Dental wedges and matrix bands for use in direct composite restoration techniques for posterior teeth

A wedge system for use in a dental restoration procedure for a posterior tooth, comprising:

• a first wedge adapted to be disposed in an approximal space between the posterior tooth and a tooth adjacent the posterior tooth, the first wedge including a body, a first arm extending from the body, a second arm extending from the body, and a gap formed between the first arm and the second arm;
• a matrix band coupled to and extending outward from the first arm or the second arm of the first wedge;
• and
• a second wedge including a body and an arm extending from the body of the second wedge, wherein at least a portion of the arm of the second wedge is arranged to be disposed in the gap of the first wedge to removably secure the second wedge to the first wedge,
• wherein when the first wedge is disposed in the approximal space and the at least the portion of the arm of the second wedge is disposed in the gap of the first wedge, the body of the second wedge is disposed in the approximal space.

A method of preparing a posterior tooth for a dental restoration procedure, the method comprising:

• providing a first wedge including a body, a first arm extending from the body, a second arm extending from the body, a wing connecting the first arm and the second arm, and a gap formed below the wing and between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the first and second arms extend outward from the wing;
• inserting the first wedge into an approximal space between the posterior tooth and a tooth adjacent to the posterior tooth;
• providing a second wedge including a body and an arm extending from the body of the second wedge;
• and
• after the first wedge is inserted into the approximal space, inserting the second wedge into the approximal space such that at least a portion of the arm of the second wedge is disposed in the gap of the first wedge, thereby removably securing the second wedge to the first wedge, wherein when the at least the portion of the arm of the second wedge is disposed in the gap of the first wedge, the body of the first wedge extends along a first longitudinal axis and the body of the second wedge extends along a second longitudinal axis that is substantially coaxial with the first longitudinal axis.