Dowel pin locator assembly and method of making positive dental models

Abstract

A dowel pin locator assembly comprising a U-shaped base member having a race and anchoring members is placed so that the anchoring members are imbedded in the dental stone poured into the negative impression of a conventional impression tray. The race is left exposed, and after the dental stone has set, the positive model formed by the dental stone is separated from the negative impression. The race provides a snug fit with the head of a dowel pin, which is slideably positioned into the race so as to be in proper position for the ground-down tooth, requiring restoration. The head of the dowel pin cover is then bonded to the floor of the race and to the walls. The dowel pin projects upwardly through a slot in the race and is fitted with a dowel pin shank cover containing a central bore through which the shank projects. A full arch cover fits over the race member and the walls of the full race cover provides a snug fit for the dowel shank cover which is then locked into position by means of clips. Thereafter, the appropriate portions of the positive model are marked and the sections are sawed out through the slot portion of the U-shaped base member, so that the segment of the positive model and the U-shaped member containing the projecting shank can be removed and accurately relocated in the center of the model for the dental restoration work.