Abstract:
A dental splint comprising a plurality of splint posts and a strip interconnecting the plurality of splint posts, wherein at least one of the splint posts has a resin thereon. One or more of the plurality of splint posts may include a removable peel strip for covering the resin. One or more of the plurality of splint post may be fixed to the strip and one or more of the plurality of splint posts may be movable relative to the strip. One or more of the plurality of splint posts may include a groove operable to accept a wire. Methods of applying the dental splint and for securing a broken jaw using the dental splint are also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to a temporary dental splint for stabilizing teeth and/or jaw parts having undesirable mobility.  
         [0002]     A dental splint may be used to stabilize a loose or dislocated tooth. Typically, the loose or dislocated tooth is repositioned and temporarily splinted to one or more adjacent, non-mobile teeth. For example, the loose tooth may be splinted to a left adjacent, non-mobile tooth and to a right adjacent, non-mobile tooth (such a splint may be referred to as a “bridge splint”). As a further example, the loose tooth or dislocated tooth may be splinted to one or more left adjacent, non-mobile teeth, or to one or more right adjacent, non-mobile teeth (such a splint may be referred to as a “cantilever splint”). The splint may remain in place for several days or weeks until the loose tooth becomes non-mobile and there is no sign of root resorption.  
         [0003]      FIG. 22  illustrates a prior art dental splint  72  applied to the lower right lateral incisor  52 , lower right central incisor  50  and the lower left central incisor  51 , for example, as a bridge splint (i.e., wherein the lower right central incisor  50  is mobile). Prior to applying the dental splint  72 , the lower right lateral incisor  52 , lower right central incisor  50  and the lower left central incisor  51  are cleaned, etched, rinsed, and thoroughly dried. A bonding agent (not shown) is then applied to the lower right lateral incisor  52  and cured using an ultraviolet or visible light. The bonding agent is then applied to the lower right central incisor  50  and cured. Finally, the bonding agent is applied to the lower left central incisor  51  and cured.  
         [0004]     A large amount of resin or composite  75  is then applied to the lower right lateral incisor  52 . The splint  72  is then pressed into the resin  75  and positioned as desired. More resin  75  may be applied as necessary. The resin  75  is then cured using the ultraviolet or visible light. The resin  75  is then applied to the lower right central incisor  50 , the splint  72  pressed into the resin  75  and positioned as desired, and the resin  75  is cured. Finally, the resin  75  is applied to the lower left central incisor  51 , the splint  72  pressed into the resin  75  and positioned as desired, and the resin  75  is cured.  
         [0005]     The prior art dental splint  72  may also be used to secure a broken or injured jaw. For example, a first dental splint  72  may be applied to one or more upper teeth (i.e., teeth located in the upper jaw or maxilla) and a second dental splint  72  may be applied to one or more lower teeth (i.e., teeth located in the lower jaw or mandible). The first and second splints  72  may then be interconnected using one or more wires or bands.  
         [0006]     The prior art dental splint  72  illustrated in  FIG. 22  is difficult to install onto and remove from a patient&#39;s teeth. For example, the teeth to which the splint  72  is secured must remain dry for the bonding agent to properly adhere to the tooth&#39;s surface. This is difficult to accomplish due to the number of steps that must be completed when applying the bonding agent to each tooth. Additionally, the bonding agent must be thoroughly cured and remain dry for the resin  75  to properly adhere to the bonding agent. Again, this is difficult to accomplish due the number of steps required to apply the resin  75  and the splint  72 . Furthermore, the large amount of resin  75  that is used to secure the splint  72  to the teeth is difficult to strip off from the teeth when the splint  72  is removed.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, a need exists for a dental splint that is easy to apply and remove and which overcomes the limitations inherent in prior art.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     One aspect of the invention relates to a dental splint comprising a plurality of splint posts, at least one of the splint posts having a resin thereon, and a strip interconnecting the plurality of splint posts.  
         [0009]     Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of applying a dental splint comprising securing a first splint post to a mobile tooth, securing a second splint post to a non-mobile tooth, wherein at least one of the first and second splint posts includes a resin thereon, and interconnecting the one or more splint posts with a strip.  
         [0010]     Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of applying a dental splint comprising securing a first splint post to a mobile tooth and securing a second splint post to a non-mobile tooth, wherein the first and second splint posts are interconnected by a strip and wherein at least one of the first and second splint posts includes a resin thereon. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     To enable the present invention to be easily understood and readily practiced, the present invention will now be described for purposes of illustration and not limitation, in connection with the following figures wherein:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the front of a dental splint according to one embodiment.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a simplified front-view of the splint shown in  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is perspective view of the back of the splint shown in  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a simplified back-view of the splint shown in  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a simplified side-view of the splint shown in  FIGS. 1-4  according to one embodiment.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of a splint post for the splint shown in  FIG. 5  according to one embodiment.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 5B and 5C  are detailed views of the splint post of  FIG. 5A  according to one embodiment.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates the use of the splint shown in  FIGS. 1-5  according to one embodiment.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a simplified side-view of the dental splint shown in  FIG. 1  according to another embodiment.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of the splint post for the splint shown in  FIG. 7  according to one embodiment.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  illustrates the use of the splint shown in  FIG. 7  according to one embodiment.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a simplified view of a bulk supply of the dental splint shown in  FIGS. 1-5  and  FIG. 7  according to one embodiment.  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a simplified front-view of a dental splint according to another embodiment.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of the splint shown in  FIG. 10  along line  11   a - 11   a  according to one embodiment.  
         [0026]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of the splint shown in  FIG. 10  along line  11   b - 11   b  according to one embodiment.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view a splint post for the dental splint of  FIG. 10  according to one embodiment.  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  is a simplified front-view of a dental splint having a fixed splint post on one end according to one embodiment.  
         [0029]      FIG. 14A  is a simplified side-view of a dental splint according to another embodiment.  
         [0030]      FIG. 14B  is a simplified top-view of the dental splint of  FIG. 14  according to one embodiment.  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  is an exploded, perspective view of a splint post for the dental splint of  FIGS. 14A and 14B  according to one embodiment.  
         [0032]      FIG. 16  illustrates the installation of the splint shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  according to one embodiment.  
         [0033]      FIG. 17  illustrates the installation of the splint shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  according to another embodiment.  
         [0034]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the front of a dental splint according to another embodiment.  
         [0035]      FIG. 19A  is a simplified side view of a dental splint according to another embodiment.  
         [0036]      FIG. 19B  is a simplified top view of the dental splint shown in  FIG. 19A  according to one embodiment.  
         [0037]      FIG. 20  is an exploded, perspective view of a splint post for the dental splint of  FIGS. 19A and 19B  according to one embodiment.  
         [0038]      FIG. 21  illustrates the installation of the splint shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B  according to one embodiment.  
         [0039]      FIG. 22  illustrates the use of a prior art dental splint. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0040]     The detailed description sets forth specific embodiments which are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments may be utilized while remaining within the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.  
         [0041]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are a perspective view and a simplified view, respectively, of the front of a dental splint  10 , whereas  FIGS. 3 and 4  are a perspective view and a simplified view, respectively, of the rear of the dental splint  10  according to one embodiment.  FIG. 5  is a simplified side view of the dental splint  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  according to one embodiment.  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , dental splint  10  is comprised of a strip  12  having one or more slots  14  therein. In the current embodiment, the slots  14  are ovoidal in shape and are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the strip  12 . Each slot  14  may have a splint post  15  associated therewith. The position of each splint post  15  may be adjusted within its associated slot  14 . In the current embodiment, the strip  10  and/or splint posts  15  are made from a resilient plastic material (e.g., polypropylene), however, other materials (e.g., stainless steel) may be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of the splint post  15  for the dental splint  10  according to one embodiment.  FIGS. 5B and 5C  illustrate more detailed views of the splint post  15  of  FIG. 5A  according to one embodiment. The splint post  15  may include a top  16 , a connecting member  17 , a base  18 , a peel strip  20 , and a resin  22  (which may also be referred to herein as composite  22 ).  
         [0044]     In the current embodiment, top  16  is ovoidal in shape and the base  18  is rectangular in shape, although other shapes may be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention. The resin  22  is situated on the bottom surface of the base  18  and is covered by the removable peel strip  20 . The resin  22  may be, for example, a hybrid resin, a microfill resin, macrofill resin, and/or a minifill resin, among others. The resin  22  is used to secure the splint post  15  (and thus the splint  10 ) to the patient&#39;s teeth. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other substances which are capable of properly adhering the splint  10  to the patient&#39;s teeth may be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0045]     As best illustrated in  FIG. 5C , the connecting member  17  may be comprised of a female portion  17   a  and a male portion  17   b.  The female portion  17   a  may have one or more notches  26 , whereas the male portion  17   b  may have one or more latches  25 . In the current embodiment, the latches  25  lockably engage the notches  26  when the male portion  17   b  is inserted into the female portion  17   a  (as best illustrated in  FIG. 5B ).  
         [0046]     In the current embodiment, the female portion  17   a  of the connecting member  17  is inserted through one of the slots  14  (relative to the front surface of strip  12 ) with top  16  aligned transverse to the longitudinal axis of strip  12 . The male portion  17   b  of the connecting member  17  is then inserted through the slot (relative to the rear surface of the strip  12 ) and into the female portion  17  with base  18  aligned transverse to the longitudinal axis of strip  12 . The female portion  17   a  and the male portion  17   b  are pressed together until latches  25  engage notches  26 .  
         [0047]     In the current embodiment, the length of the connecting member  17  may be selected such that, when latches  25  engage notches  26 , the bottom side of top  16  remains in contact with the front surface of strip  12  and the top of base  18  remains in contact with the rear surface of strip  12 . Accordingly, the splint post  15  may be moved within the slot  14  with the application of a certain amount of force, but is not so free as to fail to provide support to the mobile tooth. More specifically in the current embodiment, the slot  14  and splint post  15  combination provides sufficient support to stabilize the mobile tooth while allowing a certain amount of physiological movement so as to prevent ankylosis (i.e., to prevent the mobile tooth from fusing to the maxilla or mandible).  
         [0048]      FIG. 6  illustrates the use of the splint  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-5  according to one embodiment. The splint  10  in the current embodiment is being used as a bridge splint to interconnect a mobile upper right central incisor  40  to a non-mobile, adjacent upper right lateral incisor  42  and a non-mobile, upper left central incisor  41 . The upper right central incisor  40  is aligned into its desired position. In one embodiment, the splint  10  may be dry fitted by placing the splint  10  across teeth  42 ,  40 ,  41  and adjusting each splint post  15  within its associated slot  14  until the base  18  of each splint post  15  is aligned to provide the best contact with the surface of its associated tooth.  
         [0049]     After dry fitting, the upper right lateral incisor  42 , the upper right central incisor  40 , and the upper left central incisor  41  are cleaned, etched, rinsed, and dried. Cleaning may include removing blood, dirt, foreign matter, etc. that may be present, for example, as a result of trauma to the patient&#39;s mouth. Etching may be completed, for example, using a solution of phosphoric acid. Rinsing and drying may be completed using water and compressed air, respectively. After the teeth are dried, the peel strip  20  is removed from the bottom surface of base  18  of each splint post  15  to reveal the resin  22 . Each base  18 , with the exposed resin  22 , is then positioned (e.g., aligned and pressed against) relative to the etched surface of a tooth (i.e., one splint post  15  is secured to each of the upper right lateral incisor  42 , the upper right central incisor  40 , and upper left central incisor  41 ). Final positioning adjustments for each base  18  relative to the surface of its associated tooth may then be made. The resin  22  is then cured, for example, using an ultraviolet or visible light, to secure the splint  10  to the patient&#39;s teeth.  
         [0050]     In an alternative embodiment, the peel strip  20  may be removed (and the resin  22  exposed) from the bottom one base  18  at a time. The base  18  with the exposed resin  22  is then positioned relative to its associated tooth and secured (the associated tooth may be cleaned, etched, rinsed, and dried as discussed above). For example, the peel strip  20  may be removed from the base  18  which is to be secured to the upper right lateral incisor  42 . The base  18  with the exposed resin  22  is then aligned and pressed against the etched surface of the upper right lateral incisor  42  and the resin  22  is cured, for example, using an ultraviolet or visible light. Next, the peel strip  20  may be removed from the base  18  which will be secured to the upper right central incisor  40 . The base  18  with the exposed resin  22  is then aligned and pressed against the etched surface of the upper right central incisor  40  and the resin  22  cured. Finally, the peel strip  20  may be removed from the base  18  which will be secured to the upper left central incisor  41 . The base  18  with the exposed resin  22  is then aligned pressed against the etched surface of the upper left central incisor  41  and the resin  22  cured.  
         [0051]     It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other methods of attaching the splint  10  to the teeth may be employed while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, a bonding agent may first be applied and cured onto the upper right central incisor  40 , the upper right lateral incisor  42 , and upper left central incisor  41  prior to attaching the splint  10  to the teeth. The bonding agent may improve the ability of the resin  22  to adhere to the surface of the teeth.  
         [0052]      FIG. 7  is a simplified side-view of the dental splint  10  shown in  FIG. 1  according to another embodiment. This dental splint  10  utilizes a splint post  15  which includes a groove  19  in the top  16  (as best seen in  FIG. 7A , which is an exploded view of a splint post  15  according to the current embodiment). The groove  19  is adapted to accept a wire or band, for example, for securing a broken jaw.  
         [0053]      FIG. 8  illustrates the use of the splint  10  illustrated in  FIG. 7  according to one embodiment. More specifically, two splints  10  are illustrated, one attached to the buccal surfaces of teeth in the maxilla (upper jaw) and another attached to the buccal surfaces of teeth in the mandible (lower jaw). The splints  10  are shown interconnected in an intermaxillary manner, thus securing the maxilla and mandible together. Wires  27  are looped around the tops  16  of the splint  10  secured to the teeth in the maxilla and around corresponding tops  16  of the splint  10  secured to teeth in the mandible. In the current embodiment, the wires  27  fit within the grooves  19  in each top  16 . The grooves  19  help to secure the wires  27  and prevent the wires  27  from cutting or pinching the patient&#39;s gums, cheeks, etc.  
         [0054]     In one embodiment, the first splint is applied to one or more teeth located in the maxilla and the second splint is applied to one or more teeth located in the mandible. The first splint and the second splint are then interconnected. At least one of the first splint and the second splint are applied by securing a splint post to each of the one or more teeth as discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 6 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 9  is a simplified view of a bulk supply of the dental splint  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7  according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the dental splint  10  may come in a roll such that a doctor or dentist may easily choose the length of splint  10  needed for a particular patient by simply cutting off the splint  10  at the desired length. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other bulk supplies for the splint  10  are contemplated by the present invention. For example, the splints  10  may be shipped in standard lengths that may be used as is, or trimmed to a desired length.  
         [0056]      FIG. 10  is a simplified front-view of a splint  100  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The splint  100  includes a strip  120  having one or more slots  140  therein. In the current embodiment, the slots  140  are ovoidal in shape and are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the strip  120 . Each slot  140  may have a splint post  150  associated therewith. The position of each splint post  150  may be adjusted within its associated slot  140 . The strip  120  also includes one or more channels  110  disposed along the longitudinal axis of the strip  120 . The channels  110  prevent rotation of the splint posts  150  as will be described herein below. In the current embodiment, the strip  100  and/or splint posts  150  are made from a resilient plastic material (e.g., polypropylene), however, other materials (e.g., stainless steel) may be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0057]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of splint post  150  for the dental splint  100  of  FIG. 10  according to one embodiment. The splint post  150  may include a top  160 , a connecting member  170 , and a base  180 , a peel strip  20 , and a resin  22 . In the current embodiment, top  160  is ovoidal in shape includes two keys  210  at either end of the top  160 . The connecting member  170  is cylindrical in shape, whereas the base  180  is rectangular in shape. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other shapes may be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0058]     In the current embodiment, the resin  22  is situated on the bottom surface of the base  180  and is covered by the removable peel strip  20 . The resin  22  may be, for example, a hybrid resin, a microfill resin, macrofill resin, and/or a minifill resin, among others. The resin  22  is used to secure the splint post  150  (and thus the splint  100 ) to the patient&#39;s teeth. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other substances which are capable of properly adhering the splint  100  to the patient&#39;s teeth may be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention. In the current embodiment, the splint post  150  is of unitary construction, although other types of construction may also be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0059]     Referring now to  FIG. 11A  (which is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the splint  100  shown in  FIG. 10 ), the splint post  150  is aligned with and inserted into a slot  140  of the splint  100  relative to the rear of strip  120  until the base  180  makes contact with the rear surface of strip  120 . The splint post  150  is then rotated  90  degrees. As best illustrated in  FIG. 11B  (which is a cross-sectional view of another portion of the splint  100  shown in  FIG. 10 ), the keys  210  align with and “snap into” channels  110  such that the top  160  and base  180  are positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis of strip  120 . Once the keys  210  engage the channels  110 , further rotation of the splint post  150  is impeded. The splint post  150 , however, may move laterally within the slot  140  relative to the longitudinal axis of strip  120 .  
         [0060]     In the current embodiment, the splint post  150  may be moved within the slot  140  with the application of a certain amount of force, but is not so free as to fail to provide support to the mobile tooth. More specifically in the current embodiment, the slot  140  and splint post  150  combination provides sufficient support to stabilize the mobile tooth while allowing certain amount of physiological movement so as to prevent ankylosis (i.e., to prevent the mobile tooth from fusing to the jaw bone).  
         [0061]     It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments, which are within the scope of the present invention, are contemplated for the splint  100 . For example, splint post  150  may include a groove (not shown) in top  160 . The groove may be used to interconnect two or more splints  100  to secure a broken jaw, for example, as discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 8 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 13  is a simplified front-view of a dental splint  10  according to an alternative embodiment. Dental splint  10  includes a fixed splint post  15   a.  When the dental splint  10  is secured to a patient&#39;s teeth, the fixed splint post  15   a  may prevent, for example, excess movement of the strip  12  relative to the splint posts  15  while allowing a certain amount of physiological movement so as to prevent ankylosis. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the number of fixed splint posts  15   a  may be varied while remaining within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that a fixed splint post  15   a  may also be used with the splints  10 ,  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 10 , respectively, among others.  
         [0063]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  are a simplified side-view and a simplified top-view of a dental splint  300  according to another embodiment. Dental splint  300  includes a strip  320 . Splint  300  also includes a plurality of splint posts  350 , one or more which may be fixed (i.e., splint post  350   a ) to the strip  320 . In the current embodiment, the strip  320  and/or splint posts  350  are made from a resilient plastic material (e.g., polypropylene), however, other materials (e.g., stainless steel) may be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0064]      FIG. 15  is an exploded, perspective view of a splint post  350  for the dental splint  300  shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  according to one embodiment. The splint post  350  includes a flat base  370  and a domed top  380 . Base  370  includes a peel strip (not shown) that that can be removed to expose a resin (not shown), which in the current embodiment is situated on the bottom surface of the base  370 . The resin is used secure the splint post  350  to a patient&#39;s tooth.  
         [0065]     Domed top  380  includes a passage  360  which allows the strip  320  to be inserted through the domed top  380 . In the current embodiment, strip  320  has a plurality of ridges  330  located on the top surface thereof and the passage  360  includes one or more protrusions (not shown) that engage one or more of the ridges  330  on the strip  320 . In combination, the protrusions and ridges  330  impede splint posts  350  from sliding relative to strip  320  once the splint posts  350  are adjusted to their desired position while allowing certain amount of physiological movement so as to prevent ankylosis. Additionally, the fixed splint post  350   a  may prevent, for example, excess movement of the strip  320  relative to the splint posts  350  when the dental splint  300  is secured to a patient&#39;s teeth, again while allowing certain amount of physiological movement so as to prevent ankylosis.  
         [0066]      FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate two different methods for applying the splint  300  to a patient&#39;s teeth. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the splint  300  may be dry fitted by placing the splint  300  across the teeth (e.g., the lower right lateral incisor  52 , the lower right central incisor  50 , and the lower central incisor  51 ) and adjusting each splint post  350  relative to strip  320  so that the base  370  of each splint post  350  provides the best contact with the surface of the associated tooth. Each of the lower right lateral incisor  52 , the lower right central incisor  50 , and the lower left central incisor  51  are then cleaned, etched, rinsed, and dried. After drying, the peel strips are removed from the base  370  of each splint post  350 ,  350 a to reveal a resin (not shown in  FIG. 16 ). The bases  370 , with the resin exposed, are then positioned (e.g., aligned and pressed against) relative to the etched surface of the teeth (i.e., the lower right lateral incisor  52 , the lower right central incisor  50 , and the lower central incisor  51 ). Final positioning of the bases  370  relative to the teeth may be made and the resin cured, for example using an ultraviolet or visible light, to secure the splint  300  to the teeth.  
         [0067]     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the lower right lateral incisor  52  is cleaned, etched, rinsed, and dried. The peel strip is removed from the base  370  of a splint post  350  to reveal a resin (not shown in  FIG. 17 ). The base  370 , with the resin exposed, is then aligned and pressed against the etched surface of the lower right lateral incisor  52 . Final positioning of the base  370  relative to the tooth is made, and the resin is cured, for example using an ultraviolet or visible light, to secure the splint post  350  to the lower right lateral incisor  52 . The same procedure is repeated for the lower right central incisor  50  and the lower left central incisor  51 . Next, the lower right canine  54  is cleaned, etched, rinsed, and dried. Then the strip  320  is then inserted through the passages  360  of each of the secured splint posts  350  (i.e., the splint posts  350  secured to the lower right lateral incisor  52 , the lower right central incisor  50 , and the lower left central incisor  51 ). It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the use of an additional non-mobile tooth (e.g., the lower right canine  54 ) is for exemplary purposes and is not to be perceived as limiting the current embodiment in any manner.  
         [0068]     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , strip  320  includes a fixed splint post  350   a  attached to a first end. Thus, the other end (i.e., the end opposite the fixed splint post  350   a ) is inserted though the passages  360  of the splint posts  350  that have already been secured to the teeth. Once the strip  350  is inserted into the passages  360  of each of the splint posts  350 , the fixed splint post  350   a  is aligned with the lower right canine  54 . The peel strip is removed from the base  370  of splint post  350   a  to reveal the resin. The base  370 , with the resin exposed, is then aligned and pressed against the etched surface of the lower right canine  54 . Final positioning of the base  370  relative to the tooth  54  is made, and the resin is cured, for example using an ultraviolet or visible light, to secure the splint post  350   a  to the lower right canine  54 . The end of strip  320  (i.e., the end opposite the splint post  350   a ) may be trimmed as necessary, for example, to eliminate any material that protrudes from the passage  360  of the splint post  350  secured to the lower left central incisor  51 .  
         [0069]     It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that methods (other than those illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ), may be used to apply the splint  300  while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, a bonding agent may be applied to the teeth prior to securing the splint  300 . Furthermore, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the splint  300  may be easily adapted to be used to securing a broken jaw. For example, wires or stays may be interconnect the strip  320  of a splint  300  attached to the teeth in the lower jaw to the strip  320  of a splint  300  attached to the teeth in the upper jaw. As another example, splint posts  350 ,  350   a  may be adapted to accept and hold a wire.  
         [0070]     In the current embodiment, the shape of the domed top  380  may improve the comfort level of the patient by eliminating any sharp or pointed edges that may cut or pierce the patient&#39;s gums, cheek, lip, etc. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other shapes may be used for the splint posts and/or strip while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, the passage  360  may be round to accept a round strip  320 . As another example, splint posts having a different shaped base and top may be used.  FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the front of a dental splint  300  which uses rectangular splint posts  31  (i.e., the base and top are rectangular) according to another embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , dental splint  300  includes a plurality of rectangular splint posts  31 , one or more of which may be a fixed splint post  31  a. The dental splint  300  illustrated in  FIG. 18  may be secured to a patient&#39;s teeth in the same manner as discussed above in conjunction with the splint  300  of  FIG. 14A .  
         [0071]      FIGS. 19A and 19B  are simplified side and simplified top views of a dental splint  60  according to another embodiment. Dental splint  60  includes a strip  62  and a plurality of splint posts  65 , one or more which may be fixed onto the strip  62  (not shown). In the current embodiment, the strip  62  and/or splint posts  65  are made from a resilient plastic material (e.g., polypropylene), however, other materials (e.g., stainless steel) may be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0072]      FIG. 20  is an exploded, perspective view of a splint post  65  for the dental splint  60  shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B  according to one embodiment. The splint post  65  is rectangular in shape. The bottom or base  67  of the splint post  65  includes a peel strip (not shown) that that can be removed to expose a resin (not shown). The resin, which in the current embodiment is situated on the bottom surface of the base  67 , is used to secure the splint post  65  to a patient&#39;s tooth.  
         [0073]     The upper portion or top  68  of the splint post  65  includes a passage  66  disposed along the longitudinal axis of splint post  65 . The shape of the passage  66  may be selected to match the shape of the strip  62 . In the current embodiment, for example, a cross-section of the passage  66  is substantially round in shape to match the cross-section of the strip  62 . The passage  66  may have a diameter that is slightly larger than the cross-sectional outer diameter of the strip  62  so as to allow the strip  62  to move within the passage  66  with the application of a certain amount of force, but is not so free as to fail to provide support to the mobile tooth. More specifically in the current embodiment, the passage  66  and strip  62  combination provides sufficient support to stabilize the mobile tooth while allowing certain amount of physiological movement so as to prevent ankylosis.  
         [0074]     The passage  66  may be accessed via an opening or slit  69  in the top  68  of splint post  66 . The slit  66  is also disposed along the longitudinal axis of the splint post  65 .  
         [0075]     In the current embodiment, the width of the slit  69  (i.e., the width of the opening) is slightly less that the outer diameter of the strip  62  such that the strip  62  may be “snapped” into passage  66 . The width of the slit  69  may be selected such that once “snapped,” the strip  66  is retained in passage  66  until removed by a doctor or dentist. In the current embodiment, a semi-rigid and/or flexible material which permits the strip  62  to be “snapped” into the passage  66  without breaking the splint post  65 , yet is capable of retaining the strip  62  within the passage  66 , may be used for the splint post  65 .  
         [0076]      FIG. 21  illustrates the use of the splint  60  shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B  according to one embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the lower right lateral incisor  52  is cleaned, etched, rinsed, and dried. The peel strip (not shown in  FIG. 21 ) is removed from the base  67  of a splint post  65  to reveal the resin (not shown in  FIG. 21 ). The base  67 , with the resin exposed, is then positioned (e.g., aligned and pressed against) relative to the etched surface of the lower right lateral incisor  52 . Final positioning of the base  67  relative to the tooth is made and the resin is cured, for example using an ultraviolet or visible light, to secure the splint post  65  to the tooth. The same procedure is repeated for the lower right central incisor  50  and the lower left central incisor  51 . Next, the strip  62  is pressed into the slit  69  such that the strip  62  snaps into the passage  66  of the splint post  65  attached to the lower right lateral incisor  52 . The strip  62  is then pressed into the slit  69  such that the strip  62  snaps into the passage  66  of the splint post  65  attached to the lower right central incisor  50 . Finally, strip  62  is pressed into the slit  69  such that the strip  62  snaps into the passage  66  of the splint post  65  attached to the lower left central incisor  51 .  
         [0077]     It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that methods (other than that illustrated in  FIG. 21 ), may be used to apply the splint  60  while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, a bonding agent may be applied to the tooth surface prior to securing the splint  60  to a patient&#39;s teeth. Furthermore, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the splint  60  may be easily adapted to be used to securing a broken jaw. For example, wires or stays may be interconnect the strip  62  of a splint  60  attached to the teeth in the lower jaw to the strip  62  of a splint  60  attached to the teeth in the upper jaw. As another example, splint posts  65  may be adapted to accept and hold a wire.  
         [0078]     It should be recognized that the above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative only. Numerous alternative embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims. For example, the application of the dental splints to the specific teeth discussed above was for exemplary purposes only and it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the splint may be applied to other teeth. Furthermore, although the discussion of the specific embodiments was limited to securing the splints to the buccal surface of the teeth, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the splints may be applied to another the surface of the tooth (e.g., the lingual, occlusal, etc.) while remaining within the scope of the present invention.