MODIFIED DENTAL SPATULA FOR IMPROVED MANIPULATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The alginate dental spatula is a pivotal tool in the field of dentistry, essential for the accurate mixing and application of alginate impression materials. Its design, functionality, and ease of use contribute significantly to the quality of dental impressions, directly impacting the success of various dental treatments and prosthetics. As a result, the alginate dental spatula is indispensable in ensuring that dental procedures are performed with precision and efficiency, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes. This invention is for improving the manipulation of alginate. This invention aims to enhance the handling of alginate. The improvement in this redesigned dental spatula is the inclusion of a spherical shape on one side, which assists in the process of manipulation of alginate.

Specification

INTRODUCTION
An alginate dental spatula is an essential tool in modem dentistry, specifically
designed for the efficient mixing and application of alginate impression materials.
This instrument, typically constructed from stainless steel or high-quality plastic,
serves a critical role in ensur.ing the accurate preparation of dental impressions,
which are fundamental for various diagnostic and restorative procedures. The
spatula features a broad, flat blade that blends the alginate powder with water to
create a smooth, uniform paste. This consistency is crucial as it directly affects the
quality and precision of the dental impressions. The process begins with the dental
professional carefully measuring the alginate powder and water, then using the
spatula to combine components.
In addition to its primary role in mixing, the alginate dental spatula is also used for
spreading the alginate mixture into impression trays. The flat blade allows for
smooth and even application, ensuring that the alginate covers the entire tray surface
uniformly. This even application is critical for achieving accurate impressions of the
dental arches and surrounding tissues, which are then used to create detailed and
precise dental models. The design of the alginate dental spatula has evolved over
time to meet the changing needs of dental practitioners. Modem versions often
feature enhanced ergonomic grips and improved materials to increase durability and
ease of cleaning .
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The importance of the alginate dental spatula extends beyond its functionality in
mixing and application. It also plays a role in the overall efficiency of dental
procedures. A well-mixed alginate impression material ensures that the impression
process is smooth and straightforward, reducing the time required for each patient
and improving the overall workflow in a dental practice. By facilitating accurate and
reliable impressions, the spatula helps in achieving better outcomes for dental
restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
HISTORY
The dental alginate spatula, an essential tool in modem dentistry, is a relatively
recent innovation compared to the broader history of dentistry and was developed in
the 20th century. Derived from ·alginic acid, which is found in brown seaweed,
alginate is favored for its ease of use, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. The invention
of alginate impression material is attributed to the 1930s when researchers sought a
more practical alternative to the traditional dental impression materials like plaster
and wax. Alginate impression materials offer several advantages: they are more
flexible and can capture fine details of the oral cavity, and they set quickly, which
enhances patient comfort and workflow efficiency.
The dental alginate spatula emerged as a direct response to the needs of mixing and
applying alginate impression material. Its design is optimized for the properties of
alginate, which has a distinctive consistency that requires a specialized approach for
proper mixing. The spatula's primary function is. to mix alginate powder with water
to create a smooth, homogenous mixture. Its shape and texture are designed to handle
the viscosity and chemical properties of alginate~ ensuring a consistent mix that is
crucial for accurate dental impressions.
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By the mid-20th century, as the use of alginate became more widespread, dental
manufacturers began producing spatulas specifically for this purpose. These spatulas
are typically made from materials resistant to the chemical effects of alginate and
are designed for easy cleaning and durability. The handles are ergonomically
designed to provide dentists with a comfortable grip, enhancing precision and
control during the mixing process.
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OBJECTIVES
1. To improve the manipulation of alginate by using the spherical side and flat side
of the modified spatula.
2. To reduce the air bubbles formed during manipulation.
3. To reduce mixing time of of alginate.
4. To achieve creamy mix of alginate materiaL
Advantages of Modified dental spatula for improved manipulation
I. Better manipulation of alginate for impression making.
2. Simplicity of the instrument without compromising any benefits present in the
previous modeL
3. No compromised impression made during clinical procedure .
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SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT fNVENTION
The alginate dental spatula is a crucial instrument in modem dentistry, designed for
the mixing and application of alginate impression materials. Typically made from
stainless steel or high-quality plastic, the spatula features a broad, flat blade that
blends alginate powder with water to form a smooth, uniform paste. This is vital for
producing accurate dental impressions, essential for diagnostic and restorative
procedures. The spatula also aids in spreading the alginate mixture evenly in
impression trays, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the dental arches and tissues.
Developed in the 20th century in response to the need for a practical alternative to
traditional impression materials, the spatula's design has evolved to enhance
ergonomics and durability. Modem spatulas often include improved grips and
materials, improving the efficiency and accuracy of dental procedures, thereby
contributing to better outcomes In dental restorations.
This invention is for minimizing the difficulty faced during the manipulation
of alginate for taking impressions. Our invention has a spherical shape on one side
adapting to the shape of the bowl in which alginate is mixed.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention aims to address the challenges encountered during the manipulation
of alginate for dental impressions. Our invention introduces a novel design featuring
a spherical shape on one side of the spatula. This spherical shape is specifically
engineered to adapt to the contours of the mixing bowl used for alginate. By
conforming to the bowl's shape, the spherical side of the spatula enhances the
efficiency of the mixing process, allowing for a more thorough and uniform blending
of alginate powder and water. This adaptation reduces the effort required to
manually mix the material and minimizes the likelihood of air bubbles or uneven
consistency. As a result, the spatula facilitates a smoother, more precise preparation
of alginate impressions, contributing to higher-quality dental results and a more
streamlined workflow for dental professionals.
The ergonomic handle of the alginate dental spatula enhances usability, providing a
comfortable grip that facilitates precise control during the mixing process. The
spatula's ability to blend the alginate thoroughly ensures that the resulting paste is
free from lumps and inconsistencies, which could compromise the quality of the
dental impression and, consequently, the fit and function of dental.prosthetics or
restorations. The spatula's design allows for efficient mixing, minimizing the risk of
air bubbles and ensuring that the alginate mixture achieves the right consistency for
optimal results .


CLAIMS
1/ We Claim,
Claim 1: A Modified Dental Spatula for Improved Manipulation, said
Modified Dental Spatula for Improved Manipulation, includes:
a Spherical side ( 1),
a Flat side (4)
a Handle (2)
a Thumb Rest (3)
Claim 2: Modified Dental Spatula for Improved Manipulation, of Claim
1, Wherein the Modified Dental Spatula for Improved Manipulation
Spherical side (1) helps in smooth and creamy manipulation of the dental
alginate material when mixed in rubber bowl.
Claim 3: Modified Dental Spatula for Improved Manipulation, of Claim I,
Wherein the Modified Dental Spatula for Improved Manipulation
Handle (2) is made of Wood, Plastic Or rubber material.

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