Combination Tool For Anatomical Measurement for Denture Manufacture
AssigneeGlobal Dental Science, LLC
InventorTimothy C. Thompson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A combination tool for defining and measuring anatomical features of a patient for the fabrication of dentures. The tool includes components for preparing a double arch impression, for determining the vertical spacing of the patient's mouth, for measuring the lip, mid line and smile lines of the patient, and for determining the occlusal plane of the patient. This single tool replaces the need for a multitude of tools typically used in preparing for the fabrication of dentures.
Claims17
A tool for measuring anatomical features for the manufacture of dentures, said tool comprising:
- a lower tray for creating an impression of the lower arch;
- an upper tray for creating an impression of the upper arch;
- an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical spacing between said lower tray and upper tray;
- a lip support for engagement on one of said upper tray and lower tray;
- a occlusal plane plate;
- and
- an attachment mechanism for securing said occlusal plane plate to said tool.
A method for defining and measuring anatomical features of a patient for the fabrication of a denture using a single tool having an upper tray, lower tray, vertical adjustment mechanism between said upper and lower trays, a removable lip support and a occlusal plane plate component, wherein said method includes the steps of:
- inserting the upper and lower trays in the mouth of the patient (with or without impression material);
- adjusting the vertical spacing with the vertical adjustment mechanism of the upper and lower trays to determine the vertical measurement of the patient;
- inserting adhesive compound between the upper and lower trays to lock the upper and lower to each other and to fix the vertical height and centric relation.
- removing the impression by inserting a removable handle in the tool;
- reinserting the tool in the mouth of the patient;
- attaching the lip support to the tool;
- measuring the lip lines, mid lines and smile lines of the patient from a measurement grid on the lip support;
- attaching a template to the lip support to determine the size, shape and coloring of the teeth;
- and
- attaching the occlusal plane plate to the tool to determine the occlusal plane of the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.