Patent ID: 7226289
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A method for overmolding a plurality of polymers having different properties onto a dental instrument that is adapted for both mechanical and manual manipulation, the method comprising: providing a dental instrument substrate made of metal; overmolding a first polymer onto a portion of the dental instrument substrate so as to form a first portion of a handle; and applying a second polymer over a portion of the first polymer so as to form a second portion of the handle that is less rigid and more flexible than the first portion, wherein the handle has a first end surface, a second end surface, and a side surface disposed between the first and second end surfaces, wherein the first polymer has an exposed outer perimeter that defines a portion of the side surface of the handle and wherein the second polymer has an exposed outer perimeter that defines another portion of the side surface of the handle, the exposed outer perimeters of the first and second polymers being substantially even where they make abutment on the side surface of the handle, wherein the exposed outer perimeter of the first polymer provides an exposed surface of the handle not covered by the second polymer that is grippable by a collet of a dental hand piece without obstruction by the second polymer, and wherein an exposed outer surface of the second polymer enhances manual grip by a dental practitioner.