Abstract:
A jaw model for demonstration purposes has interchangeable spare parts ( 4 ). The base ( 1 ) of the jaw model is provided with compartments ( 11 ) for storing the spare parts ( 4 ).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to a jaw model for demonstration of dental works and clinical pictures of teeth and partial dentures, with a jaw arch which is arranged on a base and has at least one recess for receiving an exchangeable insert part which forms a presentation piece. 
     PRIOR ART 
     DE 38 43 106 discloses a jaw model of the above type, in which the insert part is formed by an exchangeable individual tooth which has a preferably cylindrical pin which can be inserted into a bore in the jaw arch, and which is locked in the bore by a locking element formed by a spring. The known jaw model permits rapid exchange of different insert parts. However, it is not entirely satisfactory because the insert parts have to be stored in a separate container, which not only takes up extra room but can also be easily mislaid. 
     In a jaw model known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,891, individual teeth also form exchangeable insert parts which in this case are each provided with a guide bead which, for adjustment purposes, can be inserted into a groove provided on the jaw arch. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to remedy the shortcoming mentioned above, and to make available a jaw model which can be used not only for presentation purposes, but also as a container for a number of insert parts. According to the invention, in the case of a jaw model of the generic type in question, this object is achieved by the fact that the base is provided with storage compartments for further insert parts. 
     The jaw model according to the invention is easy to handle and makes it possible to securely accommodate a number of different insert parts in a very small space. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further features and details of the invention will become evident from the subclaims and from the following description of two illustrative embodiments which are shown in the attached drawing, where: 
     FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a jaw model and of an insert part before its insertion into the model; 
     FIG. 2 shows the jaw model represented in FIG.  1  and the insert part which has been inserted into the latter; 
     FIG. 3 shows, on a larger scale, a cross section along the line III—III in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 shows a cross section, corresponding to FIG. 3, through a modified embodiment; 
     FIG. 5 shows the base of the jaw model according to FIGS. 1 and 2, provided with storage compartments for different insert parts, and 
     FIG. 6 shows a view, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a modified jaw model. 
    
    
     EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In the figures, reference number  1  denotes the base of a jaw model whose jaw arch  2  is provided with a recess  3  for an insert part  4  which includes a group of three teeth. To secure the position of the insert part  4  in the position shown in FIG. 2, locking elements  5  are used which, in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, are formed by balls which lock, in each case under the action of a spring  6 , into locking depressions  7  formed by bores. Instead of balls spring-mounted in bushings  8  with an inwardly flanged retaining edge, buffers  9 ,  10  made of rubber or another suitable plastic and forming a frictional closure can also be used for this locking. A corresponding embodiment is shown in FIG.  4 . 
     As can be seen from FIG. 5, the base  1  is provided with a number of storage compartments  11  for additional insert parts  4  whose teeth are made of different materials, for example. To retain and lock the insert parts  4  in the storage compartments  11 , the same locking elements are used as are used to retain and lock the insert element  4  in the jaw arch  2 . The bottom surfaces  12  of the insert parts  4  accommodated in the storage compartments  11  are flush with the bottom surface  13  of the base  1 . However, in order to be able to remove the insert parts without any problem, the bottom of the base  1  is equipped with grip depressions  14 ,  15  arranged on both sides of the long edges of the insert parts. 
     FIG. 6 shows a jaw model in which, for additional adjustment of an insert part  16 , the bottom surface of the insert part is provided with a V-shaped groove  17  and a guide bead  18  adapted to the shape of the groove  17 .