Tray modeling system with articulator assembly and ejection mechanism for producing a dental model

摘要

A system and articulator for use with a replication of a dental patient's teeth taken by a conventional dental impression in the creation of a dental model of the patient's mouth. A first tray and a second tray are provided, each tray including a base surface having at least one frangible portion formed therewith, first and second spaced apart and upwardly extending side walls and first and second end walls which define a recessed cavity therebetween. The side walls are each defined by pluralities of spaced apart and vertically extending raised portions which permit segmented portions of the upper and lower dental models to be releasably attachable in correct position. A template base is provided with a configuration suitable for supporting an underside of each of said trays in an upright fashion and includes at least one raised portion corresponding in location and placement with the at least one frangible portion. A punch member is configured to engage first and second selected surfaces of each of the trays and downwardly actuates the trays so that the frangible portions are forcibly disengaged from the base surface and the base layer of stone and associated dental model are ejected from within the recessed cavity. The articulator includes a first mounting portion extending from the first tray and a second identically shaped mounting portion extending from the second tray. A first insert portion engages the first mounting portion and a second insert portion engages the second mounting portion. The first and second insert portions are each adjustable in height relative to their associated trays and further include aligning eyelet portions which permit them to be hingedly secured along a common axis so as to provide for desired positioning of the opposingly arrayed dental models.