Patent Application
20170100218
Many dental implant systems and dental prosthetic devices utilize a type of metal skeletal framework which comprises upstanding abutments for receiving dental crowns, bridges, false teeth and the like, and implant supports for fixing such devices within the alveolar jaw of a patient. Such systems, while sometimes partially effective, have a number of disadvantages. For example, there are often difficulties in framework installation, patient fit discomfort, loosening of crowns from the framework, and the loosening of the frameworks themselves from the patient's jaw. Many such devices also do not result in an overall attractive patient appearance.
It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a dental framework which overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of existing frameworks, implant systems, and prosthetic devices.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a dental framework which is configured to be secured and permanently maintained within the mouth of the patient.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a dental framework which is fabricated to be sufficiently strong so as to last for the life of the patient.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dental framework with dental crown supporting abutments configured to permanently secure dental crowns to the support bar of the dental framework.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dental framework which is securely and permanently attached within the mouth of the patient.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dental framework which, once installed within the mouth of the patient, results in an appealing and attractive appearance.
These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, a dental framework comprising an integral body with an elongated, serpentine shape framework support extending substantially the length of the body. Uniquely designed dental crown receiving abutments each have a lower section with a larger average diameter than an upper section. This creates an adhesive receiving space between the abutments and the dental crowns which are installed on them. The abutments are also positioned such that gum composite material utilized following the installation of the framework and dental crowns can be inserted between adjacent abutments and the crowns to enhance the ultimate appearance of the mouth. A series of composite attaching spikes extend downward from the framework to ensure the framework remains secured within the composite material which is utilized.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dental framework 1 is an integral body comprising an elongated, serpentine shaped framework support 2 which extends substantially the full length of the framework. This configuration results in support 2 having a plurality of hills and valleys, or raised regions interconnected by lower regions. See, for example, raised regions 3, 4, 5, and 6 and lower regions 7, 8, and 9 in
Located over and being integral with or otherwise attached to each raised region of framework support 2 are a plurality of dental crown receiving abutments, i.e. incisor crown abutments 11, 12, 13, 1.4, 15 and 16, canine crown abutments 17, 18, 19, and 20, and molar crown abutments 21, 22, 23, and 24. Of course, it is contemplated that dental framework 1 will be custom designed and fabricated to accommodate individual patients, so the present invention is not to be considered restricted to the type and number of abutments described herein.
Regardless of their particular shape, each dental abutment comprises a lower section and an upper section.
As seen in detail in
Implant supports 32, 33, 34, and 35, configured to be implanted into the alveolar bone beneath the gum in a patient, extend down from support 2. A plurality of composite attachment spikes 40 extend from the underside of support 2. These spikes are designed to be implanted into the gum composite material 42 which is used to surround dental framework 1, once it and appropriate dental crowns are installed on the abutments of framework support 2. Spikes 40 serve to secure and maintain dental framework 1 to the composite.
Also of note in
Thus, dental framework 1 of the present invention provides a unique dental device with a number of significant features. It not only serves to more efficiently allow the dentist to effectively install a plurality crowns, but also guarantees the patient with an excellent result d appearance which will last for many years.
Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
