Abstract: A method is proposed for ascertaining the spatial positions and orientations of at least two implants anchored in a jaw of a patient, said method having the following steps: 1. An adhesive bond aid is produced that bridges the implants and has negative molds of adhesive caps, wherein the negative molds fit on the adhesive caps if these are affixed to the implants, and wherein the negative molds allow a clearance relative to the adhesive caps. 2. The adhesive caps are affixed to the at least two implants in the jaw of the patient. 3. The adhesive bond aid is positioned over the adhesive caps. 4. The clearance between the adhesive caps and the negative molds is filled with adhesive. 5. The adhesive is cured. 6. The adhesive caps are released from the implants. 7. The obtained adhesion key is removed from the patient.

Abstract: A dental treatment instrument includes a bridge unit, and a first tip and a second tip unit each configured to be replaceable with respect to the bridge unit, where the bridge unit includes a first lengthwise groove formed in a lengthwise direction at one end of the bridge unit, a first circumferential groove extending from the first lengthwise groove in a first circumferential direction, a second lengthwise groove formed in the lengthwise direction at the other end of the bridge unit, and a second circumferential groove extending from the second lengthwise groove in a second circumferential direction different from the first circumferential direction, and the first tip unit includes a first coupling protrusion extending in a direction vertical to the lengthwise direction of the bridge unit, and the second tip unit includes a second coupling protrusion extending in a direction vertical to the lengthwise direction of the bridge unit.

Abstract: Pliers for making measurable torque bends in orthodontic archwires include upper and lower grips that are pivotally connected to each other. The upper grip is attached to a lower jaw having a first lower wing and a second lower wing. At least one slot is defined in an upper surface of each lower wing for receiving a portion of an archwire therein. The lower grip is attached to an upper jaw. The upper jaw includes a first upper wing and a second upper wing. A pivoting rod is pivotally connected to the first and second upper wings. A lever arm slidably engages a central portion of the pivoting rod. End portions of the pivoting rod extend through the upper wings and are connected to protractors. The lever arm includes at least one channel on a bottom surface for receiving a portion of the archwire between the lower wings.

Abstract: A detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system includes bracket bases, brackets, and an arch wire for guiding alignment of teeth. The bracket bases are positioned on a lingual surface and/or a facial surface of the teeth. Each bracket base includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one first interlocking element. The first surface is rigidly attached to the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The second surface opposes the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The first interlocking element is attached to and positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to or parallel to the second surface of each bracket base. The brackets include at least second interlocking element that interlocks with the first interlocking element. The arch wire is inserted through a slot channel of each bracket. The bracket and the arch wire are infused and rigidly anchored within enclosing layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered surfaces that exhibit reduced specular reflection and gloss while still providing a high intensity of reflected light at multiple incident angles. The structured metal surfaces include engineered topography that increases diffuse reflection, leading to a greater intensity of light perceived at multiple viewing angles. A viewer engaging such surfaces is likely to perceive a stronger ‘white’ reflection of the incident light and an improvement, particularly in orthodontic and other oral applications, of aesthetic appearance. Methods of creating the engineered surfaces and orthodontic articles incorporating the engineered surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable self-contained tooth-whitening device includes a compact housing structured and configured to be held in a fixed position adjacent to a human jaw during use; at least a first array of LEDs disposed in a first plane at a front side of the housing and arranged to deliver blue visible light or near-visible UV light of at least a threshold intensity to substantially all anterior surfaces of anterior maxillary teeth or anterior mandibular teeth of the human jaw, wherein the first array of LEDs forms at least two intersecting arcs, each of which is disposed in the first plane and has its own focal point located outside the device; and at least one battery cell powering the array of LEDs.

Abstract: A dental appliance is described herein. The dental appliance includes an abutment device adapted to be coupled to a jawbone and a sensor support assembly coupled to the abutment device. The sensor support assembly includes a sensor chamber that is configured to receive a sensing device therein. A chamber cover is coupled to the sensor support assembly to enclose the sensor chamber. The chamber cover includes a plurality of orifices that are configured to couple the sensor chamber in flow communication with an oral cavity. A tooth cap is coupled to the abutment device and includes a cap opening to receive the sensor support assembly therein.

Abstract: A digital control laser automatic tooth preparation method and device and a tooth positioner are provided. The device includes an intra-oral three-dimensional scanner, a dental laser, an oral working end, an oral and maxillofacial cone beam CT scanner, a computer, a tooth positioner, a negative-pressure suction device and a real-time monitoring device. The computer is connected respectively with the intra-oral three-dimensional scanner, the dental laser, the oral working end, the oral and maxillofacial cone beam CT scanner, the negative-pressure suction device, and the real-time monitoring device. The dental laser is connected with the oral working end of the digital control laser tooth preparation control system through a light guiding arm (1). The oral working end of the digital control laser tooth preparation control system is connected with the tooth positioner and the real-time monitoring device. The negative-pressure suction device is connected with the tooth positioner.

Abstract: An oral care implement having an applicator. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement having: a body having a handle and a head coupled to a distal end of the handle, the body extending along a longitudinal axis; a store of oral care material located within the body; an applicator on the body, the applicator having a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the store of oral care material, the plurality of outlets located on a concave dispensing surface of the applicator; and an actuator operably coupled to the store of oral care material to dispense the oral care material through the plurality of outlets.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating dental crowns and bridgework includes the steps of: selecting one or more prototype teeth; forming a mold around the prototype teeth using a soft flexible material; placing the mold within a model of a patient's teeth; pressing the uppers and lowers of the model together to establish the bite; removing the prototype teeth from the mold; adding wet porcelain to the inside walls of the mold and vibrating the mold to create the incisal; adding wet porcelain to create the body; pressing framework into the uncured body; vibrating the mold and removing moisture; allowing the porcelain to dry and removing the molded porcelain crown or bridgework from the mold; trimming off excess porcelain and adding porcelain to the margin area as needed; baking the crown or bridgework in an oven and removing when half cured; and carving and shaping the half cured porcelain.

Abstract: A syringe, in particular for viscous or liquid dental materials, provided with a syringe housing 12, in which a plunger 22 is guided for displacement in a manner known, wherein the plunger 22 can be removed from the syringe housing 12 and introduced into the syringe housing 12, and with an outlet cannula 20, which is fitted on the syringe housing 12. A region of the syringe housing 12 which is adjacent to the outlet cannula 20 is of deformable design and a region of the syringe housing 12 which is remote from the outlet cannula 20 is of dimensionally stable design.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly and system allowing for secure use of an orthodontic auxiliary, particularly a bite corrector, with lingually bonded appliance systems. In one aspect, the disclosure features an orthodontic assembly including a banded tube, a force module, a connector coupling the force module to the tube, and an attachment device secured to the labial surface of an anterior tooth and connected to mesial, outer end of the force module.

Abstract: A dental implant including a base, a central shaft and a shock absorber spacing and allowing limited movement between the base and the central shaft. The shock absorber may also contain a plurality of flex struts. The dental implant may further include an index collar covering an upper portion in the base.

Abstract: A method of smoothing teeth by, for instance, filling in cracks, chips and eroded areas by applying calcium and/or casein and/or phosphate and a source of OH? ions thereto. The method optionally provides that very thin layer(s) of dental cement be interlaced with other applied materials, and that the results be maintained in contact with the teeth involved by application of a composition of matter that adheres to said teeth and holds the results in place, while allowing at least some permeation of saliva therethrough. The method can optionally involve application of a backing strip or tray or the like to secure the other materials in place, but this is not a requirement where the composition of matter is sufficiently securing.

Abstract: The retractor is a generally U-shaped device for protecting the cheek and tongue from instruments used during dental and prosthodontic procedures. The retractor has a planar base defined by two spaced arms, a pair of upright shields extending from the arms, and a posterior connector connecting the shields. The base is contoured to grip the tooth adjacent to the tooth to be treated, and thereby, secure the retractor within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for moving the mandibular jaw relative to the maxillary jaw in response to jaws being closed is described. The orthodontic appliance includes a first member and a second member which is disconnected from the first member when jaws are in open position. The first member is adapted to be fixedly attached to one of mandibular or maxillary dental arches, and the second member is adapted to be rotatingly coupled with the other one of mandibular or maxillary dental arches. The first member and second member are in vertical alignment. During the closure of dental arches, the second member contacts the first member, and the rotation of the second member is initiated. Rotation of the second member pushes the mandibular jaw in either anterior or posterior direction.