April 4, 195o

2,502,903

B. >r--Q Tor-'FLEMIRE
K, DENTAL MATRIX RETAINER

2 Sheets-Sheet 1

Filed Jan. 14. 1947

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INVENTOR.

BENJAMIN RTOFFLEMIRE

Waff, MA/Vhww-c
AT TORNEYS

A121414, 1950
`

Filed Jan. 14, 1947

B. F. TOFFLEMIRE

2,502,903

DENTAL MATRIX RETAINER

.2 Sheets-Sheet 2

7mm,... agrw
TORNEYS

2,502,903

Patented Apr. 4, 1950

UNITED STATES PATENT oFEicE

2,502,903
DENTAL MATRIX RETAINER
Benjamin F. Tomemire, Lafayette, Calif.
Application Januar! 14, 1947, Serial No. 721,995

5 claims. (ci. sa-ss)

The present invention relates to improvements
in a dental matrix retainer, embodying new fea
tures over the retainers disclosed in my copend

ing application, Serial No. 677,577, filed in the

United States Patent Oiilce on June 18, 1946, now

Patent No. 2,439,703. The invention pertains to

the combinations. constructions and arrange
ment of parts as hereinafter described and
claimed.

In my copending application above mentioned,

I show matrix retainers that are especially adapt

ed to hold a dental matrix band about a tooth.
The retainers therein shown permit a dentist to
easily and quickly adapt a matrix about a pre
pared cavity, or cavities, in such a manner that
the natural contours of the tooth will be restored.
These retainers were designed so that they could

Figure .1 is anA isometric view of the retainer

applied to a matrix, the latter encircling a tooth:
Figure 2 is a vertical transverse sectional vic'
taken along the line II-II of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a view of the clamping spindle;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the retainer
having a matrix clamped therein, parts being l

shown in section;
Figure 5 is a side elevation of the matrix re
tainer;

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the spindle-re

ceiving sleeve;

'

Figures '1, 8 and 9 are isometric views of the

matrix retainer frame, matrix-clamping block,

and block-mounting strap, respectively;
Figure 10 is an elevation from the buccal aspect
showing the matrix encircling a tooth;

Figure 11 is an isometric view of the matrix

be readily and safely disengaged from the matrix,
ready
to be applied to a tooth; and
,
and the latter removed from a freshly packed
Figure 12 is a plan view of a diagonally-folded
restoration without prejudice to the contact point, w band
from which the matrix is formed.
or points, and without distortion of the marginal
While I have shown only the preferred form of
ridges.
my invention, it should be understood that vari
The copending case further illustrates a con
ous changes, or modications, may be made with
trol spindle and a rotatable sleeve, both extend
in
the scope of the annexed claims without de
ing outside the oral cavity where the dentist can
parting
from the spirit thereof.
have a clear field of vision for manipulating the
In carrying my invention into practice, I pro
device without the necessity of reaching into
vide a matrix retainer indicated generally at A.

the mouth. The spindle clamps the ends of a

which is designed for holding a matrix B in
matrix to a sliding block, while the sleeve is
encircling relation wth a tooth C during restora
30
operable to move the block along a frame to
tion of the latter. Before proceeding with the
draw the matrix around the tooth being treated,
details of the retainer, I shall describe the matrix
or to release the matrix.
and
the manner in which it is fashioned.
It is proposedin the present invention to pro
The matrix B is formed from a strip l of den
vide an improved matrix retainer frame that will
tal matrix band material by a former and cutter
permit wedges to be driven between adjacent
disclosed in my copending application, Serial
teeth for spreading the latter and at the same
No.
674,354, filed on June 4, 1946, now Patent No.
time to allow unobstructed functioning of the
2,466,830. The strip is folded diagonally inter
retainer. Further improvements have been made
mediate of its length, as at 2 (see Figure 12) to
in the sliding block and the means for mounting
present two end sections 3, which are arranged
the block on the frame of the matrix retainer.
in diverging relation with one another when the
Another object is to provide a simplified form
strip is ilat. The ends of the strip are brought
of a matrix retainer, as compared with the re
together, as in Figure 11, and the fold causes the
tainers covered in my copending application,
matrix to be conical in shape.
thus reducing the cost of manufacture. The
Referring to Figure l, I show the tooth C as
frame of the retainer is opened along one side
being the right lower first molar and situated
thereof. which facilitates the insertion of the ,
between the second bicuspid D and the second
matrix ends into the retainer or removal there
molar E. The matrix B encircles the tooth C
from.
and the ends 3 extend from the central portion
Other objects and advantages will appear as
of the buccal aspect 4, with the fold 2 ar
the specification continues. and the novel fea
ranged on the lingual side 5 of the molar. The
tures will be set forth in the claims hereunto
lling 6 is indicated as extending from the mesial
appended.
aspect 1, across the occlusal surface 8, and down
For a better understanding of my invention,
the
distal aspect 9.
reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings, forming part ofthis application, in u The matrix extends well down toward the

which:

gingival border I0 so as to prevent any gingival

9,509,908
overhanging of the metal masses. The conical
shape of the matrix assures that the filling
will restore the natural contour of the tooth.
The matrix may be tightened in the manner

hereinafter described to insure peripheral adap

tion, and grip of the retainer on the matrix at
the gingival margin permits thorough and ade
quate condensation of the filling material with
out any of this material being forced out be

neath the gingival peripheral border.

The matrix retainer A has a frame F of the
shape shown in Figures 1 and '1, and includes a
longitudinally-extending bar Il on which a ma
trix-clamping block G is slidably mounted. This _
block is fashioned with a guideway I2 adapted to
receive the bar Il (see Figure 2). A channel

shaped block-mounting strap Il has its web Ila

Ihe sleeve has an annular groove 21 therein for

receiving the forks 2l of a U-shaped end Il"
fashioned on the matrix frame. This U end
extends at right angles relative to the fingers on
the head F'.

One side of this U has an un

threaded opening 29 through which the spindle

23 extends with freedom of rotation.
The sleeve J may be rotated in one direction to

advance the block G toward the head F',while

a rotation of the sleeve in the opposite direction
will retract the block. The end F" holds the
sleeve against longitudinal movement, but per
mits its free rotation.
Having thus described the various parts of my
matrix retainer, the operation thereof may be summarized as follows:

Assuming vthai; -the matrix B has been pre

shaped into substantially the outline shown in
Figure 11 and the dentist desires to apply the
the block by set-screws il, or other suitable 20 matrix to the right lower first molar C, the sleeve

bearing against the bar li, while the flanges I 4b ~

thereof are fastened to the top and bottom of
means.

J is rotated so as to move the block G toward the

.` 'Ihe bar Il has a head F' thereon, which de

head F. Next the matrix ends 3 are inserted
nes four parallel and spaced-apart fingers Il.
into the slots provided between the fingers I5---|1
It, l1 and I8. This head is substantially U
and |1-I8 and depressed into the diagonal slot
shaped when viewed from the front thereof, as 25 20 in the block G. The side of the frame F oppo
in Figure 5. The length of the fingers are great
site the bar il is opened, and this facilitates in
er than the height of the bar Il. This arrange
sertion of the matrix into the retainer. The lmob
ment permits a wedge I9 to be driven between
25 is actuated for bringing the conical vtip 24 of
the tooth receiving the matrix and an adjacent
the spindle H into clamping relation with the
tooth for separating them, as indicated in Figure 30 matrix ends 3.
'
1, and at the same time allowing the ngers to
Now the loop of the matrix is arranged around
maintain their grip on the matrix.
the tooth with the fold 2 thereof positioned on
The retainer is designed to hold a matrix that
the lingual side. The matrix is pressed down
encircles any tooth in the arch. The end sec- " until it is disposed close to the gingival border.
tions 3 may be received in the slots defined be
The dentist rotates the sleeve J to retract the
tween the fingers iS-Il. or l6-I8, so that the
block G relative to the head F' until the matrix is
matrix loop will project laterally from the re
drawn tightly around the tooth. A wedge I8
tainer on the desired side thereof, as shown in
may be inserted between the tooth being treated
Figure 4. Also, the end sections 3 may extend l and an adJacent tooth to separate them and
through the slot disposed between the fingers 40 thus allow the matrix to be easily applied. The
i5 and i6. and thus the loop of the matrix will be
retainer may be inverted, if desired. The height
positioned directly in front of the retainer. The
of the bar I l is less than the length of the ilngers
particular slot selected in the head depends upon _
i5 to I8, inclusive, and thus will permit the ma
the position that best ts the need of the dentist ' trix to be lowered on the tooth the proper amount
for the tooth being treated.
and still allow the wedge to be utilized.
The matrix-clamping block G has a diagonal
The sleeve J and knob 25 project beyond the
ly-extending slot 20 to receive the end sections
patlents mouth so that the dentist may operate
3 of the matrix strip. It will be noted that the
either without inserting his tlngers into the
top flange Hb of the strap Il has an angular edge
mouth of the patient. A clear view of the tooth
2i that registers with the side 20a of the slot 20. 50 is assured and the dentist can observe the ma
4The edge 2| serves as alimit stop against which
trix as it is tightened or loosened.
the end sections 3 of the matrix may be posi
To free the retainer from the matrix, the knob
tioned so as to align them with the slot 20.
25 is turned while holding the sleeve J against
Thereafter, the end sections may be pressed
rotation. This backs the conical end 24 of the
downwardly into the slot 20.
spindle H from the ends l of the matrix. The
In Figures 4 and 8, I show the block G as hav
head F now may be freedfrom the matrix and
ing a longitudinally-extending threaded bore 22,
the latter removed from the tooth. The manipu
which intersects the diagonal slot 20. A spindle
lations of the knob 25 and sleeve J are accom
indicated generally at H has a threaded portion
plished outside the oral cavity. This is of the
2l that is received in the bore 22. and the spindle 60 greatest possible convenience and comfort to the
has a conical end 2| with a surface that parallels

the slot 20. The spindle may be rotated in the

bore 22 by an operating knob 25 to cause the
conical head to clamp the ends 3 of the matrix
in the block G. Now a movement of the block
along the bar l I will move the matrix ends there
with. When the block is moved to the right in
Figure l, the matrix will be drawn tightly upon
the tooth C, while movement to the left will re
lax the grip of the matrix upon the tooth.
70

The means for moving the spindle axially after`

it has clamped the matrix ends l to the block G
comprises a sleeve J. The latter has a spindle
receiving bore 26. with a threaded portion 26a

patient.

The inverted-conci principle of the specially

formed matrix actually results in a more positive
gingival grip of the matrix about the tooth as the

filling material is condensed into the cavity. The

resulting occlusal-ilare" permits the dentist to
build the filling out as snugly as he wishes to

condense the filling material against the adjacent

tooth. The device lends itself admirably to the
mechanical separation of the teeth where this is
necessary.
The matrix may be removed from` the tooth in
one piece. In case of unusually tight contact
points, the matrix may be severed. at the nar

for receiving the threaded spindle (see Figure 4). u rowed lingual fold 2 and the mesial and distal

2,502,903
5

'

halves gently rotated lingually and toward the

for receiving end portions of the matrix; the

gingival oor. This actually tends to seat the

slot being disposed to one side of the bar, and

that side of the frame being entirely open to fa
lling more firmly during the removal of the
cilitate edgewise insertion of the matrix ends into
matrix.
The size of the conical loop of the matrix can 5 the slot of the block; means for clamping the
be controlled and the fold 2 maintained on the
end portions of the matrix in the block slot; and
lingual aspect during the adjustment, since
means projecting from the oral cavity of the
patients mouth when the matrix encircles a
either end of the matrix can be moved with re
tooth for advancing or retracting the block rela
spect to the other by merely loosening the spindle
H and readjusting the matrix ends. The width 10 tive to the head; the clamping means also being
operable from a position exterior of the patients
of the strip from which the matrix is formed may
be changed in accordance with the requirements.
4. In a dental matrix retainer; a frame having
In this connection, it will be noted that the slots
a slotted head arranged for slidably-receiving
defined by the fingers I6 to I8, inclusive, and
overlapped strips of a matrix, with a loop on the
the slot 20 all open in the same direction. Ac
latter extending beyond the head to encircle a
cordingly, a wider or narrower strip of matrix
' tooth; the frame including a bar; a block slidably
material can be inserted thereinto.
disposed on the bar and having a diagonal slot
The folded type of band shown in Figures 11 and
for receiving end portions of the matrix; the
12, is particularly well suited for teeth having an
exaggerated axial contour, such as bell-crowned, 20 slot being disposed to one side of the bar, and
that side of the frame being entirely open to
posterior adult teeth and deciduous molars. A
facilitate edgewise insertion of theu matrix ends
curved type of band, not shown, is well suited
into the slot of the block; means for clamping
for the average, moderately contoured posterior
the end portions of the matrix in the block slot;
teeth, and a straight band, not shown, is applica
25
and means projecting from the oral cavity of the
ble to all other teeth having moderately slight, or
patients mouth when the matrix encircles a
less than average contour.
tooth for advancing or retracting the block rela
I claim:
tive
to the head; the clamping means also being
1. In a dental matrix retainer; a frame hav
operable from a position exterior of the patients
ing a slotted head arranged for slidably-receiv
ing overlapped strips of a matrix, with a loop on 30 mouth; the bar being undercut to provide space
to allow a wedge to be driven into a position be
the latter extending beyond the head to encircle
tween
the tooth having the matrix loop applied
a tooth; the frame including a bar; a block fash- _
thereto and the adjacent tooth._
ioned with a guideway having the bar disposed
.

mouth.

5. In a dental matrix band retainer: an open

therein; a channel-shaped strap having its web
bearing against the bar and its anges overlying 35 sided frame, including a bar having a matrix
band-supporting head at one end thereof; the
and being secured to the block; the block being
head having a slot extending thereinto from an
formed with a diagonal slot for receiving the end

exposed surface of the head to slidably receive

portions of the matrix; means for clamping the
an intermediate portion of a looped matrix
end portions of the matrix in the slot of the block;
and means projecting from the oral cavity of the 40 band; the head projecting laterally of the bar
and being confined to the open side of the frame;
patients mouth when the matrix encircles a
a block slidably mounted on the bar and extend
tooth for advancing or retracting the block rela
ing laterally thereof on the same side of the bar
tive to the head; the clamping means also being
as the head; the block having a diagonal slot
operable from a position exterior of the patients
45 extending thereinto from an exposed surface of
mouth.
the block to receive and closely confine end por
2. In a dental matrix retainer; a frame having
tions of the matrix band; the slot in the block
a slotted head arranged for slidably-receiving
being arranged on the same side of the bar as
overlapped strips of a matrix, vwith a loop on the
the head; thevblock slot extending from a fore
latter extending beyond the head to encircle a
ward end of the block to an unobstructed face
tooth; the frame including a bar; a block fash
of the block at the open-side of the frame; the
ioned with a guideway having the- bar disposed
slots in the head and block opening toward a
therein; a channel-shaped strap having its web
common plane and being dimensioned for edge
bearing against the bar and its ilanges overlying
wise insertion of the matrix band thereinto;
and being secured to the block; the block being
formed with a diagonal slot for receiving the end the open-side of the frame giving free accessfrom
above; below and laterally to the portion of the
portions of the matrix; means for clamping the
matrix band disposed between the head and block
end portions of the matrix in the slot of the
for unobstructed manual grasping and vertical
block; and means projecting from the oral cav
t shifting of said portion by an operator during in
. ity of the patients mouth when the matrix en
circles a tooth for advancing or retracting the 00 sertion or removal of the band; means for clamp

ing the end portions of the matrix band to the

block relative to the head; the clamping means
block; and means for advancing and retracting
also being operable from a position exterior of
the block relative to the head.

the patients mouth; one ange of the strap hav

BENJAIVIIN F. TOFF'LEMIRE.
ing an angular edge registering with one side of
the diagonal slot in the block, and arranged to
REFERENCES CITED
serve as a stop against which the end portions
of the matrix may be abutted prior to insert
The following references are of record in the
ing them into the diagonal slot.
file oi' this patent:
3. In a dental matrix retainer; a frame having
UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS
a slotted head arranged for slidably-receiving 70
overlapped strips of a matrix, with a loop on the
Number
Name

Date
latter extending beyond the head to encircle a
1,990,381
Ivory ____________ __ Feb. 5. 1935
tooth; the frame including a bar; a block slidably
2,439,708
Tomemire ________ _... Apr. 13. 1948
disposed on the bar and having a diagonal slot 7s