Abstract: A self-customizable dental tray usable in a dental application is prepared as follows: providing a barrier layer in the shape of a dental treatment tray having a wall thickness of less than or about 1 mm; introducing a curable elastomeric material onto an impression-receiving surface of the barrier layer; placing the barrier layer having the curable elastomeric material onto the teeth so that the curable elastomeric material forms an impression layer; and allowing the curable elastomeric material to cure so as to form an impression layer having a teeth-receiving surface with contours adapted to conform with the teeth, said impression layer having a wall thickness of less than or about 1 mm. Optionally, the barrier layer is a liner that can be separated from a support tray that provides a tray shape to the liner.

Abstract: A customizable and reusable mouthpiece for diving use having a passageway-forming front member extending from a proximal in-mouth end to a distal outside end and a U-shaped formable back member is described. The back member provides a hollow cavity portion located in the bitewing section that may be partially filled with a gel-like or other suitable substance configured to provide custom moldability at substantially all points of contact between the mouthpiece and the teeth such that the mouthpiece is securely gripped by the teeth. The mouthpiece requires pressure relief channels so that air or fluids may enter into and be forced out of the hollow cavity providing a bellows-like action that provides a means for the bitewing and materials of composition to return to essentially its original shape. Reusability of the mouthpiece, more specifically the bitewings is directly related to the choice and combination of materials, dimensioning and processing.

Abstract: Pre-shaped, non-custom dental trays are either preloaded with a dental treatment composition (e.g., in the form of a gel) or filled with a dental treatment composition just prior to placement over a person's teeth. The pre-shaped dental tray is thin and flexible, which allows it to be placed over a person's teeth and then approximately conform to the person's teeth. The pre-shaped, non-custom dental trays can therefore perform similar to a customized tray but without having to go through the more lengthy customization procedure. According to one embodiment, a pre-shaped dental tray can be pre-loaded with a dental treatment composition and stored within a sealed packaging container. Alternatively, it can be sold by itself or in combination with a treatment composition that a user can load into the dental tray. The tray can be manufactured by vacuum forming polymeric sheet material over a template.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental impression tray realized such that the width of the dental impression tray can be adjusted to match different sizes of patient's dental arches and the adjusted width of the dental impression tray can be stably maintained during the procedure of obtaining an impression of teeth of a patient. The dental impression tray includes first and second container parts to contain an impression material therein, the container parts being shaped to correspond to a patient's dental arch and being separated from each other; a pivot part to pivot the first and second container parts together such that the container parts can be rotated around the pivot part, thus adjusting the width between the container parts; and a handle part extending from the container parts and being gripped and handled by an operator while adjusting the width between the container parts, and being provided with a locking means for stably locking the first and second container parts in positions corresponding to an adjusted width.

Abstract: A dental mirror includes a mirror assembly and a handle having an interior cavity. The handle further includes a non-circular aperture proximate one end, which communicates with the interior cavity. A push-arm extends through the aperture toward the mirror assembly and has a non-circular shape. The push-arm also has a wiper support, and a sponge is secured within the wiper support. The push-arm is selectively movable to carry the sponge over the mirror assembly, and the aperture prevents relative rotation of the push-arm.

Abstract: A dental tray. A material receiving trough is configured to receive a plurality of teeth. An anterior torque reducing handle is coupled to the tray, wherein the handle is configured for distributing material distortion forces away from an anterior portion of the dental tray upon removal of the tray.

Abstract: An impression tray includes a tray holder; a U-shaped body coupled to the tray holder; and a plurality of indicators positioned on the tray holder and the U-shaped body. The impression tray allows the scanning process to be simplified as the indicators are used for registering the scanned model to patient anatomy. Doctors can examine the scan of the patient first and then make decision for surgical guide. The fabrication system setup is relatively simple. There is no specialized orientation jig. Regardless of the position of the stone model, the coordinates of the drill can be easily calculated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an impression tray (1) with a concave tray body (2) for taking an impression of at least one jaw part, in which at least one implant body (12) is situated, which body has a receiving aperture into which an impression post (11) may be inserted, it being possible to fill the impression tray (1) with a free-flowing hardenable impression material (10) to produce a mould for a model of the jaw part, which when used reduces the time spent in the dentist's chair, increases the precision of an implant model and finally reduces the material and labour costs in that, at least in one portion, the tray body (2) has a wall (6, 6?) which can be penetrated by an impression post (11) inserted into the implant body (12) if the impression tray (1) is placed onto the jaw part.

Abstract: Casting abutment for a dental implant comprising: an apical socket portion, a transition portion bordering coronally on the socket portion, an occlusal portion bordering coronally on the transition portion, having an apical circumferential collar area, the collar area being provided with an axially closer lying first circumferential platform and with at least two adjacent circumferential step-like areas, wherein the largest diameter of a first step-like area is smaller than the smallest diameter of a second step-like area, the second step-like area laying apically in respect to the first step-like area.

Abstract: An arrangement for the detection of surface contours of objects, especially in the field of dentistry, for generating a virtual 3D model, having an energy source, whose energy output is directed onto the surface of the object in order to deliver energy into the object. A sensor is provided on the side of the object away from the energy source, to detect the intensity of the energy emerging from the object. The energy absorbed in the object and determined in an energy difference module is coordinated with the layer thickness of the object, in order to image the respective surface contour by way of the layer thickness, as height information related to the surface of the incidence of energy into the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dental trays including a light source, a heat element or a combined light source and heating element that serves to enhance the treatment capacity of the composition. The dental tray is self-contained meaning that no external attachments that project from the mouth during use are required.

Abstract: A system and method for custom molding dental trays is disclosed. The system includes a hot air source and heat chamber, wherein a thermoformable dental tray is placed within the heat chamber and heated to the appropriate temperature. The heat chamber may include air escape holes to allow for uniform heating. Furthermore, the heat chamber may incorporate a fan or other air removal device to improve uniform heating.

Abstract: A mouthpiece of the present invention includes a light irradiation section for irradiating the front surfaces of teeth with light having a predetermined wavelength, and the light irradiation section has a blue light emitting diode or an ultraviolet light emitting diode. The mouthpiece is to be attached to the teeth, and the front teeth are irradiated with a blue light or ultraviolet light emitted by the light emitting diode, thereby performing teeth whitening processing.

Abstract: A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. The carrier has recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. When the device is used in a primarily therapeutic application, the inserts may be installed into all or less than all of the insets to form various insert patterns. Thus, different oral regions can be affected by different insert patterns. When the device is used as an athletic mouthguard, temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets, while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts that are later installed in the insets possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a device and method for diagnosis of enamel cavitation of an interproximal dental surface. And in particular, the invention is directed to a device and method for diagnosing enamel cavitation of an interproximal tooth surface that is not visible or probe-able by instrumentation in human permanent and deciduous teeth. More specifically, the device has a substrate of generally rectangular shape and of a sufficient thickness such that it may be inserted into the interproximal space of teeth. On the substrate is disposed an impressionable material for contacting the interproximal surface and forming an impression thereof. The impressionable material has visco-elastic properties such that an impression of enamel cavitation on the interproximal surface remains on the impressionable material following removal of the substrate from the interproximal surface.

Abstract: A user-fabricated mouth guard wherein the user's teeth and gums are not directly exposed to the uncured mouth guard material. The uncured mouth guard material is pliant at room temperature and does not have to be heated to form and shape the mouth guard. The cured mouth guard can be pliant or rigid at room temperature. A kit and a method of forming the mouth guard are also disclosed.

Abstract: Impression devices are provided for making an impression of a desired feature. The impression devices include: a flexible bladder having a cavity formed therein, the flexible bladder being capable of conforming to the details of the desired feature; a rheological material, such as a magnetorheological fluid, disposed in the cavity of the flexible bladder; and an activator for applying an external stimulus to the rheological material to change the state of the rheological material and thereby capture an impression of the desired feature.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material that solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. In another embodiment, the inflatable tray has a rigid support. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray and fill tubes that provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: A device for forming a mold for a dental prosthetic includes a dental tray that provides connection to a vacuum source. Additionally, the device includes a dam that may be used to selectively block suction from the vacuum source. The method for forming a mold for a dental prosthetic includes forming an impression with a dental tray including a dam and then forming a mold within the impression after portions of the dam are selectively removed to allow suction to draw in moldable material to the desired teeth.

Abstract: A dental tray having a body, at least two finger rest beams and a handle. The body has a predetermined shape and a plurality of body openings. The predetermined shape of the body accommodates the anatomical shape of the patient's mouth and receives the entire jaw and gingiva areas. The plurality of body openings positioned in the body to allow the impression materials to vent through the body openings to obtain the impression and to retain the impression materials onto the body. The handle is received on the body and has a predetermined configuration to facilitate ease of use and elimination of lip pressure. Each finger rest beams are received longitudinally on the bottom of the body. The combination of the handle and each finger rest beams are ergonomically designed to allow optimal stabilization pressure be exerted by the operator to the dental tray and impression material.

Abstract: Provided are impression trays having one or more breakaway segments that allow for convenient removal of a portion of the tray, while maintaining the overall dimensions of the tray. Also provided are methods making impressions that include removing at least one breakaway segment of the provided trays. Also provided are impression trays having novel handles and trays having novel slots for the extrusion of excess impression material and retention. Further provided are kits and systems that include such impression trays.

Abstract: A device for obtaining an impression for a tooth or plurality of teeth or oral structures comprising a receptacle to hold impression material, to which has been affixed a body, said body which can be adjusted to engage teeth and oral structures thereby increasing stability, limiting the movement of the receptacle as the impression material sets, directing impression material towards the area to be restored, and confining impression material within the receptacle. A method of use is also discussed.

Abstract: A dental treatment system used to treat (e.g., bleach) a person's teeth. The inventive system includes an inner dental treatment tray having a tray configuration so as to fit over at least a portion of a person's upper or lower dental arch. The inner dental treatment tray is sufficiently thin and flexible so as to at least partially conform to a person's teeth without heating when used in combination with a dental treatment and/or adhesive composition. The dental treatment system includes an outer support tray positioned adjacent to the inner dental treatment tray so as to maintain the inner dental treatment tray in the tray configuration prior to placement of the inner dental treatment tray over the person's teeth. The dental treatment system also includes temporary adhesion means (e.g., a weak adhesive) for maintaining the outer support tray adjacent to the inner dental treatment tray prior to and during placement of the inner dental treatment tray over the person's teeth.

Abstract: An improved device for registration of dental bite provides a possibility to make accurate impression of the patient's dental bite and includes the first portion and second portion. The first portion comprises a first mouth portion and a first handle portion, and the second portion includes a second mouth portion and a second handle portion. Each of the first mouth portion and second mouth portion are generally of half-U-shaped configuration, and in the coupled position form the U-shaped configuration. Also, the device comprises the connector located in the handle portions of the first portion and second portion respectively, and which includes a first connecting portion located on the first handle portion and the second connecting portion located on the second handle portion.

Abstract: Methods and kits of materials and supplies for forming a dental prosthesis by an injection molding process in situ in a patient's mouth so as to correct the imperfect teeth of the patient's dentition. The imperfect teeth are corrected by injection molding the dental prosthesis in situ in the patient's mouth using a mold of a corrected model of the patient's dentition placed over the imperfect teeth. Adjacent teeth are covered with a polymer release material prior to injection molding of teeth to be corrected, such that the teeth to be corrected have at least one tooth between them draped with the polymer release material to provide a space adjacent to each of the corrected teeth. The corrected teeth are then covered with the polymer release material in a second round of treatment to complete the procedure on the remaining teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to deformable, curable or film-forming support materials which contain diagnostically useful additives for locus- and substance-specific intraoral diagnostics, and processes for the preparation of images for intraoral locus- and substance-specific diagnostic purposes, in which diagnostically useful additives are applied to deformable, curable or film-forming support materials containing no diagnostically useful additives, in such a quantity that a diagnostic signal can be observed, the diagnostic result being obtained without a cultivation step.

Abstract: A dental impression dam system utilizing an open tray forming a basin for dental impression material. The basin of the tray includes a gap at an extremity of the same. A flexible band of material bridges the gap of the tray basin and interacts with the dental material to form unit. The band adheres to the external wall portions of the tray when in place.

Abstract: A dental tray having a planar portion and a single wall, useful for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, desensitizing teeth, antibacterial treatments and other dental operations. At least one groove or bead, either continuous or segmented, divides the planar portion into a first planar portion and a second foldable portion inside the tray that can be raised by the patient to form an inner wall after the tray has been inserted into the patient's mouth. The tray is formed from any dental tray material. Preferred are copolymer formed from ethylene and vinyl acetate having a forming temperature between 125° F. and 135° F. and a freezing point between about 80° F. and 106° F.

Abstract: An aspheric lens focuses light emitting from a light-emitting diode (LED) of a light-generating dental device for curing light-curable compounds during dental procedures. The LED is preferably affixed to the end of an extension arm extending away from a light-generating dental device. A transparent shield, which is removably attachable to the extension arm, protects the aspheric lens from physical contact during use. The aspheric lens, which has a flat end and an aspheric end, is held in place by the extension arm and/or the transparent shield with the flat end of the aspheric lens being held in close proximity to the LED. Light emitted from the LED enters the flat end of the lens and exists the aspheric end of the lens, which focuses the light for curing light-curable compounds during dental procedures.

Abstract: A dental impression device (100) which has a buccal support (1a), a lingual support (1b), and a joining section (1c). The buccal support (1a) is disposed towards the buccal side of a dental arch; the lingual support (1b) is disposed towards the lingual side of the dental arch; and the joining section (1c), which connects the buccal and lingual supports, is disposed posterior in the mouth's no bite region. The supports (1a, 1b) form impression material holding areas which hold and secure dental impression material (9). The supports (1a,1b) and joining section (1c) form an open bite through area through which the lower and upper teeth's occlusal surfaces can make contact. Dental impression material (9) supported in the holding area by the supports is disposed in the open bite through area and is between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. The dental impression is then formed by a person making a closed bite into the impression material.

Abstract: A method for determining visual calorimetric values for an object having particular spectral reflectance characteristics comprises the steps of: (a) photographing an object with an electronic image capture device to form device image values; (b) selecting a transform from a plurality of transforms for converting device image values to visual colorimetric values, wherein the selection of the transform is based on the particular spectral reflectance characteristics of the object; and (c) applying the selected transform to the device image values to determine the visual colorimetric values for the object.

Abstract: A dental treatment system comprises membrane treatment tray that is self-conforming to a person's own teeth when used with a sticky dental treatment composition and a support skeleton. The support skeleton maintains the flexible membrane tray in the form of tray prior to placing the tray over a person's teeth. A sticky viscous composition is either provided in or applied to the membrane tray, and then the treatment system is placed so as to position the membrane tray over the upper or lower teeth of the person. The support skeleton (internal or external) is separated from the membrane tray so that just the membrane tray remains over the person's teeth during the desired dental treatment. The sticky viscous composition holds the membrane tray against the teeth and helps it to at least partially conform to the shape of the teeth. The membrane dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: An improved dental impression tray provides an improved retentive force for the dental impression material contained therein by incorporating a plurality of projections and panels on its tray walls. Upon taking a dental impression, the dental impression material flows into the grooves defined by the plurality of projections, panels and the tray walls to form retentive components. These retentive components may prevent the impression material in the tray from distorting or being lifted out of the trays when the tray is disengaged from the oral anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ready-made customized impression tray for fabricating and fitting dentures more specifically, a method and apparatus for producing denture using the tray and changing the structure of the tray required for producing the denture to simultaneously measure the shape and height of the denture which is implanted to be fitted to the upper and lower jaws so that the producing processes of the denture can make simple.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to avoid dental impression material distortion comprised of dental impression triple tray with a flexible hinge rendered inflexible by a light-cured compound. The curing light is conveyed by an optical fiber assembly. Accurate simultaneous impressions of upper and lower impressions and bite registration, with the mouth completely closed and the jaw accurately positioned in centric closure are insured. Spring back of the impression tray frame caused by bite pressure against points on the frame are minimized by allowing the hinge element to initially flex when first placed in the mouth. While the impression polymer is curing, a light of the proper frequency range is delivered via the optical fiber to the light-cured compound in the hinge area to render the hinge inflexible.

Abstract: Dental apparatus for recording the interdental relationship of posterior teeth has spaced apart longitudinal supports (1, 2) between which longitudinal side members (7, 8) of a bite tray (5) are releasably engaged. The bite tray has supporting material (6) for supporting impression material, between the side members (7, 8). The side members (7, 8) may extend over inner faces of the longitudinal supports (1, 2) to protect against contact between the impression material and the supports (1, 2). The longitudinal members (7, 8) may be channel members which slide along or snap-fit over rail-shaped supports (1, 2). In an alternative embodiment the side members may engage slots (13, 14 or 18, 19) in the supports (11, 12 or 16, 17).

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of an impression-making spoon for dental use, of the type comprising a tray for the impression-forming material and a handle for manipulation of the spoon, envisages forming the tray and the handle by means of folding of a single sheet of cut laminar material.

Abstract: A dental impression tray comprises a trough for receiving dental impression material and at least one retainer on at least a portion of an inner surface of the trough. The retainer comprises a plurality of anchoring elements, each of which comprises a first end, a second end, and an arc between the first and second ends. The first and second ends of the anchoring elements are connected to the inner surface of the trough, and the arcs project from the inner surface of the trough. The loop material of a hook and loop mechanical fastener is a particularly useful retainer.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: A dental impression tray for obtaining an impression of a patient's dentition has a pair of spaced apart limbs spanned by a support for impression material. Each limb has a buccal wall that extends beyond the level of the support and a lingual row of spaced apart projections which also extend beyond the level of the support. Between the buccal wall and the adjacent row of projections is a web pierced by a plurality of openings. The impression material support is a mesh having openings therethrough. The buccal wall, the upstanding projections, the openings in the web, and the openings in the mesh provide an interlock between the dental impression material and the tray which restrains relative movement between the latter and the impression material during the forming of an impression of the patient's dentition.

Abstract: A dental impression device (100) which has a buccal support (1a), a lingual support (1b), and a joining section (1c). The buccal support (1a) is disposed towards the buccal side of a dental arch; the lingual support (1b) is disposed towards the lingual side of the dental arch; and the joining section (1c), which connects the buccal and lingual supports, is disposed posterior in the mouth's no bite region. The supports (1a, 1b) form impression material holding areas which hold and secure dental impression material (9). The supports (1a,1b) and joining section (1c) form an open bite through area through which the lower and upper teeth's occlusal surfaces can make contact. Dental impression material (9) supported in the holding area by the supports is disposed in the open bite through area and is between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. The dental impression is then formed by a person making a closed bite into the impression material.

Abstract: A dental impression dam system utilizing an open tray forming a basin for dental impression material. The basin of the tray includes a gap at an extremity of the same. A flexible band of material bridges the gap of the tray basin and interacts with the dental material to form unit. The band adheres to the external wall portions of the tray when in place.

Abstract: A dental video imaging system includes a housing having a handle portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion has a view port for viewing intra- and extra-oral dental anatomy. An optical system is mounted in the distal end of the housing for acquiring, orienting and transmitting an image of the dental anatomy appearing in said view port. A sensor assembly, mounted in the distal end of the housing, converts images received through the optical system into video data signals. A camera control unit (CCU) is mounted in the handle portion of the housing. The CCU includes a signal processor for receiving the video data image signal from the sensor and then providing a S-video, composite video or digital video signal output of the images.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparati and methods employed by dentists to mix impression material, to deliver said impression material to the mouth and more specifically around the teeth and gums, to apply said impression material around the teeth and gums in an improved and more accurate manner, and to help withdraw said polymerized (set) impression material from around the teeth and gums. This invention relates to and methods employed by dentists to use vibration to deliver a smooth, consistent impression material below gingival tissues from around the base of a tooth and surrounding structures with minimal entrapment of air, tissue, blood etc. and maximum accuracy around gums or a tooth or teeth such as has been prepared by drilling or other means to receive a dental restoration, such as a crown or inlay, denture, or other prosthesis.

Abstract: Pre-shaped, non-custom dental trays are either preloaded with bleaching gel or filled with a dental treatment composition just prior to placement over a person's teeth. The pre-shaped dental tray is thin and flexible, which allows it to be placed over a person's teeth and then approximately conform to the person's teeth. The pre-shaped, non-custom dental trays can therefore perform similar to a customized tray but without have to go through the more lengthy customization procedure. The dental treatment composition may comprise one or more of a dental bleaching agent, an anticariogenic agent, an antimicrobial agent, a remineralizing agent, or other active agent. A pre-shaped dental tray can be pre-loaded with a dental treatment composition and stored within a sealed packaging container.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material which solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray, along with tubes which provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a model of a dental arch of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a generally U-shaped base portion and at least three spaced-apart radio-opaque members secured to the base. An extension may project from the base portion and may include a fourth radio-opaque member secured to the extension. The apparatus also includes means for securing the apparatus to a mounting surface. Also provided is a positioning apparatus and method for enabling use of the model-receiving apparatus to position the dental arch model within a dental articulator to simulate the position of the dental arch in a skull. The positioning apparatus includes a first member, a second slidable with respect to the first member and a third member slidable with respect to the second member.

Abstract: An improved dental impression tray provides an improved retentive force for the dental impression material contained therein by incorporating a plurality of projections and panels on its tray walls. Upon taking a dental impression, the dental impression material flows into the grooves defined by the plurality of projections, panels and the tray walls to form retentive components. These retentive components may prevent the impression material in the tray from distorting or being lifted out of the trays when the tray is disengaged from the oral anatomy of the patient.