Dentistry – Apparatus – Having static product shaping surface
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-17
2001-11-20
Wilson, John J. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Apparatus
Having static product shaping surface
C433S034000, C433S037000, C433S077000, C433S229000, C264S016000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318997
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the dental arts, and more particularly to an apparatus and method employed when taking dental impressions and making casts of the impressions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Dental impression trays are widely used to take teeth impressions and form casts from the impressions. Dental impression trays form a concavity or interior in which soft impression material is placed. The impression tray and impression material are then introduced into a patient's mouth. An impression is made by the dentist positioning the impression tray and impression material over the patient's teeth and applying pressure so that the impression material disperses around the teeth and dental arch.
The dental impression tray and impression material are removed from the patient's mouth after the impression is made. The next step in the process is to pour plaster or other casting material into the impression and into the interior of the dental impression tray.
Lower dental impression trays typically define a lingual recess to accommodate a patient's tongue during the taking of an impression and it is not uncommon for the plaster or other casting material to flow over the tray and into the lingual recess, resulting in an unsightly appearance and improper lingual representation. It is desirable when taking orthodontic impressions that the final model be smooth and accurate.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system which provides an easy to use, effective means for eliminating the problems noted above. The invention is characterized by its simplicity and its relatively low cost.
The invention encompasses a device for use with a dental impression tray having a tray top, a tray bottom and a tray portion defining a lingual recess to block entry of plaster or other casting material into the lingual recess when a cast is being made in the dental impression tray.
The device comprises a block member including an outer engagement surface, the block member being selectively positionable in the lingual recess of a dental impression tray with the outer engagement surface thereof in engagement with the tray portion defining the lingual recess or removable from the lingual recess.
The block member is of a size and configuration to be releasably retained in the lingual recess due to frictional engagement between the dental impression tray and the block member.
The invention also encompasses a method of forming a dental cast. The method includes the step of taking an impression of an individuals teeth by pressing the teeth into impression material disposed in a dental impression tray having a tray top, a tray bottom and a tray portion defining a lingual recess.
After the step of taking the impression, a block member is placed into the lingual recess of the dental impression tray.
The block member is brought into engagement with the dental impression tray while the block member is in the lingual recess of the dental impression tray.
During engagement between the block member and the dental impression tray, the block member is releasably retained on the dental impression tray due to frictional engagement between the block member and the dental impression tray.
While the block member is releasably retained on the dental impression tray, a cast is formed by filling the impression with casting material.
The block member is employed to block entry of the casting material into the lingual recess of the dental impression tray during the step of forming a cast.
Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3360860 (1968-01-01), Roland
patent: 5647744 (1997-07-01), Squicciarini
Lampe Thomas R.
Wilson John J.
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