Dentistry – Prosthodontics – Holding or positioning denture in mouth
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-10
2001-04-10
Wilson, John J. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Prosthodontics
Holding or positioning denture in mouth
C433S214000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213773
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of dental implants, patient comfort and the efficient use of a dentist's time are paramount. Likewise, precision alignment of the prosthetic components are essential. The need to match both natural and artificial upper and lower teeth to within 5 microns and provide accurate mating of the prosthesis with existing teeth requires accurate replication of oral structures when making dental impressions. To create these accurate models and the final prosthesis, a matched upper and lower impression can be obtained simultaneously with the jaw in the closed position and the teeth in the interdigitated position (centric occlusion). Currently, the impression transfer posts used to register the implants to the upper and lower jaws prevent the full closure of the mouth while making the simultaneous upper and lower impressions. The present invention remedies this oversight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
After dental implants have healed into the underlying bone structures of the mandible or maxilla and the soft gum tissue has healed, a full set of upper and lower impressions of the mouth are made using individual full or partial arch upper and lower trays. Positive casts of these impressions are mounted upon a mechanical articulator which mimics the motion of the temporo mandibular joint (tmj). These positive casts are equipped with accurately placed implant fixture analogs positioned to accurately replicate the structures in the mouth.
To make an accurate impression, the healing caps are removed from one or more dental implant fixtures and impression transfer posts are accurately placed with retaining screws on each implant fixture. X-rays are taken to verify the proper seating of the impression transfer post. An impression tray filled with an self-hardening elastomeric impression material is pressed over the region of the dental arch containing the impression transfer posts. After a few minutes, the elastomeric impression material has set and the impression is removed with a gentle parting pressure. The impression transfer post is removed from the dental implant and the healing cap replaced. An analog of the dental implant is accurately attached to the impression transfer post which is replaced in the elastomeric impression, taking care to positively seat the transfer post. A stone model of the mouth structure with the dental implant analog exactly aligned and retained is created from the impression. This model with dental implant analogs cast in the properly aligned position is used to build the final prosthesis.
The elastomeric impression materials, such as polyvinylsiloxane or polyether, are dimensionally stable, but need adequate surface area in contact with the impression transfer post to ensure accurate replication of the implant within the models mounted upon the articulator. Currently, long tapered impression transfer posts are used, which have adequate surface area to accurately register the elastomeric impression to the dental implant analog. The height of these anchor posts prevents the quick and accurate use of a time saving triple tray when making simultaneous, closed jaw, upper and lower impressions.
To make an accurate impression of the upper and lower teeth in the correct alignment, a triple tray may be used. This tray consists of a molded plastic assembly with a handle connected to a set of confining dams and a thin open screen mesh. The mesh is oriented horizontally and is to be placed between the mating occlusal surfaces of the teeth while the jaw is in the closed or centric position. The buccal and lingual dams are molded to the mesh. A paste of quick setting elastomer is placed on both sides of the mesh within the confines of the dams. The mouth is closed with the upper and lower teeth in the closed or centric position while imbedded within the curing elastomer. In this manner, a matching set of aligned upper and lower impressions are made.
Instead of taking three time consuming, separate impressions of the upper arch, lower arch and bite, a single impression is made, thus the ‘triple tray’ name. If a single area of the partially edentulous mouth is being modeled, a half-arch, triple tray can be used.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4854872 (1989-08-01), Detsch
patent: 5108288 (1992-04-01), Perry
patent: 5195891 (1993-03-01), Sulc
patent: 5538426 (1996-07-01), Harding et al.
patent: 5688123 (1997-11-01), Meiers et al.
patent: 5697779 (1997-12-01), Sachdeva et al.
patent: 5782918 (1998-07-01), Klardie et al.
Bumgarner Melba
Schacht Ezra L.
Wilson John J.
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