Custon handles of dental acrylic to promote self-sufficiency of handicapped patients.

Dental materials lend themselves to a multitude of applications outside the dental profession. The inherent physical properties of dental acrylic (autopolymerizing methyl methacrylate) provide the potential for practical adaptation to a variety of functional problems. A technique using dental acrylic is described, which is easily adapted to a variety of circumstances, enabling digitally handicapped patients to perform independent functions. Specific stepwise instructions are provided for the fabrication of an easily customized acrylic-handled toothbrush and an efficient one-handed knife. The combination of dental acrylic and this flexible technique provides a useful tool in the alteration of appliances for handicapped persons.