Apparatus and method for positioning dental arch to dental articulator

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.

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 of  claim 1  wherein the base has an axis of symmetry.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 4  wherein the second and third radio-opaque members are spaced a substantially equal distance from the axis of symmetry.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the second and third radio-opaque members are spaced a substantially equal distance from the first radio-opaque member.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 8  wherein the at least one radio-opaque member projects from the first plane.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the at least one radio-opaque member projects from the second plane.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the radio-opaque members is secured to the base using an adhesive.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the radio-opaque members is metallic.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the radio-opaque members is generally spherical.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 17  includes an extension member which extends between and connects the two spaced-apart wing portions.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  in which the radio-opaque member is secured to the extension.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 20  wherein the radio-opaque member projects from the first plane.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein the radio-opaque member projects from the second plane.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the extension is integral with the base.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the extension is formed from a plastic material and the radio-opaque member is molded into the extension.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the extension is formed from a plastic material and the radio-opaque member is press-fit into the extension.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the radio-opaque member is secured to the extension using an adhesive.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the radio-opaque member is metallic.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 29  wherein the means for securing comprises a projection extending from a plane defined by a corresponding face of the base.  
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 30  wherein the projection extends from the second plane.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 30  wherein the projection is formed by a radio-opaque member secured to the base.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 32  wherein the base is formed form a plastic material and the radio-opaque member is molded into the base.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 30  further comprising a radio-opaque member secured to the base opposite the projection.  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 30  wherein the base is formed from a plastic material and the projection is molded into the base.  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 30  wherein the projection is formed integral with the base.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 38  further comprising a radio-opaque member secured to the base opposite the cavity.  
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 42  further comprising a locating member positioned along the second axis.  
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 42  wherein the locating member comprises a screw extending from a surface of the second member.  
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 45  wherein the mounting member includes a cavity adapted for receiving a portion of the screw therein.  
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 44  wherein the locating member is adjustably positionable with respect to the second member.  
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 42  wherein the second member is slidingly mounted on the first member.  
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 42  wherein the third member is slidingly mounted on the second member.  
     
     
         50 . The apparatus of  claim 42  further comprising a locking member adapted to lock the third member and the second member in a pre-determined relationship.  
     
     
         51 . The apparatus of  claim 50  further comprising another locking member adapted to lock the second member and the first member in a pre-determined relationship.  
     
     
         52 . The apparatus of  claim 42  including two adjustment members.  
     
     
         53 . The apparatus of  claim 52  wherein the two adjustment members comprise screws extending from the surface of the third member.  
     
     
         54 . The apparatus of  claim 53  wherein the mounting member includes two cavities adapted for receiving portions of respective ones of the screws therein.  
     
     
         55 . The apparatus of  claim 42  wherein a plurality of indicator marks are provided along a surface of the first member.  
     
     
         56 . The apparatus of  claim 55  wherein the indicator marks are substantially evenly-spaced.  
     
     
         57 . The apparatus of  claim 42  wherein a plurality of indicator marks are provided along a surface of the second member.  
     
     
         58 . The apparatus of  claim 57  wherein the indicator marks are substantially evenly-spaced.  
     
     
         59 . The apparatus of  claim 57  wherein another plurality of indicator marks are provided along another surface of the second member.  
     
     
         60 . The apparatus of  claim 59  wherein the indicator marks are substantially evenly-spaced.  
     
     
         61 . The apparatus of  claim 42  wherein a reference indicator mark is provided on a surface of the first member.  
     
     
         62 . The apparatus of  claim 42  wherein a reference indicator mark is provided on a surface of the third member.  
     
     
         63 . A method for configuring the apparatus of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 71  wherein the first reference surface is a surface of the third member.  
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 71  wherein the first reference surface is a substantially planar surface upon which the apparatus for receiving the model is positioned.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 84  wherein the means for adjustably coupling the mounting member to the first member is located on the first member.  
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 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 of  claim 84  wherein the dental arch model is a model of the maxillary arch of a patient.  
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 91  wherein the second dental arch model is a model of a mandibular arch of the patient.  
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 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.