Inventors:
Gary Rabinowitz - New York NY, US
International Classification:
A61C 9/00
Abstract:
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus to facilitate obtaining a dental impression including a compressible body. The compressible body has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer border. The bottom surface is configured to abut a maxillary dental impression tray. The top surface of the compressible body is configured to substantially contact and conform to a surface of a patient's hard palate. As the top surface contacts and conforms to the hard palate, it causes the compressible body to compress. The top surface forms a seal with the patient's hard palate. This seal discourages dental impression material from flowing into the patient's palatal vault. The seal may also discourage the dental impression material from flowing into the back of the patient's mouth. Consequently, the hydrodynamic pressure of the dental impression material may be advantageously increased and the patient's comfort may be reduced. Furthermore, the seal may promote a hydrodynamic flow of the dental impression material against the patient's teeth and into the corresponding gingival sulcus. When the compressible body compresses, the outer border may expand. This expansion may lead to further promotion of the hydrodynamic presser and flow of the dental impression material.