Patent ID: 7704076
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A dental attachment system, comprising: an abutment member configured for attachment to a tooth root, implant, or adjacent tooth, the abutment member having a head and an annular seat adjacent the head, the head having an end face and an outer annular surface extending axially from the end face to the annular seat, and the head and annular seat defining a central longitudinal axis; an elastomeric ring configured for releasable engagement in the seat on the abutment member; a retainer ring engaged over the elastomeric ring, the retainer ring being of more rigid material than the elastomeric ring, and having opposite open ends and an outer surface which is of rounded, convex cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction; and a cap for securing in a recess in a dental appliance or prosthesis, the cap having a central longitudinal axis, an inner annular surface which is of rounded, concave cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction and which is adapted for swivel engagement over the rounded, convex outer surface of the retainer ring and an inner end face which faces the end face of the head of the abutment member and a first end of the retainer ring, the inner end face of the cap being axially spaced from both the opposing end face of the head and the first end of the retainer ring to define a clearance permitting swiveling of the cap relative to the head and retainer ring through a predetermined angular range from an axially aligned orientation in which the central longitudinal axes of the cap and head are coaxial into swiveled orientations in which the central longitudinal axis of the cap is angled relative to the central longitudinal axis of the head.