Abstract: An insert is formed within a dental model to maintain alignment of seated and removably mounted model teeth of the dental model and to guide each removable model tooth during insertion into and withdrawal from the dental model. The insert includes a plurality of alignment studs captured by each model tooth on seating of same in the dental model and a pin extending from the model tooth into slidable engagement with a passageway in the insert to guide the model tooth during insertion and withdrawal. A method for developing the dental model is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting for casts of a dental model correlates the casts with the condition to be redintegrated throughout a full range of occlusal and masticatory registration. The mounting includes separate duplicate members, each of which members is attachable to a cast of a dental model and supports a spherical cavity, and an hinged two part flexible element, each of which parts is a mirror image of the other and supports a sphere to be positioned within respective ones of the spherical cavities and adhesively secured thereto after alignment of the paired casts. Simulation and tracing the paths of natural occlusal and masticatory registration is effected by pivotal movement about the hinge line and flexing of the element.

Abstract: A mold for the base of a dental model includes index means cooperative with a dental model articulator, detachable perimeter members for defining the side walls of the base and an insert for delineating a platform upon which a tooth die is attached. The insert is reversably mountable to accommodate relocation of the platform as a right or left quadrant. A variant includes a flexible rubber mold which defines a quadrant or a full base, each including index means and having a platform for supporting the respective tooth die. Forms for making the flexible molds are also described.

Abstract: An electrically heated spatula for working heat softenable materials, such as dental wax, includes an elongated hollow sleeve secured at one end to a handle and having a heat producing diode unit supported at the other end. The diode unit includes a hollow metallic cylinder with an apertured metallic end wall. A forward biased diode has a threaded mounting stud disposed in the end wall aperture and is supported in interior of the cylinder in spaced non-contacting relation thereto. The stud extends outwardly of the other end of the sleeve and removably supports a working tip. Power supply conductors extend through the handle and sleeve and are connected to the anode of the diode within the cylinder and to the cathode of the diode through the cylinder, end wall and mounting stud. The arrangement minimizes undesirable transfer of heat from the diode to the cylinder and sleeve and maximizes transfer of heat through the threaded stud to the tip.

Abstract: In a dental model, a plurality of parallel non-tapered guide pins are slidably seated within cylindrical cavities in an apertured retainer. Extending sections of the guide pins are secured within removable cast teeth, whereby the guide pins and their mating cavities permit withdrawal and replacement of the removable cast teeth while maintaining the alignment of the removable cast teeth with respect to the dental model.