Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A dental imaging matrix band comprising an elongated blank of relatively thin flexible sheet material having a width substantially equal to the height of a tooth extending beyond the gum line, said blank being sufficiently long and flexible for encircling at least one prepared tooth, means forming a bead having a thickness greater than that of said blank extending along an edge portion thereof for defining the upper periphery edge of a tooth when said blank is disposed about a tooth.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A dental imaging matrix band comprising an elongated blank of relatively thin flexible sheet material having a width substantially equal to the height of a tooth extending beyond the gum line, said blank being sufficiently long and flexible for encircling at least one prepared tooth, means forming a bead having a thickness greater than that of said blank extending along an edge portion thereof for defining the upper periphery edge of a tooth when said blank is disposed about a tooth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 1 wherein said blank includes angularly disposed sections to define an included angle ranging between 120 and 180 degrees.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 2 wherein said blank is formed of a non-reflective metal strip.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 2 wherein said means comprises a marginal flap extending beyond the width of said blank and formed integral therewith, said flap being adapted to be reversely folded along an edge portion of said blank.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 4 and including a plurality of longitudinally spaced radial slits formed along said flap to facilitate the reverse folding of said flap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 2 wherein said means comprises an integrally formed cross-head to impart a "T" shape cross-section to said blank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 2, wherein said means comprises an integrally formed rounded beaded shape cross-section to said blank.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 2 wherein said blank has a width of approximately 6 millimeters and a thickness in the range of 0.03 to 0.04 millimeters for a premolar 3/4 crown or premolar full crown.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 2 wherein said blank has a width of 10 millimeters and a thickness in the range of 0.03-0.04 millimeters for a molar 3/4 crown or full crown.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A dental imaging matrix band as defined in claim 2 and having a length adapted to encircle at least three prepared teeth to determine the area for a fixed bridge.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of making and setting a crown on a tooth to be restored comprising the steps of: preparing a tooth to receive a crown, circumscribing the prepared tooth with a matrix band having an optical readable floor and periphery, taking an optical image of the prepared tooth with circumscribing matrix band with an optical scanner of a CAD-CAM machine, whereby said CAD-CAM machine converts said optical image into a digital signal, milling the crown material in accordance to said digital signal to shape the crown to be placed in the prepared tooth, and finishing said milled crown to said prepared tooth.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of making and setting a crown on a tooth to be restored comprising the steps of: preparing a tooth to receive a crown, circumscribing the prepared tooth with a matrix band having an optical readable floor and periphery, taking an optical image of the prepared tooth with circumscribing matrix band with an optical scanner of a CAD-CAM machine, whereby said CAD-CAM machine converts said optical image into a digital signal, milling the crown material in accordance to said digital signal to shape the crown to be placed in the prepared tooth, and finishing said milled crown to said prepared tooth.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of making and setting a prosthetic tooth restoration comprising: preparing the area for receiving the prosthetic restoration, circumscribing the prepared area with a matrix band having an optical readable floor and periphery, taking an optical image of the prepared area with the circumscribing matrix band with the optical scanner of a CAD-CAM machine whereby said optical image is converted into a digital signal, milling a block of restoration material in accordance to said digital signal to shape the prosthetic restoration, applying said milled prosthetic restoration to the prepared area, and finishing said milled prosthetic restoration in place in the prepared area.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of making and setting a prosthetic tooth restoration comprising: preparing the area for receiving the prosthetic restoration, circumscribing the prepared area with a matrix band having an optical readable floor and periphery, taking an optical image of the prepared area with the circumscribing matrix band with the optical scanner of a CAD-CAM machine whereby said optical image is converted into a digital signal, milling a block of restoration material in accordance to said digital signal to shape the prosthetic restoration, applying said milled prosthetic restoration to the prepared area, and finishing said milled prosthetic restoration in place in the prepared area.