Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dental devices, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a dental device for forming a dental appliance. The dental appliance is used to position the mandible and the maxilla in centric relation and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a re-usable tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for molding complementary shaped grooves and ribs in opposed sides of the base of a dental model casting molded in said tray. The trough has a base frame which overlies an upwardly concave lower cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the casting base has solidified, hardened and been removed. The base frame has therethrough an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity. A resilient insert is removably lodged in the base frame aperture to form therewith a liquid-tight seal, whereupon liquid die stone is poured into the upper trough to form the base of a dental model casting. After the casting has hardened, the insert is removed, and pins are fitted into selected portions of the cast base.

Abstract: Tray (10) for forming dental model comprises base wall (12) forming floor upon which dental casting material is poured. Spaced apart projections (14) extend upwardly from base wall (12). An upstanding axis of each projection (14) is substantially perpendicular to the upper face of base wall (12). Projections (14) are arranged in two rows, with the projections (14) in one row being offset from corresponding projections (14) in the other row. Sidewalls of each projection (14) taper inwardly at an angle of between about 82 to 88 degrees with the upper face of the base wall (12). Each projection (14) has a thickness at its base of about 3 to 7 millimeters. The projections (14) are spaced from each other at their bases by a distance of from 0 to 5 millimeters.

Abstract: A refractory die removably mountable to a base with a model die for use in producing a crown or veneer to be attached to a tooth to be restored. The model die, produced from die stone, is removably mounted to the base with a portion of the model die corresponding to the tooth to be restored being separable therefrom and used to produce the refractory die. Porcelain is placed on the refractory die to produce the crown or veneer.

Abstract: A premanufactured dental model base, and method, for supporting a cast dental model. The dental model base has a dental model support surface adapted such that a user may create apertures in the dental model support surface. The apertures are adapted to receive pins that secure the dental model to the dental model base and for disengagably retaining a dental model segment representing a damaged tooth.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a molding tray for molding the base of a quadrant or full-arch dental model cast which has a longitudinally disposed partition panel disposed generally between upper and lower surfaces of the tray that forms therewithin an upper well for receiving liquid die stone to mold the base of a dental impression model, and a lower well shaped symmetrically to the upper well for providing clearance for optional manipulating pins installable in the bases of selected die segments modeling individual dental prostheses severed from the hardened die stone base of the model. The partition panel includes peripheral flanges for supporting the base of the dental model, and an openable central portion for enabling a hardened dental model to be ejected from the tray, and for providing access for manipulating pins depending downwardly from die segments.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a re-usable tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for molding complementary shaped grooves and ribs in opposed sides of the base of a dental model casting molded in said tray. The trough has a base frame which overlies an upwardly concave lower cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the casting base has solidified, hardened and been removed. The base frame has therethrough an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity. A resilient insert is removably lodged in the base frame aperture to form therewith a liquid-tight seal, whereupon liquid die stone is poured into the upper trough to form the base of a dental model casting. After the casting has hardened, the insert is removed, and pins are fitted into selected portions of the cast base.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid modeling material or casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for forming complementary shapes in sides of a casting molded in said tray, a base portion of which has in outer walls thereof alternating vertically disposed grooves and ribs, the trough having a frangible base plate which overlies an upwardly concave cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the upper casting has solidified, hardened and been removed, the base plate being broken and removed to uncover an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity enabling the cast to be ejected from the tray, pins fitted into selected portions of the casting base, the casting reinserted into the trough, and the tray inverted to receive liquid die stone which hardens to form a stone base matrix for i

Abstract: A mold for forming a dental model base includes a bottom portion having a rear wall and a side wall at a periphery thereof which extends upwards to define a cavity. The walls have upper edges which define an opening to the cavity. The mold further includes a shaping element for forming a connection element of a pivot mechanism at the dental model base which rotationally mates with a corresponding connection element of the articulator.

Abstract: A refractory die removably mountable to a base with a model die for use in producing a crown or veneer to be attached to a tooth to be restored. The model die, produced from die stone, is removably mounted to the base with a portion of the model die corresponding to the tooth to be restored being separable therefrom and used to produce the refractory die. Porcelain is placed on the refractory die to produce the crown or veneer.

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.

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.

Abstract: A dental articulating system to duplicate a patient's teeth for producing a dental prosthesis includes a pair of trays pivotally coupled together. A plurality of registration pins is disposable in a plurality of registration pin holes formed in at least one of the trays. A thin membrane is disposed across a registration pin hole to close off the registration pin hole and resist dental casting material from substantially filling the registration pin hole. The thin membrane is breakable by a registration pin inserted into the registration pin hole. A method for forming a dental model includes pressing a registration pin through a thin membrane extending across a registration pin hole on at least one of the trays of a dental articulator so that the registration pin breaks the thin membrane and extends through the thin membrane.

Abstract: A dental articulating device and method to duplicate at least a portion of a patient's mouth for use in producing a dental prosthesis includes a pair of trays pivotally coupled together by an integral hinge. The hinge includes a pivot axle and a shoulder extending at least partially around the pivot axle and creating two axle portions extending on each side of the shoulder. A pair of fingers are pivotally positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axle and on opposite sides of the shoulder and separated by both the axle and the shoulder.

Abstract: A dental model tray (10) for use in forming a dental model from casting material poured thereon has upstanding projections (14) that extend into the hardened, dental model. The dental model tray (10) comprises a substantially planar base wall (12) that forms the floor upon which dental casting material is poured in forming a dental model. A plurality of spaced apart, elongate projections (14) extending upwardly from an upper face of the base wall (12) so that an elongate axis of each of the projections (14) is substantially perpendicular to the upper face of the base wall (12). The projections (14) and the base wall are formed integrally of polymeric material.

Abstract: The invention is a supporting structure for a dental model in a dental articulator. The supporting structure includes an articulator plate and a base of the dental model. The base of the dental is provided with at least one cavity extending internally into the base from its bottom surface. The shape of the cavity is determined by the mold forming the base. In one embodiment, the cavity has straight walls. In another embodiment, the cavity is barrel-shaped. The articulator plate is provided with an alignment structure, which may include a pair of straight-walled projections, for use in combination with the straight-walled cavity, or a pair of curved springs, for use in combination with barrel-shaped cavity. The articulator plate is secured to the base by inserting and retaining the alignment structure inside the provided cavities. The articulator plate is provided with a shaft for attaching the dental model to a dental articulator.

Abstract: An articulator for adjusting and fabricating a dental restoration has a proximal counter, occlusal counter and laboratory die. The method of using the articulator provides an accurate, extraoral adjustment of the dental restoration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting plate with retention pins for a denture model which makes it possible to repeatedly remove the denture model or individual jaw tooth segments from the supporting plate or to exactly put back the denture model or individual denture model segment on the supporting plate without wearing out by friction the material of the model. This is achieved by means of a supporting plate for a denture model in which the height of the outer side wall of the arc-shaped impression on the supporting plate is lower in height relative to the inner side wall, and where the outer side wall is vertical or diagonal. Furthermore, wall segments having different contours make it possible to easily and rapidly classify the removed denture model segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tough denture and a method for producing the denture, which includes solid PMMA as a main component, being added to polar elastomer selected from a group of polyacrylate rubber copolymer, methylmethacrylate-alkylacrylate-styrene terpolymer, and fluororubber, and is fabricated in a process of being mixed and injected into a denture mold. A PMMA denture of present invention shows improved safety to living organisms and increased productivity of molding because of excellent mechanical properties and remarkable elution volume decrease after polymerization in comparison with ordinary type dentures of heat-polymerized PMMA. Furthermore, it is possible to widely apply the denture clinically because of good adaptability in oral applications with economical advantages.

Abstract: A removable analog includes an analog pin having a tapered end and a location boss on the other end. A threaded tap is formed in the other end thereof. At least one flat surface is formed on a length of the analog pin to prevent rotation. At least one groove may also be formed on a length of the analog pin to prevent rotation. A second embodiment of the removable analog includes the analog pin and a sleeve. The sleeve has an internal contour which is sized to slidably receive the analog pin. One end of the sleeve has a tapered end and the other end is sized to receive the analog pin. At least one projection is formed on an exterior surface of the sleeve to prevent removal from a dental model.

Abstract: A premanufactured dental model base, and method, for supporting a cast dental model. The dental model base has a dental model support surface adapted such that a user may create apertures in the dental model support surface. The apertures are adapted to receive pins that secure the dental model to the dental model base and for disengagably retaining a dental model segment representing a damaged tooth.

Abstract: A dental model base for supporting a cast dental model where the dental model base has preformed apertures adaptable for securing the dental model to the dental model base and for disengagably retaining a segment of the dental model representing a tooth to be repaired. The preformed apertures are formed through the dental model support surface and a projection extending into a cavity opposite the dental model support surface. The dental model base has a dental model base body which is adaptable for supporting the dental model. The dental model base body may be connected to a disposable articulator or to a metal articulator.

Abstract: A dental cast tray assembly used to form a dental cast model comprises a base and a tray removably mounted on the base. The base includes a top surface which is recessed to form a support surface and a pair of restriction walls which protrude up from the support surface, each restriction wall including a plurality of surface irregularities. The base also includes an elongated, tubular projection which extends nearly the entire length of the base. The projection includes a rounded top, a pair of inwardly curved sidewalls and an elongated slot. The tray includes an elongated socket which includes a pair of thin fingers that are capable of flexion. The socket defines an opening into which the projection is capable of being releasably press-fit. The tray is notched to form first and second outer restriction walls, each outer restriction wall including a plurality of surface irregularities which are sized and shaped to engage the surface irregularities formed on the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of generating a customized dental prosthetic corresponding to the contours of a dental preparation die. In certain embodiments, the method includes fixturing the preparation die into a scanning device and taking measurements of the surface of the die in one or more dimensions. The measurements are used to construct a three-dimensional digital model of the die in a computer's memory. In certain embodiments, a dental prosthetic shape is selected from a library of standard dental prosthetic shapes and aligned with the die model in software. After alignment, the interior surface of the prosthetic model is “morphed” by the software to conform closely to the upper outside surface of the preparation die.

Abstract: A dental model base having a cast stone core and method for making same. The stone core is cast within an encasement member. The encasement member is adapted for connection to an articulator.

Abstract: A dental cast tray assembly used to form a dental cast model comprises a base and a tray removably mounted on the base. The base includes a top surface, a flat bottom surface and a plurality of cylindrically-shaped projections formed on the top surface. The tray includes a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface of the tray is generally flat and includes a plurality of openings, each opening being sized and shaped to receive an associated projection therewithin when the tray is mounted on the base. The top surface of the tray is recessed to form a support surface and a sidewall protruding up from the support surface, the support surface and the sidewall together defining an enclosed reservoir for holding the dental cast model. A plurality of spaced apart retention walls are formed on the support surface of the tray for retaining the dental cast model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manipulable or reconfigurable dental model system and methods for its use to model a series of tooth configurations corresponding to sequential tooth movements during an orthodontic treatment. When a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment, teeth and bite configurations are realigned in a series of stages. Each stage represents a new pattern or dental configuration that will eventually lead to a proper final positioning of the entire dentition. Progress from the initial configuration, through the intermediate stages and finally to the final configuration may be accomplished using any one or a combination of different dental appliances. Of particular interest to the present invention, many of these appliances may be made using a dental mold representing the patient's dental configuration. In particular, thermoformable plastic positioning appliances which fit over the patient's teeth may be formed over a three-dimensional mold of the patient's dentition.

Abstract: An articulator has trays which have at least one opening with repeating broadened and narrowed regions allows for varying stabilization means to be used therewith. In one embodiment, the stone used for making the model acts as a stabilizing means without use of pins.

Abstract: The articulator of the present invention provides relative manipulation of dental casts for simulation of occlusal and masticatory movements of the mouth. The articulator consists of three parts—a lower frame, an upper frame, and a middle frame. The lower frame is comprised of an elongated rectangular box, a bracket, and a male hinge. The elongated box has an open bottom and an insert at the top with a series of grooves. The upper frame is comprised of an elongated, channeled surface, a deformable bracket, a female hinge, and a platform with holes. The bottom surface has flat areas to attach a pre-prepared cast with an adhesive. Outside of the flat areas are two rectangular boxes to pour the model stone, forming the opposing cast. A platform with three holes is provided for maintaining the original vertical height of the jaws. The horizontal section of the bracket may be softened by heating for quick bite correction and remounting.

Abstract: A filler member for use in molding a dental model in a dental impression formed in a mold carried in a mandibular dental impression tray. The tray has a u-shaped trough formed by inner and outer u-shaped walls joined by a bottom wall. The inner wall defines a lingual space. The filler member is made from shape-retaining material with a smooth surface and is shaped to fill at least the upper portion of the lingual space in the impression tray when placed therein. The filler member is placed in the lingual space in a manner to prevent model forming material, used in molding the model, from entering the lingual space on the tray from the upper portion of the tray.

Abstract: A mold for forming a dental model base includes a bottom portion having a rear wall and a side wall at a periphery thereof which extends upwards to define a cavity. The walls have upper edges which define an opening to the cavity. The mold further includes a shaping element for forming a connection element of a pivot mechanism at the dental model base which rotationally mates with a corresponding connection element of the articulator.

Abstract: A dental modeling system includes a pair of supports for opposing dental casts which are articulated together by a pair of pivotally connected articulator arms. The support may include a plurality of integral registration pins extending from a top surface and a plurality of holes located in the top surface, which provide superior registration of a dental casts located thereon. The support may be directly attached to the articulator arm, or may be attached via a ball-and-socket joint, which, once located in the proper position, is glued in place. The articulator arm permits the castings to move toward and away from one another, and permits the replication of centric, excursive, and protrusive movements of the jaw. An alternative support for a dental cast includes a back member and a bottom member oriented at approximately 90° with respect to one another to form an L-shaped main body, onto which a dental cast may be attached.

Abstract: A container for cross-linking composite materials on dental bridges and arches and on individual teeth, comprising: a plurality of plate-like elements which can be stacked and clamped together, at least one of the plate-like elements, which is internal to the plurality of plate-like elements, being constituted by a plurality of blocks which can be removed independently of each other to form an area which is suitable to constitute a mold into which it is possible to place a metallic structure on which the elements of a dental prosthesis are to be formed, the at least one of the plate-like elements and a plate-like element that is adjacent thereto in an upward region and constitutes the top plate-like element of the container being both made of a material which is transparent to light.

Abstract: A dental model, in particular for practice purposes, is provided, and has a support plate with recesses for artificial teeth, each of which has a tooth stump that fits into the associated recess. A gum mass overlaps both the teeth of a row of teeth and the recesses. The teeth are each disengageably held on the plate and in their associated recess with friction.

Abstract: A block member is selectively positioned on a dental impression tray with an outer engagement surface of the block member in engagement with the tray portion defining a lingual recess to block entry of plaster or other casting material into the lingual recess.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a structure (10) with complex external and internal shapes (12 and 14) includes a unitary flexible mold of a structure (10) with complex external shapes (12). A unitary flexible male mold (24) of the interior of the structure with complex internal shapes (14) that mirror the complex external shapes (12) is created. A keying device (42) connected to the molds (16 and 24) is utilized so that the unitary flexible female mold (16) and the unitary flexible male mold (24) are maintained in a predetermined, fixed relationship (40) when pressed together.

Abstract: A mold used to form small pellets of dental filling material. The mold has several flat surfaces, on which several individual pellet-forming grooves (12a-d) are located. A handle is attached to one end (10).

Abstract: The present invention discloses high viscosity sustained release dental compositions, such as tooth bleaching or fluoride compositions, for treating tooth surfaces. For maximum results, an improved dental tray having reservoirs for holding the dental composition adjacent the desired tooth surfaces is preferably used in combination with the sustained release dental composition. The sustained release dental compositions include a high carboxypolymethylene concentration which results in very high viscosity. The high level of carboxypolymethylene makes dilution of the dental compositions from saliva difficult and time consuming so that the compositions stay within the tray reservoirs, thereby providing sustained release. The concentrated carboxypolymethylene adds a unique tackiness to the dental composition which helps retain and seal the soft tray material against the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A mould for casting a base for a dental model when reconstructing teeth for dentures or parts thereof and including a base plate along the edge of which a mould cavity is placed, the mould cavity including a bottom with fixating structures for the dental model or parts thereof, and walls provided with ribs extending from the bottom, the mould cavity having the shape of at least a part of a jaw. With a view to creating a stable mould, in which the model cast on the base may be remounted and positioned without rocking, the mould is designed in such a way that the fixation structures are at least substantially cylindrical pins which can be inserted in corresponding holes in the bottom of the mould cavity and which each include a portion suited for being cast in the base of the dental model.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a dental cast tray assembly used to form a dental cast model comprises a base and a tray removably mounted on the base. The base includes a top surface, a flat bottom surface, a front wall, a rear wall and a plurality of projections formed on its top surface in a non-recurring, random pattern. Each of the plurality of projections is generally cylindrically-shaped and includes a convex free end. The tray includes a top surface adapted to support the dental cast model, a flat bottom surface, a front wall, a rear wall, a retention bar formed on its top surface and a plurality of openings formed in its bottom surface in the same non-recurring, random pattern in which the plurality of projections are disposed on the base. Each of the plurality of openings is defined by four sidewalls and is generally hourglass shaped in lateral cross-section. Two of the four sidewalls which define each of the plurality of openings include an elongated rib.

Abstract: A device for the production of a dental working model for preparation of a prosthetic work comprises a body member having a blind arcuated cavity bounded by facing inner and outer cavity walls, for receiving semi-liquid model material. The blind end of the arcuate cavity is closed by a sacrificial membrane which is integral with the body member. The membrane is of sufficient thickness to contain the semi-liquid model material within the arcuate cavity and of sufficient thinness to be easily removed, for example, by grinding.

Abstract: A flexible mold for forming the base of a dental model includes a cylindrical element which defines a mating element of a pivot mechanism that provides angular adjustment and subsequent fixation of a corresponding connection element of a dental model articulator.

Abstract: A system and articulator for use with a replication of a dental patient's teeth taken by a conventional dental impression in the creation of a dental model of the patient's mouth. A first tray and a second tray are provided, each tray including a base surface having at least one frangible portion formed therewith, first and second spaced apart and upwardly extending side walls and first and second end walls which define a recessed cavity therebetween. The side walls are each defined by pluralities of spaced apart and vertically extending raised portions which permit segmented portions of the upper and lower dental models to be releasably attachable in correct position. A template base is provided with a configuration suitable for supporting an underside of each of said trays in an upright fashion and includes at least one raised portion corresponding in location and placement with the at least one frangible portion.

Abstract: A dental stone casting mold device (10) for use with a hardenable stone material (21) includes associated first and second side walls (11, 12) first and second end walls (13, 14) and a floor (15), forming an open top cavity (16). Each first and second side walls (11, 12) and first and second end walls (13, 14) extend from the floor (15) in a lateral direction, such that each has a portion (17) proximate to the floor (15) and a portion (18) distal thereto. There is also at least one slot (22) in the floor (15) removably receiving a stone retaining spine (20). In a preferred embodiment, each of first and second side wall (11, 12) carries a plurality of spaced indexing ribs (60). In another embodiment, each distal end 18 of the first and second side walls (11, 12) have integrally associated lateral extensions or webs (80) therefrom. Device (10) may also be provided with indexing bar or articulator attachment structures (101, 110).

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and an apparatus for forming a palatal plate prosthesis of a substantially precise, predetermined uniform thickness.

Abstract: An improved tray system and articulator for use with a replication of a dental patient's teeth taken by a conventional dental impression in the creation of a dental model of the patient's mouth. A first tray and a second tray are provided, each tray including a base surface, first and second spaced apart and upwardly extending side walls and first and second end walls. The side walls are each defined by pluralities of spaced apart and vertically extending raised portions which permit segmented portions of the upper and lower dental models to be releasably attachable in correct position. The articulator includes a first mounting portion extending from the first tray and a second identically shaped mounting portion extending from the second tray. A first insert portion engages the first mounting portion and a second insert portion engages the second mounting portion.

Abstract: A caddy is provided for either permanent or removable attachment to a dental articulator for retaining one or more bite registrations at or near the dental articulator.

Abstract: A method for making caps of eight different sizes for each of a persons teeth allows premaking caps that will fit almost any tooth of any patient; caps are preferably prepared from a commercially available quartz or silicon dioxide filled acrylic material called Artglass r; the caps allow curing a material such as Charisma r with ultraviolet light thereby allowing a practitioner to place a cap containing Charisma r over a tooth prepared for capping; settle the cap in place; remove any excess and expose the capped tooth with a ultraviolet light for about three minutes to form a solidly capped tooth in one visit to the practitioners office.

Abstract: The main member of the Dental Articulator is a unitary structure of first and second bodies attached by legs. Each of the legs has a self-hinge. The body each has a socket which receives a ball. The balls each has a tapered spline which engages in the corresponding mold recess in a dental cast. The balls are clampable in the sockets when the dental casts are in proper relative position. The self-hinges permit repeatable opening and closing of the dental cast.

Abstract: A notch and inlet forming dental accessory includes a cylindrical base portion having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface has a circular recess formed therein thereby forming a peripheral wall. The second surface has a circular recess formed therein thereby forming a peripheral wall. A plurality of pegs each have lower ends secured within the circular recess of the first surface of the base portion. A pair of notch projections are secured within the circular recess of the second surface of the base portion.