Abstract: A reinforcing frame for a dental bridge is described. The frame consists of a main support bar which is bent so that ends may be mounted in abutment teeth spaced above the central portion where the pontic will be formed. A pair of cross bars are then mounted at the central portion extending equidistantly, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main support bar. The cross bars or rings and ellipses may be attached in a conventional fashion such as by welding or by spot welding. Optionally, U-shaped wires depend from the ends of the cross bars. The dental prothesis is then formed around the cross bars and main support bar so that the occlusal surface thereof is above the main support bar and there is no more than about 1.5 to 2 mm of bulk composite or porcelain extending beyond a reinforcing metal member. An additional support bar can be provided when cross bars are mounted below and/or above the main bar. This bar is mounted below the cross bars extending parallel to the main support bar.

Abstract: A dental bridge is described consisting of at least one pontic and a small support bar. The pontic has a masio-distally oriented slot therethrough dimensioned to receive the bar. The bar is intended to be mounted in abutment teeth in a dental preparation also dimensioned to correspond to the cross sectional configuration of the bar. A plurality of pontics are provided so that a pontic most closely resembling the shape and shade of the lost tooth can be used, and the dentist can select the pontic and construct the bridge therefrom.

Abstract: A stressless pin or post for dental preparation to seat in a predrilled hole or root canal without subjecting the tooth substance to lateral stress. The pin or post has a head, neck and shank and is an elongated member formed by crimping the midpoint of a bar, folding the bar in a predetermined configuration about the rings so that the pin or post consists of side-by-side sections joined only at the top of the head portion.

Abstract: A dental splint for securing one or more loose, mobile teeth to one or more healthy abutment teeth is provided. The splint utilizes a dental preparation in the lingual or occlusal surface of the teeth and a bar. The preparation should conform to the cross-sectional configuration of the bar with a flat floor, and walls perpendicular thereto. The bar is then chemically bonded to the tooth structure, and a composite covers the bar which is also chemically bonded both to the tooth structure and to the bar. The splint, then, is a unitary structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing missing teeth without a massive restoration is disclosed. The dental bridge of this invention includes a flat bar or mesh support which is mounted on one or more abutment teeth. The support carries one or more pontics. The pontic may be mounted on the support when the support is manufactured or by the dentist. The abutment teeth are prepared by removing no more than 1/2 to 1 millimeter of the occlusal or lingual surface just past the juncture of the enamel and dentin. The support is then fitted in the preparation and mounted with screws or pins located to miss the vital nerve and pulpal structure. The bridge is then covered with a conventional filling.