DENTAL IMPRESSION TRAYS

Abstract

Provided are impression trays having one or more breakaway segments that allow for convenient removal of a portion of the tray, while maintaining the overall dimensions of the tray. Also provided are methods making impressions that include removing at least one breakaway segment of the provided trays. Also provided are impression trays having novel handles and trays having novel slots for the extrusion of excess impression material and retention. Further provided are kits and systems that include such impression trays.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are herein described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top of an impression tray in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view including a side/top of the impression tray of FIG. 1 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the impression tray of FIGS. 1-2 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view including a side/bottom of the impression tray of FIGS. 1-3 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a bottom of the impression tray of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a top of the impression tray of FIGS. 1-5 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a view of the top of an impression tray according to non-limiting example embodiments, showing the portion of the tray that holds the impression material;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the tray of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a top planar view of an impression tray according to non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a top of an impression tray in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view including a side/top of the impression tray of FIG. 11 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the impression tray of FIGS. 11-12 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view including a side/bottom of the impression tray of FIGS. 11-13 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a bottom of the impression tray of FIGS. 11-14 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a top of the impression tray of FIGS. 11-15 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments.

Claims

1. An impression tray, comprising at least one wall and a base, the at least one wall and base being configured to be placed around at least a portion of a jaw, while retaining material; andat least one breakaway segment, each of which segment is adapted to be independently substantially removable from the tray, such that removal of a segment creates an opening in the impression tray, while maintaining the dimensions of the impression tray.

2. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein at least one of said breakaway segments comprises a portion of the base.

3. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein at least one of said breakaway segments comprises a portion of the base and a portion of the at least one wall abutting the portion of the base.

4. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein the at least one wall comprises an outer wall, and the impression tray further comprises a palatal plate.

5. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein the at least one wall comprises an outer wall and an inner wall.

6. The impression tray of claim 5, wherein at least one of said breakaway segments comprises a portion of the base and a portion of the inner wall abutting the portion of the base.

7. The impression tray of claim 5, wherein at least one of said breakaway segments comprises a portion of the base and a portion of the outer wall abutting the portion of the base.

8. The impression tray of claim 7, further comprising a handle having one or more openings;wherein at least one of said openings is aligned with at least one breakaway segment comprising a portion of the base and a portion of the outer wall abutting the portion of the base, such that if the breakaway segment is removed, an opening created in the impression tray aligns with one or more openings in the handle.

9. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein said impression tray comprises at least one composition selected from the group consisting of substantially clear, translucent, and opaque compositions.

10. The impression tray of claim 1, further comprising one or more retention structures extending upwardly from said base.

11. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein said impression tray is adapted for an upper jaw.

12. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein said impression tray is adapted for a lower jaw.

13. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein said impression tray is adapted for one side of a jaw.

14. The impression tray of claim 1, wherein said impression tray is adapted for a front portion of a jaw.

15. A method of making an impression comprising, removing at least one breakaway segment from an impression tray of claim 1;inserting impression material to the impression tray;positioning the impression tray with respect to teeth of a patient;allowing impression material to substantially harden; andremoving the impression tray from the teeth of the patient.

16. A kit comprising at least one impression tray according to claim 1.

17. An impression tray, comprising at least one wall and a base, the at least one wall and base being configured to be placed around at least a portion of a jaw, while retaining material; anda handle having a wider portion and at least one narrower portion further from the base than the wider portion.

18. A kit comprising at least one impression tray according to claim 17.

19. An impression tray comprising at least one wall and a base,the at least one wall and base being configured to be placed around at least a portion of a jaw, while retaining material; andthe at least one wall comprising at least one slot adapted for extrusion of excess impression material and at least one membrane comprising an outside portion of the wall, said membrane abuting the slot.

20. A kit comprising at least one impression tray according to claim 19.