Abstract: A dental impression tray that can be reinforced after the patient bites into the tray. In this particular embodiment, a joint in the tray's posterior is reinforced prior to intraoral placement by a removable wire running through hooks in the tray's rim. Removing the wire after the patient bites imparts flexibility to the joint, and then the tray's frame becomes rigid intraorally when an uncured immobilizing agent previously applied to the joint is cured or is self-cured. The tray's initial rigidity facilitates handling; its subsequent flexibility reduces the frame's plastic memory; and its subsequent rigidity durably locks the tray into a pressure-relieved position, reducing springback distortion.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a dental impression tray after the patient bites into the tray. In this particular embodiment, a joint in the tray's posterior is reinforced prior to intraoral placement by a removable wire running through hooks in the tray's rim. Removing the wire after the patient bites imparts flexibility to the joint, and then the tray's frame becomes rigid intraorally when an uncured immobilizing agent previously applied to the joint is cured or is self-cured. The tray's initial rigidity facilitates handling; its subsequent flexibility reduces the frame's plastic memory; and its subsequent rigidity durably locks the tray into a pressure-relieved position, reducing springback distortion.

Abstract: A dental impression tray which can be made flexible after insertion in the patient's mouth. A joint or area of flexibility in the tray's posterior is reinforced prior to intraoral placement by a removable wire running through hooks in the tray's rim. Removing the wire after the patient bites imparts flexibility to the joint, and then the tray's frame becomes less flexible once the impression material cures. The tray's initial rigidity facilitates handling, and its subsequent flexibility reduces the frame's plastic memory, thereby reducing springback distortions.