Dental matrix and dental matrix system

A dental matrix for use when placing a restorative material on an anterior tooth, the matrix comprising:

• a non-flat sectional strip having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface, the non-flat sectional 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 first end of the strip is curved inwardly toward the first surface defining a first end radius and the second end of the strip is curved inwardly toward the first surface defining a second end radius, the first end radius and the second end radius being smaller than the radius of curvature of the matrix,
• wherein the strip is structured to be retained 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 matrix is placed on the anterior tooth, and
• wherein the first end of the strip that is curved inwardly and the second end of the strip is curved inwardly are configured to generate tension to retain the matrix on the anterior tooth when the matrix is placed on the anterior tooth.

A dental matrix comprising:

• a strip that is pre-curved to define a radius of curvature of the strip, the strip comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface,
• wherein the strip is configured to interface with at least a portion of a radius of curvature of a tooth when the strip is placed on the tooth,
• wherein the strip is structured to be retained on the tooth without the use of any attachment elements extending from or contacting a facial, lingual, mesial, or distal surface of the strip when the matrix is placed on the tooth, and
• wherein at least one of:
• the radius of curvature of the strip is smaller than the radius of curvature of the tooth prior to the strip being interfaced with the tooth, and when the strip is placed on the tooth, tension is generated in the strip from the radius of curvature of the strip being smaller than the radius of curvature of the tooth to retain the strip on the tooth;
• or
• the first end of the strip is curved inwardly toward the first surface defining a first end radius and the second end of the strip is curved inwardly toward the first surface defining a second end radius, the first end radius and the second end radius being smaller than the radius of curvature of the matrix, and the first end of the strip that is curved inwardly and the second end of the strip is curved inwardly are configured to generate tension to retain the matrix on the tooth when the matrix is placed on the tooth.