Dentistry – Apparatus – Jaw – cheek – lip – or tongue positioner
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-13
2001-12-25
Wilson, John J. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Apparatus
Jaw, cheek, lip, or tongue positioner
C433S030000, C433S029000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332776
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
In common use in the dental profession are dental props for holding the mouth open during dental procedures. Such devices are sometimes wedge shaped, and are placed near the back of the mouth, between the upper and lower teeth, opposite the side of the mouth which needs to be accessed by the practitioner. Some of these devices are replaced after each use, because of the risk of cross contamination between patients.
Also in widespread use in the dental profession are overhead lights which the practitioner must continually attempt to position in such a way that he or she does not come between the light and the patient, blocking the light from its intended target. Various devices have incorporated a light source in attempts to overcome this problem.
The present invention relates to the incorporation of a light source into a dental prop.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,167,814; 5,009,595; 5,205,733; and 5,588,836 are examples of dental devices which incorporate wedge shaped dental props similar to that of the present invention. None of these patents seek to provide a light to the mouth.
As shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,182,390; 4,802,851; 4,991,566; 5,152,686; 5,429,120; and 5,462,435; dental devices which incorporate a light source are commonly constructed of several distinct components which must be manufactured separately, and then assembled by hand. The labor required is likely to result in a retail price which makes it unlikely that such devices will be discarded after use with one patient. Further, the design of many such devices requires a size which fills a significant portion of the mouth, and therefore leaves less maneuvering room available to the dental practitioner.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a wedge shaped dental prop for holding the dental patient's mouth open during dental procedures, which incorporates a light source. This dental prop is designed to be inserted between the patient's upper and lower teeth, on the side of the mouth opposite that which requires a dental procedure.
One embodiment utilizes a dental prop, preferably with a metallic silver coating on one side that reflects fiberoptic light to illuminate the mouth. A second embodiment utilizes a dental prop with an inclined reflective surface to reflect fiberoptic light into the mouth. A third embodiment utilizes a battery and a light source to provide illumination. Still another embodiment utilizes electromagnetic induction to power a light source within the dental prop. The light from each embodiment is directed toward the opposite side of the mouth to provide illumination at the site which requires a dental procedure.
One of the advantages which is obtained with the present invention is that light is provided to the mouth by a device which is often already present to maintain the mouth in the open position. This device is small and unobtrusive so that it does not get in the way of the practitioner and the assistant as they access the mouth with various dental instruments. The device is also designed with few components and with ease of manufacture as a criterion, to provide for very low manufacturing costs. The intent is that the lighted dental prop will be sufficiently affordable that every dental practitioner will replace it after use with a single patient, therefore preventing the possibility of cross contamination between patients.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4589846 (1986-05-01), Annoni
patent: 4802851 (1989-02-01), Rhoades
patent: 5429120 (1995-07-01), Lewitus
patent: 5636984 (1997-06-01), Gomes
Davis Todd E.
Martin Daniel H.
Doan Robyn Kieu
Wilson John J.
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