20140120497 | DENTAL SEPARATOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A tooth separator apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a tong having two resilient arms that are biased in an open position and having a wedge at each end of each arm. A drive shaft moves a compression member to overcome the resiliency of the arms and move them and the wedges in a closing direction for separating the teeth. The drive shaft can also move the compression member in the opposite direction to release the closing force on the arms and thereby permit their resiliency to allow them and the wedges to move to an open position. | 05-01-2014 |