Reusable dental impression tray

Abstract

A reusable dental impression tray having a reusable rigid tray holder with opposing sidewalls spaced apart substantially a first distance, the opposing sidewalls extend longitudinally in a curved manner, a connector located at a distal end of the tray holder couples the sidewalls together, the sidewalls and connector define an inward facing surface, a channel formed in and extends along the inward facing surface, and a handle located at a mesial end of the tray holder, and a disposable mesh bite tray having a generally U-shaped frame having an open end and a closed end, the U-shaped frame is made of a flexible material wherein the U-shaped frame has a generally static shape having a width at the closed end substantially similar to the first distance and a width at the open end which is greater than the first distance, and wherein with the U-shaped frame received in the channel, the open end of the U-shaped frame is held in a compressed state with the open end having a compressed width substantially the same as the first distance.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A disposable mesh bite tray for use with a reusable rigid tray holder, wherein the reusable rigid tray holder include opposing sidewalls spaced apart substantially a first distance, the opposing sidewalls extend longitudinally in a curved manner, a connector located at a distal end of the tray holder couples the sidewalls together, the sidewalls and connector define an inward facing surface, a generally U-shaped channel formed in and extends along the inward facing surface, and a handle located at a mesial end of the tray holder, the disposable mesh bite tray comprising:
 a generally U-shaped frame having an open end and a closed end, the U-shaped frame is made of a flexible material wherein the U-shaped frame has a generally static shape having a width at the closed end substantially similar to the first distance and a width at the open end which is greater than the first distance, and wherein with the U-shaped frame received in the generally U-shaped channel, the open end of the U-shaped frame is held in a compressed state with the open end having a compressed width substantially the same as the first distance.   
     
     
         16 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the frame of the disposable mesh bite tray resists compression at the open end when in the compressed state and is adapted to maintain a constant outward tension upon the reusable rigid tray holder so as to maintain a compression fit within the channel of the reusable rigid tray holder and remain securely in place throughout the impression and mold process steps. 
     
     
         17 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the generally U-shaped frame is a molded frame and includes a spring-like characteristics, wherein with the generally U-shaped frame fully inserted into the channel of the reusable rigid tray holder, the buccal portion and lingual portion maintain a constant outward tension so as to create a compression fit within the channel and remain securely in place throughout the impression and mold process steps. 
     
     
         18 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the dimension of the frame is selected to provide an interference fit within the channel of the reusable rigid tray holder. 
     
     
         19 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the frame includes a width which has a dimension which substantially conforms to the dimensions of the generally U-shaped channel of the respective reusable rigid tray holder. 
     
     
         20 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the width of the springy frame at the open end is limited by the mesh connected to the frame and spanning across the open end. 
     
     
         21 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein with the disposable mesh bite tray in the static state, the buccal portion and lingual portion of the frame diverge from one another in a direction away from the closed end and towards the open end. 
     
     
         22 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the mesh is not taut with the disposable mesh bite tray in the compressed state when inserted within the reusable rigid tray holder. 
     
     
         23 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein disposable mesh bite tray is one of a first size corresponding to a size of a first reusable rigid tray holder or of a second size corresponding to a size of a second reusable rigid tray holder. 
     
     
         24 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein disposable mesh bite tray is color coded to represent one of several different sizes. 
     
     
         25 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the buccal portion and the lingual portion are formed in an arch shape to conform to the posterior teeth of a patient. 
     
     
         26 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the connector portion of the disposable mesh bite tray is approximately 3-6 mm wide. 
     
     
         27 . The disposable mesh bite tray of  claim 15 , wherein the connector portion of the disposable mesh bite tray is approximately 4 mm wide.