Abstract: A fastener suitable for connecting two parts of a dental splint together in a prearranged or predetermined spatial relationship to treat a person suffering from a sleep disorder is described. In one form the fastener comprises a base member and a cover member arranged to define a cavity therebetween. A movable connector is located within the cavity, the movable connector interconnecting the two parts of the dental splint. The fastener has an adjustor movably connected to the connector such that the position of the connector is moved in response to movement of the adjustor by adjusting the position of the adjustor, the connector in the form of a hook moves the other part of the dental splint so as to reposition the jaws of a person being treated for the sleep disorder.

Abstract: The occlusal position of a patient is measured by means of light transmission through a layer of a polysiloxane which is not cross-linked. This material forms an exceptionally accurate impression of a patient's bite essentially instantaneously and enables subsequent recording and analysis of the bite in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: A reusable dental impression tray having a reusable rigid tray holder with opposing sidewalls spaced apart substantially a first distance, the opposing sidewalls extend longitudinally in a curved manner, a connector located at a distal end of the tray holder couples the sidewalls together, the sidewalls and connector define an inward facing surface, a channel formed in and extends along the inward facing surface, and a handle located at a mesial end of the tray holder, and a disposable mesh bite tray having a generally U-shaped frame having an open end and a closed end, the U-shaped frame is made of a flexible material wherein the U-shaped frame has a generally static shape having a width at the closed end substantially similar to the first distance and a width at the open end which is greater than the first distance, and wherein with the U-shaped frame received in the channel, the open end of the U-shaped frame is held in a compressed state with the open end having a compressed width substantially the same a

Abstract: A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.

Abstract: A dental impression tray having a tray bottom, an inner wall and an outer wall, which together form the dental mold, whereby the inner and/or outer wall, on their side facing away from the tray bottom is provided at least in sections with a resilient, in particular, elastic element consisting of a softer material compared to that of the wall on which it is located, wherein the element is designed as resilient lip that is located opposite of the wall on which lip is located, aligned inclined toward the interior of the dental mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental mold on the basis of a thermoplastic film (4), and to an impression tray (1) for producing such a dental mold (2). The impression tray (1) is charged with a kneadable, malleable material (3) on which the thermoplastic film (4) that can be formed to a dental mold (2) is located. The softening temperature of the thermoplastic film (4) ranges between approximately 40 DEG C and approximately 80 DEG C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental mold on the basis of a thermoplastic film (4), and to an impression tray (1) for producing such a dental mold (2). The impression tray (1) is charged with a kneadable, malleable material (3) on which the thermoplastic film (4) that can be formed to a dental mold (2) is located. The softening temperature of the thermoplastic film (4) ranges between approximately 40 DEG C and approximately 80 DEG C.

Abstract: Dental impression trays having a peripheral buccal supporting wall, a second wall which is parallel to the peripheral supporting wall with connecting means between the first supporting wall and the second wall. A partition is attached to the second wall to create a superior receptive cavity or compartment and an inferior receptive cavity or compartment in the impression tray. The trays provide needed stability when making impressions of both upper and lower teeth and jaw simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and systems for capturing digital intra-oral images, while automatically determining a location of an intra-oral sensor placed within a mouth of a patient, is disclosed. A spatial frame-of-reference is established with respect to teeth within the mouth of the patient. An intra-oral digital imaging sensor is placed within the mouth of the patient adjacent to at least one tooth within the mouth that is to be imaged using the intra-oral sensor. Spatial location information is automatically generated such that the spatial location information defines how the intra-oral sensor is placed with respect to the spatial frame-of-reference. A digital image of the at least one tooth is acquired using the intra-oral sensor and the spatial location information is automatically associated with the acquired digital image.

Abstract: A mouthguard includes two sections, a vertical component and a horizontal component. The foam is molded into a configuration such that the vertical component curves around the anterior section of the maxillary dental arch to the lateral aspects, just beyond the canine teeth. At the mouth temperature of 98.6 degrees F., the vertical component is held perfectly between the upper lip and teeth by the general pressure of lip musculature. There is a V-shaped notch in the midline of the vertical section to accommodate the maxillary labial frenum. The horizontal component provides a bite platform and a slit is located along the midline forming two rearwardly extending tabs to facilitate the curvature of the bite platform. Accommodative curvature of the vertical section is provided by spaces between the horizontal component and the ends of the vertical component forming deflectable wings in these regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved dental impression tray and related methods. In one embodiment, a dental impression tray includes a first portion for receiving impression material from a source and a second portion is configured for receiving a patient's upper or lower teeth and will at least partial define a cavity shaped to receive the teeth during use. In use, impression material introduced into the first portion can pass through openings and into the second portion and around a patient's teeth.

Abstract: The present invention is referred to the disposable bite trays among the dental impression trays. The metallic reinforcements of the invented tray are fixed by exposing to the exterior of the connecting loops on the both sides of the impression obtaining walls. The reinforcements should include an impression obtaining membrane in the central portion, the moving freely prevention stair, and various moving freely prevention grooves. The moving freely prevention stair is to fix the plastic supporter and reinforcement together and prevent the individual movement of the supporter and reinforcement. The disposable bite trays are usually made up of plastics because they are easy-to-make materials, cheap, and convenient to use. However, no matter how strong plastics those are used, the connecting loops of the impression obtaining walls on the both sides of the tray will still be thin and narrow.

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: 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 kit for taking a dental impression comprises a thermoplastic material for bite registration on one jaw side, an impression compound for taking an impression of the opposite jaw side, and a tray for receiving the thermoplastic material on one side and the impression compound on an opposite side thereof. The tray includes a pair of opposing side walls and a flexible membrane extending therebetween, the flexible membrane defines a first receiving area and a second receiving area, the thermoplastic material is adapted to be molded to the flexible membrane and the side walls and extend past each of the side walls in order to impart sufficient rigidity to the tray.

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: Dental apparatus for recording the interdental relationship of anterior teeth has an open frame and a handle. A bite tray (9) is secured within the frame so that impression material applied to the bite tray can be readily manipulated between a patient's anterior teeth. The frame may be formed from upper and lower pivotally interconnected arcuate parts (2, 5) and the bite tray (9) has an arcuate segmental body of flexible perforated supporting material with a stiffened strip (10) around its curved periphery. This strip (10) is clamped between confronting faces (15, 16) of the parts (2, 5) and is located in position by engagement of pins (8) on the lower part (2) with holes (11) in the strip (10).

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: 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 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: 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: 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 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 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.

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: 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: The subject of the invention is a kit for taking a dental impression. The kit comprises a thermoplastic material for bite registration on one jaw side, an impression compound for taking an impression of the opposite jaw side, and a tray for receiving the thermoplastic material on one side and the impression compound on an opposite side thereof. The tray includes a pair of opposing side walls and a flexible membrane extending therebetween, the flexible membrane defines a first receiving area and a second receiving area, the thermoplastic material is adapted to be molded to the flexible membrane and the side walls and extend past each of the side walls in order to impart sufficient rigidity to the tray.

Abstract: A dental impression tray having varying rigidity. 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. 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.

Abstract: A dental impression tray having two identical one half parts in which each part can be used for making a partial dental impression and wherein the two one half parts can be removably combined for a full mouth impression of a patient.

Abstract: A dental impression tray having a pair of spaced and outwardly flared sidewalls with a layer of material, such as gauze, netting, plastic or the like, or a rigid material, extending perpendicularly between the sidewalls. The sidewalls, furthermore, are dimensioned to extend substantially a one-half arch of a dental occlusion. The layer of material, however, extends outwardly from one end of the sidewalls so that the layer extends substantially a three-quarters of an arch of a dental occlusion. The dental impression tray is easily convertible between a one-half arch and a three-quarters arch of a dental occlusion by selectively removing the outwardly extending portion of the layer material. Additionally, a frame connects the sidewalls together while a notch in the frame enables the sidewalls to deflect upon occlusion and remain in a deflected position. Optionally, the sidewalls are eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming dental impressions to record the bite registration of a patient's teeth. In accordance with the present invention, an impression is taken of a predetermined set of teeth on each side of the patient's mouth in the buccal region thereof to record the bite registration of the upper and lower teeth. The impression is preferably formed by a buccal impression apparatus which includes a rigid frame member having first and second arms and a central section interconnected therebetween, with the frame member defining an open area. A mesh material is connected between the first and second arms and the central section within the open area. The mesh material permits a moldable material to adhere to the frame member during the formation of the impression, with the frame member supporting the moldable material and providing a means to support the impression upon a scanning apparatus.

Abstract: In a method of producing a semiconductor laser element with suppression of mirror degradation by the laser light which can operate stably with a high output power, a laser wafer is prepared to have a layered structure of semiconductor layers including an active layer, followed by forming contact electrodes on the top and the bottom of the wafer, cleaving the wafer in a ultra high vacuum chamber to provide a laser bar, and covering cleaved end faces of the laser bar with semiconductor amorphous layers, as protective layers, of a compound semiconductor material between a third group element and a fifth group element in the element periodic table, to form a protected laser bar. An example of the amorphous layer is of GaAs semiconductor material. Then, a laser element without mirror degradation is obtained by forming dielectric films on the protective layers.

Abstract: A disposable bite tray received in a bite tray holder, having interconnected buccal and lingual support members, slidingly receiving the disposable bite tray, having a buccal plate member and a lingual plate member, that holds more material along the outer surface than the inner surface of a patient's teeth in an ergonomically friendly package.

Abstract: A dental impression tray contoured to fit over at least a portion of a patient's dentition is provided. The dental impression tray includes a wall portion and an elongate rib adapted to extend along the wall portion. The elongate rib and wall define a channel sufficiently elongate with respect to the portion of the patient's dentition to interfit with an impression material during an impression of the portion of the patient's dentition to hold the impression material more securely in the tray.

Abstract: The modulus of elasticity and yield strength of a rigid core rod are set within predetermined limits as to limit the elastic deformation and prevent plastic deformation of a dental tray during multiple impression taking, bite registration and subsequent handling. The tray is formed with a frame which provides a positive recovery force when it is flexed. The cross section of the core rod may be optimized to further limit deflection in a predetermined plane. Various preferred materials including nonwoven spun-bonded filaments are selected for supporting impression material on the tray while minimizing the likelihood of obstructing a patient's teeth during full occlusion.

Abstract: The dental impression tray for optional partially toothless jaw and toothless jaw with implants consists of a basic impression tray (1) and of a paired impression tray (2) freely arrangeable and positioned upon it, whereat the tray (1) is executed basically as a grooved horseshoe-shaped profile (3), whose side edges (4) are thickened with the purpose of strengthening, and the paired impression tray (2) is executed as a stiff horseshoe-shaped U-profile, which rests exactly on the outer thick edge (4) of the tray (1) so that between the trays (1) and (2) a space (6) is formed, which can accept a tooth with the impression material, and the thin-walled profile (3) of the tray (1) is foreseen for making holes (7) by handy dental tools at optional places in accordance with the state of the treated jaw.

Abstract: A dental impression tray is disclosed herein having a pair of spaced-apart arcuate walls having a common radial center and wherein the opposing wall surfaces define a work area for holding a quantity of dental impression material. A thin plastic embedded fibrous membrane or sheet or a non-woven fabric material extends across the work area having its opposite edges attached to the walls and separating the walls into upper and lower wall sections. One end of the walls may or may not support a wire element while the opposite walls' ends are open. The opposing wall surfaces carry a plurality of alternate vertical grooves and rod-like projections disposed in parallel and split horizontally by the fibrous membrane. The root of each projection includes a recessed portion in order to engage with the impression material and a handle attached to an outer wall of the pair outwardly extends anteriorly therefrom. A tongue retractor structure may be integrated on an inner wall of the pair.

Abstract: A dental impression tray is disclosed herein having a pair of spaced-apart arcuate walls having a common radial center and wherein the opposing wall surfaces define a work area for holding a quantity of dental impression material. A thin plastic embedded fibrous membrane or sheet extends across the work area having its opposite edges attached to the walls and separating the walls into upper and lower wall sections. One end of the walls may or may not support a wire element while the opposite walls' ends are open. The opposing wall surfaces carry a plurality of alternate vertical grooves and rod-like projections disposed in parallel and split horizontally by the fibrous membrane. The root of each projection includes a recessed portion in order to engage with the impression material and a handle attached to an outer wall of the pair outwardly extends anteriorly therefrom. A tongue suppressor structure may be integrated on an inner wall of the pair.

Abstract: An improved dental full arch and impression checkbite frame which includes an outer lingual arch and an inner labial arch which are each provided with a longitudinally extending slot for receiving and supporting therein a porous membrane which is adapted to form the support for the mass of impression material for making an impression, the respective slots defining an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. The respective inner and outer arches are rigidly interconnected at their corresponding distal ends by a cross link. At the proximal end of the dental frame, there is provided a handle having offset bifurcated portions, whereby the bifurcated portions are respectively connected to the upper frame section and lower frame section. A rigid frame is thus defined that is free of any appreciable movement that can compromise the accuracy of a model or cast made thereby.

Abstract: A dental impression tray of substantially rigid material having impression material retention means for enhancing the retention of the impression material to the tray during the removal of the tray/impression material from the mouth after taking of an impression and for facilitating the removal and cleaning of the impression material from the tray after the impression has been recorded wherein the retaining means includes one or more elastomeric members stretched between anchoring points and positioned to be enveloped by the impression material loaded into the tray.

Abstract: A dental impression tray includes a tray portion anatomically contoured to fit over at least a part of a patient's upper and/or lower dentition of which an impression is to be obtained. The tray portion is loaded with impression material and situated opposite to the desired dentition part whereupon the patient bites into the soft impression material to form an impression of the dentition in the material. The tray portion is defined by at least one wall on which a plurality of vertically extending adjacent ribs are integrally formed defining a plurality of channels therebetween into which the impression material flows. The ribs have a dovetail cross-section so that the channels narrow or converge in the inward direction, i.e. towards the interior of the tray portion, to prevent the impression material from separating from the side wall in the inward direction as well as spreading laterally as and after the impression is taken to thereby provide a precise impression of the dentition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dental impression tray having a U-shaped rim that can be positioned about the upper teeth of a patient. The upper posterior end of the impression tray is closed by a dam made of a preferably pliable material. Openings are provided in the U-shaped rim to permit the escape of hardenable material that may be placed under pressure as the dentist moves the impression tray into proper position in order to obtain the necessary impression of the upper teeth. The dam prevents unwanted posterior flow of the hardenable material into the throat of a patient.

Abstract: A carrier for introducing bite registration material between occlusal surfaces of teeth, comprising a frangible film weakened to minimize its ability to stimulate the proprioceptive neuromuscular mechanism associated with jaw motions.

Abstract: A dental instrument for simultaneously taking an impression and a bite has a pair of parallel elongated bite tray holders which are laterally spaced apart and are connected together at one of their adjoining ends by a connector wire loop. A manipulating handle is fixed to one of the tray holders at the end opposite to its connected end and has an inner fixed leg portion which protrudes from the instrument at a close obtuse angle to pass the lip of a patient and has an integral free outer end portion that extends from the inner end at a sharp angle of at least 90.degree. for easier manipulation beyond the cheek of the patient by an operator. A bite tray is removably and slidably carried by and positioned between the tray holders.

Abstract: A dental tray is provided using a molded plastic. One form of tray includes buccal and lingual walls defining a series of recesses or indentations on opposed wall faces. When in use, a flexible impression support is applied to the walls and is coated with a suitable impression cement which enters the recesses and secures the impression support thereto.After an impression has been taken, the impression support is stripped from the tray and a mold is made therefrom.The use of recesses in the walls facilitates manufacturing of an inexpensive device of plastic using high speed, injection molding techniques.