| abstract |
A dental tray for treating teeth using upper and lower jaw patterns formed from dental wax. The patterns are thin, ranging from about 0.02 to 0.08 inches thick, with 0.04 inches preferred. The wax is capable of softening at body temperature. The patterns include a fold line formed along their lengths so an outer portion extends from the fold line about the length of the average person's front teeth, for example, about 0.625 inches. The inner portion is slightly smaller, for example, about 0.375 inches. The inner portions have gaps to permit the folded pattern to fit inside the patient's mouth. The inside of the tray may be textured to assist in holding bleaching material. The tray can be reused, and it is suitable for bleaching, fluoride treatment, stain removal, and other conventional dental procedures. |