Abstract: An aligning dental impression transfer method and apparatus is described in which the transfer of the bite registration in centric occlusion is accurately preserved from a triple tray impression to the positioning upon an articulator. At each stage of the casting of a working model the spatial relationship of existing dental structures are preserved. The cast model of the upper and lower dentition a in perfect registration on the articulator. In the process of manufacturing molded and machined parts, the limitations in dimensional accuracy exceed those desired by the dental patient. The patient is aware of binding or interfering “high spots” greater than 5 microns. The modern cavity mold and resulting thermoplastic parts cannot be expected to hold these dimensions. These variations in dimensional tolerance are eliminated in this invention. The articulator is equipped with an upper and lower frame with magnetic or other clamping means to hold the pin blocks in preliminary alignment.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a kit for taking a dental impression. The kit comprises a thermoplastic material for bite registration on one jaw side, an impression compound for taking an impression of the opposite jaw side, and a tray for receiving the thermoplastic material on one side and the impression compound on an opposite side thereof. The tray includes a pair of opposing side walls and a flexible membrane extending therebetween, the flexible membrane defines a first receiving area and a second receiving area, the thermoplastic material is adapted to be molded to the flexible membrane and the side walls and extend past each of the side walls in order to impart sufficient rigidity to the tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for determining an axis of upper and lower jaw articulation of a patient and modeling jaw movement about such an axis, particularly with the use of computerized visual images. The methods comprise providing digital data sets of tooth and bite configuration information which may be used to determine an estimated condylar axis of rotation for a patient. A number of data sets may be acquired and utilized for such estimations. Data sets may be obtained with the use of bite registers. Such registers may be formed by a number of methods and device designs of the present invention. The resulting digital data sets and axis of articulation may then be utilized to generate animated visual images of a patient's jaws in various bite configurations throughout a given rotation around the determined axis.

Abstract: A method and article for providing identification means, comprising taking an impression of teeth with a thermoplastic wafer of special configuration such that the wafer receives an impression which gives the size, shape and anatomy of each tooth from the occlusal surface to the gum line, and also provides information on tooth position and jaw relationship, to provide maximum information for identification. The wafer also acquires salivary components which, for an indeterminate amount of time, allows for DNA analysis testing or scent dog tracing. The wafer with the impression is then stored for use in case of need, preferably in a container which is sealed so that tampering with the contents can be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for providing a dental diagnosis and/or a dental appliance to a user by examining a portion of a mouth of the user. To this end, the apparatus, system and method may evaluate images whether digital, still, video, digital x-ray or the like, of the portion of the mouth to determine if a medical condition may be cured and/or corrected by a dental appliance stored within a machine and capable of being dispensed from the machine. In addition, the system may provide a wafer or tray which the user may position in his mouth to make an impression. The wafer or tray, or an image of the wafer or tray, may then be sent to an individual and/or a central processing unit. Also, a user may position a film within his mouth and transmit the film or an image of the film to an individual and/or a central processing unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for determining an axis of upper and lower jaw articulation of a patient and modeling jaw movement about such an axis, particularly with the use of computerized visual images. The methods comprise providing digital data sets of tooth and bite configuration information which may be used to determine an estimated condylar axis of rotation for a patient. A number of data sets may be acquired and utilized for such estimations. Data sets may be obtained with the use of bite registers. Such registers may be formed by a number of methods and device designs of the present invention. The resulting digital data sets and axis of articulation may then be utilized to generate animated visual images of a patient's jaws in various bite configurations throughout a given rotation around the determined axis.

Abstract: A face bow assembly including a face bow having a bite fork portion to carry an index trays to be positioned in a patient's mouth. The bow has outwardly extending wings to enable a dentist to support the bow. A vertical indicator rod mounted to the bow helps align the tray horizontally and the indicator rod vertically to the patient's mid-sagittal, while bite impression material on the tray hardens. The upper index tray is then mounted on a platform on a dental articulator. The platform has an incisal line for alignment with an incisal line(s) for adjustability on the upper index tray. The platform also has vertical or horizontal adjustability with a built-in scale.

Abstract: Dispenser is disclosed. Method of dispensing dental material includes the provision of a dental tool, a dental tray, which may be a dental impression tray, as well as a bite tray. The bite tray may be provided with strands extending between first and second sides of the tray. In use, a material may be provided on the strands to cover the strands at least in part. The strands may be selected and located relative to each other so that, in use, when a user's teeth exert force on or contact one or more of the strands the respective strands move relative to each other, and move without exerting sufficient force on the first side of the dental tray so as to cause the first side of the dental tray to move relative to the second side of the dental tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides a teeth mark impression recording member, the teeth mark impression recording member may improve a measuring accuracy of an ideal diffusion-type laser light system and has excellent properties in fixing the member into the abutment teeth and includes a fixing part for fixing and sticking the member into abutment teeth, and an impression recording part for recording an impression of the opposing teeth, and at least the impression recording part includes reflection modifier as an additive.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental device for insertion in a patient's mouth generally between the patient's upper and lower teeth for cooperating and positioning the mandible and the maxilla in centric relation. The dental device includes a centric bite assembly including a bite portion which is insertable between the patient's upper and lower anterior teeth. The bite portion is constructed of pliable materials and is sized and shaped to maintain the patient's upper and lower posterior teeth spaced a distance apart as the patient bites down on the bite portion. The pliable materials result in the bite portion being partially collapsed as the patient bites down on the bite portion and permit relative movement of the upper and lower anterior teeth for cooperating in positioning the mandible and the maxilla in centric relation as a result of the patient's muscle contraction and relaxation as the patient bites down on the bite assembly while not causing a ramping effect.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat formable tray having a bite block and a method of forming the tray to a patient and forming a final impression in a single visit to the dental office by the patient. A custom fitting variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray, is provided which includes a bite registration member, and a dental impression tray. The dental impression tray comprises a heat adjustable material having a softening point above 38 ° C. and below 120 ° C. The variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray is used in a method for making an impression of dental tissue, comprising the steps of: a) providing a variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray, b) heating the dental impression tray to softened state, c) adjusting the dimensions of the dental impression tray, d) cooling the heat adjustable material so that it solidifies; and e) enveloping the tissue with the dental impression material, whereby a final dental tissue impression is obtained.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making impressions of at least a portion of a patient's upper and lower posterior teeth with the patient's mandible and maxilla positioned in a centric relation, relieving muscle trismus and pain caused by muscles, diagnosing temporal mandibular joint problems in a patient, and positioning a patient's mandible and maxilla in a centric relation using a dental device sized and shaped so as to be inserted into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic apparatus for use in the evaluation, detection, and treatment of humans that suffer from chronic grinding of the teeth known as "bruxing." The apparatus includes a pressure sensor contained in a mouth piece and electronic for detecting activation of the sensor due to bruxing and for generating an human cognizable output in response to bruxing. The apparatus can also include electronics for storing and analyzing human bruxing activities.

Abstract: A method for determining muscle strength of elements of the musculature used in speech and swallowing. In particular, a tool is equipped with at least one pressure sensor. A person inserts the tool into the person's mouth and utters sounds of speech or swallows. While uttering sounds of speech or swallowing, portions of the oral musculature contact and exert force on the sensor. A representation of this force is displayed at a visual display device as an indication of muscle strength and position.

Abstract: A dental device for insertion in a patient's mouth generally between the patient's upper and lower teeth for cooperating and positioning the mandible and the maxilla in centric relation. The dental device includes a centric bite assembly including a bite portion which is insertable between the patient's upper and lower anterior teeth and an impression support assembly connected to and extending a predetermined perpendicular distance away from the centric bite assembly. The dental device also may be used for relieving muscle trismus and pain caused by muscles and diagnosing temporal mandibular joint problems by having the patient bite down on the bite portion tending to position the mandibular and the maxilla in centric relation.

Abstract: An occlusal force-meter 1 includes an occlusal force detecting portion 2 for detecting an occlusal force and a main body 3 for processing the detected signal obtained by the occlusal force detecting portion 2 to display the occlusal force measured value on a display 4. The occlusal force detecting portion 2 includes a transmitting portion (second pressure transmitting portion) 5 having diaphragm portions 7, 8 at an upper surface and/or a lower surface of one end portion 5f thereof. A pressure medium liquid L is filed therein, for transmitting the occlusal force added to the diaphragm portions 7, 8 to a pressure detector 9 disposed on the other end portion 5r thereof.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a dental restoration is described which comprises the steps of obtaining a dental impression of a patient using dental impression material, filling the cavity defining the impression with a filler material distinguishable from the dental material defining the impression and allowing the materials to harden to a solid block, successively removing from the block thin layers and imaging each then remaining surface of the block after each successive layer is removed to define a contour of the filler material for each layer removed, each contour corresponding to a contour of the teeth, gums and palate of the patient at a corresponding known depth of the block, generating a three dimensional computer model of the teeth, gums and palate of the patient using the contours, and converting the model to a stereolithography file for producing a castable pattern of the model or machining a restoration corresponding to the model.

Abstract: A dental impression article made of a dental imprint material is for use with a bite fork having one or more planar members, each planar member having one or more holes. The dental imprint article includes a pad of dental imprint material that may be molded when heated. The pad of dental imprint material is for engaging a surface of planar member of the bite fork and includes a stem of dental imprint material that engages the bite fork. The stem is received through a hole in the bite fork planar member, heat is applied, and the stem is deformed, spreading beyond the hole on another surface of the planar member. When the apparatus is cooled, the dental imprint article is retained on the bite fork for use.

Abstract: A dental arch bite registration device in the form of a thin disk having a plan shape corresponding to that portion of opposing dental arches whose registration is to be taken. The disk has an outer perimeter frame of polymeric material. Polymeric bite registration material occupies space bounded by the outer perimeter frame, and is joined with and supported by the outer perimeter frame. The device may be made by injection molding the outer perimeter frame, and then injection molding the bite registration material onto the frame. It may also be made extruding bite registration material in a shape corresponding to the plan shape of the bite registration material, applying frame material to the perimeter of the extruded bite registration material, and then slicing a device of desired thickness from the framed bite registration material.

Abstract: A dual dental tray assembly is provided which includes a pliable resilient outer dental tray using a pre-formed thin inner tray of thermoplastic material that nests inside the pliable outer tray. The two are heated to between 145.degree.-160.degree. F. During this time the inner tray is more formable, allowing for the inner tray to be accurately formed over the patient's teeth. The outer tray also prolongs the time during which the inner tray is moldable. The outer tray also operates as a seal with the gums to create a better vacuum created by the patient's sucking. Thus, the inner tray, once formed and cooled, becomes hard and flexible again and provides a thin hard dental tray as accurate as dental trays produced by dentists in their labs on models. The thinner, hard dental tray can then be used for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, and other dental operations, including provisional crowns and other dental work. The outer tray is usable for fluoride gel treatments.

Abstract: A moldable material formed over teeth with a second flowable material containing an astringent placed into the impression of the teeth in the moldable material providing retraction and hemostasis at the gum line. A moldable material, preferably a silicone, may contain an astringent such as aluminum ammonium sulfate is made into a mold of teeth. The impression formed in the mold of the teeth is filled with a less viscous or initially flowable material also containing an astringent. The mold with the flowable material is placed over the teeth. The initially flowable material preferably sets into a solid. The flowable material may be made of a condensation silicone having a base and catalyst. The mold helps to apply pressure to the flowable material which is transmitted to the gum tissue resulting in retraction and hemostasis.

Abstract: The modulus of elasticity and yield strength of a rigid core rod are set within predetermined limits as to limit the elastic deformation and prevent plastic deformation of a dental tray during multiple impression taking, bite registration and subsequent handling. The tray is formed with a frame which provides a positive recovery force when it is flexed. The cross section of the core rod may be optimized to further limit deflection in a predetermined plane. Various preferred materials including nonwoven spun-bonded filaments are selected for supporting impression material on the tray while minimizing the likelihood of obstructing a patient's teeth during full occlusion.

Abstract: A dual dental tray assembly is provided which includes a pliable resilient outer dental tray using a pre-formed thin inner tray of thermoplastic material that nests inside the pliable outer tray. The two are heated to between 145.degree.-160.degree. F. During this time the inner tray is more formable, allowing for the inner tray to be accurately formed over the patient's teeth. The outer tray also prolongs the time during which the inner tray is moldable. The outer tray also operates as a seal with the gums to create a better vacuum created by the patient's sucking. Thus, the inner tray, once formed and cooled, becomes hard and flexible again and provides a thin hard dental tray as accurate as dental trays produced by dentists in their labs on models. The thinner, hard dental tray can then be used for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, and other dental operations, including provisional crowns and other dental work. The outer tray is usable for fluoride gel treatments.

Abstract: A multi-laminar impression material is supported in a tray to form an impression tray assembly. The impression material comprises two lamina that are bonded together. One lamina is relatively softer than the other. The one lamina faces the arch while the other lamina is disposed against the tray. The impression material may also be bonded to the tray. In a specific preferred embodiment, the tray and both lamina of the impression material are ethylene vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A dental arch bite registration device in the form of a thin disk having a plan shape corresponding to that portion of opposing dental arches whose registration is to be taken. The disk has an outer perimeter frame of polymeric material for peripherally bounding, as viewed in plan, an open space where that portion of opposing dental arches whose registration is to be taken will register. Polymeric bite registration material is joined with, and supported by, the outer perimeter frame, extending across and filling the open space, so that when the device is used to take a bite registration, that portion of opposing dental arches whose registration is being taken will create a bite registration in only the bite registration material, and not in the outer perimeter frame.

Abstract: A dental impression composition, dental impression pre-form and/or pre-mold and method for taking a dental impression that includes a pre-form made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer mixed with a second polymer selected from vinyl acetate, a second ethylene vinyl acetate and a vinyl acetate vinyl alcohol ester. The pre-form softens at a temperature of about 120.degree. F. to 170.degree. F. The composition and method may also include a second pre-form made of a thin separator film sheet of a high molecular weight polycaprolactone, sandwiched between two ethylene vinyl acetate pre-forms.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the occlusion condition by inspecting an occlusion condition diagnosing sheet including a pressure-sensitive composite recording sheet structure and having at least one surface coated with a wax. The system comprises a first scanner for reading the image of dental arch pattern recorded on the wax, a second scanner for reading the color densities developed on the pressure-sensitive recording sheet structure, an occlusion pressure detector for converting the color densities into pressures, a graduation display device for converting the occlusion pressurs into the density graduations to display the density graduations, and output device for outputting the dental arch pattern and/or distribution of the density graduations.Further provided is a system for analyzing the occlusion condition by inspecting an occlusion condition diagnosing sheet including a pressure-sensitive composite recording sheet structure.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive recording sheet, comprising: a synthetic resin support sheet; a color developer layer coated on one face of the support sheet; a color former layer overcoated on the color developer layer and containing a microcapsulated color former; a first water-impermeable layer adhering on the other face of the support sheet through an adhesive; and a transparent second water-impermeable layer covering directly over the color former layer; and wherein the outer peripheries of the first and second water-impermeable layers are liquid-tightly closed to protect the support sheet, the color developer layer and the color former layer from attack by any aqueous liquid. The pressure-sensitive recording sheet or the support sheet is shaped to have a horseshoe-like contour to be used as an occlusion pressure detecting sheet. A wax coating layer may be provided on at least one surface of the occlusion pressure detecting sheet to record the dental arch pattern.

Abstract: Multi-laminar bite registration devices are fabricated from ethylene vinyl acetate. Injection molding is used to bond one lamina to another without the use of separate adhesive. The lamina have different durometers. In one embodiment, two relatively low durometer lamina are injection molded onto opposite surfaces of a relatively higher durometer lamina. In another, a relatively lower durometer lamina is injection molded onto a relatively higher durometer lamina.

Abstract: A spacer for elevating occlusion position is composed of a plastic material which can be deformed by occlusion pressure; and a plurality of ball members having a predetermined diameter. The ball member is made of a material which cannot be deformed by subjecting occlusion pressure, and the ball member is embedded in the plastic material so as to be in a plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining tentative centric occlusion of an upper and a lower of a patient. The device generally has a bite block which surrounds a handle. The bite block has an inner layer of hard wax surrounded by an upper and lower layers of soft wax. Tracks can be put in the exposed surfaces of the soft wax to generally conform to the patient's upper and lower existing teeth or gums. Recessed areas can be placed in the hard wax to generally receive the existing teeth of the patient. When recessed areas are used, ridges exist in the soft wax to fill the recessed areas. The soft wax is intended to allow proper impression of the exposed gingiva whereas the hard wax is necessary for obtaining the impression of the existing teeth.

Abstract: Method for fixation of different positions of a model (2) of the mandible relatively to a model (1) of the maxilla of a patient. One of the models consists of two members (15, 16) namely a tooth member and a socket member unified along coinsiding joint surfaces forming a common boarder plane (19) in a predetermined mutual position. The method comprises impressions of the teeth of the mandible and maxilla respectively are made in an index (54) in the shape of a plastically deformable plate, partly in a thick plate and partly in a thin plate. The mandible and maxilla models (2) are positioned in an articulator (5) so that they coinside with the thick index. The thick index is replaced with the thin index, forming an interspace between the joint surfaces of the divided model. The interspace is cast by filling the space with a cast mass, obtaining a removable interlayer plate.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a dental hygiene apparatus is formed of a relatively rigid tray having a plurality of orifices connected by tubes to a source of dental cleaning solution, a vacuum source, and a vent. A first group of the orifices are selectively formed and positioned in the tray such that they lie adjacent the interproximal crevices of the teeth. These orifices are connected to the source of cleaning solution. A second group of orifices, which are substantially larger in diameter and fewer in number than the first orifices, are connected to the vacuum source for evacuating the cleaning solution and other substances from the mouth. The second orifices are formed in the tray in a position which is inferior to (i.e., below) the first orifices. A pair of third orifices are formed in the tray superior to (i.e., above) the first orifices, and are connected to a vent to prevent formation of a vacuum within the mouth during operation.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental bite registration involves the utilization of an alginate dental impression powder composition. The composition is mixed with water in an amount considerably less than the amount of water that would be used for dental impression purposes, and the temperature of the water employed is higher than the temperature of water that would be employed for dental impression purposes. The mixture of the powder composition with water is rapidly blended to form a homogenous lump of dough-like consistency which will not sag but which undergoes plastic deformation. Upon insertion into the oral cavity to record bite registration, the lump hardens in 3-4 minutes.

Abstract: A dental impression tray or bite registration tray or the like is provided with a level indicator to indicate patient bite angle. When the impression tray or the like is placed into the mouth of a patient, the level indicator provides an accurate indication of patient bits angle, particularly with respect to deviations from a horizontal plane. This bite angle information can be used subsequently in dental laboratory procedures to accommodate the specific bite angle in the formation of a dental prosthesis or the like, thereby achieving a more accurate prosthesis fit.

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions are made from a blend of high molecular weight and low molecular weight polycaprolactones. The blends have lower viscosity, and can have higher modulus, than a composition containing only high molecular weight polycaprolactone. The blends are especially useful for dental impressioning.

Abstract: A dental impression pad is used with a dental tray for making an impression of a patient's teeth. Dental impression material, which becomes moldable when heated, is placed on one side of a strip of Mylar.RTM. material. The other side of the strip is covered with adhesive attaching the strip the dental tray. The dental impression pad also includes a protective sheet mounted to cover and protect the adhesive until use. When the pad is used, the protective sheet is peeled away to expose the adhesive. Dental impression pads are made by applying adhesive and a protective sheet to backing strips; melting a dental impression material; dripping or placing the dental impression material on the backing strips; shaping the dental impression material to the form desired; and cooling the impression material to a hardened state.

Abstract: A device for determining an occlusal plane for making dental prostheses includes two horizontally pivotable members arranged to be brought in alignment with an ear-nose plane, and a further member vertically displaceable relative to the first mentioned members parallel to the latter to be brought in contact with plastic material on a base applied to an occlusal surface of remaining teeth or its equivalent.

Abstract: An oral chock exerts uniformly axial forces on dental prostheses to seat the prosthesis. The chock is preferably shaped like the dental arch, and wedge-shaped to align the surfaces of the chock with the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. The chock is large enough to receive the entire dental arch, so that one or a plurality of prostheses of any size or extent can be seated. The chock may be scored for separation into partial chocks, and the central posterior portion may be removed for palatal and lingual relief. The chock is formed of expanded plastic material having a frangible cellular structure for deformation of the chock so that the chock will exert uniformly distributed forces. Though deformable, the material has sufficient strength to seat the prostheses.

Abstract: A dental impression package pre-loaded with dental impression material adapted for taking accurate impressions of a patient's teeth and/or gums by professional personnel is provided. The impression material used is flowable to a desired degree and has a viscosity of substantially one million centipoises. Packaging a pre-loaded dental impression tray is accomplished by first quickly immersing the loaded tray in a solution of natural latex for a few seconds and then quickly removing the coated product followed by quickly immersing it in a coagulating solution of acetic acid for a few seconds to stabilize the latex coating; withdrawing the stabilized coated product; drying it; and suitably packaging the product for storage and sale. If the impression material is of a light-curable nature, the packaging is of light-opaque nature.

Abstract: A contact sensor for detecting points on a grid where the sensor is being contacted on opposing sides by teeth surfaces or other contacting points. The sensor is especially useful for measuring dental occlusion. The contact sensor includes two sets of parallel electrodes which are each formed on a thin, flexible supporting sheet. The electrodes are separated by a thin, pressure-sensitive resistive coating such as molydenum disulphide. Two such electrode structures are oriented at approximately right angles to create a grid where the intersecting electrodes cross separated by the resistive coatings. Several arrangements of resistive coating over electrodes as disclosed. In the absence of an external force, the material between the electrodes sets provides a high resistance between intersecting electrodes. The resistance between electrode intersections changes as pressure on opposite sides of the intersection changes.

Abstract: An impression film, adapted to intraorally record an occlusal position at virtually unaltered vertical and horizontal dimensions, is matched to a light source and a photographic film such that micron changes in the thickness of the impression film can result in photographically measurable changes in the percent transmission of light from the light source through the impression film. In this manner, an occlusal position can be permanently documented.

Abstract: A print pallet composed of a dental tray holding a filler pad of thermoplastic material can be warmed to plasticize such material and inserted into the mouth of a person to be identified to be stamped by the occlusal surfaces of that person's dental arch to imprint a print of such arch occlusal surfaces on the pad. Such print record can be preserved or recorded by various media for later comparison to establish the identity of the person when deceased or incapacitated.

Abstract: A contact sensor for detecting points on a grid where the sensor is being contacted on opposing sides by teeth surfaces or other contacting points. The contact sensor includes two sets of parallel electrodes which are each formed of a thin, flexible supporting sheet. The electrodes are coated with a thin, resistive coating. Two such electrode structures are oriented at approximately right angles to create a grid where the intersecting electrodes cross separated by the resistive coatings. The resistive coatings may be made from conventional resisitive inks and are optionally separated by a separation material, such as talcum or mesh. In the absence of an external force, the material between the electrodes sets provides a high resistance between intersecting electrodes.

Abstract: An occlusal clearance indicator for measuring the distance between a tooth prepared to receive a cast restoration and an opposing tooth.

Abstract: An occlusal impression device includes first and second impression waxes for deforming in response to pressed engagement therewith and a continuous sheet support means laminated thereto for supporting the impression waxes and for placing the impression waxes into a mouth in a position for engagement with mandibular and maxillary teeth. The impression waxes and support means are flat, coplanar and include a grip portion which extends from the support means to enable insertion of the first and second impression waxes into a mouth in a position for simultaneous engagement with all of the mandible and maxilla teeth. The support means is configured for folding from a storage position to an exposed position and includes a surface thereon for permanently recording the identification of the patient making the impressions in the occlusal impression device.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for use in efficiently obtaining an accurate relationship of upper and lower jaws of a dental patient which includes a wafer and a leaf gage. The wafer is made of a substantially stable but vertically deformable material and has a generally dental arcuate shape. A slot extends through the wafer for receiving the leaf gage. The leaf gage is positionable within the slot of the wafer and thereafter placed within a patient's mouth in order to obtain an accurate centric relation record.

Abstract: A method and article for providing identification means, comprising taking an impression of teeth with a wax wafer of special configuration such that the wafer receives an impression which gives the size and shape of each tooth from the occusal surface to the gum line, and also provides information on tooth position and jaw relationship, to provide maximum information for identification. The wafer with the impression is then stored for use in case of need, preferably in a container which is sealed so that tampering with the contents can be detected.

Abstract: Strips are prepared from a stack of two superposed metallized polymer films, each film having piezoelectric properties. The stack is coated with a conventional plastically deformable wax impression material to provide the normal visual indication of bite deflection and premature teeth engagement. The stack of metallized polymer films provides means through which sliding bite forces exerted during occlusal analysis may be monitored and recorded.

Abstract: A device for mutual alignment of the upper and lower jaw for the purpose of producing dentures utilizes a bag to be interposed between the upper and lower jaw and which bag is filled with a freely shapeable, hardening material which is allowed to harden once the jaws have been firmly closed on each other. The bag has a recess in the region of the frontal teeth. The filling opening is provided with a valve allowing an easy filling, but preventing the material from being squeezed out when the patient is biting. Perforations are provided to facilitate a bubble free filling of the material.