Thomas Evan Hughes
Dentist at Willow Park Way, Woodmoor, CO

6435874, Aug 20, 2002

Jul 5, 2001

09/899707

Thomas E. Hughes - Monument CO 80132

A61C 700

433149

Structures and methods are disclosed which may be used for applying force to the base of a matrix band or cavity filling material mold during a cavity filling procedure. In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a unitary body of elastic material is stretched preferably by applying force in opposite directions to the opposite ends of the unitary body such that a central portion of the body of material is thinned. The thinned portion of the unitary body may then be easily inserted in the space between two adjacent teeth next to the base of a matrix band or cavity filling material mold. After the unitary body has been inserted into the space between two adjacent teeth next to the base of the matrix band or cavity filling material mold, the force which has been applied to the opposite ends of the unitary body is then removed. As a result, the previously stretched elastic unitary body contracts and becomes thicker in its central portion that had been previously thinned. The contraction and thickening of the unitary body in the space between adjacent teeth fills this space and applies and outward force to the walls of this cavity.