Abstract: A method and apparatus for identification of persons using dental data is disclosed. A unique but simple bite wafer is inserted between the lower and upper jaws of a person and biting pressure is exerted on the wafer. The registrations made on the bite wafer are geometrically evaluated. The geometric data is permanently recorded for future use when identifications and/or comparisons are to be made. The recorded data is different for each person which enables the identification and comparisons.

Abstract: The surface characteristics of an organ that needs restoration, for example, a tooth which has been prepared for an inlay insertion, are read by means of a noncontact scan-head. The three-dimensional shape parameters of the implant required to restore the tooth in function and appearance are computed on the basis of the recorded contour data. These parameters are then used in a program sequence which controls a milling, cutting or erosive process in order to manufacture the restorative inlay while the patient waits.

Abstract: A method for cephalometric quantitation of the morphology and growth of a patient is provided comprising the steps of making a lateral cephalometric X-ray of the patient, registering an X-ray with the analyzer, registering anatomic landmarks to determine coordinates of cephalometric readings sought to be quantified with said analyzer, summating the linear size, proportion and angular relationship of variants comprising the cephalometric regions and recording of results of the summating step for future reference. The method identifies areas of facial disharmony and quantifies the degree of change in the surgical repositioning of dento-facial structures. The analyzer used in the present invention can comprise a computer which permits instantaneous summation and therefore instant comparative analysis for purposes of treatment.

Abstract: Dental impression strips prepared from metallized polymer film having piezoelectric properties are coated with a conventional plastically deformable wax impression material to provide the normal visual indication of bite deflection and premature teeth engagement. The metallized polymer film provides means through which force exerted during occlusal analysis may be monitored and recorded. By coating the metallized polymer film with a non-permanently deformable and reusable plastic, the monitoring and recording may readily be demonstrated to the dentist and patient.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an occlusion pressure image display system which is designed to make visual display of the output signals of the occlusion pressure sensor in the form of a black-and-white or color brilliance image on a CRT screen. The system comprises in combination, a novel occlusion pressure sensor designed to convert information on the occlusion pressure of the teeth into electric signal output by mere biting with the teeth and a raster scanning type CRT display.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an occlusion pressure sensor of the construction in which pressure sensitive block changing in electric characteristic under external pressure are arranged in multiple rows. The occlusion pressure sensor is designed to detect an electric signal responsive to occlusion pressure from the pressure sensitive blocks by successively and electrically scanning the blocks in the state of a patient engaging his teeth.

Abstract: An aligning assembly for use in dentistry, particularly in prosthodontics and/or orthodontics includes two plates each of which is to be positioned in the oral cavity of a patient at the upper jaw and to the lower jaw, respectively. One of the plates has a projection which, subsequent to an initial positioning of the plates in the oral cavity, and while the patient moves the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw, provides a centering mark on the other plate. At least the other plate is of an inexpensive, easily deformable material so that, upon removal of the jaw plates from the oral cavity, a recess can be provided in the place of the centering mark on the other plate. When the two plates are repositioned in the oral cavity to be connected to each other to form the assembly, the projection is partially received in the recess and fixes the plates with respect to each other against misalignment while they are being connected.

Abstract: Multi-component motions between two parts are sensed by this apparatus which comprises a first conductive element and a plurality of second conductive elements with a frame connected to the first and second elements to hold them closely spaced from each other but not in electrical contact. An electric oscillator is connected between the first element and the second elements to apply an oscillating signal between the first element and each of the second elements. A sensing circuit is connected to each of the second elements to separately detect changes in the protential between the first element and each of the second elements as the two parts are moved relative to each other and to produce a first set of separate electrical signals representative of such changes in the potential.

Abstract: A method for marking contact between a dental mounting such as a prepared tooth and a prosthetic device such as a crown, wherein the prosthetic device is to be modified to conform to the mounting. The method comprises applying a clear, mildly adhesive liquid to the surface of the mounting in a thin, uniform film, seating the thoroughly dried surface of the prosthetic device against the mounting to cause protruding areas to abut to one another and to transfer a residue of the liquid adhesive to the protruding areas of the surface of the prosthetic device, and then highlighting the residue on the prosthetic device surface by dusting with a visible powder which clings to the residue, and finally removing the excess powder whereby the areas of undesired protrusion on the surface of the prosthetic device are indicated. Thereafter, the protruding areas of the prosthetic device can be ground away, and the process can be repeated until undesired areas of contact can be eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for making denture models used in fabricating dentures customized for a given patient. The apparatus of the present invention is a moldable impression member which conforms to a portion of the mouth and comprises an alterable block member disposed on the nonimpression surface of the impression member. The block member is representative of teeth and generally corresponds to the dimensions and positioning of such teeth. The present invention includes a method directed to selecting an impression member and adjusting it to the patient. The block member particularly is adjusted to provide a customized fit. The impression members are preferably made of wax.

Abstract: A mounting device for use in mounting a dental cast of a patient's maxillary teeth in a dental articulator including a removable yoke like bracket for mounting a face bow on the articulator.

Abstract: A prefabricated bite block structure is provided comprising a maxillary tray and a mandibular tray, each formed from a heat-deformable thermoplastic material. The maxillary tray generally corresponds to the maxillary alveolar ridge and palate of the human anatomy and is adapted to be positioned on the maxillary alveolar ridge. The mandibular tray generally corresponds to the mandibular ridge, retromolar pad areas, mucobuccal fold areas and mucolingual fold areas of the human mandible and is adapted to be positioned on the mandibular alveolar ridge. The maxillary and mandibular trays each have protrusions terminating in a flat, planar occlusal surface that corresponds at least to the area occupied by the canines, premolars and first molars. The planar occlusal surfaces of the trays correspond approximately to the plane of occlusion as defined by certain anatomical landmarks.

Abstract: A dental probe having a stylus which is connected through a rod to a three position transducer which produces three signals indicating the position of the probe at any point to which the probe is applied. The transducers are mounted on an index tray which is adapted to be fastened to the jaw of the patient. Thus the patient's jaw becomes the origin against which all measurements are made. A handle is connected to the probe in such a fashion that the dentist has three rotational degrees of freedom of movement without affecting the position of the end of the stylus. Contact between the tip of the stylus and the patient's tissue completes a circuit to turn on the recording mechanism which receives the transducers' outputs.