Inflatable dental impression tray and mixing tip
OwnerSteven J. Brattesaniinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material that solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. In another embodiment, the inflatable tray has a rigid support. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray and fill tubes that provide for proper mixing of impression material.
Claims16
An apparatus for creating a dental impression, comprising:
- an inflatable base member configured for placement adjacent to a surface in the mouth of a patient;
- said base member having a plurality of apertures through which material can flow when injected into said base member;
- and
- a rigid retaining member supporting said inflatable base member;
- wherein said base member is substantially flaccid prior to inflation, but said rigid retaining member holds said flaccid base member in a generally linear orientation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.