Abstract: A method of processing a surface of a metallic implant, such as a dental implant, to provide a desirable surface roughness, comprising subjecting the metallic implant to blasting with particles of one or more titanium oxides, including at least one non-stoichiometric titanium oxide, the particles having a compact morphology and a particle size in the range of from 1 to 300 ?m. The resulting implant surface showed unexpectedly high retention strength after implantation in bone.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for retaining a matrix band about at least a portion of a periphery of a tooth to be treated, the device comprising: a first lug to fit on one side of a proximal contact between two teeth; a second lug to fit on the other side of said proximal contact, and a resilient body member connecting between the first lug and said second lug. The body member applies a restorative or clamping force biasing the lugs together against opposed sides of the proximal contact and holds the lugs such that they must be separated to fit over the proximal contact. The first and second lugs are pivotally coupled to the resilient body member to allow the resilient body member to rotate relative to the lugs while providing the clamping force biasing the lugs together.

Abstract: The surface shape of a three-dimensional object is acquired with an optical sensor. The sensor, which has a projection device and a camera, is configured to generate three-dimensional data from a single exposure, and the sensor is moved relative to the three-dimensional object, or vice versa. A pattern is projected onto the three-dimensional object and a sequence of overlapping images of the projected pattern is recorded with the camera. A sequence of 3D data sets is determined from the recorded images and a registration is effected between subsequently obtained 3D data sets. This enables the sensor to be moved freely about the object, or vice versa, without tracking their relative position, and to determine a surface shape of the three-dimensional object on the fly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are substantially transparent and colorless dental varnishes having improved fluoride release, transparency and color once coated.

Abstract: A self curing activator for chemical polymerization of the interface of a dental bonding agent and a self curing or dual curing dental cement or restorative, includes an aryl borate compound, a polymerizable monomer, an optional acidic compound, an amine compound which exhibits a catalytic action, an organic peroxide containing material, and a metal compound wherein said metal compound promotes the decomposition of the organic peroxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making a three-dimensional dental prosthesis using ink-jet printing systems. An ink-jet printer is used to discharge light-curable, wax-like polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the prosthesis. The methods are particularly useful for making integrated dentures containing a set of artificial teeth. The denture base and set of teeth are made of light-curable, wax-like polymerizable materials comprising a mixture of monomer, oligomer, and light sensitizer. The wax-like materials are dimensionally stable in their uncured states. The denture base and artificial teeth are later light-cured to form a polymerized denture product having high flexural modulus and flexural strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental matrix for use repairing and restoring inter-proximal cavities on a tooth with light-cured composites, the dental matrix comprising a matrix body and a plurality of light transmitting micro-pores positioned on the matrix body and overlying the inter-proximal surface of the tooth when the dental matrix engages the restored tooth. The present invention further relates to a method manufacture of such dental matrix.

Abstract: A dental wedge for inserting into the interproximal space between adjacent teeth comprises a first and second sidewall comprised of a shape memory material, including a nickel-titanium alloy, wherein the dental wedge is in a first, resting state when outside of the interproximal space and transforms to a second, operational state when the dental wedge is interested into the interproximal space between adjacent teeth and exposed to a first transformation stimulus, namely exposure to the higher temperature in the interproximal space. The expansion force generated by the dental wedge when in the second, operational stage is sufficient to secure a dental matrix against the tooth being restored and to separate the tooth being restored and adjacent tooth to expand the interproximal space.

Abstract: A reusable dental impression tray having a reusable rigid tray holder with opposing sidewalls spaced apart substantially a first distance, the opposing sidewalls extend longitudinally in a curved manner, a connector located at a distal end of the tray holder couples the sidewalls together, the sidewalls and connector define an inward facing surface, a channel formed in and extends along the inward facing surface, and a handle located at a mesial end of the tray holder, and a disposable mesh bite tray having a generally U-shaped frame having an open end and a closed end, the U-shaped frame is made of a flexible material wherein the U-shaped frame has a generally static shape having a width at the closed end substantially similar to the first distance and a width at the open end which is greater than the first distance, and wherein with the U-shaped frame received in the channel, the open end of the U-shaped frame is held in a compressed state with the open end having a compressed width substantially the same a

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two part retraction system that can be inserted into the sulcus to form a semi-rigid porous elastomer releasing a hemostatic agent suitable for sulcus retraction such that a dental impression may be completed by a dental practitioner.

Abstract: A positioning device for holding a dental x-ray imaging media during the taking of a dental x-ray includes an aiming ring, a bite block and a positioning arm extending therebetween. The bite block carries a journal or barrel for receiving a portion of the positioning arm therein such that the portion of the positioning arm thus received can rotate or move therein, such that the position between the bite block and the aiming ring can be selected in one of a plurality of positions corresponding to a position for taking one of a plurality of dental x-ray images. In another embodiment, the bite block carries a window through which a color-coded or other indicia portion of the positioning arm is positioned such that the user can view the indicia to determine the x-ray image for which the device is set.

Abstract: A method of applying a dental composition to tooth surfaces is provided. The dental composition, comprising polymerizable resin and fluorescing compound, is applied to a tooth surface and cured so that it hardens. The composition is preferably used as a dental sealant that provides a hard, glossy surface finish over a tooth. Upon irradiating the sealant with ultraviolet light, the sealant exhibits a bright fluorescent glow. The sealant reverts immediately to its natural color when it is no longer exposed to the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A carrier composition for filling a tooth root canal, comprising a cross-linkable material.

Abstract: The invention provides a high strength dental composition including polymerizable dental resins. The dental composition is useful as restorative material and for making various dental devices, such as artificial teeth, crowns and bridges of high strength dental polymeric material.