Keith R Watkins

US Patent:

52135012, May 25, 1993

Filed:

Dec 6, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/804659

Inventors:

Keith V. Watkins - Coram NY

International Classification:

A61C 1312

US Classification:

433172

Abstract:

A mechanically retained fixed partial denture is a three part device which is assembled to form the pontic. The three parts to interlock in a non-displaceable manner as follows: 1) a buccal element engages the buccal surfaces of the abutment teeth 2) a lingual element engages the lingual surfaces of the abutment teeth; 3) part of the buccal element is within the body of the lingual element; 4) and an incisal attachment element then connects the buccal and lingual elements. The incisal attachment element comprises an elongated member which, upon assembly, extends through a linear aperture located within the body of both the buccal element and the lingual element both simultaneously and continuously, to form an interlocking system resulting in one functional unit made up of the three elements. The advantages of this mechanical retention are 1) conservation of tooth structure; 2) efficiency due to time savings; 3) low expense; and 4) no complications of tooth preparation. The devices is adaptable to replace several adjacent teeth.