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WO2000002493A1 - Improved bite block - Google Patents

Improved bite block Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000002493A1
WO2000002493A1 PCT/US1998/014476 US9814476W WO0002493A1 WO 2000002493 A1 WO2000002493 A1 WO 2000002493A1 US 9814476 W US9814476 W US 9814476W WO 0002493 A1 WO0002493 A1 WO 0002493A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bite block
arms
exterior surface
serrations
bight portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1998/014476
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John E. Garrison
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU84832/98A priority Critical patent/AU8483298A/en
Priority to PCT/US1998/014476 priority patent/WO2000002493A1/en
Priority to US09/304,200 priority patent/US6241521B1/en
Publication of WO2000002493A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000002493A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C5/00—Filling or capping teeth
    • A61C5/90—Oral protectors for use during treatment, e.g. lip or mouth protectors

Definitions

  • This invention relates to dentistry apparatus and, more particularly, it relates to mouth props for dental patients.
  • Dental mouth props are devices which are inserted into the patient's mouth between the upper and lower teeth to keep the mouth opened in a fixed position while the dentist is working therein.
  • the teeth on one side of the mouth contact the bite block while the dentist is working on teeth on the opposite side.
  • These bite blocks enhance the efficiency of the dentist so that the dentist does not have to continually remind the patient to keep the mouth open at a certain angle, and further so that the dentist does not have to be concerned with the patient inadvertently biting the dentist's hands.
  • Patients typically find the props useful, as they are able to relax the muscles in the jaw as they rest their teeth on the prop.
  • Bite blocks are even more useful during long dental appointments when the patient's jaw muscles fatigue.
  • the bite block allows the patient to relax the muscles and teeth on the block, which does the work in keeping the mouth open. Also, some patients cannot open their mouths to provide the dentist access because of damage to the jaw joint. These patients in particular require bite blocks even for short appointments.
  • bite blocks Many different designs of bite blocks have been used or are otherwise known. However, known bite blocks are generally inconvenient to use and uncomfortable. Current designs are made of elastic material molded around a stiff metal frame, which allow for little to no variability in the opening angle. Such designs put stress on the mouths of patients who cannot open as wide as others. Current designs also deny access to assistants who evacuate oral fluids and tooth debris while the dentist prepares the tooth. Some examples or prior art bite blocks are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,722,101 issued to Via, Jr.; 500,959 issued to Osborn; and 5,421,327 issued to Flynn et al.
  • the Via patent discloses a disposable, polygonal-shaped bite block made from a non-elastic foam material such as polyurethane, whereby the force of the teeth on the block causes the teeth to indent into the material and lock the block in place.
  • the Via prop consumes too much mouth space, and therefore competes with the space in which the dentist works.
  • the Via prop is also invariable in size, which proves to be uncomfortable to some patients.
  • the Osborn patent describes a bite block formed of a pliable styrene material. While the Osborn patent improves access to the patient's mouth by providing a window in the block through which the dentist can insert tools, the block is somewhat complicated in construction and includes flanges extending from the top and bottom of the block on the cheek side to stabilize and keep the soft tissue of the cheeks away from the working area. This design still consumes too much work area despite the included window.
  • the bite blocks in both of the aforementioned patents are rigid in construction.
  • the lack of flexibility in size of the bite block or adjustability of the particular patient's mouth causes strain to the mouth when the dentist is accessing the patient's mouth.
  • the aforementioned props block access to the patient's mouth from at least one direction.
  • the Osborn device provides a window for extending tools therethrough but this window is still comparably small and therefore limits the dentist's access to the open mouth therethrough.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bite block, according to the invention, in position between the lower and upper teeth of a patient's mouth;
  • FIG. 2 is an end view of the bite block of FIG 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the bite block along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the bite block along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
  • a bite block 10 in accordance with the invention is generally U-shaped and includes a bight portion 12 from which extends a pair of arms 14 and 16, thereby partially defining a void 40.
  • the bite block is preferably made from a polymer plastic with a durometer such that there is some flexibility in the bight portion 12, enabling it to act as a spring hinge.
  • Such an elastomeric material allows the patient to bite into the block 10 without discomfort and without destroying the block 10 while permitting the block 10 to flex at the bight portion 12.
  • the U-shape of the block 10 generally conforms to the preferable angle defined by the surfaces of the upper and lower teeth 30 when the mouth 32 is open a sufficient amount to enable adequate working space.
  • the distance between free ends of the arms 14, 16 is approximately between 1.125 inches and 1.500 inches; and the distance between the ends of the arms 14, 16 at the bight portion 12 is preferably between 0.250 and 0.750 inches.
  • the sizes may vary depending on the intended use. For instance, a pediatric bite block would be smaller.
  • the bight portion 12 flexes such that arms 14 and 16 move toward one another to accommodate smaller mouth 32 openings when engaged by the teeth 30.
  • the outside convex portion of the bite block 10 includes a channel 20 defined by a bottom portion 22 and sidewalls 24.
  • the bottom portion 22 includes a textured exterior surface 50 adapted to better grip the teeth 30 and prevent the block 10 from slipping.
  • the textured surface 50 comprises a series of serrations extending between and normally from the sidewalls 24. As shown, each serration has a cross section generally forming a right triangle; other geometric shapes, however, are contemplated including other triangles, such as an isosceles triangle. Further, other surface textures, such as knurling, can be applied to the bottom portion 22. Further, the sidewalls 24 prevent the block 10 from slipping or dislodging in a sideways direction when the teeth 30 rest in the channel 20.
  • the sidewalls 24 of the channel 20 add stability to the bite block 10 by resisting flexure at the bight portion.
  • the channel 20, and particularly the textured exterior surface 50 of the bottom portion 22 is made of a material having a softer durometer than the material comprising the remainder of the block 10.
  • the block 10 is preferably molded from a pair of polymer plastics such that the bottom portion 22 and the channel 20 are made of the same base material but having different durometers, or are made of different materials that are bonded to one another.
  • two-step injection molding is a preferred process for manufacturing the bite block 10.
  • the block 10 is substantially U-shaped, its inner or concave portion partially defines a void 40.
  • the void 40 provides room for the dentist or assistant, or both, to have additional working area within the mouth 32, and further facilitates placement of instruments such as drill (not shown) or a vacuum (not shown) in the mouth 32 of the patient.
  • instruments such as drill (not shown) or a vacuum (not shown) in the mouth 32 of the patient.
  • visibility for the dentist or assistant into the mouth 32 is enhanced.
  • the bite block 10 does not interfere with the working area of the dentist as prior mouth props have done.
  • the bight portion 12 avoids the need for several different sizes of bite blocks, as is common with prior bite block designs.
  • the block 10 When the bite block 10 is inserted into the patient's mouth 32, the bight portion 12 flexes such that arms 14 and 16 approach one another in the void 40 to accommodate the size of the particular patient's mouth 32.
  • the block 10 includes a thin flexible portion 42 of the bight portion 12.
  • the thinner portion 42 is flanked by strengthening ribs 44, which are disposed on opposite outer edges of the bight portion 12.
  • the ribs 44 strengthen the bight portion 12, whereby the bight portion 12 provides adequate resistance to biting forces exerted on the arms 14 and 16 by the teeth 30 so that the dentist can continue working even when the patient bites down hard on the block 10.
  • the bite block 10 permits the patient to rest the teeth 30 within the channel 20 while the patient's jaw relaxes.
  • the bite block 10 allows the dentist and assistant access to the patient's mouth 32 from any direction. This design increases the safety of the patient, doctor, and the assistant while preparing or operating within the patient's mouth 32.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

A bite block (10) for facilitating a dentist's access to a patient's mouth includes an open ended U-shaped body having a pair of arms (14, 16) extending from a bite portion (12), thereby defining a void (40) that is bounded in part by the arms (14, 16) and the bite portion (12), whereby when the bite block (10) is positioned between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth the dentist will have access to the patient's mouth through the void (40).

Description

IMPROVED BITE BLOCK
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to dentistry apparatus and, more particularly, it relates to mouth props for dental patients.
Description of the Related Art
Dental mouth props, or bite blocks, are devices which are inserted into the patient's mouth between the upper and lower teeth to keep the mouth opened in a fixed position while the dentist is working therein. In typical use, the teeth on one side of the mouth contact the bite block while the dentist is working on teeth on the opposite side. These bite blocks enhance the efficiency of the dentist so that the dentist does not have to continually remind the patient to keep the mouth open at a certain angle, and further so that the dentist does not have to be concerned with the patient inadvertently biting the dentist's hands. Patients typically find the props useful, as they are able to relax the muscles in the jaw as they rest their teeth on the prop.
Bite blocks are even more useful during long dental appointments when the patient's jaw muscles fatigue. The bite block allows the patient to relax the muscles and teeth on the block, which does the work in keeping the mouth open. Also, some patients cannot open their mouths to provide the dentist access because of damage to the jaw joint. These patients in particular require bite blocks even for short appointments.
Many different designs of bite blocks have been used or are otherwise known. However, known bite blocks are generally inconvenient to use and uncomfortable. Current designs are made of elastic material molded around a stiff metal frame, which allow for little to no variability in the opening angle. Such designs put stress on the mouths of patients who cannot open as wide as others. Current designs also deny access to assistants who evacuate oral fluids and tooth debris while the dentist prepares the tooth. Some examples or prior art bite blocks are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,722,101 issued to Via, Jr.; 500,959 issued to Osborn; and 5,421,327 issued to Flynn et al. The Via patent discloses a disposable, polygonal-shaped bite block made from a non-elastic foam material such as polyurethane, whereby the force of the teeth on the block causes the teeth to indent into the material and lock the block in place. The Via prop, however, consumes too much mouth space, and therefore competes with the space in which the dentist works. The Via prop is also invariable in size, which proves to be uncomfortable to some patients.
The Osborn patent describes a bite block formed of a pliable styrene material. While the Osborn patent improves access to the patient's mouth by providing a window in the block through which the dentist can insert tools, the block is somewhat complicated in construction and includes flanges extending from the top and bottom of the block on the cheek side to stabilize and keep the soft tissue of the cheeks away from the working area. This design still consumes too much work area despite the included window. The bite blocks in both of the aforementioned patents are rigid in construction.
The lack of flexibility in size of the bite block or adjustability of the particular patient's mouth causes strain to the mouth when the dentist is accessing the patient's mouth. Moreover, the aforementioned props block access to the patient's mouth from at least one direction. The Osborn device provides a window for extending tools therethrough but this window is still comparably small and therefore limits the dentist's access to the open mouth therethrough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bite block, according to the invention, in position between the lower and upper teeth of a patient's mouth; FIG. 2 is an end view of the bite block of FIG 1; FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the bite block along line 3-3 of FIG. 1; and FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the bite block along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. DET AILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in FIG. 1, a bite block 10 in accordance with the invention is generally U-shaped and includes a bight portion 12 from which extends a pair of arms 14 and 16, thereby partially defining a void 40. The bite block is preferably made from a polymer plastic with a durometer such that there is some flexibility in the bight portion 12, enabling it to act as a spring hinge. Such an elastomeric material allows the patient to bite into the block 10 without discomfort and without destroying the block 10 while permitting the block 10 to flex at the bight portion 12.
The U-shape of the block 10 generally conforms to the preferable angle defined by the surfaces of the upper and lower teeth 30 when the mouth 32 is open a sufficient amount to enable adequate working space. Preferably, the distance between free ends of the arms 14, 16 is approximately between 1.125 inches and 1.500 inches; and the distance between the ends of the arms 14, 16 at the bight portion 12 is preferably between 0.250 and 0.750 inches. Of course, the sizes may vary depending on the intended use. For instance, a pediatric bite block would be smaller. Further, the bight portion 12 flexes such that arms 14 and 16 move toward one another to accommodate smaller mouth 32 openings when engaged by the teeth 30.
The outside convex portion of the bite block 10 includes a channel 20 defined by a bottom portion 22 and sidewalls 24. The bottom portion 22 includes a textured exterior surface 50 adapted to better grip the teeth 30 and prevent the block 10 from slipping. Preferably, the textured surface 50 comprises a series of serrations extending between and normally from the sidewalls 24. As shown, each serration has a cross section generally forming a right triangle; other geometric shapes, however, are contemplated including other triangles, such as an isosceles triangle. Further, other surface textures, such as knurling, can be applied to the bottom portion 22. Further, the sidewalls 24 prevent the block 10 from slipping or dislodging in a sideways direction when the teeth 30 rest in the channel 20. Moreover, the sidewalls 24 of the channel 20 add stability to the bite block 10 by resisting flexure at the bight portion. Preferably, the channel 20, and particularly the textured exterior surface 50 of the bottom portion 22, is made of a material having a softer durometer than the material comprising the remainder of the block 10. Thus, the block 10 is preferably molded from a pair of polymer plastics such that the bottom portion 22 and the channel 20 are made of the same base material but having different durometers, or are made of different materials that are bonded to one another. To simplify the molding process, two-step injection molding is a preferred process for manufacturing the bite block 10.
Because the block 10 is substantially U-shaped, its inner or concave portion partially defines a void 40. When the block 10 is inserted in the patient's mouth, the void 40 provides room for the dentist or assistant, or both, to have additional working area within the mouth 32, and further facilitates placement of instruments such as drill (not shown) or a vacuum (not shown) in the mouth 32 of the patient. Moreover, visibility for the dentist or assistant into the mouth 32 is enhanced. The bite block 10 does not interfere with the working area of the dentist as prior mouth props have done. The bight portion 12 avoids the need for several different sizes of bite blocks, as is common with prior bite block designs. When the bite block 10 is inserted into the patient's mouth 32, the bight portion 12 flexes such that arms 14 and 16 approach one another in the void 40 to accommodate the size of the particular patient's mouth 32. Thus, to facilitate flexing, the block 10 includes a thin flexible portion 42 of the bight portion 12. The thinner portion 42 is flanked by strengthening ribs 44, which are disposed on opposite outer edges of the bight portion 12. The ribs 44 strengthen the bight portion 12, whereby the bight portion 12 provides adequate resistance to biting forces exerted on the arms 14 and 16 by the teeth 30 so that the dentist can continue working even when the patient bites down hard on the block 10. By design, however, the bite block 10 permits the patient to rest the teeth 30 within the channel 20 while the patient's jaw relaxes.
The bite block 10 allows the dentist and assistant access to the patient's mouth 32 from any direction. This design increases the safety of the patient, doctor, and the assistant while preparing or operating within the patient's mouth 32. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the spirit of the foregoing specification and drawings without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:
1. A bite block (10) for facilitating a dentist's access to a patient's mouth comprising an open-ended U-shaped body including a pair of arms (14, 16) extending from a bight portion (12), thereby defining a void (40) that is bounded in part by the arms (14, 16) and the bight portion (12), whereby when the bite block (10) is positioned between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth the dentist will have access to the patient's mouth through the void (40).
2. A bite block (10) according to claim 1 wherein the bight portion (12) comprises strengthening ribs (44).
3. A bite block (10) according to claim 2 wherein the strengthening ribs (44) are disposed on opposite outer edges of the bight portion (12).
4. A bite block (10) according to claim 1 wherein the arms include a textured exterior surface(50) adapted for aiding traction on the bite block (10) by the upper and lower teeth (30).
5. A bite block (10) according to claim 4 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) and the arms (14, 16) are made from polymer plastics having different durometers.
6. A bite block (10) according to claim 5 wherein the plastic polymer of the textured exterior surface (50) is a softer durometer than the polymer plastic of the arms (14, 16).
7. A bite block (10) according to claim 6 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) includes a series of serrations.
8. A bite block (10) according to claim 7 wherein the series of serrations is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24) disposed transversely to the series of serrations, whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained on the bite block (10).
9. A bite block (10) according to claim 4 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24), whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained to the textured exterior surface (50).
10. A bite block (10) according to claim 4 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) includes a series of serrations.
11. A bite block ( 10) according to claim 10 wherein the series of serrations is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24) disposed transversely to the series of serrations, whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained on the bite block (10).
12. A bite block (10) according to claim 11 wherein the bight portion (12) comprises strengthening ribs (44).
13. A bite block (10) according to claim 12 wherein the strengthening ribs (44) are disposed on opposite outer edges of the bight portion (12).
14. A bite block (10) according to claim 1 wherein the arms (14, 16) include side walls (24) flanking each longitudinal edge of each arm (14, 16), whereby the upper and lower teeth (30) are restrained on the bite block (10) between the side walls (24).
15. A bite block (10) according to claim 1 wherein the arms (14, 16) are spaced between 0.25 and 0.75 inches apart at a junction with the bight portion (12).
16. A bite block (10) according to claim 1 wherein the arms (14, 16) include free ends spaced between 1.125 and 1.50 inches apart.
17. A bite block (10) according to claim 16 wherein the arms (14, 16) are spaced between 0.25 and 0.75 inches apart at a junction with the bight portion (12).
18. A bite block (10) according to claim 17 wherein the bight portion (12) comprises strengthening ribs (44).
19. A bite block (10) according to claim 18 wherein the strengthening ribs (44) are disposed on opposite outer edges of the bight portion (12).
20. A bite block (10) according to claim 17 wherein the arms (14, 16) include a textured exterior surface (50) adapted for aiding traction on the bite block by the upper and lower teeth (30).
21. A bite block (10) according to claim 20 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) and the arms (14, 16) are made from polymer plastics having different durometers.
22. A bite block (10) according to claim 21 wherein the plastic polymer of the textured exterior surface (50) is a softer durometer than the polymer plastic of the arms (14, 16).
23. A bite block (10) according to claim 20 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24), whereby the upper and lower teeth (30) are restrained to the textured exterior surface (50).
24. A bite block (10) according to claim 20 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) includes a series of serrations.
25. A bite block (10) according to claim 24 wherein the series of serrations is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24) disposed transversely to the series of serrations, whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained on the bite block (10).
G0001445.DOC
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 25 November 1998 (25.11.98); original claims 1-25 replaced by new claims 1-25 (4 pages)]
1. A bite block ( 10) for facilitating a dentist's access to a patient's mouth comprising an open-ended U-shaped body including a pair of arms (14. 16) extending from a bight portion (12), thereby defining a void (40) that is bounded in part by the arms (14, 16) and the bight portion (12). the bight portion (12) including strengthening ribs (44) extending between the arms (14, 16), whereby when the bite block (10) is positioned between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth the dentist will have access to the patient's mouth through the void (401.
2. A bite block (10) according to claim 1 wherein the strengthening ribs (44) are disposed on opposite outer edges of the bight portion (12).
3. A bite block ( 10) according to claim 1 wherein the arms (14, 16) include a textured exterior surface (50) adapted for aiding traction on the bite block (10) by the upper and lower teeth (30).
4. A bite block (10) according to claim 3 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) and the arms (14. 16) are made from polymer plastics having different durometers.
5. A bite block (10) according to claim 4 wherein the plastic polymer of the textured exterior surface (50) is a softer durometer than the polymer plastic of the arms (14, 16).
6. A bite block ( 10) according to claim 5 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) includes a series of serrations.
7. A bite block (10) according to claim 6 wherein the series of serrations is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24) disposed transversely to the series of serrations, whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained on the bite block (10).
8. A bite block (10) according to claim 3 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24), whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained to the textured exterior surface (50).
9. A bite block (10) according to claim 3 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) includes a series of serrations.
10. A bite block (10) according to claim 9 wherein the series of serrations is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24) disposed transversely to the series of serrations, whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained on the bite block (10).
11. A bite block ( 10) according to claim 10 wherein the bight portion (12) comprises strengthening ribs (44).
12. A bite block (10) according to claim 11 wherein the strengthening ribs (44) arc disposed on opposite outer edges of the bight portion (12).
13. A bite block (10) for facilitating a dentist's access to a patient's mouth comprising an open-ended U-shaped body including a pair of arms (14, 16) extending from a bight portion (12). thereby defining a void (40) that is bounded in part by the arms (14, 16) and the bight portion ( 12), the arms (14. 16) including a textured exterior surface (50) adapted for aiding traction on the bite block (10) by the upper and lower teeth (30), whereby when the bite block (10) is positioned between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth the dentist will have access to the patient's mouth through the void (40).
14. A bite block (10) according to claim 13 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) and the arms (14. 16) are made from polymer plastics having different durometers.
15. A bite block (10) according to claim 14 wherein the plastic polymer of the textured exterior surface (50) is a softer durometer than the polymer plastic of the arms (14, 16).
16. A bite block (10) according to claim 13 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) includes a series of serrations.
17. A bite block (10) according to claim 16 wherein the series of serrations is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24) disposed transversely to the series of serrations, whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained on the bite block (10).
18. A bite block (10) for facilitating a dentist's access to a patient's mouth comprising an open-ended U-shaped body including a pair of arms (14, 16) extending from a bight portion (12), thereby defining a void (40) that is bounded in pan by the arms (14. 16) and the bight portion (12), the arms (14. 16) comprising a polymer plastic of a first durometer and the bight portion (12) comprising a polymer plastic of a second durometer, whereby when the bite block (10) is positioned between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth the dentist will have access to the patient's mouth through the void (40).
1 . A bite block (10) according to claim 18 wherein the plastic polymer of the arms (14,16) is a softer durometer than ihe polymer plastic of the bight portion (12).
20. A bite block ( 10) according to claim 1 wherein the plastic polymer of the arms (14,16) forms a textured exterior surface (50) adapted for aiding traction on the bite block (10) by the upper and lower teeth (30).
21. A bite block ( 10) according to claim 20 wherein the textured exterior surface (50) includes a series of serrations.
22. A bite block (10) according to claim 21 wherein the series of serrations is longitudinally flanked by side walls (24) disposed transversely to the series of serrations, whereby the upper an lower teeth (30) are restrained on the bite block (10).
23. A bite block (10) according to claim 18 wherein the arms (14, 16) are spaced between 0.25 and 0.75 inches apart at a junction with the bight portion (12).
24. A bite block (10) according to claim 18 wherein the arms (14, 16) include free ends spaced between 1.125 and 1.50 inches apart.
25. A bite block (10) according to claim 24 wherein the arms (14, 16) are spaced between 0.25 and 0.75 inches apart at a junction with the bight poπion (12).
PCT/US1998/014476 1998-07-13 1998-07-13 Improved bite block Ceased WO2000002493A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU84832/98A AU8483298A (en) 1998-07-13 1998-07-13 Improved bite block
PCT/US1998/014476 WO2000002493A1 (en) 1998-07-13 1998-07-13 Improved bite block
US09/304,200 US6241521B1 (en) 1998-07-13 1999-05-03 Bite block

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1998/014476 WO2000002493A1 (en) 1998-07-13 1998-07-13 Improved bite block

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/304,200 Continuation US6241521B1 (en) 1998-07-13 1999-05-03 Bite block

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000002493A1 true WO2000002493A1 (en) 2000-01-20

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/014476 Ceased WO2000002493A1 (en) 1998-07-13 1998-07-13 Improved bite block

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WO (1) WO2000002493A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109662680A (en) * 2019-03-06 2019-04-23 郑彬彬 A kind of unilateral adjustable supporting device of disposable dental examination and treatment
CN109662681A (en) * 2019-03-06 2019-04-23 郑彬彬 A kind of unilateral support device of dental examination and treatment
US10786080B1 (en) * 2019-12-06 2020-09-29 Dooli Products, LLC Anti-tipping mechanisms integrated into furniture

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1143515A (en) * 1914-10-13 1915-06-15 William F Dunlop Jaw-prop.
US2220674A (en) * 1939-05-17 1940-11-05 Martha F Mckesson Mouth prop
US2823455A (en) * 1956-04-24 1958-02-18 Boyd F Sprague Dental instrument
US4356821A (en) * 1980-09-17 1982-11-02 Bruce Rind Airway
US5590643A (en) * 1995-01-17 1997-01-07 Flam; Gary H. Mandibular protracting oral intubating airway

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1143515A (en) * 1914-10-13 1915-06-15 William F Dunlop Jaw-prop.
US2220674A (en) * 1939-05-17 1940-11-05 Martha F Mckesson Mouth prop
US2823455A (en) * 1956-04-24 1958-02-18 Boyd F Sprague Dental instrument
US4356821A (en) * 1980-09-17 1982-11-02 Bruce Rind Airway
US5590643A (en) * 1995-01-17 1997-01-07 Flam; Gary H. Mandibular protracting oral intubating airway

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109662680A (en) * 2019-03-06 2019-04-23 郑彬彬 A kind of unilateral adjustable supporting device of disposable dental examination and treatment
CN109662681A (en) * 2019-03-06 2019-04-23 郑彬彬 A kind of unilateral support device of dental examination and treatment
CN109662681B (en) * 2019-03-06 2022-04-19 广州德伦粤垦口腔门诊部有限公司 Unilateral strutting arrangement is used in dentistry inspection treatment
US10786080B1 (en) * 2019-12-06 2020-09-29 Dooli Products, LLC Anti-tipping mechanisms integrated into furniture

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