to receive a prong of a tool that is used bend the flexible member to increase a distance separating the first tine from the second tine.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the acutely-angled portion has an angle in a range of about 30° to about 90°.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for retaining a matrix band against a tooth comprising: 
 a flexible member;    first and second tines extending from the flexible member, each of said tines including: 
 a proximal end connected to the flexible member;  
 a distal end opposite the proximal end; and  
 a curved body extending between the proximal and distal ends, said curved body being sized and shaped to approximately conform to the shape of interproximal spaces between two adjacent teeth.  
   
     
     
         17 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the curved body of each of said first and second tines further includes a wedge-shaped cross-sectional area oriented to facilitate insertion of the curved body into the interproximal spaces.  
     
     
         18 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the wedge-shaped cross-sectional area includes an angled edge having an angle in a range of about 30° to about 90°.  
     
     
         19 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 16 , wherein said flexible member comprises two apertures extending through the flexible member spaced and configured so as to receive corresponding prongs of a tine-spreading device.  
     
     
         20 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 19 , wherein the tine-spreading device is a rubber dam clamp.