CPC A61C 5/85 (2017.02) | 20 Claims |
1. A dental matrix for use when placing a restorative material on an anterior tooth, the anterior tooth having a radius of curvature, the matrix comprising:
a non-flat sectional strip having a first end and an opposite second end, the strip being shaped to conform to at least a portion of a surface of the anterior tooth, the strip being pre-curved to define a radius of curvature of the strip,
wherein the radius of curvature of the anterior tooth is configured to interface with at least a portion of the radius of curvature of the strip when the strip is placed on the anterior tooth,
wherein the radius of curvature of the strip is smaller than the radius of curvature of the anterior tooth prior to the strip being interfaced with the anterior tooth, and
wherein when the strip is placed on the anterior tooth, tension is generated in the strip from the radius of curvature of the strip being smaller than the radius of curvature of the anterior tooth to retain the strip on the anterior tooth without the use of any attachment elements extending from or contacting a facial, lingual, mesial, or distal surface of the strip when the strip is placed on the anterior tooth.
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