US20040121282A1 - Apparatus and method for positioning dental arch to dental articulator - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for receiving a model of a dental arch of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a generally U-shaped base portion and at least three spaced-apart radio-opaque members secured to the base. An extension may project from the base portion and may include a fourth radio-opaque member secured to the extension. The apparatus also includes means for securing the apparatus to a mounting surface. Also provided is a positioning apparatus and method for enabling use of the model-receiving apparatus to position the dental arch model within a dental articulator to simulate the position of the dental arch in a skull. The positioning apparatus includes a first member, a second slidable with respect to the first member and a third member slidable with respect to the second member. One or more adjustment members and a locating member are provided on the second and third members and are positionally adjustable with respect to surfaces of the second and third members to impart an orientation to a mounting surface representative of a plane in which a dental arch of a patient lies. A method for securing the positioning apparatus in a dental articulator is also provided.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims the priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/417,600 filed Oct. 9, 2002.[0001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to dental articulators and more particularly to apparatuses and methods for positioning and securing a model of a dental arch within a dental articulator.[0002]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In the drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention:[0003]
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the maxillary matrix tray of the present invention;[0004]
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the positioning apparatus of the present invention;[0005]
• FIG. 3 is a side view of the positioning apparatus of FIG. 2;[0006]
• FIG. 4 is an end view of the positioning apparatus of FIG. 2;[0007]
• FIG. 5 is a top view of the positioning apparatus of FIG. 2;[0008]
• FIG. 7 is a side view of an indicator mechanism for measuring positional differences between portions of the apparatus of FIG. 2;[0009]
• FIGS.[0010]8-11 are side views of the positioning apparatus of FIG. 2 mounted on the indicator mechanism of FIG. 7;
• FIG. 12 is a cutaway edge view of the maxillary matrix tray of FIG. 1;[0011]
• FIGS.[0012]13A-13H are partial cutaway views of the maxillary matrix tray of FIG. 1 showing various embodiments for securing a radio-opaque member to the tray;
• FIG. 14 is an end view of an engagement member of the present invention;[0013]
• FIG. 15 is a bottom view of an engagement member of FIG. 14;[0014]
• FIG. 16 is a side view of a dental articulator assembly for receiving therein the positioning apparatus of FIG. 2;[0015]
• FIG. 17 is a side view of the positioning apparatus of FIG. 2 mounted in the dental articulator of FIG. 16 showing securement of a maxillary arch model to the articulator;[0016]
• FIG. 18 is a side view of the articulator of FIG. 2 showing the articulator opened to permit removal of the positioning apparatus;[0017]
• FIG. 19 is a side view of the articulator of FIG. 16 showing both the maxillary and mandibular arch models mounted in the articulator in a first orientation; and[0018]
• FIG. 20 is a side view of the articulator of FIG. 16 showing both the maxillary and mandibular arch models mounted in the articulator in a second orientation.[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• FIGS. 1 and 12 show a maxillary matrix tray[0020]20 for receiving an impression of an upper dental arch.Maxillary matrix tray20 generally comprises abase22 having an axis ofsymmetry A. Base22 defines a generallyU-shaped portion24 for receiving a dental arch of a patient. U-shapedportion24 includes two spaced-apartwing portions26,28.Base22 also has afirst face30 defining afirst plane32 and asecond face34 oppositefirst face30 defining asecond plane36.Base22 may be formed from a plastic material.
• As seen in FIGS. 1 and 12, a[0021]wall38 extends from an edge ofbase22 at an angle with respect tofirst plane32 ofbase22,base22 andwall38 combining to form a receptacle, generally designated40. A plurality of generally evenly-spacedholes42 may be formed alongwall38.
• In one embodiment, a[0022]tongue portion44 projects frombase22 opposite a junction ofwing portions26,28.Tongue portion44 is generally planar and may include awall46 extending from an edge thereof with respect to a plane defined by an extension offirst face30.Tongue portion44 andwall46 combine to form asecond receptacle48 contiguous withreceptacle40 formed bybase22 andwall38 extending frombase22. The structure defined bytongue portion44 andwall46 is used to grip and manipulatemaxillary matrix tray20 without the need to grasp the portion of the apparatus that is inserted into the mouth of a patient.
• [0023]Maxillary matrix tray20 may also include an extension, generally designated50, projecting from U-shapedportion24.Extension50 may include aportion52 connecting spaced-apartwing portions26,28 and having a first face54 defining afirst plane201 and a second face56 opposite first face54 defining asecond plane202.Extension50 may be formed integral withbase22 and may also be formed from a plastic material.
• Referring to FIG. 1, three radio-[0024]opaque members58,60,62 are secured tobase22. At least two of the radio-opaque members (for example58 and60) are spaced apart at a pre-determined distance from one another. In one embodiment, the position of radio-opaque member60 with respect to radio-opaque member58 is determined by specifying an axis M extending throughwing portion26 parallel to axis of symmetry A and spaced apart a first pre-determined distance B from axis A. Another axis N is then specified extending through radio-opaque member58 perpendicular to axis A. A third axis P is also specified which is both perpendicular to axis A and spaced apart a second pre-determined distance H from axis N. The location of radio-opaque member60 is then determined by the intersection of axes N and P. In the embodiment shown, first pre-determined distance B is equal to approximately 20 mm and pre-determined distance H is approximately 50 mm.
• Radio-[0025]opaque members58,60,62 may be formed from a metallic substance or from any substance sufficiently resistant to penetration by X-rays so as to be clearly visible on an exposed diagnostic X-ray film. Radio-opaque members58,60,62 may be spherical or may be formed in any one of a variety of shapes according to space constraints and/or diagnostic process requirements.
• Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the invention, a first radio-[0026]opaque member58 is secured to and positioned onbase22 approximately along axis of symmetry A, and a second radio-opaque member60 is secured to and positioned within afirst wing portion26 and spaced apart from axis of symmetry A. A third radio-opaque member62 may be positioned in a second wing portion28 and spaced apart from axis of symmetry A on an opposite side of axis A from radio-opaque member60. In addition, second radio-opaque member60 and third radio-opaque member62 may be spaced a substantially equal distance from axis of symmetry A. Second radio-opaque member60 and third radio-opaque member62 may also be spaced a substantially equal distance from first radio-opaque member58.
• Radio-[0027]opaque members58,60,62 may be secured tobase22 along eitherfirst face30 orsecond face34 using any one of a variety of methods. For example, ifbase22 is formed from a plastic material, the radio-opaque members may be molded or press-fit intobase22. Radio-opaque members58,60,62 may alternatively be secured tobase22 using an adhesive.
• If[0028]base22 includes anextension50, another radio-opaque member64 may also be secured toextension connecting portion52. Radio-opaque member64 secured toextension connecting portion52 is generally positioned closer to one ofwing portions26,28 than to the remaining wing portion. Radio-opaque member64 may be secured to connectingportion52 along either first face54 or second face56 of connectingportion52 using any one of a variety of methods. For example, if connectingportion52 is formed from a plastic material, radio-opaque member64 may be molded or press-fit into connectingportion52. Alternatively, radio-opaque member64 may be secured to connectingportion52 using an adhesive.
• The maxillary matrix tray of the present invention also includes means for securing the tray to a mounting surface of a mounting member. FIG. 2 shows an example of a[0029]mounting member66 on whichmaxillary matrix tray20 may be mounted for diagnostic purposes in a manner to be discussed in detail later. In this embodiment,mounting member66 comprises a flat plate having amounting surface68 and a positioning surface70opposite mounting surface66.Mounting surface68 includes at least onecavity210 formed for receiving therein a complementary projection extending frommaxillary matrix tray20, and positioning surface70 includes at least onecavity72 for receiving therein a portion of a mountingsurface adjustment member118, in a manner to be described in detail later.
• Referring to FIG. 12, the means for securing[0030]maxillary matrix tray20 to mountingsurface68 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a projection, generally designated74, extending fromsecond plane36 defined bysecond face34 ofbase22.Projection74 may be a feature formed integral withbase22. Alternatively,projection74 may be formed a separate feature attached tobase22 after the base is formed.
• FIGS. 12 and 13A-[0031]13H show examples of howprojection74 may be formed inmaxillary matrix tray20 and examples of possible relationships between one of radio-opaque members58,60,62 andprojection74. In the examples that follow,projection74 represents any one of several possible projections extending from pre-determined locations alongsecond plane36 for insertion into corresponding cavities inmounting surface68.
• As seen in FIG. 13F,[0032]projection74 may be offset from one of radio-opaque members58,60,62 by a pre-determined distance G. As seen in FIG. 13E,projection74 may alternatively be positioned opposite one of radio-opaque members58,60,62 such that the location ofprojection74 corresponds to the location of one of radio-opaque members58,60,62, and vice versa.
• In addition, as seen in FIGS.[0033]13A-D,projection74 may be formed in any one of a variety of ways by one of the radio-opaque members secured to the base. For example, as seen in FIGS. 13B and 13C, a radio-opaque member58,60,62 may be molded or press fit intobase22 forming anodule74 extending fromsecond plane36 ofbase22. Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13D, one of radio-opaque members58,60,62 may alternatively be secured tobase22 so as to project fromsecond plane36.
• In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS.[0034]13G-H,maxillary matrix tray20 may include acavity200 formed alongsecond face34 for receiving therein a complimentary projection extending from mountingsurface68. As seen in FIG. 13G,cavity200 may be offset from one of radio-opaque members58,60,62 by a pre-determined amount. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 13H,cavity200 may be positioned opposite one of radio-opaque members58,60,62 such that the location ofcavity200 corresponds to the location of one of radio-opaque members58,60,62, and vice versa.
• A positioning apparatus for use in positioning a model of a dental arch will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4-[0035]7.
• FIG. 2 shows a positioning apparatus, generally designated[0036]80, for use in positioning a model of a dental arch (not shown) within a dental articulator to simulate the position of the dental arch in a skull. In a first embodiment,positioning apparatus80 includes afirst member84, a second member86 operatively associated withfirst member84, and a third member88 operatively associated with second member86. As seen in FIG. 2, in one embodiment,first member84, second member86 and third member88 are each formed from metal plates. The metal plates comprisingfirst member84, second member86 and third member88 are suitably machined and finished such that they interlock and may slide easily with respect to each other when in contact with each other.
• As stated above, second member[0037]86 is slidingly mounted onfirst member84 and is positionable with respect tofirst member84 along first axis C. Referring to FIG. 2, a dovetail-shapedtongue90 formed infirst member84 is slidingly received within a correspondingly shaped groove formed in second member86, simultaneously securing second member86 tofirst member84 and enabling second member86 to slide with respect tofirst member84 along axis C. Areference indicator mark92 is formed on a surface offirst member84. A series of coordinate indicator marks104 is provided along an edge of second member86adjacent indicator mark92 offirst member84. Second member86 may be positioned with respect tofirst member84 in correspondence with a pre-determined set of coordinate values by aligningreference indicator mark92 with a corresponding one of coordinate indicator marks104, in a manner to be described in detail later.
• Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a locking member may be provided to lock[0038]first member84 and second member86 in a desired relationship. In one embodiment, the locking member is shown in the form of aset screw98 mounted in a tapped through hole (not shown) which extends through second member86 tofirst member84.Screw98 includes aknob100 for grasping by a user. Whenfirst member84 and second member86 are positioned in the desired relationship,knob100 is turned by a user to advancescrew98 into the tapped hole until anend102 ofscrew98 presses againstfirst member84, securing second member86 with respect tofirst member84. In the embodiment shown, lockingmember screw98 is attached to second member86. Alternatively, lockingmember screw98 may be attached to first member82. Referring to FIG. 2, second member86 may include anarcuate slot106 for receiving third member88 in a sliding relationship therein. Third member88 has a generally arcuate configuration and is slidingly received withinarcuate slot106 on second member86. As the arc formed byslot106 is centered about second axis E, when sliding withinslot106 third member86 is positionable about second axis E, which is generally perpendicular to first axis C. A locking member in the form of aset screw114 may be used to secure third member88 in a pre-determined relationship with respect to second member86. In the embodiment shown, lockingmember screw114 is attached to third member88. Alternatively, lockingmember screw114 may be attached to second member86. In addition, it is understood that other suitable means may be employed to secure the various members of the positioning apparatus in position with respect to each other. Areference mark116 is provided along a surface of third member88 and a series of coordinate indicator marks110 is provided along an edge of second member86adjacent indicator mark116 of third member88. Third member88 may be positioned with respect to second member86 in correspondence with a pre-determined set of coordinate values by aligningreference indicator mark116 with a corresponding one of coordinate indicator marks110, in a manner to be described in detail later.
• In addition, at least one[0039]adjustment member118, is provided which is operatively associated with third member88 and is adjustably positionable with respect to a surface120 of third member88.Adjustment member118 controls the tilt of mountingmember66 with respect to surface120 of third member88. In the embodiment shown, twoadjustment members118,122 are provided in the form of screws extending from a surface of third member88. In addition to the method shown for adjusting the tilt of mountingmember66, the present invention contemplates the use of any one of several known methods for providing one or more adjustable bearing surfaces projecting above surface120 and configured for receiving a portion of mountingmember66 thereon. Adjustment member screws118,122 have roundeduppermost surfaces124,126, respectively, for insertion intocomplimentary cavities72,128 in mountingmember66, for positioning and securing mountingmember66 on adjustment member screws118,122.
• Referring to FIG. 2, a locating member may be positioned along second axis E in operative association with second member[0040]86 to more precisely position a forward portion of mountingmember66 along axis E, so as to facilitate rotation of mountingmember66 about axis E. In one embodiment, locating member comprises ascrew130 extending from a hole insurface132 of second member86 and rotatable about third axis E to adjust a height abovesurface132 which screw130 projects. In the embodiment shown, surface120 of third member88 is substantially flush withsurface132 of second member86. Locatingmember screw130 has a roundeduppermost surface134 for insertion into acomplimentary cavity136 in mountingmember66, in a manner to be described in detail later.
• As seen in FIG. 2, the hole from which locating[0041]member130 projects is labeled “F” (for “front”). Similarly, holes from whichadjustment members118,122 project are labeled “R” (for “patient's right”) and “L” (for “patient's left”), respectively. These labels are used to properly orient a model of the dental arch positioned upon mountingmember66, in a manner to be described in detail later.
• Mounting[0042]member66 is operatively associated with locatingmember130 andadjustment members118,122 and adapted to receivemaxillary matrix tray20 thereon. In the presently described embodiment, mountingmember66 is associated with locatingmember130 andadjustment members118,122 by means of a series ofcavities72,128,136 formed in positioning surface70 of mountingmember66 adapted to receive rounded head portions of locatingmember130 andadjustment members118,122 therein such that mountingmember66 will rest atop and be positionally secured to the rounded head portions of locatingmember130 andadjustment members118,122.
• In the present invention, mounting[0043]member surface68 is designed to simulate the position and orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of a given patient. By varying the amount by which locatingmember screw130 projects abovesecond member surface132 and by varying the amounts by which adjustment member screws118,122 project above third member surface120 according to a pre-determined set of coordinate values, a desired orientation may be imparted to mountingsurface68 and, thus, to a model of a dental arch mounted on mountingsurface68.
• A method for orienting mounting[0044]member surface68 so as to simulate the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of a dental patient will now be discussed.
• To orient mounting[0045]surface68 in the desired manner, each component ofpositioning apparatus80 described above is positioned with respect to another component according to a set of coordinate values. These coordinate values represent the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of an individual patient and are therefore derived for each individual patient using measurements of portions of the patient's head in combination with interpretation of anterior (frontal), lateral (side) and submental vertex X-ray views of the patient's head with the patient having their teeth engaged in themaxillary matrix tray20 discussed above. Measurements from the resulting x-rays portraying the radio opaque members are made with accommodations to the measurements based on the projection of the x-rays from the patient's head to the x-ray plate. When the components ofpositioning apparatus80 are positioned according to the coordinate values, the orientation of mountingsurface68 will correspond to the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of the patient.
• Referring to FIG. 2, in a first step, the position of second member[0046]86 with respect tofirst member84 is adjusted along axis C such that a pre-determined one of second member indicator marks104 is aligned with reference mark94 located onfirst member84 so as to correspond to a first coordinate of the set of coordinates. After second member86 has been positioned in the desired position, second member86 may be locked in this position using lockingmember screw98.
• Next, the position of third member[0047]88 with respect to second member86 is adjusted withinarcuate slot106 such that a pre-determined one of second member indicator marks110 is aligned withreference mark116 located on third member88 so as to correspond to a second coordinate of the set of coordinates. After third member88 has been positioned in the desired position, third member88 may be locked in this position using lockingmember screw114.
• In the next series of steps, the amounts by which adjustment member screws[0048]118,122 and locatingmember screw130 project abovesurfaces120 and132, respectively, are adjusted by rotation of the screws in the appropriate direction. A counterclockwise rotation of the screws will increase the distance abovesurfaces120,132 which screws118,122 and130 project, while a clockwise rotation will decrease the amount by which the screws project abovesurfaces120 and132.
• FIGS.[0049]7-11 illustrate a representative example of how adjustment member screws118,122 and locatingmember screw130 may be positioned corresponding to respective coordinate values of the set of coordinates. FIG. 7 shows anindicator200 adapted to measure a linear displacement of a portion of aprobe202 incorporated into the indicator.Indicator200 is suspended above a mountingsurface204 on whichpositioning apparatus80 is to be placed for measuring the heights above a pre-determined reference surface, or surfaces, which rounded-head portion134 of locatingmember130 and rounded-head portions124,126 ofadjustment members122,118 project. Referring to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment the reference surface comprisessurface132 of second member86, and the height of locatingmember130 is measured with respect to surface132 of second member86. However, the height of locatingmember130 may be measured with respect to another, alternative reference surface provided the method used to generate the coordinate values is adapted to account for the difference in vertical distance betweensurface132 of second member86 and the alternative reference surface.
• Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, locating[0050]member130 is first positioned with respect tosurface132 so as to minimize the height abovesurface132 whichmember130 projects. In the embodiment shown, a flange of locatingmember screw130 is in contact withsurface132. Whenmember130 projects a minimum height abovesurface132,positioning apparatus80 is then placed on mountingsurface204 such thatfirst member84 of the apparatus rests on mountingsurface204. As seen in FIG. 9, probe202 attached toindicator200 is then positioned in contact withreference surface132 of second member86. A reference value, comprising the value shown by the indicator display whenprobe202 is in contact withsurface132, is then noted.
• Next, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11,[0051]probe202 is positioned so as to rest atop rounded-head portion134 of locatingmember130. Then, withprobe202 in contact with rounded-head portion134 of locatingmember130, locatingmember130 is positioned with respect tosecond member surface132 to correspondingly positionprobe202 such that the difference between the value shown by a display ofindicator200 and the reference value corresponds a fourth coordinate of the set of coordinates.
• The above procedure may be repeated for positioning adjustment member[0052]122 with respect to reference surface120 of third member88 in correspondence with a third coordinate value of the set of coordinates, and for positioning other adjustment member118 (if any) with respect to reference surface120 of third member88 in correspondence with a fifth coordinate value of the set of coordinates.
• When second member[0053]86, third member88,adjustment members118,122 and locatingmember130 have all been positioned in correspondence with respective ones of the coordinate values, mountingmember66 is then positioned atopadjustment members118,122 and locatingmember130 such thatrounded head portions126,124 of adjustment member screws118,122 are received incavities72,128 of mountingmember66. Similarly, roundedhead portion134 of locatingmember130 is received incavity136 of mountingmember66.
• A method for positioning a model of a maxillary dental arch within a dental articulator to simulate the position of the dental arch in the skull of a patient will now be discussed.[0054]
• FIG. 16 shows a dental articulator assembly, generally designated[0055]250, designed to accurately reproduce the various movements of a patient's lower jaw with respect to the temporomandibular joint, thus allowing for the replication of the patient's teeth in the form of a dental cast. An articulator assembly of the type described below is disclosed in Alpern et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,528, which is incorporated by reference herein.
• [0056]Articulator assembly250 includes abase portion252 and anarticulator portion254 detachably mounted tobase portion252 in a first orientation,articulator portion254 including afirst support member256, asecond support member258, and joint means, generally designated260, for simulating the mandibular condylar joint and for mountingfirst support member256 tosecond support member258 such thatfirst support member256 is adjustably spaced apart fromsecond support member258. The '528 patent describes in detail the structure of the articulator means used for adjusting the separation distance betweensecond support member258 andfirst support member256, and for securing the first and second support members in a desired orientation with respect to each other.
• Prior to positioning a dental arch model in[0057]articulator portion254, a separation distance H betweenfirst support member256 andsecond support member258 is set to a pre-determined value. In one embodiment, aspacer block500 is positioned to abutsecond support member258first support member256 is then positioned and secured so as to abut a lower surface ofspacer block500, and rear adjustment rods501,502 are locked in position, in a manner described in Alpern et al. '528, to maintain a minimum spacing of H between the first and second support members.Spacer block500 is formed with at least one dimension corresponding to a desired pre-determined spacing H to be maintained between first andsecond support members256,258.
• Referring to FIG. 16, when pre-determined spacing H between[0058]first support member256 andsecond support member258 has been provided,first support member256 is urged downward to enable removal ofspacer block500 fromarticulator portion254. As described in detail in Alpern et al. '528, coil springs (not shown) connecting first andsecond support members256 and258, respectively, and rear lateral adjustment rods501,502 act to maintain the spatial relationship betweenfirst support member256 andsecond support member258 during manipulation offirst support member256.
• Referring to FIG. 17, the positioning and securing of a dental arch model within[0059]articulator assembly250 will now be discussed. The method for positioning the model of a dental arch within the articulator employspositioning device20 previously described. Prior to securingpositioning apparatus20 tofirst support member256, the positioning apparatus is configured using a set of pre-determined coordinate values as previously described to impart an orientation to mountingmember66 corresponding to the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of a patient.
• In the embodiment described, the dental arch model is a model of the maxillary arch of the patient. Maxillary[0060]arch model300 is placed intray20 with the “teeth side” of the model resting inreceptacle40 and oriented such that the right side of the model (i.e., the portion of the model representing the right side of the patient's dental arch) is proximate the hole in third member labeled “R”. A portion ofarch model300 is configured to produce an interference fit withwall46 oftray20 whenarch model300 is positioned withintray20, thereby retainingarch model300 withintray20.
• To secure the dental arch model to the articulator,[0061]first member84 ofpositioning apparatus80 is secured tofirst support member256 ofarticulator portion254 using a mountingknob100 as described in the '528 patent, thereby securingpositioning apparatus80 tofirst support member256. Mountingmember66 is then positioned atop uppermost surfaces of locatingmember130 andadjustment members118,122 as previously described.Maxillary matrix tray20, including maxillaryarch model300 received intray receptacle40, is then secured atop mountingmember66.Tray20 may be secured atop mountingmember66 by, for example, application of an adhesive.
• Referring to FIGS.[0062]14-17, anengagement member262 is provided for attachment tosecond support member258 ofarticulator portion254.Engagement member262 has a pair ofslots400 extending along a length of the member withundercuts402 formed along either side of the slot. After positioningtray20 and maxillaryarch model300 atop mountingmember66,engagement member262 is secured tosecond support member258 using, for example, a mountingknob100 as described in the '528 patent.
• An adhesive material, generally designated[0063]270, is provided which has both a flowable state and a non-flowable state within a temperature range centered about room temperature (approximately 75 degrees F.).Adhesive material270 in its flowable state is then applied to an uppermost surface of maxillaryarch model300 and to a lowermost surface ofengagement member262 in such a manner and quantity that adhesive270 connectsengagement member262 with maxillaryarch model300. As a result, when adhesive270 hardens to a non-flowable state, the adhesive and maxillary arch model to which it adheres will be secured to engagement member262 (FIG. 18).
• Upon securing maxillary[0064]arch model300 toarticulator portion254, it may be desired to secure a model of the mandibular arch of the patient to the articulator portion as well. The following procedure may be used to secure a model of the mandibular arch toarticulator portion254.
• Referring to FIG. 19, to secure a mandibular arch model (generally designated[0065]292) toarticulator portion254, asecond engagement member263 is provided similar in configuration toengagement member262 previously described. In addition, animpression282 of the patient's bite registration is provided having afirst portion284 which conforms to a bite surface of maxillaryarch model300 and asecond portion288 which conforms to a bite surface of mandibulararch model292.First support member256 is then urged downward to enable removal ofpositioning apparatus80.Articulator portion254 is then detached frombase portion252 and inverted as shown in FIG. 19.Articulator portion254 is then mounted tobase portion252 in the inverted orientation.Second engagement member263 is then secured tofirst support member256 using, for example, a mountingknob100, as described in the '528 patent.First portion284 ofbite registration impression282 is then positioned along the bite surface of maxillaryarch model300 that conforms to first portion286 ofimpression282.
• Next, a surface of mandibular[0066]arch model292 is positioned along theportion288 ofbite registration impression282 that conforms to this surface of mandibulararch model292.Adhesive material270 in the flowable state is then applied to a lowermost surface ofsecond engagement member263 and to an uppermost surface of mandibulararch model292 in such a manner and quantity that adhesive270 connectssecond engagement member263 with mandibulararch model292. As a result, when adhesive270 hardens to a non-flowable state, the adhesive and mandibular arch model to which it adheres will be secured tosecond engagement member262.
• Referring to FIG. 20,[0067]articulator portion254 is then detached frombase portion252 and inverted again, thus returningarticulator portion254 to its original orientation.Portion254 is then secured onbase portion252 in this original orientation. In the resulting arrangement, maxillaryarch model300 is suspended above mandibulararch model292 with both ofarch models292,300 secured inarticulator portion254 so as to simulate the bite structure of the patient.
• It should be understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of various embodiments of this invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.[0068]

Claims (96)

1. An apparatus for registering an impression of a maxillary dental arch comprising:

a base defining a generally U-shaped portion for receiving a dental arch of a patient in which the U-shaped portion includes two spaced-apart wing portions; and

at least three radio-opaque members secured to the base, at least two of the radio-opaque members being spaced apart at a predetermined distance from one another.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the base has an axis of symmetry.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein a first one of the at least three radio-opaque members is secured to and positioned on the base approximately along the axis of symmetry and a second one of the at least three radio-opaque members is secured to and positioned within one of the wing portions and spaced apart from the axis of symmetry.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein the third radio-opaque member is positioned in a second one of the wing portions and is spaced apart from the axis of symmetry on an opposite side of the axis from the second one of the radio-opaque members.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 4 wherein the second and third radio-opaque members are spaced a substantially equal distance from the axis of symmetry.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 4 wherein the second and third radio-opaque members are spaced a substantially equal distance from the first radio-opaque member.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the base includes a tongue portion projecting from the U-shaped portion opposite a cavity separating the two wing portions.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the base has a first face defining a first plane and a second face opposite the first face defining a second plane, and at least one of the radio-opaque members projects from a plane defined by a corresponding face of the base.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one radio-opaque member projects from the first plane.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one radio-opaque member projects from the second plane.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the base is formed from a plastic material and at least one of the radio-opaque members is molded into the base.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the base is formed from a plastic material and at least one of the radio-opaque members is press-fit into the base.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the radio-opaque members is secured to the base using an adhesive.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the radio-opaque members is metallic.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the radio-opaque members is generally spherical.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein a first one of the at least three radio-opaque members has a first shape and a second one of the radio-opaque members has a second shape different from the first shape.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a base defining a generally U-shaped portion for receiving a dental arch of a patient including two spaced-apart wing portions; and

a radio-opaque member associated with the base and positioned closer to one wing portion than to the other wing portion.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17 includes an extension member which extends between and connects the two spaced-apart wing portions.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 18 in which the radio-opaque member is secured to the extension.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 18 wherein the extension member has a first face defining a first plane and a second face opposite the first face defining a second plane, and the radio-opaque member projects from a plane defined by a corresponding face of the connecting portion.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 20 wherein the radio-opaque member projects from the first plane.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 20 wherein the radio-opaque member projects from the second plane.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein the extension is integral with the base.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein the extension is formed from a plastic material and the radio-opaque member is molded into the extension.

25. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein the extension is formed from a plastic material and the radio-opaque member is press-fit into the extension.

26. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein the radio-opaque member is secured to the extension using an adhesive.

27. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein the radio-opaque member is metallic.

28. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein the radio-opaque member is generally spherical.

29. A apparatus for receiving a representation of a dental arch comprising a substantially planar base having a first face defining a first plane, a second face defining a second plane, and means for securing the apparatus to a mounting surface.

30. The apparatus ofclaim 29 wherein the means for securing comprises a projection extending from a plane defined by a corresponding face of the base.

31. The apparatus ofclaim 30 wherein the projection extends from the second plane.

32. The apparatus ofclaim 30 wherein the projection is formed by a radio-opaque member secured to the base.

33. The apparatus ofclaim 32 wherein the base is formed form a plastic material and the radio-opaque member is molded into the base.

34. The apparatus ofclaim 32 wherein the radio-opaque member is secured to the base at a pre-determined distance from a portion of the projection.

35. The apparatus ofclaim 30 further comprising a radio-opaque member secured to the base opposite the projection.

36. The apparatus ofclaim 30 wherein the base is formed from a plastic material and the projection is molded into the base.

37. The apparatus ofclaim 30 wherein the projection is formed integral with the base.

38. The apparatus ofclaim 29 wherein the means for securing comprises a cavity extending into a plane defined by a face of the base for receiving a complimentary projection therein.

39. The apparatus ofclaim 38 further comprising a radio-opaque member secured to the base opposite the cavity.

40. The apparatus ofclaim 38 wherein the radio-opaque member is secured to the base at a pre-determined distance from a portion of the cavity.

41. An apparatus for positioning a model of a dental arch within a dental articulator to simulate the position of the dental arch in a skull, comprising:

a member positionable along a first axis and rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;

at least one adjustment member operatively associated with the member and adjustably positionable with respect to a surface of the member; and

a mounting member operatively associated with the at least one adjustment member and adapted to receive at least a portion of the dental arch model thereon.

42. An apparatus for positioning a model of a dental arch within a dental articulator to simulate the position of the dental arch in a skull, comprising:

a first member

a second member operatively associated with the first member and positionable along a first axis;

a third member operatively associated with the second member and positionable about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis;

at least one adjustment member operatively associated with the third member and adjustably positionable with respect to a surface of the third member; and

a mounting member operatively associated with the at least one adjustment member and adapted to receive at least a portion of the dental arch model thereon.

43. The apparatus ofclaim 42 wherein the third member has a generally arcuate configuration and the second member includes a complementary arcuate slot for receiving the third member in a sliding relationship therein.

44. The apparatus ofclaim 42 further comprising a locating member positioned along the second axis.

45. The apparatus ofclaim 42 wherein the locating member comprises a screw extending from a surface of the second member.

46. The apparatus ofclaim 45 wherein the mounting member includes a cavity adapted for receiving a portion of the screw therein.

47. The apparatus ofclaim 44 wherein the locating member is adjustably positionable with respect to the second member.

48. The apparatus ofclaim 42 wherein the second member is slidingly mounted on the first member.

49. The apparatus ofclaim 42 wherein the third member is slidingly mounted on the second member.

50. The apparatus ofclaim 42 further comprising a locking member adapted to lock the third member and the second member in a pre-determined relationship.

51. The apparatus ofclaim 50 further comprising another locking member adapted to lock the second member and the first member in a pre-determined relationship.

52. The apparatus ofclaim 42 including two adjustment members.

53. The apparatus ofclaim 52 wherein the two adjustment members comprise screws extending from the surface of the third member.

54. The apparatus ofclaim 53 wherein the mounting member includes two cavities adapted for receiving portions of respective ones of the screws therein.

55. The apparatus ofclaim 42 wherein a plurality of indicator marks are provided along a surface of the first member.

56. The apparatus ofclaim 55 wherein the indicator marks are substantially evenly-spaced.

57. The apparatus ofclaim 42 wherein a plurality of indicator marks are provided along a surface of the second member.

58. The apparatus ofclaim 57 wherein the indicator marks are substantially evenly-spaced.

59. The apparatus ofclaim 57 wherein another plurality of indicator marks are provided along another surface of the second member.

60. The apparatus ofclaim 59 wherein the indicator marks are substantially evenly-spaced.

61. The apparatus ofclaim 42 wherein a reference indicator mark is provided on a surface of the first member.

62. The apparatus ofclaim 42 wherein a reference indicator mark is provided on a surface of the third member.

63. A method for configuring the apparatus ofclaim 42 to impart, to a model of a dental arch when the model is positioned thereon, an orientation corresponding to a pre-determined set of coordinates, comprising the steps of:

positioning the second member in a position with respect to the first member corresponding to a first coordinate of the set of coordinates;

positioning the third member in a position with respect to the second member corresponding to a second coordinate of the set of coordinates;

positioning the at least one adjustment member with respect to the third member in a position corresponding to a third coordinate of the set of coordinates; and

positioning the mounting member so as to abut an uppermost surface of the at least one adjustment member.

64. The method ofclaim 63 further comprising the steps of

providing a locating member positioned along the second axis;

positioning the locating member with respect to the second member in a position corresponding to a fourth coordinate of the set of coordinates; and

positioning the mounting member so as to abut an uppermost surface of the locating member.

65. The method ofclaim 63 further comprising the step of positioning another adjustment member with respect to the third member in a position corresponding to a fifth coordinate of the set of coordinates.

66. The method ofclaim 64 wherein the step of positioning the locating member with respect to the second member further comprises the steps of:

providing an apparatus having a mounting surface and an indicator adapted to measure a linear displacement of a portion of a probe operatively associated with the indicator;

positioning the apparatus on the mounting surface such that the first member of the apparatus rests on the mounting surface;

positioning the portion of the probe so as to rest on a surface of the second member;

with the portion of the probe resting on the surface of the second member, assigning a value shown by the indicator as a reference value;

positioning the portion of the probe so as to rest on the uppermost surface of the locating member;

with the portion of the probe resting on the uppermost surface of the locating member, assigning a value shown by the indicator as a locating member position value; and

with the portion of the probe resting on the uppermost surface of the locating member, positioning the locating member with respect to the second member to correspondingly position the portion of the probe such that a difference between the locating member position value and the reference value corresponds to the fourth coordinate of the set of coordinates.

67. The method ofclaim 63 wherein the step of positioning the at least one adjustment member with respect to the third member further comprises the steps of:

providing a apparatus having a mounting surface and an indicator adapted to measure a linear displacement of a portion of a probe operatively associated with the indicator;

positioning the apparatus on the mounting surface such that the first member of the apparatus rests on the mounting surface;

positioning the portion of the probe so as to rest on a surface of the third member;

with the portion of the probe resting on the surface of the third member, assigning a value shown by the indicator as a reference value;

positioning the portion of the probe so as to rest on the uppermost surface of the first adjustment member;

with the portion of the probe resting on the uppermost surface of the adjustment member, assigning a value shown by the indicator as an adjustment member position value; and

with the portion of the probe resting on the uppermost surface of the adjustment member, positioning the adjustment member with respect to the third member to correspondingly position the portion of the probe such that a difference between the adjustment member position value and the reference value corresponds to the fourth coordinate of the set of coordinates.

68. The method ofclaim 67 wherein the step of positioning another adjustment member with respect to the third member further comprises the steps of:

positioning the portion of the probe so as to rest on a surface of the third member;

with the portion of the probe resting on the surface of the third member, assigning a value shown by the indicator as a reference value;

positioning the portion of the probe so as to rest on the uppermost surface of the other adjustment member;

with the portion of the probe resting on the uppermost surface of the adjustment member, assigning a value shown by the indicator as another adjustment member position value; and

with the portion of the probe resting on the uppermost surface of the other adjustment member, positioning the other adjustment member with respect to the third member to correspondingly position the portion of the probe such that a difference between the other adjustment member position value and the reference value corresponds to the fifth coordinate of the set of coordinates.

69. The method ofclaim 63 further comprising the step of locking the second member in the position with respect to the first member corresponding to the first coordinate of the set of coordinates.

70. The method ofclaim 63 further comprising the step of locking the third member in the position with respect to the second member corresponding to the third coordinate of the set of coordinates.

71. A method for orienting a planar surface so as to simulate the orientation of a maxillary occlusal plane of a dental patient comprising:

providing an apparatus for receiving a model of a dental arch, the apparatus including a first member having a mounting surface, a second member operatively associated with the first member and positionable along a first axis, a third member operatively associated with the second member and positionable about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis, at least one adjustment member operatively associated with the third member and adjustably positionable with respect to a reference surface, and a mounting member operatively associated with the at least one adjustment members and incorporating the planar surface;

positioning the at least one adjustment member in a position defined by a pre-determined set of coordinate values representing the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of the patient; and

positioning the mounting member on the at least one adjustment member, thereby positioning the mounting member planar surface in the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of the patient.

72. The method ofclaim 71 wherein the step of providing an apparatus for receiving a model of a dental arch further comprises the step of providing an apparatus for receiving a model of the maxillary arch of the patient.

73. The method ofclaim 71 further comprising the steps of providing a locating member operatively associated with the second member and adjustably positionable with respect to a second reference surface; and

positioning the locating member with respect to the second reference surface in a position defined by a fourth coordinate of the pre-determined set of coordinate values.

74. The method ofclaim 73 further comprising the step of positioning the mounting member on the locating member and the adjustment member previously positioned in correspondence with the pre-determined set of coordinate values, thereby positioning the mounting member planar surface in the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of the patient.

75. The method ofclaim 71 further comprising the step of positioning another adjustment member with respect to the first reference surface in a position defined by a fifth coordinate of the pre-determined set of coordinate values.

76. The method ofclaim 75 further comprising the step of positioning the mounting member on the locating member and the adjustment members previously positioned in correspondence with the pre-determined set of coordinate values, thereby positioning the mounting member planar surface in the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of the patient.

77. The method ofclaim 71 wherein the first reference surface is a surface of the third member.

78. The method ofclaim 71 wherein the first reference surface is a substantially planar surface upon which the apparatus for receiving the model is positioned.

79. The method ofclaim 71 wherein:

the step of providing a first member further comprises the step of providing a reference indicator mark on a surface of the first member;

the step of providing a second member further comprises the step of providing a plurality of graduated indicator marks on a surface of the second member; and

the step of moving the second member with respect to the first member to a position defined by a first coordinate of a pre-determined set of coordinate values further comprises the step of moving the second member with respect to the first member so as to align the first reference indicator mark with a pre-determined one of the plurality of second member graduated indicator marks in correspondence with the first coordinate of the pre-determined set of coordinate values.

80. The method ofclaim 71 wherein:

the step of providing a third member operatively associated with the second member further comprises the step of providing a reference indicator mark on a surface of the third member;

the step of providing a second member further comprises the step of providing a plurality of graduated indicator marks on a surface of the second member; and

the step of moving the third member with respect to the second member about the second axis to a position defined by a second coordinate of the pre-determined set of coordinate values further comprises the step of moving the third member with respect to the second member so as to align the third member reference indicator mark with a pre-determined one of the plurality of second member graduated indicator marks in correspondence with the second coordinate of the pre-determined set of coordinate values.

81. The method ofclaim 73 wherein the step of positioning the locating member with respect to the reference surface further comprises the steps of:

providing means for measuring a position of the locating member with respect to the second reference surface;

assigning a reference value to an output of the measuring means corresponding to a position of the reference surface; and

positioning the locating member such that the difference between the reference value and the output of the measuring means corresponding to the position of the locating member corresponds with the fourth coordinate of the pre-determined set of coordinate values.

82. The method ofclaim 71 wherein the step of positioning the at least one adjustment member with respect to the first reference surface further comprises the steps of:

providing means for measuring a position of the at least one adjustment member with respect to the first reference surface;

assigning a reference value to an output of the measuring means corresponding to a position of the first reference surface; and

positioning the at least one adjustment member such that the difference between the reference value and the output of the measuring means corresponding to the position of the adjustment member corresponds with the third coordinate of the pre-determined set of coordinate values.

83. The method ofclaim 75 wherein the step of positioning another adjustment member with respect to the first reference surface further comprises the steps of:

providing means for measuring a position of the other adjustment member with respect to the first reference surface;

assigning a reference value to an output of the measuring means corresponding to a position of the first reference surface; and

positioning the other adjustment member such that the difference between the reference value and the output of the measuring means corresponding to the position of the other adjustment member corresponds with the fifth coordinate of the pre-determined set of coordinate values.

84. A method for positioning a model of a dental arch within a dental articulator to simulate the orientation of the dental arch in the skull of a patient, comprising the steps of:

providing a dental articulator assembly including a base portion and an articulator portion detachably mounted to the base portion in a first orientation, the articulator portion including a first support member, a second support member, and joint means for simulating the mandibular condylar joint and for mounting the first support member to the second support member such that the first support member is adjustably spaced apart from the second support member;

providing an apparatus for receiving the dental arch model, the apparatus including a first member for attachment to a portion of the articulator, a mounting member for coupling to the first member, and means for adjustably coupling the mounting member to the first member;

adjusting the coupling means in correspondence with a pre-determined set of coordinate values representing the orientation of the maxillary occlusal plane of a patient;

securing the first member to the first support member;

coupling the mounting member to the first member; and

mounting the dental arch model on the mounting member.

85. The method ofclaim 84 wherein the step of mounting the dental arch model on the mounting member comprises the steps of:

providing a model-receiving tray fixedly positionable on a surface of the mounting member;

securing the model-receiving tray on the mounting member; and

positioning the dental arch model in the model-receiving tray.

86. The method ofclaim 84 further comprising the steps of:

securing the first support member in a pre-determined position with respect to the second support member;

providing an engagement member for attachment to a portion of the articulator;

securing the engagement member to the second support member; and

securing the engagement member to a surface of the dental arch model such movement of the engagement member produces a corresponding movement of the dental arch model.

87. The method ofclaim 86 wherein the step of securing the engagement member to a surface of the dental arch model comprises the steps of:

providing an adhesive material having a flowable state and a non-flowable state;

applying the adhesive material in the flowable state to a surface of the engagement member such that the adhesive material connects the dental arch model with the engagement member; and

processing the adhesive material to achieve the non-flowable state of the adhesive material, thereby securing the dental arch model to the engagement member.

88. The method ofclaim 84 wherein the means for adjustably coupling the mounting member to the first member is located on the first member.

89. The method ofclaim 87 further comprising, prior to the step of processing the adhesive material, the step of applying adhesive material in a flowable state to a surface of the second dental arch model.

90. The method ofclaim 84 wherein the dental arch model is a model of the maxillary arch of a patient.

91. The method ofclaim 84 further comprising the step of positioning a model of a second dental arch in the dental articulator opposite the dental arch model.

92. The method ofclaim 91 wherein the step of positioning comprises the steps of:

providing an impression of a patient's bite registration having a first portion which conforms to a side of the dental arch model and a second portion which conforms to a side of the second dental arch model;

detaching the articulator portion from the base portion;

mounting the articulator portion on the base portion in a second orientation;

positioning the first portion of the bite registration impression along a side of the dental arch model that conforms to the first portion of the impression; and

positioning a side of the second dental arch model along the portion of the bite registration impression that conforms to the surface of the second dental arch model.

93. The method ofclaim 92 further comprising the steps of:

providing a second engagement member for attachment to a portion of the articulator;

securing the second engagement member to the first support member

applying adhesive material in a flowable state to a surface of the second engagement member such that the adhesive material connects the second dental arch model with the second engagement member; and

processing the molding material to achieve the non-flowable state of the molding material, thereby securing the second dental arch model to the second engagement member.

94. The method ofclaim 93 further comprising, prior to the step of processing the adhesive material, the step of applying adhesive material in a flowable state to a surface of the second dental arch model.

95. The method ofclaim 91 wherein the second dental arch model is a model of a mandibular arch of the patient.

96. The method ofclaim 93 further comprising, prior to the step of securing the second engagement member to the first support member, the step of detaching the model-receiving apparatus from the first support member.

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