FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the restoration of teeth, in particular systems and methods therefor based on dental matrix strips or bands, and to retainers including wedges used therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some dental restoration procedures, such as for example dental filling procedures, require packed filling material to be retained in position in a tooth for a time. A dental matrix band, also known as a band or as a matrix, may be placed against the side of the tooth to maintain the filling material in place, and to prevent it from flowing outside of the required tooth boundary, which could otherwise distort the configuration of the restored tooth. The filling material typically comprises an amalgam or a tooth colored filling material, which may be chemically and/or optically curable, for example. A matrix band typically comprises a thin flexible strip made of metal, plastic or other suitable material that can be wrapped around the contour of the tooth being restored. Thus, a matrix band acts as a template to facilitate reestablishment of lost tooth contour by the filling material.

Dental matrix bands, properly used, have a number of features, including one or more of the following features: they may provide the desired tooth contour for the filling, including contact areas and contact points; they may prevent excess material and discrepancies at the cavity margins; they may direct the placement, flow and/or compaction of the material to the restoration site (cavity); - they may impart an optimal surface finish to the cavity requiring minimal or no further working;

they are made from a material that is compatible with the filling material; they may optimize the setting, for example chemically or physically by facilitating light curing; - they may enable homogeneous fillings to be formed, without laminations; they do not generally interfere or damage adjacent dental tissues or restorations.

In the prior art, dental matrix bands are designed for use for the restoration of a single tooth. The bands are in the form of very thin strips, either flat or contoured, but are only able to abut the contour of a single tooth such as to enable restoration to be formed thereat. If placed in the interproximal space between two adjacent teeth, the band can be manipulated such that one face thereof abuts a relatively large area of one of the teeth. However, such bands are not intended to, nor can they be manipulated to have both faces abutting the dental surfaces of both adjacent teeth, other than, in some cases, in the immediate tangential contact zone or point between the two teeth. Where two adjacent or non-adjacent teeth require restoration, separate dental matrix bands are placed on each tooth, and the restorations are often performed independently of one another. The bands may be placed at the same time, or the second band may be placed after the restoration of the first tooth has been completed and the first band removed. In either case, the bands are independent from one another.

For example, in US 6,619,956 an elongated flexible dental matrix strip for use in restoration of a single tooth is disclosed in the form of a strip including a raised portion extending outward from the surface of the strip. The raised portion tapers towards the distal end of the strip in one embodiment and tapers toward both ends of the strip in another embodiment. The raised portion is sized so that when the strip is inserted between adjacent teeth an interference fit occurs. A light force is used to slide the strip into position between adjacent teeth in such a fashion as to anchor the strip in position.

The strip serves to contain filling material in a tooth cavity on one side thereof while the filling material or resin hardens.

A small wedge may sometimes be used, lodged in the interproximal space between the band and the adjacent tooth, to urge the band into close contact with the tooth being restored, and thus ensure that the band is held properly in place. The wedges

may also be used to separate the adjacent teeth to make room to accommodate or to compensate for the thickness of the band between the teeth.

For example, in US 6,468,080 a dental wedge is disclosed comprising a wedge shaped body with sides that are serrated with multiple flexible members extending away from the sides. In US 6,435,874, structures and methods are disclosed which may be used for applying force to the base of a matrix band or cavity filling material mold during a cavity filling procedure. In one embodiment, a unitary body of elastic material may be stretched by applying force in opposite directions to the opposite ends of the unitary body such that a central portion of the body of material is thinned, and the thinned portion may then be inserted in the space between two adjacent teeth next to the base of a matrix band or cavity filling material mold. Thereafter the force which has been applied to the opposite ends of the unitary body may be removed, and the stretched elastic unitary body contracts and becomes thicker in its central portion that had been previously thinned. Accordingly, the contracted unitary body applies a force on the base of the matrix band or cavity filling material mold which forces the base of the matrix band or filling material mold adjacent to the base of the tooth to be filled

In some cases, matrix bands may be secured around the tooth perimeter using a retainer device, which grasps the ends of the strip (having been looped around the tooth periphery), and then tightens the strip around the tooth. Other types of retainer devices force the strip against the tooth without being attached to the matrix band.

For example, in US 5,460,525, a dual dental matrix band retainer is disclosed comprising a first matrix band retainer which is connected to a second matrix band retainer, each being similar to the Tofflemire Matrix Retainer disclosed in US 2,502,903. Each matrix band retainer is provided with a separate and unconnected matrix band, and each matrix band in independently looped around a different posterior tooth in the same quadrant of a patient's mouth. Each matrix band retainer can be operated independently and separably of the other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a dental system for use in restoration procedures or the like of at least two adjacent teeth, comprising, for each pair of adjacent teeth:

a general band element having first and second surfaces each one being adapted for abutting against a corresponding one or another of said pair of adjacent teeth when in use therewith such as to each provide a corresponding restoration profile with respect to at least a part of the corresponding tooth extending beyond a possible area of nominal tangential contact associated with said adjacent teeth; and a retainer for holding at least a part of said first and second surfaces in a tight manner against at least a portion of the respective one or another of said adjacent teeth including at least said part of the corresponding tooth when in use.

The said nominal tangential contact area may refer to the contact area at the interproximal zone between the tooth surfaces of the facing teeth, or the contact area between each facing tooth surface and a planar sheet material that may be inserted between the teeth such that both facing interproximal zones are in contact with the sheet material. This contact area is typically circular or oval in shape, but may be different thereto, and a characteristic dimension thereof, for example diameter or major axis, may be in the range of from about 0 to about 2mm, for example. According to the invention, the part or parts of the band element providing the restoration profile for one or both teeth may be located away from the interproximal or tangential contact area and may have any size/shape thereat. Alternatively, at least one part of the band element may provide a restoration profile for at least one tooth at a location and having an extent that overlaps at least part of the interproximal contact area, but is nevertheless greater in extent thereat than the contact area. For example, if the nominal tangential contact area is a circle of diameter 3mm, and the restoration cavity begins at the center of the circle and proceeds in a buccal direction away therefrom, then the part of the matrix band providing the restoration profile extends in the buccal direction by more than 1.5mm. In other words, each of the contact surfaces of the matrix band providing the restoration profile for one or the other of the adjacent teeth may overlap none, part or all of the nominal tangential contact area on the corresponding tooth, and extends outwardly in at least one direction beyond the perimeter of the nominal tangential contact area. Said differently, each of the parts of the matrix band that provides a restoration profile for one or the other of the adjacent teeth provides a template for at least one part of the

corresponding tooth to provide a restoration profile thereat, this at least one part being outside the aforesaid nominal tangential contact area.

Optionally, at least a part of said first and second surfaces are spaced and substantially opposite-facing with respect to one another.

In some embodiments, the band element comprises a body portion in the form of a substantially flat strip comprising at one end thereof a first pair of diverging flaps such as to form a substantially V-shaped cavity, and wherein said retainer comprises a wedge member adapted for insertion into said substantially V-shaped cavity in use, such as to urge each said flap towards one or another of facing dental surfaces of said adjacent teeth at a cervical zone thereof. Optionally, the body portion further comprises a second pair of diverging flaps at a second end thereof substantially opposite facing to said first end, wherein each said flap of said second pair of flaps is adapted for draping over the crown surfaces of one or the other of said adjacent teeth. Further optionally, the band element is formed from two overlying strips of material joined together at a mid-section thereof. Optionally, the at least one said strip has a length dimension such as to enable the strip to be draped around a portion of the periphery of a tooth surface of a corresponding one of said adjacent teeth, and optionally the mid-section is correlated to the nominal interproximal area. The retainer, which may include any tool, system, device and so on that may urge at least a part of the band element towards and thus contact at least a part of at least one tooth, may be in the form of a wedge member for example, and may be formed integrally or separately from the band element. In some embodiments, the wedge member is integrally formed, for example in proximity to said mid-section. In other embodiments having the substantially V-shaped cavity, the wedge member may optionally be integrally formed with the substantially V-shaped cavity.

In other embodiments, the band element comprises a body portion in the form of a substantially flat strip comprising at one end thereof a pair of diverging flaps, the free ends of the flaps being connected together at their ends such as to form a substantially triangular-shaped cavity, and wherein said retainer comprises a wedge member adapted for insertion into said triangular-shaped cavity in use, such as to urge each said flap towards one or another of facing dental surfaces of said adjacent teeth. Optionally, the wedge member may be integrally formed with said triangular-shaped cavity.

The retainer may comprise a wedge member, wherein said wedge member is at least one of: prismatic-shaped; longitudinally tapering; comprising a substantially constant cross-section along a longitudinal axis; bullet shaped; and the like. Optionally, the wedge member comprises a lumen for receiving a fluid from a suitable fluid delivery system, for example a syringe, and further comprises at least one exit port in communication with said lumen and positioned on a longitudinal surface of the wedge member such as to face gum tissue when in use in the cervical portion between adjacent teeth. Alternatively, a tube may be provided for channeling the fluid to the exity ports, and the tube may optionally extend from the wedge member to a suitable fluid delivery system. Further optionally, an absorbent member may also be provided, independent of whether the wedge member has a lumen and exit ports, and in use the absorbent member is placed between said longitudinal surface and said gum tissue. The absorbent member may be impregnated with a suitable fluid directly, or, where appropriate, via the lumen and exit ports of the wedge member. The fluid may be a liquid or gel, for example, and may optionally include one or more of: a medicament; desensitizer; haemostatic agent; cleaning agent; and so on.

In some embodiments, the band element comprises two overlying strips of material joined together at a mid-section thereof, the strips being formed with opposite facing concavities, each concavity having a form substantially complementary to and adapted for abutting onto a convex portion of one or the other of said adjacent teeth, and wherein said retainer comprises a wedge member adapted for urging, in use, at least a corresponding part of said strips towards said convex portions of said adjacent teeth. For these embodiments, the retainer is optionally in the form of a wedge member and integrally formed with said band element. Alternatively, the wedge member may comprise a resilient open ring member comprising at each free end thereof a profiled wedge element, each profiled wedge element comprising wedge surfaces adapted for urging a buccal or lingual portion of said strips towards said convex portions of said adjacent teeth.

In some embodiments, the band element may be formed from two overlying strips of material joined together at a mid-section thereof, a length of each strip being substantially greater than a periphery of one or the other of said adjacent teeth, and wherein said retainer comprises a suitable tool adapted for clamping the free ends of

each said strip such as to hold the corresponding strip tightly around the periphery of the corresponding tooth of said adjacent teeth.

In some embodiments, the band element is formed from two overlying strips of material joined together at a mid-section thereof, the length of each strip being substantially greater than a periphery of one or the other of said adjacent teeth, and wherein one free end of each said strip is adapted to form a transverse loop to enable the other free end of the corresponding strip to be pulled therethrough such as to hold the corresponding strip tightly around the periphery of the corresponding tooth of said adjacent teeth. In some embodiments the band element may be formed from two generally overlying strips of material joined together at a mid-section thereof, wherein each said strip may have a plan form including any one of: substantially rectilinear, arcuate, V- shaped, for example. Optionally, each strip may have a plan form, as viewed in a direction substantially parallel to the thickness of the strip (i.e., the minimum dimension thereof) having a width that is substantially one of linear or non linear along the length thereof. The particular plan form of each of the strips of a matrix band may be specially adapted for the specific tooth that the strip is to be wrapped around, and/or may be specially adapted according to the type of retainer used. For example, if a Tofflemire type retainer system is used, each of the strips may be similar to any one of the types of strip used in the prior art for treating single teeth, and may include for example, strips similar to the following: a "universal"-type strip, being of substantially V plan form and of uniform width; a "wide M. O. D" -type strip, having a V plan form similar to the "universal" type, but comprising a pair or bulges (in plan form) close to the concave apex of the V; a "narrow M.O.D."-type strip, similar to but narrower than the "wide M.O.D" -type strip; a "junior"-type strip, similar to but narrower than the "universal"- type strip, and comprising flared end portions. Any other suitable plan form for the strips may be used.

In some embodiments, the band element is formed from a first and second mutually overlying strips of material joined together at a mid-section thereof, said first strip being formed with pre-stressed spiral elements at the free ends thereof adapted for abutting against corresponding free ends of said second element such as to urge each strip tightly around the periphery of the corresponding tooth of said adjacent teeth.

The system according the invention may be adapted for use with three adjacent teeth, comprising first second and third elongate strips, wherein said second strip is joined to said first strip and said third strip at one or another of two spaced joined portions, wherein the said second strip is adapted to be draped about at least a part of the periphery of a middle tooth of said three adjacent teeth, and wherein one each of said first and second strips are adapted to be draped about at least a part of the periphery of one or the other of a tooth adjacent said middle tooth, and wherein said retainer comprises a pair of wedge members, one each for urging the first and second strips, or the second and third strips, towards the respective surfaces of said three adjacent teeth. The system according the invention may be adapted for use with three adjacent teeth, comprising first second and third elongate strips, wherein said second strip is joined to said first strip and said third strip at one or another of two spaced joined portions, a length of each strip being substantially greater than a periphery of a corresponding one of said three adjacent teeth, and wherein said retainer comprises a suitable tool adapted for clamping the free ends of each said strip such as to hold the corresponding strip tightly around the periphery of the corresponding tooth of said adjacent teeth.

The retainer used with the system of the invention may alternatively comprise a first wedge member and a second wedge member, each wedge member being adapted for insertion into a cervical dental portion from opposed directions, and said wedge members being adapted for mutual engagement.

The present invention is also directed to a matrix band for use in the restoration of at least two adjacent teeth, comprising, for each pair of adjacent teeth, a general band element having first and second surfaces each one being adapted for abutting against a corresponding dental surface of one or another of said pair of adjacent teeth when in use therewith such as to provide a corresponding restoration profile with respect thereto, said restoration profile being at least greater in extent than an area of nominal tangential contact between said adjacent teeth. Such a matrix band may be substantially similar to the matrix band used in the system of the invention as disclosed herewith.

The matrix band according to the invention is not limited to particular dimensions along the length, width or thickness thereof.

According to the invention, the matrix band and/or the retainer may optionally be disposable or reusable. By disposable is meant that the economic value of the matrix band and/or the retainer is generally less than the economic cost of refurbishing the matrix band and/or the retainer to a level such to enable the same to be reused. By reusable is meant that the matrix band and/or retainer may be sterilized after use and maintains its mechanical integrity and properties or may be manipulated (e.g. by burnishing) to regain its mechanical integrity and properties after said use and sterilization.

According to the invention, the matrix band and/or the retainer may optionally be opaque, or translucent, or transparent, and/or may be contoured or uncontoured.

The present invention is also directed to a retainer for use with a matrix band. Such a matrix band may be a regular matrix band, as used in the prior art for dealing with cavities in a single tooth, or a matrix band for dealing with two or more adjacent teeth as in the present invention. The retainer comprises a first wedge member and a second wedge member, each wedge member being adapted for insertion into a cervical dental portion from opposed directions, and said wedge members being adapted for mutual engagement. The first wedge member may comprise a leading edge adapted for engaging with a leading edge of said second wedge member. For example, the leading edge of the first wedge member may comprise a point, and the leading edge of the second wedge member comprises a cavity for receiving said point. Many other engagement arrangements are of course possible.

The present invention is also directed to a method for carrying out restoration procedures on at least two adjacent teeth, comprising, for each pair of adjacent teeth: abutting first and second spaced surfaces of a matrix band against a corresponding dental surface of one or another of said pair of adjacent teeth such as to provide a corresponding restoration profile with respect thereto, said restoration profile comprising at least a portion thereof that extends beyond an area of nominal tangential contact between said adjacent teeth; holding at least a part of said first and second surfaces in a tight manner against the respective one or another of said adjacent teeth when in use; performing a restoration procedure with respect to said adjacent teeth.

The method of the invention may be carried out using a matrix band or system according to the invention.

Thus, according to the invention, a system comprising a matrix band configured as a dual template for restoring surfaces of adjacent teeth is provided. The system facilitates reestablishment of lost tooth contour during restoration placement such as fillings. A feature of the matrix band according to the invention is that it enables both teeth of an adjacent pair to be restored, at the interproximal site between the teeth and/or indeed at other locations spaced from the interproximal site, with minimal matrix manipulation. According to the invention, simultaneous or concurrent restorations may be performed on adjacent or spaced teeth.

According to the invention, the matrix band may be made from any suitable material, for example metals (including but not limited to: anodized aluminium, tin foil, aluminium foil, stainless steel, and so on); plastics and the like (including but not limited to: celluloid, cellulose acetate, nylon, other plastics); rubber; silicone; and so on.

By way of non-limiting example, the thickness of the matrix band of the invention, for example at the part thereof which is to be placed at the interproximal zone between- two adjacent teeth, may be in the range of about 0.01mm to about 0.10mm. Optionally, the matrix band elements according to the invention may be produced as individual items, or may be produced in the form of rolls of a suitably formed strip that can be cut to any appropriate size.

Optionally, the matrix band elements and/or the wedges or other retainers used therewith may be made from a transparent or translucent material, which may be helpful when carrying out restorations using light curable fillers.

Optionally, the matrix band elements may be suitably marked to facilitate their placement in the intraoral cavity. For example, a coloured mark or other indicia may be provided on the matrix band element indicating where that part thereof is to be aligned with the interproximal contact point between two adjacent teeth. Where the system of the invention comprises a wedge, such a wedge may be made from any suitable material, for example wood, plastic, rubber, metal and so on, and have any suitable form including traditional triangular cross-section, or as disclosed

in US 6,468,080, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety, and so on.

In some embodiments of the invention, the matrix band element may comprise a universal contour or may be specifically designed for accommodating specific anatomical contours of two or more teeth or combinations thereof, for example two adjacent molars, two adjacent incisors, a molar adjacent to a bicuspid (premolar), a permanent tooth adjacent to a deciduous tooth, and so on.

A feature of some embodiments of the invention is that a single matrix band system can be used for facilitating restoration of any combination of cavities in two or more adjacent teeth, depending on the specific configuration of the system.

Another feature of some embodiments of the invention is that a single matrix band system can be provided for conforming to the specific anatomical contours of at least two adjacent teeth within a deciduous, mixed dentition or permanent tooth arch.

Another feature of the invention is that operative steps and time may be reduced by eliminating a two step procedure of matrix and wedge manipulation and/or facilitates the restoration of adjacent cavities or cavities in adjacent teeth without the need to replace the matrix and reposition a new matrix for the next restoration. Thus, there is no need to wait for the filling(s) in one tooth to set before removing the matrix and setting another matrix on the second tooth. Rather, the cavities in both teeth can be lined, filled and cured at the same time, if this is desired, or in any desired sequence, with minimal or no adjustment required of the matrix. According to the invention, optimal contours for both adjacent teeth can be provided with the same matrix system.

By "area of nominal tangential contact between adjacent teeth" is meant the size, profile, shape, dimensions, and so on, of an interproximal point, area or zone between adjacent teeth where tangential contact actually occurs or can occur between the teeth, or when dental material is missing from one or both of them, where the corresponding interproximal point, area or zone where virtual contact may occur, i.e., where contact could occur when the missing dental contours are restored, either in a real sense or in a virtual sense (e.g. by means of mathematical and/or computer models). Such a nominal tangential contact area has a corresponding perimeter beyond which there is no real or virtual contact between the adjacent teeth.

Thus, according to the invention, a matrix band element is provided having spaced first and second surfaces which may be independently urged towards the dental surfaces of two adjacent teeth, such as to provide a template for each tooth, enabling the matrix band element to be used for performing a restoration on two adjacent teeth without removing the band from its place. An integral or separate retainer facilitates placement of the matrix surfaces over the dental areas having the cavities that are to be restored, and helps maintain the contour of the respective templates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. l(a), l(b), l(c) illustrate in occlusial view example scenarios of combinations of two, three and four teeth, respectively, having cavities requiring restorations.

Figs. 2(a), 2(b), 2(c) illustrate a first embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in buccal or lingual view in use; in occlusal view in use; respectively.

Fig. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention in isometric view. Fig. 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention in isometric view.

Fig. 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention in isometric view;

Figs. 6 (a) and 6(b) illustrate alternative forms of a fifth embodiment of the invention in isometric view.

Figs. 7(a), 7(b) illustrate a sixth embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in buccal or lingual view in use; respectively.

Figs. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), 8(d) illustrate a seventh embodiment of the invention: the matrix band element in isometric view; the system in buccal or lingual view in use; the system in occlusal view in use; the wedge structure in isometric view; respectively.

Figs. 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) illustrate an eighth embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in buccal or lingual view in use; in occlusal view in use; respectively.

Figs. 10(a), 10(b) illustrate a ninth embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in occlusal view in use; respectively.

Fig. 11 illustrates a tenth embodiment of the invention in isometric view.

Figs. 12(a), 12(b), 12(c) illustrate an eleventh embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in occlusal view in use; a variation of the embodiment in occlusal view; respectively. Figs. 13(a), 13(b) illustrate a twelfth embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in occlusal view in use; respectively.

Figs. 14(a), 14(b) illustrate a fourteenth embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in occlusal view in use; respectively.

Figs. 15(a), 15(b) illustrate a fifteenth embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in occlusal view in use; respectively.

Figs. 16(a), 16(b), 16(c) illustrate a thirteenth embodiment of the invention: in isometric view; in occlusal view in use; in buccal or lingual view in use; respectively.

Figs. 17(a) to 17(d) illustrate an embodiment of a double wedging arrangement according to the invention: Figs 17(a), 17(b) in side view, before and after mutual engagement, respectively; Figs 17(c), 17(d) in plan view, before and after mutual engagement, respectively;

Figs. 18(a) to 18(b) illustrate an alternative embodiment of the double wedging arrangement according to the invention, before and after mutual engagement;

Figs. 19(a) to 19(c) illustrate in end view alternative features for an integrated base member such as for example for the embodiment of any one of Figs. 2(a),4, 6(a), 6(b), 9(a), 11; and

Figs. 20(a) to 20(c) illustrate in end view alternative features for a wedge member used with for example for the embodiment of any one of Figs. 3, 5, 7(a), 8(a), 10(a), 12(a), 13(a), 14(a), 15(a), 16(a), and/or for example with the double wedge system of Figs. 17(a) to 18(b).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The various embodiments of the present invention illustrated and disclosed herein are variously directed to the possibility of treating, in particular performing restorations on, two or more pairs of adjacent teeth, concurrently at the same treatment session with the dental practitioner. Referring to Fig. l(a), for example, a pair of adjacent teeth A, B are illustrated by way of example, tooth A having a caries lesion or

cavity Ci in the buccal side and a second cavity C ₂ in the interproximal region, and tooth B having a cavity C3 also in the interproximal region and facing C ₂ , and another cavity C ₄ in the distal/lingual part thereof. The teeth A, B may be each be the same one or different ones of incisors, canines, premolars, molars and so on. The present invention is directed at providing a system and method for enabling the treatment, typically restoration, of any number of cavities comprised in the pair of teeth A, B, for example interproximal cavities such as C ₂ and C ₃ for example, non-interproximal cavities, such as for example Ci and C ₄ , or any combination and number of cavities in the two teeth. According to the invention, the example scenario illustrated in Fig. l(b) can also be treated, optionally concurrently at the same sitting, either as one set of three teeth, or consecutively as two pairs of adjacent teeth. In this scenario, there are three adjacent teeth E, F, G showing by way of example a number of cavities C ₅ , Ce, C ₇ and Cs, though each tooth may have more or less cavities than as illustrated. As will become clearer herein, according to the invention, each of the two pairs of teeth E, F and F, G may be treated separately, for example the cavities C§ and C _& may be treated first using one system according to the invention, and subsequently the next pair of facing interproximal cavities C ₇ and Cs are treated together at a different session. Alternatively, all three teeth may be treated using the same system according to the invention adapted for three adjacent teeth. Of course, it is also possible to treat two adjacent teeth in the manner of the invention, plus the third tooth in the standard manner known in the art.

According to the invention, the example scenario illustrated in Fig. l(c) can also be treated, optionally at the same sitting at the dentist, either as one set of four teeth, one set of three adjacent teeth and one pair of adjacent teeth, or as three pairs of adjacent teeth. In this scenario, there are four adjacent teeth P, Q, R, S showing by way of example a number of cavities C ₉ , C ₁₀ , Cn, Ci ₂ , C ₁₃ and C ₁₄ , though each tooth may have more or less cavities than as illustrated. For example, and as will become clearer herein, according to the invention, any or all of each of the three pairs of adjacent teeth (P, Q), (Q, R), and (R, S) may be treated separately. For example the cavities C ₉ , Cio and Cn in pair (P, Q) may be treated first using one system according to the invention, and subsequently the cavities Ci ₂ , Cu and C ₁₄ of pair (R, S) are treated together at a different session. In the illustrated example there is no further need to treat pair (Q, R),

but there would be such a need, for example, if there were further, particularly facing interproximal cavities between these teeth. Alternatively, all four teeth may be treated using a single system according to the invention adapted for 4 adjacent teeth. Alternatively, three consecutive teeth, for example (P, Q, R), or (Q, R, S) may be treated using one system according to the invention, and the remaining tooth S or P, respectively, treated by itself in the standard manner known in the art, or together with an adjacent tooth as a pair in the manner of the present invention.

Similarly, the method and system of the invention may be applied to any number of teeth in the intraoral cavity, in a similar manner, mutatis mutatis. The choice of strategy regarding which sets of teeth are to be grouped together for treatment using the invention will generally depend on the type, position and nature of the cavities in the teeth. For example, it may often be advantageous to group together at least two adjacent teeth having facing interproximal cavities.

The system according to the invention comprises - a general band element having substantially opposite-facing first and second surfaces which are adapted for abutting against a corresponding dental surface of one or another of a pair of adjacent teeth when in use therewith such as to provide a corresponding restoration profile with respect thereto; and - a retainer for holding the first and second surfaces in a tight manner against the respective one or another of the adjacent teeth when in use. In particular, the system is adapted for enabling the first and second surfaces to abut one or the other of the dental surfaces such as to enable restoration of an area therein substantially larger than, or at least comprising an area that is not included in, a tangential interproximal contact area between the teeth, this tangential contact area being an area of real contact between the teeth or an area of where the teeth would contact once the restorations are completed.

Each abutment is such as to allow a restoration procedure to be carried in the corresponding tooth.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method and system are provided for at least partially treating a pair of adjacent teeth, such as for example (A, B) in Fig. 1 (a), or pairs (E, F) or (F, G) of Fig. l(b), or at least some of pairs (P, Q), (Q, R), (R, S)

of Fig. l(c), and a number of alternative embodiments are described herein. In the first through tenth embodiments, the retainer is in the form of a wedging structure, and for the eleventh embodiment, the retainer takes the form of an adjustable tool.

In a first embodiment, the system of the invention, generally designated with the numeral 10, is illustrated in Figs. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c), and is particularly adapted for performing restorations of two generally facing interproximal cavities, for example cavities C ₂ , C ₃ of teeth A, B, respectively, in particular that extend into the apical or cervical region. The system 10 in this embodiment is in the form of a unitary device and comprises a unique dental matrix band comprising a coronal section or main body 15 in the form of a substantially planar and flat strip of material and a wedging structure therefor in the form of an integral prism-like wedge-portion or base 17 depending at one end of the body 15. The body 15 and base 17 define two generally opposite-facing working surfaces 12 and 14 that are adapted for pressing against respective portions of each of the adjacent teeth beyond the interproximal region, such that each surface 12, 14, can simultaneously define the contour of the restoration required at one or the other of the cavities C ₂ or C ₃ . The body 15 is generally rectangular having a height dimension (in the sense of the arrangement shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b)) that is generally correlated with a major proportion of the height of the teeth, and the base 17, which is integrally or otherwise joined to the body 15, is of a wedge-like form, for example of generally triangular cross-section, wherein the base 17 is connected to the body 15 at an apex of said triangular cross-section. The body 15 has a thickness sufficient to slide the same between the two adjacent teeth A, B, while the base 17 is aligned with apical region, the interproximal root space between the teeth near the gum, and wedges the system 10 tightly. As a result, surface 12 is pressed against tooth A such as to provide the desired profile for cavity C ₂ , and at the same time surface 14 is pressed against tooth B such as to provide the desired profile for cavity C ₃ . The matrix band of system 10 may be made from any suitable dental compatible material such as some metals or plastics. The base 17 may be made from a substantially rigid material, or from a non- rigid or semi rigid material, and of the same or a different material from that of the body 15. For example, the base 17 may be made from wood or an elastic material or a metal, and the body 15 from plastic; the base 17 may be made from plastic material, and the body 15 from metal; the base 17 may be made from metal, and the body 15 from plastic material; and so on. The cross-section of the wedge-like base 17 may generally constant

along the length of the matrix element 10, or alternatively may vary. For example, the base 17 may comprise a bulge at the center portion thereof, such as to wedge the matrix system 10 tightly between the teeth, or may comprise a pair of stops 19, which optionally may be anatomically shaped, for wedging the teeth, which may be anterior teeth or posterior teeth, therebetween for example.

This embodiment is of particular use where the profile of the two restorations required is generally planar, as is generally the case with anterior teeth for example, or where the profile of each of the two restorations is relatively small with respect to the tooth surfaces. A feature of this embodiment and other embodiments of the invention is that the system may be easily applied to the dental region of interest by the dental practitioner, who can then work the two restorations in the cavities C ₂ and C ₃ without having to remove or replace the system 10, for example at the same time, reducing discomfort to the patient and reducing the time taken to complete the restorations.

A second embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 3 and designated with the numeral 20, is similar to that described for the embodiment of Figs 2(a) to 2(c), mutatis mutandis, and comprises a matrix band element 23 including body 25 with the main difference that the prismatic base is replaced in this embodiment with a wedging structure in the form of a separate a tapering or three-dimensional wedge member 21. A wedge receiving portion 27 is provided at the lower end of the body 25, comprising a pair of divergent flaps 28, 29, to provide the inverted Y-arrangement illustrated in Fig. 3. The flaps 28, 29 form a V-shaped cavity into which the tapering wedge member 21, which may be made from a rigid, non-rigid or semi rigid material, may be forced when the system 20 is in use, forcing the opposite facing surfaces 22 and 24, defined by the faces of body 25 and flaps 28 and 29 (respectively), towards the respective adjacent tooth surfaces such as to form the required tooth contour to facilitate retention of the filling material at least beyond the interproximal contact zone during the restoration process. The wedge member in operation generally tightens the apical-facing parts of the flaps 28, 29 against the corresponding dental surfaces, on one or both the buccal and lingual/palatal sides. A feature of this is that two adjacent teeth may be restored together without matrix replacements.

A third embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 4 and designated with the numeral 30, is similar to that described for the embodiment of Figs 2(a) to 2(c), mutatis mutandis, and comprises a body 35 with the main difference that the prismatic base is replaced in this embodiment with a wedging structure in the form of an integral or otherwise joined three-dimensional or tapering wedge portion 37. The wedge portion 37, which may be made from a rigid, non-rigid or semi rigid material, allows the dental matrix according to this embodiment to be easily forced and wedged into the interproximal area when the system 30 is in use, forcing the opposite facing surfaces 32 and 34, defined by the faces of body 35 and faces of the wedge portion 37 diverging from the body 35, towards the respective adjacent tooth surfaces such as to form the required tooth contour to facilitate retention of the filling material during the restoration process. The wedge portion 37 may have a linearly or otherwise tapering cross-section, which may be triangular, circular, polygonal or any other suitable shape.

A fourth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 5 and designated with the numeral 40, is similar to that described for the embodiment of Fig. 3, mutatis mutandis, and comprises a matrix band element 43 including body 45, with the main difference that the pair of divergent flaps 48, 49, may be joined together at or near the ends thereof via strip 46 or other joining elements such as to provide a partially or fully enclosed generally triangular channel. Optionally, the strip 46 may be flat, though optimally the strip may be concave-shaped and/or anatomically shaped to accommodate a gingival chord and/or to better fit on the gum. The wedging structure, in the form of a separate a tapering or three-dimensional wedge member 41, which may be made from a rigid, non-rigid or semi rigid material, may be forced into the triangular channel when the system 40 is in use. This forces the opposite facing surfaces 42 and 44, defined by the faces of body 45 and flaps 48 and 49 (respectively), towards the respective adjacent tooth surfaces such as to form the required tooth contour to facilitate retention of the filling material during the restoration process. For the third and fifth embodiments, the respective tapering wedge member may have any suitable tapering cross-section, for example circular as illustrated in Fig. 5, optionally comprising a waisted portion for fitting in the apical region, or triangular as illustrated in Fig. 3, or of constant section, and so on.

A fifth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 6(a) and designated with the numeral 50, is similar to that described for the embodiment of Fig. 4, mutatis mutandis, and comprises a body 55 and wedging structure in the form of an integral or otherwise joined three-dimensional or tapering wedge portion 57, the major difference 5 being that in this embodiment the body 55 further comprises at the upper end thereof a pair of substantially deformable curvable divergent flaps 58, 59, to provide the Y- arrangement illustrated in Fig. 6(a). The wedge portion 57, which may also be made from a rigid, non-rigid or semi rigid material, allows the dental matrix according to this embodiment to be easily forced and wedged into the interproximal area when the

10 system 50 is in use, forcing the opposite facing surfaces 52 and 54, defined by the respective faces of body 55 together with the one or the other faces of the wedge portion 57 and of the corresponding flaps 58, 59, diverging from the body 55, towards the respective adjacent tooth surfaces such as to form the required tooth contour to facilitate retention of the filling material during the restoration process. In particular, the flaps 58,

15 59 can be abutted against the upper portions of the teeth, including at least part of the marginal ridges, enabling the restoration profiles of cavities extending to corresponding parts of the teeth, and thus beyond the interproximal contact zone, to be defined and provided by the system 50. A variation of this embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 6(b), wherein the body is made from two strips of material 68" joined together at one end of 0 to the upper part of an integral tapering wedge member 65', and also optionally joined to each other at portion 69'.

A sixth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) and designated with the numeral 60, is similar in some aspects to that described for the embodiment of Fig. 4 and to that described for the embodiment of Fig 3, mutatis 5 mutandis. In particular, the system 60 comprises a matrix band element 63 and a wedging structure in the form of a separate a tapering or three-dimensional wedge member 61. The matrix band element 63 comprises a body section 65, having upper diverging flaps 68 and lower diverging flaps 69, which are similar, in form and function, to flaps 28, 29 of the embodiment of Fig. 3, and to flaps 58, 59 of the 0 embodiment of Fig 6, respectively, mutatis mutandis. The wedge member 61, which may be made from a rigid, non-rigid or semi rigid material, may be forced when the system 60 is in use, forcing the opposite facing surfaces 62 and 64, defined by the faces of body 65 and respective faces of flaps 68 and 69, towards the respective adjacent

tooth surfaces such as to form the required tooth contour at the marginal ridges and apical portions, respectively, to facilitate retention of the filling material in the restoration cavities 260 during the restoration process, as illustrated in Fig. 7(b). In one variation of this embodiment, the matrix band element 63 is made from a pair of strip elements 67, which are integrally or otherwise joined together at along a longitudinal mid-section portion 66, such as to allow divergence of the upper and lower edges of the sheets to adopt the configuration illustrated in Fig. 7(a). Alternatively, the strips elements 67 may be integrally or otherwise joined together at along a geometrically generally centralized portion 69, such as to allow not only divergence of the upper and lower edges of the sheets, but also of the side edges as well.

Optionally, the first, second, fourth and sixth embodiments, being substantially of uniform transverse cross-section may be manufactured as strips of said cross-section of any desired length, and cut to specific lengths as required by the user to fit in the particular interproximal space of a particular patient.

A seventh embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 8(a) to 8(d) and designated with the numeral 70, is similar in some aspects to that described for the embodiment of Fig. 7(a) to 7(b), with differences, described below, mutatis mutandis. While the system 70 also comprises a matrix band element 73 and a wedging structure in the form of a customized wedge member 71, the matrix band element 73 comprises a pair of non-planar strips 77, integrally or otherwise joined together at a general mid- portion 79. In particular, the strips are of a shape such as to provide opposite facing surfaces 72, 74 that are contoured generally complementarily with respect to the anatomical contours of the dental surfaces onto which they are to abut when in use, as illustrated in Figs. 8(b) and 8(c) for example. Thus, surfaces 72, 74 are generally concave surfaces, and being made from a relatively flexible and deformable material, for example plastics, metals, silicone, rubber and so on, adopt the general shape of the tooth surfaces when pressed against them by the customized wedge member 71. Thus, this embodiment is of particular use when dealing with cavities that are more extensive in both the occlusial and buccal/lingual directions than, say, the embodiment of Fig. 3, for example. Referring particularly to Figs. 8(c) and 8(d), the customized wedge member 71 comprises a C-shaped retainer open ring 78, and pair of opposed wedge elements 79 one each mounted at the open ends of the open ring 78. The wedge

elements are designed to fit in the substantially arcuate and V-shaped cavity (in the occlusal and buccal/lingual directions, respectively) on the buccal and lingual sides of the matrix band element 73, and by their wedge-shape to provide an urging pressure in the general mesiodistal direction thereto when in use. This urging pressure is created by stored elastic potential energy in the ring element 78, which may lie on a plane which may be at an inclination generally parallel to the occlusal tooth plain as illustrated, or alternatively may be at an inclination generally orthogonal to the occlusal tooth plain, or alternatively at any angle to the occlusal tooth plain. The ring element 78 is elastically deformed initially to separate the wedge elements 79 so as to place them in position as illustrated in Fig. 8(c). Thus, at least the ring element 78 is made from an elastically resilient and deformable material, for example a suitable metal, or some plastics. Optionally, a tapered wedge member such as that described in respect of the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 3, 5 or 7(a) may be used instead of said customized wedge element 71, so that only the lower diverging parts of the matrix band element 73 are actively urged towards the dental surfaces. However, even in the latter case, the matrix band element 73 provides the appropriate filler retainer surface in which to enable the restoration procedures on the adjacent teeth A, B to be performed using the same matrix band element, and without removing the same from the dental site.

An eighth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 9(a) to 9(c) and designated with the numeral 80, is similar to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 8(a) to 8(d), mutatis mutandis, the major difference being that in this embodiment the matrix band element 83 comprises a wedging structure in the form of an integral or otherwise joined three-dimensional or tapering wedge portion 81. Thus, the matrix band element 83 comprises a pair of non-planar strips 87, integrally or otherwise joined together at a general mid-portion 89, the strips comprising opposite facing surfaces 82, 84 each defining a generally anatomically shaped concavity, as illustrated in Figs. 9(b) and 9(c) for example. Thus, surfaces 82 and 84 typically being made from a relatively flexible and deformable material, for example plastics, metals, silicone, rubber and so on, can similarly adopt the general shape of the tooth surfaces when pressed against them by the integral wedge member 81 when the matrix band member 83 is being pushed into position between the teeth. The so-called integral wedge member 81 is formed at the buccal (or at the lingual) side of the lower diverging parts of the matrix band element 83, so that essentially these quadrants of the sheets 87 are actively urged

towards the dental surfaces when in use. Optionally, a separate tapered wedge member 88, for example similar to that described in respect of the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 3, 5 or 7(a), may be used to also urge the lingual side (or buccal side, respectively) of the lower diverging parts of the matrix band element 83 towards the dental surfaces. In either case, the matrix band element 83 provides the appropriate filler retainer surface in which to enable the restoration procedures on the adjacent teeth A, B to be performed using the same matrix band element, and without removing the same from the dental site.

A ninth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) and designated with the numeral 90, is similar in some aspects to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 7(a) and 7(b), mutatis mutandis. In particular, the system 90 comprises a matrix band element 93 and a wedging structure in the form of a separate a tapering or three-dimensional wedge member 91, for example similar to the tapering wedges described for the preceding embodiments, mutatis mutandis. On the other hand, the matrix band element 93 is adapted for wrapping and conforming to a periphery of the dental anatomy spaced buccally and/or lingually from the intraproximal zone, for at least one and preferably both of the adjacent teeth A, B, and thus allow restorations to be performed at corresponding locations spaced from the interproximal zone, optionally in addition to restorations at the interproximal zone. Thus, the matrix band element 93 comprises a pair of elongate strips 97 made from a suitable material and integrally or otherwise joined together at a general mid-section 99 thereof, for example.

In a variation of this embodiment, rather than one joined section 99, the strips 97 are joined at a plurality of points or regions, for example along the midline of the width of the strips 97. Accordingly, the system 90 according to this embodiment may also be manufactured as a long reel or tape comprising a pair of very long strips joined together at said plurality of points or regions along the length of the tape. The user can then cut a length of this tape according to the particular patient that is to be treated, and may choose one particular joined region, typically at the longitudinal center of the cut tape, and detach the strips one from the other at all the other joined regions on either side of the chosen joined region. In this detaching process, the join at the joined region is destroyed, for example by cutting or simply tearing the join as the two strips are pulled in opposite directions. In this manner, the system 90 may be manufactured in a relatively inexpensive manner, while allowing versatility in use thereof. Similar

variations may also be applied to the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 6(a), 7(a), 10(a), 12(a), 13(a), 14(a), 15(a) below, mutatis mutandis. However, for the said variation of embodiment illustrated in Fig. 13(a), the long tape would be comprised of a pair of strips joined together at a plurality of joined regions, wherein the strips comprise tabs 126 at regular intervals corresponding to a standard length of the strips 127, 127', for example. Alternatively, these strips may comprise tabs 126 at shorter intervals to further accommodate cutting shorter strips, and the additional unwanted tabs that are left on the strips may be trimmed off. In the case of the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 13(a) or Fig. 14(a), instead of leaving only one joined zone after cutting a length of the tape, two spaced joined zones are left intact, corresponding to zones 139 and 139", and to 149 and 149" respectively. Additionally, one of the strips is cut at an intermediate portion thereof between the spaced joined zones in order to provide the outer strips 137, 137", and 147, 147", respectively, while the other strip corresponds to strip 137' or 147', respectively. As for other embodiments disclosed herein, by "otherwise joined together" is meant to include any method of joining the strips together to provide a join of reasonable mechanical integrity, so that the strips remain joined at least until the matrix band is slipped into place between the adjacent teeth, for example. Accordingly, the strips may be joined together by any suitable process, including but not limited to, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, bonding, stitching, riveting, and so on. In one variation of this embodiment, the strips are made from a plastically deformable material so that they can be deformed to follow the corresponding anatomical portions of the teeth.

In another variation of this embodiment the strips are pre-stressed longitudinally to form a U-shape as illustrated in Fig. 10(b). In use, the matrix band element 93 is arranged with respect to adjacent teeth A, B, such that the joined section 99 is approximately at the interproximal zone. The tapered wedge member 91 is urged in between the separated regions below the joined section to urge the opposite facing surfaces 92, 94 of the matrix band element 93 towards to the tooth surfaces.

A tenth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 11 and designated with the numeral 100, is similar to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 10(a) and 10(b), mutatis mutandis, the major difference being that in this embodiment the matrix band element 103 comprises a wedging structure in the form of an integral or otherwise joined three-dimensional or tapering wedge portion 101. Thus, the matrix band element

101 comprises a pair of elongate strips 107, integrally or otherwise joined together at a general mid-portion 109, the strips comprising opposite facing surfaces 102, 104 for providing a suitably contoured retaining surface for the restoration procedures to be carried out on adjacent teeth. In a corresponding manner to that of the ninth embodiment, the wedge portion 101 is formed and situated with respect to the portion 109 such that in use it urges the opposite facing surfaces 102, 104 of the matrix band element 103 towards to the tooth surfaces.

Optionally, one or both of the ninth and tenth embodiments may further comprise suitable apertures (not shown) at the free ends of one or both of the corresponding elongate strips of the matrix band member, and optionally a suitable retaining tool such as for example an "Ivory No. 1 matrix retainer" or the like may be used in the manner similar to that as is known in the art to retain each one of the strips individually in place around a part of the periphery of the corresponding tooth.

An eleventh embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 12(a), 12(b) and 12(c) and designated with the numeral 110, is similar in some respects to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 10(a) and 10(b), mutatis mutandis, with some differences. Essentially, the system 110 comprises a matrix band element 113 and a retainer tool 111. The matrix band element 113 substantially circumscribes the two adjacent teeth individually and comprises a pair of elongate substantially flat strips 117, 117', of a suitable matrix material, such as for example some metals or plastics, the strips being at least partially overlaid with respect to one another, and integrally or otherwise joined together at a connection portion 119, exposing tooth facing surfaces 112, 114. The length of each strip is substantially greater than the periphery of the corresponding tooth around which it is adapted to be looped around such as to assume the configuration illustrated in Fig. 12(b), for example, when in use. The position of the connection portion 119 may be chosen so as to lie at the interproximal zone between the teeth A, B, when the two strips are looped and tightened in place around the teeth, wherein surface 112 abuts and forms the required contour template for tooth A, and surface 114 abuts and forms the required contour template for tooth B. The connection portion may be chosen such as to locate the free ends 118, 118' of the two strips on the same buccal or lingual side of the teeth A, B, as illustrated in Fig. 12(b), for example, or so as to locate the free ends 118, 118' of the two strips on the different ones of the buccal and lingual sides of the teeth A, B, as illustrated in Fig. 12(c), for example.

Thus, each strip 117, 117', substantially circumscribes one or the other of the two adjacent teeth individually, and this is greatly facilitated by the fact that the strips are joined together at portion 119. In this embodiment, the retainer is in the form of a suitable tool 111 adapted for tightly holding the matrix band element 113 around each of the teeth, and comprises a suitable optionally adjustable clamping system. The retainer tool 111 may be adapted to clamp the free ends 118, 118' of the strips, at least at a point 115, 115', respectively, displaced from the free edges 116, 116' respectively so as to force the respective strip 117, 117' as close to the periphery of the corresponding tooth as possible, such as to hold the tooth tightly. Such a tool may comprise, for example, a pair of standard Tofflemire retainers or the like, one used for each strip 117, 117', or alternative may comprise a suitably designed dual matrix band retainer, for example as disclosed in US 5,460,525, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety, or alternatively may comprise any suitable clamps or the like such as may hold each of the strips 117, 117' tightly around the corresponding teeth. Optionally, the two clamps may be tightened progressively in alternating fashion, form example the first clamp is tightened a little, then the second clamp, then the first clamp again, and so on.

Optionally, wedges may also be provided to further tighten the apical parts of the strips against the corresponding dental surfaces. Alternatively, each strip of this embodiment, and corresponding retainer tool, may be designed to operate, in terms of being tightened around the corresponding tooth, according to a known system, for example similar to the Supermat system (Hawe Neos Dental, Switzerland), it being understood that in contrast to a regular Supermat system, the two strips are joined together according to the invention to enable two adjacent teeth to be treated at the same time.

Alternatively, any other suitable retainer system may be used, including, for example, Dentatus Mec-N matrix holder, Siqueland retainer, Bonnalie matrix retainer, Lennox matrix outfit 3L, and so on. In each case the same or a different type of retainer tool may be used for one or the other of the strips. The strips themselves may be of uniform or non-uniform width, and may be generally rectilinear or alternatively arcuate or comprise any other plan form, for example including anatomically contoured bulges.

A twelfth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 13(a) and 13(b) and designated with the numeral 120 comprises a double, joined, T-band type construction, comprises a matrix band element 123 and retainer 121, and is similar to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 12(a) to 12(c), mutatis mutandis, with the main difference that rather than a retainer tool, a transverse loop 12 is used to hold and tighten the strips 127, 127' in place around the periphery of the individual teeth. Thus, as with the eleventh embodiment, the strips 127, 127' are integrally or otherwise joined at portion 129, and are made from a suitable material such as a metal or plastic, for example. Each strip 127, 127' comprises an integral or otherwise joined transverse tab 126, 126' respectively at one end of the corresponding strip, and the two ends of each tab is folded over the second end of the corresponding strip to form a transverse loop 121, so as to enable each strip to be looped into a lasso-type configuration. Once the strips, in this configuration, are placed around the corresponding teeth, for example such that the portion 129 is generally at the interproximal zone between the teeth, the free end of each strip is pulled through the transverse loop 111 and tightened around the corresponding tooth, as illustrated in Fig. 13(b), for example. In this condition, surface 122 abuts and forms the required contour template for tooth A, and surface 124 abuts and forms the required contour template for tooth B.

Optionally, wedges may also be provided to further tighten the apical parts of the strips against the corresponding dental surfaces.

A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 16(a) to 16(c), and designated with the numeral 150 comprises a matrix band element 153 adapted for wrapping and conforming to a periphery of the dental anatomy spaced buccally and/or lingually from the intraproximal zone, for at least one and preferably both of the adjacent teeth A, B, and thus allow restorations to be performed at corresponding locations spaced from the interproximal zone, optionally in addition to restorations at the interproximal zone. Thus, the matrix band element 153 comprises a pair of elongate strips 158, 159 made from the same or different suitable material and overlaid as illustrated in the figures. The strips 158, 159 are integrally or otherwise joined together at a general mid-section 199 thereof, for example. At least one strip 158 is made from a resilient material including, for example, a metal or suitable plastic, and each of the free ends thereof is curled into a spiral 157 in a direction towards the

opposed strip 159. The spiral elements 157 act as retainer elements, and each are of a size and pre-stressed such that, at least in use, the spiral elements 157 provide a force at the corresponding free ends of the second strip 159. In use, the matrix band element 153 is arranged with respect to adjacent teeth A, B, such that the joined section 199 is approximately at the interproximal zone. The resilience of the spiral elements 157 forces each strip 158, 159 against the corresponding tooth A, B respectively, so that the respective contact faces 152, 154 of the strips 158, 159, provide templates for the required restorations, the templates extending significantly beyond the nominal interproximal contact zone between the teeth. Optionally, a first tapered wedge member 151 may be urged in between the separated regions below the joined section to urge the opposite facing surfaces 152, 154 of the matrix band element 153 towards to the tooth surfaces. For this purpose, the spiral elements 157 may comprise an undercut 155 to allow better access to the apical portions of the strips 158, 159. Further optionally a second tapered wedge member 151' may be urged in an opposite direction to the first wedge member 151 in between the separated regions below the joined section to further urge the opposite facing surfaces 152, 154 of the matrix band element 153 towards to the tooth surfaces. Further optionally, the first and second wedge members 151, 151' may be adapted for mutual engagement, for example as described herein with respect to Figs. 17(a) to 17(d).

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method and system are provided for at least partially treating three consecutive adjacent teeth, such as for example (E, F, G) of Fig. l(b), or (P, Q, R) or (Q, R, S) of Fig. l(c), and a number of alternative embodiments are described herein. According to this aspect, it is also possible to treat the outermost teeth only of three adjacent teeth.

A fourteenth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 14(a) and 14(b) and designated with the numeral 130, is similar in some respects to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 10(a) and 10(b), mutatis mutandis, with the main difference that system 130 is adapted for enabling some or all of three adjacent teeth to be treated with the same matrix band element 133, and comprises a pair of tapering wedges 131, which may be the same or different. The matrix band element 133 is adapted for wrapping and conforming to at least a portion of the periphery of the dental anatomy spaced buccally and/or lingually from each of the two intraproximal zones, for at least

one and preferably three of the adjacent teeth E, F, G, and thus allow restorations to be performed at corresponding locations spaced from each of the interproximal zones, optionally in addition to restorations at one or more of the intraproximal zones. Thus, the matrix band element 133 comprises three of elongate strips 137, 137', 137" made from a suitable material. Referring to Fig. 14(a), the left strip 137 and the right strip 137" are each integrally or otherwise joined to the middle strip 137' at one or another of two spaced-apart joined portions 139, 139" thereof, for example. The strips 137, 137', 137" each comprise a dental facing surface 132, 134, 132", respectively, which in use provides a contour template for a corresponding part of the corresponding tooth. In one variation of this embodiment, the strips are made from a plastically deformable material so that they can be deformed to follow the corresponding anatomical portions of the teeth. In another variation of this embodiment the strips are pre-stressed longitudinally to form a U-shape as illustrated in Fig. 14(a). In use, the matrix band element 133 is arranged with respect to adjacent teeth E, F, G such that the joined section 139 is approximately at the interproximal zone between teeth E, F, and such that the joined section 139" is approximately at the interproximal zone between teeth F, G. Depending on the actual spacing between the joined portions 139, 139", it may be necessary on occasion to fold some of the strip material of the middle strip 137", for example as illustrated in Fig. 14(b), so as to bring into registry the joined portions 139, 139" with the respective interproximal zones. Each tapered wedge member 131 is urged in between the separated regions below the corresponding joined portion 139 or 139" to urge the corresponding opposite facing surfaces 132, 134, and 134, 132" of the matrix band element 133 towards to the corresponding tooth surfaces.

A fifteenth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 15(a) and 15(b) and designated with the numeral 140, is similar in some respects to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 12(a) to 12(c), and is also similar in other respects to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 14(a) and 14(b), mutatis mutandis. As with the embodiment of Figs. 14(a) and 14(b), the matrix band element 143 of system 140 comprises three strips 147, 147', 147", wherein adjoining strips are integrally or otherwise joined at spaced apart joined portions 149, 149", and strips 147, 147', 147" each comprise a dental facing surface 142, 144, 142", respectively, which in use provides a contour template for a corresponding part of the corresponding tooth. However, in a similar manner to the embodiment of Figs. 12(a) to 12(c), mutatis

mutandis, the strips 147, 147', 147" are longer than the periphery of each corresponding tooth, and are each designed to wrap around substantially the full periphery of the corresponding tooth, and furthermore a suitable retainer tool 141 is used for holding each of the strips tightly around the corresponding tooth. Depending on the actual spacing between the joined portions 149, 149", it may be necessary on occasion to fold or crease some of the strip material of the middle strip 147", for example as illustrated at 145' in Figs. 15(a) and 15(b), so as to bring into registry the joined portions 149, 149" with the respective interproximal zones. Optionally, a band 149' and further optionally a screw 148' or other tightening arrangement may provided for preventing the folded portion 145' from slipping and thus allowing movement of the joined portions 149, 149" away from the respective interproximal zones when the middle strip 147' is tightened. In use, as the retainer 141 tightens the strips 147, 147', 147" around the teeth E, F, G, respectively, the corresponding opposite facing surfaces 142, 144, and 144, 142" of the matrix band element 143 are urged towards to the corresponding tooth surfaces.

Optionally, wedges may also be provided to further tighten the apical parts of the strips against the corresponding dental surfaces, especially on the buccal and lingual or palatal sides.

Other embodiments for dealing with sets of three adjacent teeth may be also be provided according to the invention, for example based on the embodiment of Fig. 11 or Figs. 13(a) and 13(b), but extended to three teeth rather than two teeth, mutatis mutandis.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method and system are provided for at least partially treating more three consecutive adjacent teeth, for example the scenario illustrated in Fig. l(c). Many embodiments, based on the embodiments described herein for the first and second aspects of the invention, but extended to a greater number of teeth are possible. For example, the embodiment of Figs. 14(a), 14(b), or of Figs. 15(a), 15(b) may be extended to include two middle strips instead of the one shown in the figures, wherein the two middle strips are joined to one another via a third joined portion, and either additional wedges or suitable retainer tool is used for

urging the corresponding opposite facing surfaces of the matrix band element, according to this aspect of the invention, towards to the corresponding tooth surfaces.

According to this aspect, it is also possible to treat the outermost teeth only of four or more adjacent teeth. For example, the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 14(a), 14(b), or of Figs. 15(a), 15(b) may be modified such that the middle strip in each case is looped around two or more adjacent teeth such that the left strip and the right strip are wrapped partially or fully about one or the other of the outermost teeth.

Optionally, and as illustrated in Fig. 17(a) to 17(d) for any suitable embodiments, for example any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 3, 5, 6(b), 7(a), 8(a), 10(a), 11, 12(a), 13(a), 14(a), 15(a), 16(a), the wedging structure may alternatively comprise a pair of wedge members 41', 41" adapted for wedging into the matrix band member from opposite buccal/Ungual directions, and then engaging with one another. For example, wedge member 41" may be tapered to a point 42', while wedge member 41" is tapered in the opposite direction and comprises an aperture 42" for receiving and engaging the tip 42' of the other wedge member 41'. Additionally, such a double wedging system may comprise any suitable male/female engaging features, and may further optionally comprise a rail/groove structure (not shown) to facilitate alignment and mutual sliding contact therebetween. Further optionally, one or the other of the two wedge members 41', 41" may be integrally or otherwise joined to the matrix band element. Alternatively, and as illustrated in Figs. 18(a), 18(b), one wedge member 241' may comprise a probe 242' at the leading edge thereof, and the probe 242' is adapted for insertion and engagement with a lumen 242" having an opening at the leading edge of a second wedge member 241". Optionally, the probe 242' may comprise a bulge or the like for enabling a snap fit connection with the lumen 242".

Furthermore, either in relation to a double wedge system, e.g., as illustrated in Figs 17(a) to 18(b), or to a single wedge structure, whether integral with the matrix band element or not, further features may be provided. For example, referring to Fig. 19(a), a lumen 243 may be provided in the wedge structure or integral base 17 of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2(a), and one or a plurality of exit ports 244 are provided on the bottom part 13 of the base 17. The exit ports 244 being in fluid communication with the lumen 243, which is closed at one end thereof, and open at the opposite end

thereof to allow the needle of a syringe to be inserted therethrough, and thus allow a haemostatic agent, or indeed any other suitable fluid, to be injected to the gums via the lumen 243 and exit ports 244 when the base 17 is in place as illustrated in Figs 2(b) and 2(c). Alternatively, a tube may be provided for channeling the fluid to the exity ports, and the tube may optionally extend from the wedge member to a suitable fluid delivery system. The fluid may be a liquid or gel, for example, and may optionally include one or more of: a medicament; desensitizer; haemostatic agent; cleaning agent; and so on.

Alternatively, and as illustrated in Fig. 19(b), haemostatic agent, or indeed any other suitable fluid may be provided to the gums by means of a chord 245 or other fibrous or spongy material, e.g., a gingival chord, impregnated with the liquid, and the bottom 13 has a concave cylindrical form to fit thereonto when the when the base 17 is in place as illustrated in Figs 2(b) and 2(c). Further optionally, and as illustrated in Fig. 19(c), the features of embodiments of Figs. 19(a) and (b) may be incorporated, wherein the lumen 243 may be used to supply haemostatic agent, or any other suitable fluid, to the chord 245, which then dispenses the liquid to the gums.

Optionally or alternatively, more exit ports (not shown) may be provided on the sides of base 17 for supplying a suitable liquid to the interproximal area via the lumen.

The features illustrated in Figs. 19(a) to 19(c) may also be provided in wedges that are not integrally connected to the matrix band member, for example as illustrated in Figs. 20(a) to 20(c) respectively, mutatis mutandis.

In the method claims that follow, alphanumeric characters and Roman numerals used to designate claim steps are provided for convenience only and do not imply any particular order of performing the steps. Finally, it should be noted that the word "comprising" as used throughout the appended claims is to be interpreted to mean "including but not limited to".

While there has been shown and disclosed exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.