Elastically Deformable Bite Fork Stabilizer and Associated Methods

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for stabilizing a bite fork in a patient's mouth. The apparatus may comprise an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer. The elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer may comprise an elastically deformable layer, an adhesive layer on one side of the elastically deformable layer, and a removable layer adhered to the adhesive layer.

1 . An apparatus for stabilizing a bite fork in a patient's mouth, comprising:
 an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer comprising:
 an elastically deformable layer; 
 an adhesive layer on one side of the elastically deformable layer; and 
 a removable layer adhered to the adhesive layer. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bite fork stabilizer is generally u-shaped. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elastically deformable layer comprises a foam. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elastically deformable layer comprises a polyethylene foam. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elastically deformable layer has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 13 mm. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 :
 wherein the bite fork stabilizer comprise a foam;   wherein the elastically deformable layer has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 13 mm;   wherein the bite fork stabilizer is generally u-shaped having a first leg and a second leg; and   wherein the first leg and the second leg each has a width in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm.   
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for use in recording a maxillary-arch relationship of a patient's teeth, comprising:
 a bite fork; and   an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer coupled to a bottom surface of the bite fork, wherein the elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer comprises:
 an elastically deformable layer; and 
 an adhesive layer disposed between the elastically deformable layer and the bite fork. 
   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein an impressionable material is coupled to a top surface of the bite fork. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the impressionable material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of a molding compound, a denture compound, a modeling compound, a zinc oxide eugenol paste, a silicon, a plastic, a wax, and a resin. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein a dental impression pad is coupled to a top surface of the bite fork, wherein the dental impression pad comprises a backing strip, an impressionable material on one side of the backing strip, and an adhesive on another side of the backing strip. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the bite fork stabilizer is generally u-shaped. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the elastically deformable layer comprises a foam. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein a second elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer is coupled to the elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer coupled to the bottom surface of the bite fork. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein two or more additional bite fork stabilizers are spaced on the bottom surface of the bite fork. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 7 :
 wherein an impressionable material is coupled to a top surface of the bite fork;   wherein the bite fork stabilizer comprise a foam;   wherein the elastically deformable layer has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 13 mm;   wherein the bite fork stabilizer is generally u-shaped having a first leg and a second leg; and   wherein the first leg and the second leg each has a width in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm.   
     
     
         16 . A method of stabilizing a bite fork, comprising:
 coupling an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer to a bottom surface of the bite fork, wherein the elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer comprises:
 an elastically deformable layer; and 
 an adhesive layer on one side of the elastically deformable layer; and 
   placing the bite fork into a mouth.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising instructing a patient to bite down on the bite fork. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising coupling one or more additional elastically deformable bite fork stabilizers to the bottom surface of the bite fork. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising coupling one or more additional elastically deformable bite fork stabilizers to the elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer coupled to the bite fork. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising modifying the elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer prior to the step of coupling the elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer to the bottom surface the bite fork, wherein the modifying comprises removing one or more portions of the elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer.