Device for securing a removable partial denture to a fixed prosthetic element

摘要

An attachment which secures the removable component of a dental prosthesis to the stationary component has complementary male and female detent members one of which is mounted in or on the stationary component and the other of which is mounted on or in the removable component. The detent member on the removable component is separably locked to the detent member on the stationary component in a predetermined position by a locking device having a socket in one of the detent members and a coupling member on the other detent member. The coupling member has a hollow rotary cylindrical, spherical or barrel-shaped rolling element which is mounted on a piece of wire having end portions anchored in the other detent member, separably secured to the other detent member or received in a flat housing on the other detent member. The rolling element can penetrate into and is biased against the surface surrounding the socket. The end portions of the wire can constitute torsion springs or can be installed in a mass of elastomeric material. A cushion can be provided to bias the rolling element into the socket when the movalbe detent member reaches the predetermined position relative to the detent member on the stationary component of the prosthesis. The coupling member can be mounted on the movable detent member to facilitate cleaning by a jet of hydraulic or pneumatic fluid.