Inventors:
Donald H. Ross - Atlanta GA, US
International Classification:
A61C 9/00
Abstract:
The present invention describes systems and methods to provide dynamically adjustable dental impression devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a dynamically adjustable dental impression device including a facial portion having at least a first wall and a lingual portion having at least a first wall. The facial portion is movably connected to the lingual portion to form an internal cavity enabled to receive a quantity of impression material. Furthermore, the size of the internal cavity can be reduced during the formation of an impression of a dental structure. In some embodiments, the facial portion can be contracted with the lingual portion during the formation on the impression of the dental structure, resulting in the reduction in the size of the internal cavity. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reduction in the size of the internal cavity during the formation on the impression of the dental structure can increase the hydrostatic pressure within the quantity of impression material. Furthermore, the dynamically adjustable dental impression device can simultaneously apply forces substantially nonparallel and substantially parallel to the long axis of the tooth in the dental structure.