Methods and devices for interproximal dental restoration

A method for the restoration of a first tooth having an original shape including a top surface and an interproximal surface facing an adjacent second tooth, the method comprising:

• (a) removing a portion of the top surface of the first tooth and a portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth to form a hollow cavity preparation, the cavity preparation extending from the top surface to the interproximal surface of the first tooth;
• (b) surrounding the removed portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth with a matrix, wherein the matrix includes a cutaway, the cutaway directed into an edge of the matrix;
• (c) moving the matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation toward the second tooth using a first arm and a second arm of a dental tool that simultaneously contact an inner surface of the matrix, the inner surface of the matrix being located within an interproximal space between the first tooth and the second tooth, the dental tool comprising:
• the first arm and the second arm connected at a proximal end of the first arm and the second arm, the first arm terminating in a first distal tooth, and the second arm terminating in a second distal tooth;
• and
• an adjustment mechanism for holding the first distal tooth and the second distal tooth in at least a first spaced relationship and a second spaced relationship different from the first spaced relationship;
• (d) bonding a section of the matrix at the cutaway to the first tooth by injecting a composite resin through the cutaway;
• (e) injecting a light-curable composite resin into the cavity preparation;
• and
• (f) light curing the composite resin contained in the cavity preparation.

A method for the restoration of a first tooth having a top surface and an interproximal surface facing an adjacent second tooth, the method comprising:

• (a) removing a portion of the top surface of the first tooth and a portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth to form a hollow cavity preparation, the hollow cavity preparation extending from the top surface to the interproximal surface of the first tooth, and the hollow cavity preparation being saucer shaped when viewed from a top view;
• (b) surrounding the entire removed portion of the interproximal surface of the first tooth with a matrix, the matrix being positioned within an interproximal space between the first tooth and the second tooth;
• (c) moving the matrix away from the hollow cavity preparation toward the second tooth using a first arm and a second arm of a dental tool that simultaneously contact an inner surface of the matrix, the inner surface of the matrix being located within the interproximal space between the first tooth and the second tooth, the dental tool comprising:
• the first arm and the second arm connected at a proximal end of the first arm and the second arm, the first arm terminating in a first distal tooth, and the second arm terminating in a second distal tooth;
• and
• an adjustment mechanism for holding the first distal tooth and the second distal tooth in at least a first spaced relationship and a second spaced relationship different from the first spaced relationship;
• and
• (d) bonding a portion of the matrix to the first tooth.