Patent ID: 6652276
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A customizable bite block for use in maintaining a patient's mouth in an open position while providing unobstructed access to some of the patient's teeth during a dental procedure, comprising:a bite block body sized and configured so that the bite block fits entirely within one side of the patient's mouth when in use so as to provide unobstructed access to at least some teeth on an opposite side of the patient's mouth; an upper surface disposed on an upper side of said bite block body and adapted for engagement with a portion of the patient's upper teeth on the one side of the patient's mouth when the bite block is positioned within the patient's mouth; and a lower surface disposed on a lower side of said bite block body and adapted for engagement with a portion of the patient's lower teeth on the one side of the patient's mouth when the bite block is positioned within the patient's mouth, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces comprising an impression material that is plastically deformable (i) at or above a predetermined temperature or temperature range or (ii) prior to curing in order to make an impression of a portion of the patient's teeth on the one side of the patient's mouth.