TRIPLE TRAY WITH FLEXIBLE JOINT - Pending Dental Patent Applications

TRIPLE TRAY WITH FLEXIBLE JOINT
United States Patent Application 20050095553
Kind Code A1
Gittleman, Neal B. May 5, 2005
Inventors: Gittleman, Neal B.; (Houston, TX)
Correspondence Name and Address: EZRA L. SCHACHT
1620 WEST MAIN STREET
HOUSTON
TX
77006-4712
US
Serial No.: 696351
Series Code: 10
Filed: October 29, 2003
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.