Abstract: An intraoral scanner comprises a light source for generating light, an optics system for focusing the light, and a light-guiding part having an entrance and an exit. The light source, the optics system and the light-guiding part are arranged such that the light passes through the optics system, enters the light-guiding part via the entrance, and exits the light-guiding part via the exit. The optics system is configured such that, upon entering the light-guiding part, an outermost chief ray of the light with respect to an optical axis of the optics system is divergent to the optical axis and an outermost marginal ray of the light with respect to the optical axis is parallel or divergent to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method for designing dentures according to which artificial teeth can be easily and accurately attached to a denture base, which is designed and shaped by CAD/CAM, when the artificial teeth are arranged on the denture base is provided. The method for designing a denture (10) on a computer based on data on an intraoral shape comprises: creating data on a shape of a denture base (20) based on the intraoral shape (S22); creating data on a position of an artificial tooth (30) to be arranged on the denture base (S23); and creating data on a shape of an occlusal guide (40) that is tabular and has a recess part corresponding to a shape of the arranged artificial tooth in an occlusal surface side (S24).

Abstract: An apparatus for dental imaging comprises a light source for generating light, an optics system for focusing the light, and a probe head. The light source, the optics system and the probe head are arranged such that the light passes through the optics system, passes through the probe head, and exits the probe head. The optics system is configured such that chief rays of the light before entering the probe head are divergent to each other, wherein an angle defined by a marginal ray of an outermost beam of the light is complementary to an angle defined by an extreme off-axis chief ray of the light with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a digital custom denture impression tray that includes an upper U-shaped plate to measure the shape of a patient's upper gum having missing teeth and normal teeth arranged therein; a lower U-shaped plate to measure the shape of the patient's lower gum having missing teeth and normal teeth arranged therein; a height adjustment unit disposed on the upper plate for measuring the height of the denture to be implanted and structured to adjust horizontality and height of the upper plate and the lower plate; a screw nut attached to the height adjustment unit having a threaded hole at a predetermined depth; a screw bolt having a threaded surface to adjust height by being inserted in the threaded hole from under the screw nut; an indicator teeth disposed on the front center of the upper plate for recording centric relation and guiding the upper plate toward the lower plate; a front corresponding cooperation spot provided on the lower plate for receiving the indicator teeth thereon; and a rear

Abstract: An apparatus for dental imaging comprises a light source for generating light, an optics system for focusing the light, and a light-guiding part having an entrance face and an exit face. The light source, the optics system and the light-guiding part are arranged such that the light passes through the optics system, enters the light-guiding part via the entrance face, and exits the light-guiding part via the exit face. The optics system is configured such that, upon entering the light-guiding part, an outermost chief ray of the light with respect to an optical axis of the optics system is divergent to the optical axis and an outermost marginal ray of the light with respect to the optical axis is parallel or divergent to the optical axis.

Abstract: An occlusion control system and a corresponding method for occlusion control, in which dimensional data of a digital upper and lower jaw model are stored on a data processing and control device, an upper jaw representative model and a lower jaw representative model are manually moved relative to one another in an adjustment plane, position changes of the upper jaw representative model and the lower jaw representative model are detected. An associated relative position between the upper and lower jaw models is calculated. If, in this relative position, there is a dental arch penetration and/or a dental arch decoupling from the upper and lower jaw model, a length of at least one of at least three spacer elements between the upper jaw representative model and the lower jaw representative model is adjusted, which brings about a haptically detectable change in the representative model.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus for simulating the chewing process for the purpose of testing dental materials and implants and for the purpose of analyzing food samples. The apparatus comprises a frame, a stationary platform connected compliantly to the said frame and a moving platform corresponding to the maxillae and mandible of humans or animals, to which dentures or teeth are affixed. The moving platform is guided and driven in mandibular motion using six rods fitted with spherical joints at both ends. Said ball-jointed rods are attached with one end to the moving platform, and with the other end either to the frame of the apparatus, or to rotary cranks driven synchronously by a motor via a transmission. The rotary cranks together with their motor and transmission are mounted on a carrier which is adjustably attached to the frame of the apparatus.

Abstract: The Modular system for the realization of orthodontic Gipsoteca models with the faithful tilting of the individual occlusal plane and mobile and fixed prostheses and other orthodontic aids such as bites or splints, comprises a first module consisting of a supporting device (1) and additional aids, such as bases, muffles, little frames, curved and flat plates, a base for the transfer of static relationships between the dental arches, the individual face bow and the injection piston, suitable to make up, in combination with the device (1), additional modules. The present invention allows to facilitate different dental, processing techniques and reduce processing times and possible errors caused by the realization and the squaring of the artifact.

Abstract: Dental articulator systems and dental articulators are disclosed herein. The disclosed dental articulator systems comprise a bite registrator, a dental articulator and a mounting jig. The bite registrator comprises a buccal rail configured to be positioned along the exterior perimeter of a patient's dentition; at least one vestibular component supported by and slidable along the buccal rail for identifying a reference position; and at least one bite registration module supported by and slidable along the buccal rail, and forming an aperture through which bite registration material may be injected into the patient's dentition. The dental articulator comprises an upper articulator member for mounting a maxillary dentition model, and a lower articulator member for mounting a mandibular dentition model. The mounting jig is configured to receive the bite registrator and indicate proper alignment of the position the maxillary dentition model and the mandibular dentition model with respect to one another.

Abstract: An articulator can more simply configure a coupling mechanism between a lower jaw support portion and an upper jaw support portion at a joint portion. An articulator includes a first support portion; a second support portion; and a joint portion that couples the first support portion and the second support portion. The joint portion includes: a pair of projecting portions; and an engaging support portion. The projecting portion and the engaging support portion are attractable to each other by way of magnetic force.

Abstract: A system for sizing an oral appliance includes a right overlay, a left overlay, and a wax bite plate. A dental arch impression of a patient is taken on the wax bite plate, and indicia on the right and left overlays are aligned with the dental arch impression to provide information on both the arcuate shape and width of an oral appliance which can best fit the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulator. The articulator may significantly improve the coupling force between a maxillary fixing part and a mandibular fixing part. In addition, since the horizontal turning radius of the maxillary fixing part is easily adjustable according to the size of a mandible model, errors that may occur when the state of occlusion between the mandible model and a maxillary model is checked may be easily prevented.

Abstract: A mounting method of dental cast is disclosed. The mounting method includes the steps of providing an articulator and a label module having at least a label and at least a reference object, generating a label coordinate information in accordance with the reference object and the label, providing a midface and mandible image information and generating a landmark coordinate information in accordance with a plurality of landmarks of the midface and mandible image information, generating a structure coordinate information in accordance with a plurality of structures of the articulator and the label, disposing a first dental cast connected with the label module on the articulator, and providing a detecting device to detect the label and adjust the position of the first dental cast in accordance with the midface and mandible image information, the label coordinate information, and the structure coordinate information.

Abstract: An orthognathic planning system applied with at least a dental cast includes an articulator, a detecting device, at least a label module and a data processing device. The dental cast is mounted on the articulator. The detecting device is disposed with respect to the articulator. The label module has at least a label and is disposed on the dental cast. The data processing device is signally connected with the detecting device and stores midface and mandible image data. The detecting device traces the label and provides position data, and the data processing device provides orthognathic planning data in accordance with the position data and the midface and mandible image data. The present invention also discloses an orthognathic planning method.

Abstract: A head frame apparatus is secured to a human head during maxillofacial surgery and includes devices to easily position and secure an endotracheal (breathing) tube and an anesthesia delivery circuit for the patient that reduces the likelihood that the flow of oxygen through the tube is restricted thereby reducing the risk of severe injury or death. The head frame apparatus also includes a removable reference indicator, which may be easily attached and removed while identifying a reference point of the patient's face. Also the reference indicator includes a universal joint and pointer with an attached ruler. A transport apparatus positions multiple preset reference indicators and allows for preoperative transportation and removal, while protecting the preset reference indicators from inadvertent adjustment. A bendable reference indicator used in an articulator for preoperative modeling allows for easily identifying reference points in a cast model.

Abstract: A mounting method of dental cast is disclosed. The mounting method includes the steps of providing an articulator and a. label module having at least a label and at least a reference object, generating a label coordinate information in accordance with the reference object and the label, providing a midface and mandible image information and generating a landmark coordinate information in accordance with a plurality of landmarks of the midface and mandible image information, generating a structure coordinate information in accordance with a plurality of structures of the articulator and the label, disposing a first dental cast connected with the label module on the articulator, and providing a detecting device to detect the label and adjust the position of the first dental cast in accordance with the midface and mandible image information, the label coordinate information, and the structure coordinate information.

Abstract: An orthognathic planning system applied with at least a dental cast includes an articulator, a detecting device, at least a label module and a data processing device. The dental cast is mounted on the articulator. The detecting device is disposed with respect to the articulator. The label module has at least a label and is disposed on the dental cast. The data processing device is signally connected with the detecting device and stores midface and mandible image data. The detecting device traces the label and provides position data, and the data processing device provides orthognathic planning data in accordance with the position data and the midface and mandible image data. The present invention also discloses an orthognathic planning method.

Abstract: This patent application refers to a mechanical equipment that, when used in conjunction with a device to determine the position of the superior arcade of the patient, based on landmarks on the skull of the same, allows accurate reproduction of the position of the dental arches, represented by plaster models and simulation of mandibular movements. These models are connected to the equipment, through a unique positioning mechanical system, eliminating the use of plaster to fix the same. The patent, now required, includes features of the equipment currently called “articulator” and “face-bow” and adds new features in an unprecedented and innovative way. The set of the equipment is light weighted, and easy to handle, allowing up to 50% reduction in the time required for assembly and adjustments when compared to the equipment market, and its guide system makes the reproduction of mandibular movements very accurate, avoiding errors in diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: A jaw-relation reproduction condition is determined by measuring a jaw movement of a patient, and reproducing a jaw state of the patient on an occlusion-state reproducing apparatus in accordance with the jaw-relation reproduction condition. Dentures are arranged on the apparatus in accordance with the jaw-relation reproduction condition to prepare pre-grinding dentures. Denture data with reference points which is three-dimensional image data containing reference points that represents a positional relationship between the jaw-relation reproduction condition and the dentures and an occlusal surface of the dentures. An occlusion state of the denture data with the reference points is reproduced by using the jaw-relation reproduction condition on a three-dimensional image. Grinding data of a grinding portion is determined under a dynamic condition or set condition from a portion surrounded by an image of upper and lower jaws on the three dimensional image in a reproduced occlusal state.

Abstract: A scanning system that acquires three-dimensional images as an incremental series of fitted three-dimensional data sets is improved by testing for successful incremental fits in real time and providing a variety of visual user cues and process modifications depending upon the relationship of newly acquired data to previously acquired data. The system may be used to aid in error-free completion of three-dimensional scans. The methods and systems described herein may also usefully be employed to scan complex surfaces including occluded or obstructed surfaces by maintaining a continuous three-dimensional scan across separated subsections of the surface. In one useful dentistry application, a full three-dimensional surface scan may be obtained for two dental arches in occlusion.

Abstract: An occlusal plane analyzer (5) is composed of an analysis board (7) made of a magnetic material and held above a lower jaw model (2), a magnet (8) which can attract the analysis board (7) with magnetic force and which has a circular support hole (15) going through in an attraction direction of the magnetic force, and a Monson curve imparting tool (9) composed of a spherical body section (17) which is made of a magnetic material with a diameter larger than an inside diameter of the support hole (15) and which can be attracted to the support hole (15), an extended section (18) extending from the spherical body section (17), and a spherical surface regenerating section (19) further extending from a distal end of the extended section (18) for drawing a circular arc concentric with the spherical body section (17).

Abstract: A scanning system that acquires three-dimensional images as an incremental series of fitted three-dimensional data sets is improved by testing for successful incremental fits in real time and providing a variety of visual user cues and process modifications depending upon the relationship of newly acquired data to previously acquired data. The system may be used to aid in error-free completion of three-dimensional scans. The methods and systems described herein may also usefully be employed to scan complex surfaces including occluded or obstructed surfaces by maintaining a continuous three-dimensional scan across separated subsections of the surface. In one useful dentistry application, a full three-dimensional surface scan may be obtained for two dental arches in occlusion.

Abstract: A system and a method for manufacturing a dental implant surgical guide are disclosed. The dentist may obtain a cast model of the patient's jaw and then make a CT scan appliance with a plurality of radiopaque markers out of the cast model. The patient wears the appliance under CT scanning to obtain a plurality of CT images of the jawbone and teeth. The system comprises a cast model navigation device, a controlling module, and a computer system. The navigation device comprises an articulated arm capable of holding a tool and a plurality of braking elements. The computer system comprises a memory storing a software program and a processor. The articulated arm is operated to measure the positions of the markers to provide the position registration between the cast model and the plurality of CT images. Once registered, the articulated arm is operated to simulate the target implant position under the guidance of the CT images.

Abstract: A visible coding of components of an articulator apparatus that mount maxillary and mandible casts indicates the relative correspondence between post-treatment goals and the present locations of a person's teeth and jaws. From another aspect, the visible coding indicates at least a direction, and preferably, a direction and a distance, which a person's teeth and/or jaws must be moved to achieve the goals.

Abstract: To provide a dental surveyor apparatus that is especially used for processing comprehensively both clasp design and basal design of fabricating removable dentures, which is enable to place and remove easily and is secure after inserting.

Abstract: The dental device of the present invention is used to transfer information about registration of an anterior midline between central incisors and a horizontal plane of the teeth after the teeth have been drilled and final impressions have been taken. This information is communicated to the lab technician for fabrication of crowns and or veneers. The dental device allows the dentist to consistently communicate the location and position of the anterior midlines and horizontal plane to the dental laboratory. The dental device is placed between the patient's upper and lower teeth after tooth preparation. The dental device is positioned in a correct midline and horizontal plane. After alignment, the dental device is secured to the teeth using a bite registration material. The dental device is forwarded to the lab technician together with the model of the teeth after preparation.

Abstract: A visible coding of components of an articulator apparatus that mount maxillary and mandible casts indicates the relative correspondence between post-treatment goals and the present locations of a person's teeth and jaws. From another aspect, the visible coding indicates at least a direction, and preferably, a direction and a distance, which a person's teeth and/or jaws must be moved to achieve the goals.

Abstract: An image of intraoral bacteria captured under a phase-contrast microscope and an intraoral image taken with a digital camera are recorded and played back to show the patient those images. The present invention shows improvements in this procedure, such as that (1) the phase-contrast microscope is equipped with a camera of a digital output type, (2) the image of intraoral bacteria and the intraoral image are associated with each other, and (3) at least the intraoral image can be edited.

Abstract: A tooth model occlusion testing device comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw that pivotally connect to each other. Two tooth model bases are respectively received in the upper and lower jaws, and are provided with a plurality of perforations to insert a tooth model. The upper and lower jaws are thereby capable of turning to an open and occluding position to evaluate the alignment of the upper and lower parts of the tooth model in the occluding position.

Abstract: An auxiliary tool for an articulator having a lower part and an upper part which is connected with the lower part pivotally around a pivot axis extending transversely of the longitudinal plane of the articulator, there extending forwardly from the lower part a lower articulator arm and from the upper part an upper articulator arm, the auxiliary tool including a stand which is mountable on the inner side on the one articulator arm and has a head section on the side of which towards the other articulator arm there are arranged feeler elements for the sensing of certain surface parts on a jaw tooth model which is positioned on the other articulator arm. In order to increase the possibilities for use of the auxiliary tool, the head section has on its side towards the other articulator arm a positioning calotte.

Abstract: A denture base on which an artificial replacement of teeth is implanted, characterized in that the denture base includes a plurality of dentures arranged and fixed in a plastic or metal foundation, wherein the dentures are arranged along with the occlusion curve expressed based on the central point set up on the resultant line showing the radius of curvature R of the optimal row of teeth obtained from the roentgenogram of a patient's temporal areas of the head, and the direction of the standard resultant of the power produced at the time of occlusion.

Abstract: The invention concerns an articulator for parametering a prosthetic or occlusal directional plane and dentoalveolar stages, for producing dental prostheses. The device includes two planar elements, upper and lower (1, 2), mutually articulated about a horizontal pin (3) parallel to the two planar elements (1, 2) and located above the lower planar element (2). The two planar elements are designed to fix, opposite each other and in contact with each other, a patient's two dental arch models (5, 6), namely an upper model (5) fixed beneath the upper element (1) lower surface and a lower model (6) fixed on the lower element (2) upper surface, and means for defining, between the two elements (1, 2) a plane inclined with respect to the upper element (1) and corresponding to an occlusal plane P between the two models (5, 6). The means defining the inclined plane corresponding to the occlusal plane P are borne by the upper element (1). They include a plate (7) representing the occlusal directional plane P.

Abstract: A face bow assembly including a face bow having a bite fork portion to carry an index trays to be positioned in a patient's mouth. The bow has outwardly extending wings to enable a dentist to support the bow. A vertical indicator rod mounted to the bow helps align the tray horizontally and the indicator rod vertically to the patient's mid-sagittal, while bite impression material on the tray hardens. The upper index tray is then mounted on a platform on a dental articulator. The platform has an incisal line for alignment with an incisal line(s) for adjustability on the upper index tray. The platform also has vertical or horizontal adjustability with a built-in scale.

Abstract: Cylindrical support 20 having dope prism 2 built therein is rotatably fitted in barrel 23 as a constituent of stomatocamera frame 11. The support 20 has pin 22 erected on its periphery, and the barrel 23 is furnished with guide channel 4 formed along its circumference. The pin 22 pierces the guide channel 4 and protrudes from the periphery of the barrel 23. Protrudent end of the pin 22 is locked to locking channel 6 of operating ring 5 fitted to the periphery of the barrel 23. The dope prism 2 built in the camera frame is rotated by revolving the operating ring 5. Thus, the image can be rotated without the need to revolve the CCD camera frame.

Abstract: A dental articulator (5) capable of reproducing or analyzing a physiological occlusion status by implementing a pressure receiving function and a traction function capable of operating in all the motion directions equivalently provided by a jaw joint function of a living body with a teeth plaster model fitted between upper and lower jaw frames, comprising an occlusal plane table (8) having the same anteversion angle as the occlusal plane oblique angle of a living body; a bite analysis plate (9) on which average positions of a spew center (91) and a posterior motion axis (92) are set at a plurality of positions and they are sketched in pairs with the average positions of the spew center on one side and those of the posterior motion axis on the other side of the plate; an incisal guidance plate (56) in which an inverted conical slope for mapping front-and-rear, right-and-left inclinations of the cusp is cut to allow the tip of an incisal guide to slide; and a transform plate (1) which is fitted using a lower ja

Abstract: This is the apparatus that designs the denture and enable to process complehensively both of the clasp designing and the base designing, and designs the denture which can be inserted smoothly and has the suitable resistant force against taking-off and the bracing force after insertion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planar light beam orientation device comprising a light source, a beam disperser, and a housing coupled to the light source and holding the beam disperser. The housing is configured to have a beam aperture configured to project a planar beam of light therefrom. The planar light beam orientation device of the present invention is capable of projecting a 360.degree. planar beam of light. The device is particularly useful in the orienting and reorienting of dental casts in a dental surveyor.

Abstract: A device which allows easy observation of discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw comprises an upper bow (100) and a lower bow (200) which separately hold in place an upper jaw model (UM) and a lower jaw model (LM) prepared based on impressions and position these upper and lower jaw models (UM) and (LM) opposite to each other, checker pins (310) in the upper bow (200) which are positioned at a location corresponding to the opening/closing axis of the upper jaw model (UM) and lower jaw model (LM) and along the opening/closing axis, and checker plates (300) in the upper bow (100) positioned in such a manner that their outer surfaces (306) are perpendicular to the opening/closing axis and adjacent to the tips of the checker pins (310).

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with apparatus and methods in the field of dentistry and in the field of design and testing of dental fixtures, components and materials. The apparatus comprises a jaw model having a mandible and a maxilla; a loading mechanism, coupled to the jaw model, for imposing an occlusal force on the mandible and maxilla; a mechanism(s), coupled to the mandible of the jaw model, for moving the mandible relative to the maxilla; and a load or force sensing device for sensing occlusal forces on the mandible and the maxilla of the jaw model. The mandible is caused to move laterally and protrusively using electric motors. A strain gauge meter may be coupled to the load sensing device, for measuring and displaying the forces sensed by the sensing device. A digital processor may also be employed for storing and recording the forces measured by the meter.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for positioning a maxillary dental arch model in a dental articulator to simulate the positioning of a maxillary dental arch represented by the arch model. The arch model may be positioned on a plate having a substantially planar surface with a fulcrum point through which three generally mutually perpendicular axes are aligned. In addition, the plate may be movably mounted to an articulator and adjusted with respect to these axes based upon three linear and three angular measurements related to the positioning of a patient's maxillary dental arch in the patient's skull.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for recording and reproducing the path of insertion of a cast on a dental surveyor uses an iterative method to enable rapid equalization of the height of three points on the cast by first rotating the table on which the cast is situated about a spindle supported by two mutually perpendicular pivotal adjustment arms so that a line connecting two of the points a,b is as close as possible to being parallel with a long axis of a generally horizontal one of the pivotal adjustment arms, pivoting the horizontal adjustment arm so that points a,b are at an equal height, pivoting the generally vertical adjustment arm so that point a and a third point c are at an equal height, readjusting the horizontal adjustment arm so that points a and b are again at an equal height, readjusting the vertical adjustment arm so that points a and c are again at an equal height, and so forth until all three points are at the same height.

Abstract: An articurator is comprised of a mandibular frame being provided with condyles, a maxillary frame mounted on the mandibular frame via condylar guide mechanisms, an anterior guide table provided on the front end of the mandibular frame, and an anterior guide pin provided on the front end of the maxillary frame. The anterior guide table comprises a table portion and lateral wings. The table portion has a sagittal inclination angle adjusting mechanism, and the lateral wings has lateral wing angles adjusting mechanisms. The anterior guide pin makes contact with and slides on an anterior guide mechanism formed by the surface of the anterior guide table. The condylar guide mechanisms in which the condyle is positioned have condylar path inclination angle adjusting mechanisms. The sagittal inclination angle, the lateral wing angles, and the condylar path inclination angles are to be adjusted by two steps to specified values of a first group and to specified values of a second group.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for recording and reproducing the path of insertion of a cast on surveyors. In the method, the accuracy and speed of recording the path of insertion is easily effected with the help of a scoring tool and an adjustable surveyor table on which a cast is secured and the spatial relationship of the cast with respect to the scoring tool can be easily adjusted, facilitating parallel line making on the cast in one aspect and the reorientation of the cast in another aspect.

Abstract: A jaw movement recording device, articulator and methods disclosed utilize a lower marking plate with front, rear, left and right side marking pins that cooperate with an upper marking plate and depressions and a bearing pin in such a way as to give an accurate recording of the movement of a patient's lower jaw in a wafer between the two plates. An articulator has a lower frame with upright side posts having upper pin-like portions and an upper frame with fossa holders and a pliable material that form fossa socket patterns. Tension springs extending between the frames at the front and rear enable a constant tension in forming the fossa socket patterns.

Abstract: There is disclosed a calibration device for the inspection and precise setting of dental articulators which includes a stage member that is removably secured to the articulator lower frame and an scope gauge member that is removably secured to the upper frame of the articulator. A pair of position sensing indicators having sensing probes which are carried at the opposite sides of the stage member and are mechanically coupled by levers to contact points on the scope member which are located on the right and left axes of rotation of the articulator members. This permits the indicators to read, directly, relative vertical movements of the opposite sides of the articulator without being influenced by adjustments made at the opposite sides of the articulator. The inspection device includes ocular magnifiers including reticle and target indicium which cooperate to provide a vernier scale registering relative X-Y positions of the stage and gauge inspection members.

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 maxillary dental arch form is disclosed which enables orientation with a maxillary cast without the use of an articulator, relator or other such instrument. The maxillary dental arch form is provided with incisal pappila and hamular notch engaging members which engage corresponding representations of the incisal pappila and left and right hamular notches within the maxillary cast of the patient's maxillary alveolar ridge. Denture tie-in using conventional wax-up techniques can be quickly accomplished in fabricating partial or full artificial dentures.

Abstract: A jaw model articulator clearly identifies condyle joint strain as well as fully emulates a patient's straight bite and cross bite. The spatial relationship of the upper and lower jaws with respect to the condyle joints and to each other is accurately determined by just two wax bite impressions taken of the patient. No extraneous mechanical hardware needs to be attached to the patient's head. The two wax impressions are sequentially inserted between the upper and lower jaw models. The resulting change in the models relative positions are measured and the values inputted to a desk top personal computer. The computer calculates the precise location of the rotational axis defined by the condyle joints, and the articulator is set up accordingly.

Abstract: An articulator for use in constructing artificial teeth is provided with means (10) for use in measuring the condylar movements of the artificial temporomandibular joints in the articulator, the measuring means (10) comprising boss means (11) adapted to be secured coaxially at the end of the shaft member (24) forming the pivot for a movable base plate (22) with respect to a fixed baseplate (21), axial scale bearing means (12) adapted to extend over the adjacent support (26) and generally parallel to the axis of the shaft member (24), point means (13) extending generally parallel to the axial scale bearing means (12), and slide means (14) for the pointer means (13) to enable its point (16) to be brought into contact with a scale (51) affixed to a face area of the support (26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a head-related model incorporating for transferring a jaw model between articulators of different types. The apparatus for the head-related incorporation of jaw models includes an articulator base plate, a ground plate connected to the articulator base plate and a cylinder having a cylindrical cavity connected vertically to an upper surface of the ground plate. A piston is inserted in the cylindrical cavity. A carrier plate is connected to the end of the piston opposite the articulator base plate. A split cast plate is positioned on the carrier plate and exactly repositionable via magnetic connection between the split cast plate and the carrier plate. A fixation element is connected to the carrier plate. An articulator mounting plate is supported by and connected to the split cast plate via a hardened viscous medium.