ELASTIC DENTAL DEVICE

1 . An elastic dental wedge comprising an elongated elastic object having a first end, a central portion and a second end wherein the first end and the second end each have a grip; the central portion comprises a discontinuity decreasing total amount of material in a cross-section of the object relative to a section adjacent to the discontinuity in the central portion; and the object can be stretched by applying force in opposite directions between the first end and the second end.

2 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the central portion is thinner than a portion near the first end and a portion near the second end.

3 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the grip is a knob.

4 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the grip is textured.

5 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the grip is a depression.

6 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 5 , wherein the depression is capable of receiving an instrument for stretching.

7 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 5 , wherein the depression is a hole.

8 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the discontinuity comprises a hole or a notch.

9 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the elastic dental wedge comprises a thermoplastic elastomer or rubber.

10 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 9 , wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a styrene ethylene/butylene styrene block co-polymer or a polyurethane.

11 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the dental wedge is approximately about 1-5 mm in an unstretched state.

12 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the dental wedge is approximately about 2 mm in an unstretched state.

13 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the dental wedge is approximately about 2.6 mm in an unstretched state.

14 . The elastic dental wedge of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the dental wedge is approximately about 3.2 mm in an unstretched state.

15 . A method of inserting an elastic dental wedge between teeth comprising:

stretching the elastic dental wedge of claim 1 having a first end, a central portion and a second end by applying force in opposite directions between the first end and the second end; and

inserting the stretched elastic dental wedge between two adjacent teeth.

16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the method further comprises stretching the elastic dental wedge with a stretching tool.

17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the method further comprises stretching the elastic dental wedge with hands.

18 . A method of separating two adjacent teeth apart in an orthodontic operation, wherein the method comprises:

stretching the elastic dental wedge of claim 1 having a first end, a central portion and a second end by applying force in opposite directions between the first end and the second end; and

inserting the stretched elastic dental wedge between two adjacent teeth.

19 . A method for securing a matrix band or a cavity filling material mold against an object tooth, wherein the method comprises:

placing the matrix band or the cavity filling material mold against an object tooth;

stretching the elastic dental wedge of claim 1 having a first end, a central portion and a second end by applying force in opposite directions between the first end and the second end;

inserting the stretched elastic dental wedge between the object tooth and an adjacent tooth next to the base of the matrix band or the cavity filling material mold; and

removing the force between the first end and the second end resulting in the contraction and thickening of the central portion.

20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the matrix band is a Tolfemire matrix band or a sectional matrix band.

21 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the method further comprises placing a matrix ring on the matrix band.

22 . A method for tooth restoration, wherein the method comprises:

placing a matrix band or a cavity filling material mold against an object tooth;

stretching an elastic dental wedge of claim 1 having a first end, a central portion and a second end by applying force in opposite directions between the first end and the second end;

inserting the stretched elastic dental wedge between the object tooth and an adjacent tooth next to the base of the matrix band or the cavity filling material mold;

removing the force between the first end and the second end resulting in the contraction and thickening of the central portion;

placing a restorative material on the object tooth;

removing the elastic dental wedge by cutting; and

removing the matrix band or the cavity filling material mold.