Abstract: A positioning apparatus and method for using the positioning apparatus to position a dental arch model in a dental articulator, simulating the position of dental arch in a skull. The positioning apparatus includes a first member, a second member that slides with respect to the first member, and a third member that slides with respect to the second member. A locating member on the second member and one or more adjustment members on the third member impart an orientation to a mounting surface representative of a plane in which a dental arch lies. A maxillary tray having radio-opaque members may be mounted to the mounting surface. X-ray data obtained while the maxillary tray is engaged with a patient's teeth is used to determine the position and orientation of a dental arch model while said model is engaged with the maxillary tray on the mounting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a model of a dental arch of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a generally U-shaped base portion and at least three spaced-apart radio-opaque members secured to the base. An extension may project from the base portion and may include a fourth radio-opaque member secured to the extension. The apparatus also includes means for securing the apparatus to a mounting surface. Also provided is a positioning apparatus and method for enabling use of the model-receiving apparatus to position the dental arch model within a dental articulator to simulate the position of the dental arch in a skull. The positioning apparatus includes a first member, a second slidable with respect to the first member and a third member slidable with respect to the second member.

Abstract: A apparatus is described for positioning the head of a patient for taking various x-ray images of the head. The head-positioning apparatus contemplates an arm member rotatably mounted to a pivot member for rotating the arm about an axis of rotation and at least one ear locating member coupled to the arm member in which the ear locating member rotates with the arm member and in alignment with the axis of rotation. The apparatus also contemplates an x-ray emitting source and an indicator coupled to the x-ray emitting source to provide the indicator and x-ray emitting source to rotate in conjunction and same direction with each other, in which the indicator locates a plane alignable with an ear of the patient.

Abstract: An improved cephalostat comprising an upper housing portion and rotatable lower housing portion wherein a patient's head may be positioned below the lower housing portion and lateral, anterior, posterior, or frontal oblique, x-ray pictures may be selectively taken. Said lower housing portion includes a gear and gear rack assembly for the relative positioning of associated earposts and a top knob adjustment for the earposts extends outward from the top of the upper housing portion. The upper housing portion further accommodates adjustable support rod means for an x-ray cassette holder that is held laterally to one side of the upper housing portion. The lower housing portion is capable of accommodating support slide rods which carry a nasion positioner.

Abstract: A telescoping adjustment assembly for head positioning means used in a cephalostat. The assembly having sleeves retractably engaged by slide arms, the outward ends of the arms and sleeves carrying brackets for supporting the head positioning means. Substantially no portions of the slide arms or sleeves extend outwardly of the brackets so that the assembly is compact and allows use with tomographic x-ray equipment so that the support portions for the brackets do not shadow the radiograph or provide physical impediments to the rotation of a co-axial x-ray tube and film holder. The assembly is further useful for both fixed-type cephalostats, and angularly adjustable cephalostats of the type wherein lateral and anterior, posterior, and oblique cephalometric studies may be made, wherein the stable, compact adjustment assembly provides very accurate positioning of the cranium, dentition, TMJ, etc.