Abstract: The invention concerns a set of casting elements for the realization of gypsum models for dental prothesis comprising a series of elements made up of rubber material opened above and at the bottom, and perimetrically closed, shaped in such a way to allow the inner coupling from the lower side to corresponding impression carrier. The invention also relate to a casting system employing the elements.

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 having a substantially planar surface upon which a substrate layer of a stone material is applied. An insert is detachably secured to each of the trays and includes an upper keyed portion about which the stone layer bonds. An upper conventional dental impression is secured to the substrate stone layer of the first dental tray and a lower dental impression is secured to the substrate layer of the second dental tray. A reusable articulator includes first and second hinged members which secure to the first and second trays and mount the trays so as to position the teeth replications.

Abstract: A dental cast tray subassembly for forming a dental cast model and for mounting to a dental articulator. The tray subassembly forms a channel shaped in a configuration of a human jaw to receive a mold material for forming a dental cast model. The channel further includes ribs for registering the model relative to the channel and a release mechanism for releasing the model from the channel. Further included is a platform for interconnecting with connectors for connecting the subassembly to an articulator.

Abstract: Articulator for dental modelling, such as restoration of individual teeth and the manufacture of bridges or the like, comprising an upper part and a lower part mutually connected by a hinge, which makes it possible to simulate a movement approximately corresponding to a chewing movement, between the upper part and the lower part as well as a device for adjusting the upper part in relation to the lower part to establish a correct mutual engagement between the models mounted on the two parts and a subsequent fixation thereof. The articulator, of which the adjustment can take place shortly after the models have hardened and are ready for further working up, has an upper and lower part, each comprising a mould having walls with a toothing, one of the parts comprising a stanchion made of thermoplastics, the stanchion carrying one part of the hinge, with the hinge being separable. An apparatus having a nozzle is also provided, for supplying a jet of hot air through the stanchion, which is preferably tube shaped.

Abstract: A novel hand-held pressure molding device about the size of a pair of pliers is used to produce a contoured matrix of dental restorative composite resin for use in restoring teeth to their approximate original shape. The matrix produced by the device is bonded in place to establish the old contour of the tooth and then the space between the tooth and the matrix is filled with uncured dental restorative composite. After curing by actinic light, the matrix bonds to the rest of the filling and the tooth, forming the outside contour of the restored tooth. The present device avoids the need for supplying preformed and pre-shaped dental matrices in multiple shapes and sizes to the dental practitioner, allowing the practitioner to manufacture his matrices in his office from the identical material subsequently used to fill a tooth.

Abstract: An articulator for a dental model consisting of two dental casts, includes two connecting members 16 for partial embedding in a settable material, a pair of connectors 14 and a hinge 12 consisting of two hinge elements 22. Each connecting member 16 forms one part of a spigot and socket joint and each pair of connectors 14 forms a second part of a spigot and socket joint. Each pair of connectors 14 has an interlocking formation for interlocking engagement with one of the hinge elements 22. The hinge elements 22 are pivotally linked and each has an interlocking formation complementary to the interlocking formations of the connectors 14.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for removably supporting dental models on the upper and lower frame members of an articulator, the system including a base plate having one side adapted to support a die-stone dental replica, and an opposite side provided with shaped registration and socket structure, the system further including an adapter plate having one side adapted to be adhesively bonded to the upper or lower articulator frame-member, and the other side of each adapter plate structured for being snapped into engagement with the opposite side of the base plate to releasably hold it on the adapter plate.

Abstract: An expander for a three-part, Hanau dental flask to add vertical height to the flask when the total height of the wax model of a prosthesis and mold material exceeds the normal height of the flask. The flask expander requires no alteration or modification of the standard dental flask, and sandwiches in between the existing flask base and body or between the flask body and lid.

Abstract: A crown and/or a replacement tooth and a method of in situ production thereof by grinding and shaping a tooth to form a prepared tooth; filling a transparent shell tooth form with a light setting resin; disposing the filled shell tooth form onto the prepared tooth; illuminating the filled transparent shell tooth form to set the light setting resin and bond the resin to the shell tooth form; and shaping and polishing the set resin in situ to form a crown. A set of shell tooth forms is provided which are formed from a light setting resin chemically compatible with the resin used to fill the form in order that bonding occurs therebetween. This feature enables the products of a replacement tooth formed in situ without the necessity of shell tooth form removal as heretofore required.

Abstract: A dental stone casting mold adapted to a single casting process for the preparation of a positive tooth replica, the mold having opposed side walls, end walls and a floor forming a cavity for containing fluid or set dental stone, a pair of cooperating interlocking mechanisms, one of the mechanisms being carried by the mold floor and the other being adapted for fixation to the dental stone, each mechanism being cooperatively configured with respect to the other such that when they are forced toward a mating position, vector forces are created tending to urge the set dental stone toward the mold floor.

Abstract: A spacer for elevating occlusion position is composed of a plastic material which can be deformed by occlusion pressure; and a plurality of ball members having a predetermined diameter. The ball member is made of a material which cannot be deformed by subjecting occlusion pressure, and the ball member is embedded in the plastic material so as to be in a plane.

Abstract: A method for use in preparing a dental prosthesis comprises the step of receiving an electrical signal encoding geometric specifications of a substructure of the prosthesis, the specifications including dimensions and shape of a tooth preparation at a dental site at which the prosthesis is to be affixed and the configuration of the substructure. In a subsequent step performed in response to the electrical signal, a computer is operated to automatically select a first mold component having a surface corresponding in dimensions to the tooth preparation and to automatically select a second mold component to produce, in cooperation with the first mold component, a mold cavity having dimensions and configuration corresponding to dimensions and configuration of the substructure. The first mold component and the second mold component are placed in predetermined relative positions to form the mold cavity and the mold cavity is filled with a quantity of a fluidic solidifiable dental material, i.e.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base plate assembly for use in mounting a die-stone dental replica, the assembly including a base plate that has a configuration commensurate with at least one dental quadrant, and having a planar upper surface characterized by an array of transverse elongate rectangular sockets. A plurality of mounting blocks are assembled in side-by-side relationship along the plate planar surface, each block having a downward projection adapted to frictionally and releasably hold the block on the base plate, and extending from the tops of the blocks are anchoring tabs designed to be embedded in the wet positive mold of a dental impression and affixed therein when the mold material cures. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate has a modular configuration and is interconnectable with an identical modular unit to form a combined base plate having a configuration commensurate with full bilateral upper or lower dental quadrants.

Abstract: A self contained dental tray for taking impressions of teeth and associated soft tissues which requires no prevous application of adhesive to allow the teeth and impression to separate. In all of the embodiments the room temperature vulcanizable rubber and its hardener are included in the tray without the danger of premature hardening during shipping and storage.

Abstract: This dental casting apparatus includes a track, and a tray. The track has an inner and an outer track wall and a first and a second end portion which combine to define a chamber. A hardenable wet stone material is positionable within the chamber of the track. After the stone is allowed to harden within the track, a sharp knife cuts through the stone and the track to form a plurality of dies. The tray has an inner tray wall and outer tray wall which combine to define a recessed portion. The individual dies are positionable within the tray recessed portion, and are readily engageable and disengageable therefrom. The dental casting apparatus also includes a mechanism for securely retaining the dies to the tray in such a manner that each die can be individually removed from the tray without disengaging adjacent dies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic positioning device for making removable portions of prosthetic prints and for producing them by single phase casting. The positioning device is comprised essentially of a positioning element (110) supporting the positive part of the print through a pivot with retaining throat (111) nested in a tapered element (20) integral with the positive print via two lugs (21) and two pins (3) used to immobilize the assembly with respect to the negative print via tongues (12) extending from the positioning element (10).

Abstract: A dental articulator principally having a posterior articulating assembly, an anterior incisal support assembly and a mold assembly. The posterior articulating assembly is characterized by a ball and socket joint and a pivot joint. The ball and socket joint has a socket member which is operably coupled to the pivot joint and a ball member which is operably coupled to a first teeth cast. The pivot joint has a pivot member operably coupled to a support member for joining the pivotal joint to a second teeth cast. The anterior incisal support assembly has an incisal pin operably joined to the first teeth cast and an incisal plate, which cooperates with the incisal pin, joined to the second teeth cast.

Abstract: A dental laboratory die tray having first and second side members and a bottom member with the side members being joinable to form a housing with an open top and an open bottom, and with the bottom member being holdable between to the side members to close the open bottom when the side members are in a housing closed position. The side members may be moved away from each other to a partially closed position permitting removal and reinsertion of the bottom member, thereby providing a die tray with a closed bottom for some operations and with an open bottom for other operations.

Abstract: Tooth and jaw models comprise a base and removable tooth sections which are fastened removably by pins put into suitable holes in the base. After the production of the jaw replica positive a hole is drilled in each section of the positive and the upper parts of the pins are cemented into the holes. The positive, including the pins, is then put into a casting mold having a height equal to the length of the insertion parts of the pins. The casting mold is then filled with gypsum, so that after cutting the positive into section, the sections are non-rotatably but removably fastened in the base and can be separated easily at the visible ends of said insertion parts of the pins.The pins have a cylindrical upper part and a profiled insertion part having a cross-shaped, star-shaped or triangular section. The prongs of the insertion parts have edges arranged parallel to one another.

Abstract: A method of applying an anatomical occlusal surface configuration to a formable tooth-like member includes the step of pressing a stamp having a complimentary anatomical surface configuration onto the occlusal surface of the tooth-like member. The method can be effectively utilized in fabricating dental crowns, and it virtually assures consistent occlusal surface quality while minimizing labor costs. The stamp includes a stamping portion having the complimentary anatomical surface thereon and a handle portion for manipulating the stamping portion to form an occlusal surface on a tooth-like member.

Abstract: A supporting plate for a denture model includes a cheek-side portion and a tongue-side portion spaced from each other to define a groove therebetween and connected to each other by flexible pivotable webs so that the distance between those portions is changeable whereby an unavoidable expansion of a model material is compensated for by a change of the shape of the supporting plate.

Abstract: A tooth shade guide casting form for in-office preparation of shade samples of tooth color restoration material (TCRM) to be utilized by dentists in the restoration of a patient's tooth surface. The invention includes a handle, preferably of thin transparent plastic, and a detachable bowl disposed from one end of the handle. The bowl is preferrably the size and shape of a human tooth and is adapted to receive a quantity of photocurable TCRM to be hardened therein. After hardening, the bowl is detached from the handle, leaving the cured TCRM shade sample attached to the first end of the handle. Such samples, having the contour of the bowl, are then used by dentists in selecting the properly colored TCRM for restoring patients' teeth.

Abstract: A strip of stiff paper is wrapped around the edge of a dental cast mounting plate of a dental articulator toserve as a dam for confining moist plaster used for mounting a dental cast to the plate. After the plaster has hardened, the strip may be readily removed, leaving a clean, easily observable edge between the plaster and the plate, which is very helpful in the use of interchangeable plates with dental casts as well as use with the dental "split-cast" mounting plate technique.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a means and a method for making a dental stone model. The NEGATIVE or impression of the teeth and gum of an individual is made as above described with respect to a yieldable material such as plastic, rubber and the like. After the NEGATIVE has been prepared the dowel and a parting guide are positioned in the NEGATIVE. The NEGATIVE is agitated and one pour of a pourable dental casting stone is made. The pourable dental casting stone surrounds the parting guide and almost all of the dowel pin. In time, the dental stone model or replica of the stub of the tooth is removed from the dental stone model by isolating the replica of the stub of the tooth. The parting guide allows the replica to be readily removed from the dental stone model. The dowel pin is an aligning means for the replica with respect to the dental stone model so that it is possible to position the replica of the stub of the tooth correctly in the dental stone model.

Abstract: A protective carrier for a dental model including a tray portion hinged to a cover portion, a recessed cavity being provided in the tray portion to receive the pedestal part of the dental model. An arcuate rib member is removably coupled onto the tray portion and overhangs the cavity of the tray portion to thereby engage a ledge provided on the dental model to securely retain the dental model within the cavity. A recessed chamber is provided in the cover portion to mate with the cavity in the tray portion to define a closed compartment for the dental model.

Abstract: A protective device for holding a dental model which is used in producing a dental prosthesis, the protective device including an arcuate tray having a substantially flat base wall with a continuous peripheral side wall upstanding therefrom so as to define a cavity chamber therein for receiving a correspondingly shaped arcuate pedestal of the dental model which can be securely seated therein. In one embodiment, the tray supports the dental model during machining of the model. In another embodiment, the tray forms part of a carrier having a cover portion which is hinged onto the tray portion so as to define therebetween a compartment for receiving the dental model. The tray can be keyed to accommodate specific keyed portions molded into the dental model.

Abstract: Process for joining ceramic components in precise spatial relationship which comprises firing the ceramic components joined by a ceramic frit on a sagger tray having a coefficient of thermal expansion that matches that of the ceramic components.

Abstract: A dental die tray assembly for the production of a dental working model for use in producing a prosthetic dental device, the assembly including a die tray body member having upper and lower surfaces, and a peripheral outer wall. A hollow arcuate mold cavity extends entirely through the body member in an outwardly widening direction from the lower surface to the upper surface. The mold cavity is bounded by facing outer and inner walls, with the outer cavity wall being foreshortened by a recessed seat bounding an outer periphery of the mold cavity. Continuous teeth are disposed on the facing cavity walls and extend into the mold cavity. A pair of removable arms are pivotally coupled to respective side portions of the peripheral outer wall of the die tray body member and embrace at least a portion of the body member circumscribing the mold cavity to releasably hold the model in the mold cavity.

Abstract: Tool for making separated tooth model comprising a tray having a plurality of holes each made vertically in the surface thereof, and plural pins each capable of being engaged with the holes so that head portions of the pins are positioned above the surface of the tray.

Abstract: A dental articulator for mounting stone models without the need of plaster, by the use of a flexible model former with a rim around its edge and a square raised nipple, a ferromagnetic disc, magnets and a square keying device on the articulator. This method permits rapid articulation. The models may also be removed and replaced at will while maintaining the previously established centric.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/DE78/00015 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 1, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 28, 1979 PCT Filed July 26, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00076 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 22, 1979The invention relates to a device for producing a working model for making dental prostheses, which comprises a base presenting an open portion on both sides and features a hollow portion adapted to the shape of the jaws and presenting ribs on both inner surfaces, said ribs acting as retaining members for the plaster model and having the shape of ramps with a constant slope from top to bottom, the hollow portion widening from bottom to top. Between the inner wall of the base and its back wall is a horizontal plate which has roughly the shape of a parabola, said horizontal plate being set off downwards and with respect to the top edge of the wall.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for obtaining precisely registered, articulated castings of upper and lower dental impressions. The dental impressions are obtained through use of a dental tray having a non-porous, bite-deformable central septum. The impression material for the upper dental impression is contained in the upper portion of the tray. The impression material for the lower dental impression is contained in the lower portion of the tray and is supported by a bottom cover which is removed subsequent to placement of the tray in the mouth. As the patient bites, the impression material in the upper and lower portions of the dental tray is molded to the contour of the teeth and gums in their proper relationship with the teeth closed. After the material has set, the tray containing registered upper and lower impressions is removed from the mouth and placed into a mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base plate assembly for use in mounting a die-stone dental replica, the assembly including a base plate that has a configuration commensurate with at least one dental quadrant, and having a planar upper surface characterized by an array of transverse elongate rectangular sockets. A plurality of mounting blocks are assembled in side-by-side relationship along the plate planar surface, each block having a downward projection adapted to frictionally and releasably hold the block on the base plate, and extending from the tops of the blocks are anchoring tabs designed to be embedded in the wet positive mold of a dental impression and affixed therein when the mold material cures. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate has a modular configuration and is interconnectable with an identical modular unit to form a combined base plate having a configuration commensurate with full bilateral upper or lower dental quadrants.