Patent ID: 6030219
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A dental attachment assembly, comprising:an abutment member for attachment to a tooth root, implant, or adjacent tooth, the abutment member having an upper end, and an outer locating surface portion projecting downwardly from the upper end, the outer locating surface portion being positioned to project above a tissue level when the abutment member is secured in a tooth root or implant;a male member for attachment to the abutment member, the male member having an upper end comprising a swivel joint for swivel engagement within a cap in a recess in a dental appliance, and a skirt projecting from the upper end of the male member for engagement over the outer locating surface of the abutment member, the skirt having a rounded, convex outer surface;the abutment member and male member having mateable snap-engaging formations for releasable snap engagement when the male member is attached to the abutment member; the outer locating surface portion being outwardly tapered at least adjacent the upper end of the abutment member for centering the male member over the abutment member as the members are secured together; anda cap for securing in a recess in a dental appliance, the cap having a cavity for containing said swivel joint, the cavity having a rounded, concave inner surface for releasable snap engagement over the rounded outer surface of the skirt, the swivel joint and cap cavity together comprising means for permitting swivelling of the cap over the male member relative to the dental appliance.