Tools and methods for measuring tooth reduction

Abstract

A tooth reduction measuring system comprises a holding tool having a proximal end and a distal end. A flexible loop extends from the distal end and defines an opening. The loop has a thickness from the range about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and the opening a size large enough to be placed around a tooth. The loop is adapted to be positioned relative to a pair of opposing teeth, one of which has been reduced. In this way, the pair of opposing teeth are within the opening, and the loop may be pulled by the shaft into a gap between the opposing teeth to permit evaluation of the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop.

1 . A tooth reduction measuring system, comprising: 
 a holding tool comprising an elongate shaft that is constructed of a polymer having a proximal end and a distal end; and    a flexible loop that is constructed of a polymer and that is integrally formed with the holding tool, wherein the loop has a thickness in the range from about 1 mm to about 2 mm, wherein the loop defines an opening that is sized large enough to be placed around a tooth, and wherein the loop is adapted to be positioned relative to a pair of opposing teeth, one of which has been reduced, such that the pair of opposing teeth are within the opening, and wherein the loop is adapted to be pulled by the holding tool into a gap between the opposing teeth to permit evaluation of the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop.    
   
   
       2 - 3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the loop extends from the tool at an acute angle.  
   
   
       5 . (canceled)  
   
   
       6 . A system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a marking material on the loop that produces a mark on the loop where the loop contacts the tooth.  
   
   
       7 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the opening has a cross sectional area of about 25 mm 2  to about 175 mm 2 .  
   
   
       8 . A tooth reduction measuring system, comprising: 
 a flexible loop that is constructed of a polymer and has a thickness in the range from about 1 mm to about 2 mm, wherein the loop defines an opening that is sized large enough to be placed around a tooth, and wherein the loop is adapted to be positioned relative to a pair of opposing teeth, one of which has been reduced, such that the pair of opposing teeth are within the opening, and wherein the loop is adapted to be pulled by the holding tool into a gap between the opposing teeth to permit evaluation of the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop;    a polymer shaft integrally formed with the loop; and    a marking material on the loop that produces a mark on the loop where the loop contacts the tooth.    
   
   
       9 . (canceled)  
   
   
       10 . A method for evaluating the amount of tooth reduction, the method comprising: 
 providing a polymer holding tool having a proximal end and a distal end; and    a flexible loop that is integrally attached to the distal end, and wherein the loop has a thickness in the range from about 1 mm to about 2 mm;    grasping the tool and placing the loop generally around or adjacent to a reduced tooth;    instructing a patient to bite down to move an opposing tooth generally adjacent the reduced tooth;    retracting the tool to pull the loop into a gap between the reduced tooth and the opposing tooth; and    evaluating the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop relative to the gap.    
   
   
       11 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein the loop includes a marking material that marks the loop where the loop contacts the reduced tooth or the opposing tooth, and further comprising evaluating the loop for any marks that are indicative of areas where the reduced tooth may be further reduced.  
   
   
       12 - 13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . A method for placing a crown onto a target tooth of a patient, the method comprising: 
 removing tooth structure from the target tooth;    providing a holding tool having a proximal end and a distal end; and    a flexible loop integrally formed with the distal end, wherein the loop has a thickness in the range from about 1 mm to about 2 mm;    grasping the tool and placing the loop generally around or adjacent to the target tooth;    instructing the patient to bite down to move an opposing tooth generally adjacent the target tooth;    retracting the tool to pull the loop into a gap between the target tooth and the opposing tooth;    evaluating the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop relative to the gap;    removing additional tooth structure from the target tooth or the opposing tooth if the loop is unable to move through the gap; and    placing a crown onto the target tooth.    
   
   
       15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A method as in  claim 14 , wherein the loop includes a marking material that marks the loop where the loop contacts the reduced tooth or the opposing tooth, and further comprising evaluating the loop for any marks and removing additional material from the target tooth in areas that correspond to the marked areas on the loop.  
   
   
       17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . A method as in  claim 14 , wherein the loop extends from the tool at an acute angle, wherein the loop is placed about a rear tooth.  
   
   
       19 . A method as in  claim 14 , further comprising making an impression of the target tooth, and fabricating the crown based on the impression.  
   
   
       20 . A method as in  claim 14 , further comprising bonding the crown to the target tooth.