A hollow U-shaped rubber dam device which eliminates the need for a dental assistant to handle a suction tube to maintain a dry field of work and prevent water from a dental drill from running uncontrollably over the patient by providing a structure which by itself maintains a dry field for dental work. The device is constructed so as to provide a suction path through the hollow interior for connection to the standard suction coupling of a dental stand, and to accept the standard dental suction tube fitting as an easily attachable and detachable part. The hollow interior suction path includes means for cleaning out and sterilizing the interior passages formed within a portion of the body of the device. The device is suitably made of radio-transparent material, such as molded plastic, and may remain in place while X-rays are taken without producing shadows on the exposed X-ray film.

An oral appliance for persons who have suffered facial burns to prevent shrinkage of the tissues around the mouth and lips during the healing process (microstomia). The appliance is adjustable to fit the patient's mouth and can be enlarged to progressively widen the opening of the mouth if shrinkage has already occurred. It may be employed to prevent shrinkage of the mouth and the lips by other causes (scleroderma, etc.).

The invention relates to a method of decreasing the risk of injury from mercury in conjunction with dental treatment. The invention is characterized by passing an effective air flow immediately outside the oral cavity in which the dental treatment is effected. The air flow, together with air removed by suction from the oral cavity when sucking saliva therefrom is passed through a first filter in which solid and liquid particles are extracted from the air flow. The air is then passed through a second filter which is capable of taking up essentially all of the mercury vapor present in the air. This filter is preferably a selenium filter.

In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a disposable dental appliance and method of use is provided. In particular, a cheek retraction apparatus is provided, which is formed from a lightweight yet durable biocompatible polymer. The apparatus is sufficiently durable to withstand recurrent use, however, the it is economically manufactured so as to be disposable. Moreover, the apparatus is pre-sterilized to alleviate the need for autoclaving and/or dry heat sterilization. A cheek retraction apparatus in accordance with the present invention also provides an indicia display medium that allows the dental practitioner to display patient information, whitening treatment measurements, or other indicia that might be useful to them during oral photography.

A dental suction device includes a hollow tube having both flexibility and shape retainability. The tube has its both ends connected to a connector and is formed with suction holes. The connector can be connected to a vacuum source. A suction force produced by the vacuum source can thus be applied to the suction holes of the tube through a passage formed in the connector. The connector includes a valve for adjusting the degree of opening of the passage formed in the connector and thus the suction force applied to the suction holes. The valve includes a valve body mounted in the connector and a manual lever for controlling the valve body.