Abstract: The present invention relates to a framework adapted to be directly assembly onto an osseointegrated implant. The framework is adapted to be assembled intraorally to allow a precise adaptation of the cast member of the framework to one or more implant-supported abutments. Preferably, the framework includes first and second conical-shaped sleeves adapted to be removably supported in first and second tapered recesses of the cast member. The sleeves cooperate with and are supported by a plurality of cement layers to cushion forces applied to the abutment and to fix the position of the cast member relative to the implant during assembly.

Abstract: A matrix clamp for dentistry comprises a frame, a threaded rod screwingly displaceable in the frame and having a front end and a rear end, a coulisse block arranged to releasably hold ends of a loop of a matrix band having an adjustable width, the coulisse block being slidingly displaceable by the front end of the threaded rod, a screw element having an inner thread, the rear end of the threaded rod being provided with an outer thread engaging with the inner thread of the screw element provided with a handle, the screw element being formed as a quick tensioning nut which is tiltable relative to a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod, and a tightening spring held on the threaded rod and acting upon the quick tightening nut.

Abstract: A hand held periodontical tool preferably including a switch for adjusting the frequency of vibration, tabs accessible from the exterior of the housing for adjusting the vibration amplitude, and interchangeable end pieces, having a variety of tip members including side by side ribs that are separated from each other a distance smaller than at least one of the height and width dimensions of the ribs.

Abstract: In a liquid-applying tip assembly in which the liquid-applying member is pushed to operate the valve to allow the liquid to flow to the liquid-applying member, the liquid-applying member is a plastic member which comprises: a plurality of ribs extending radially and axially from an axial core in such a manner as to form a plurality of axial liquid passageways therebetween. A barrier is provided between the valve and the cylinder of the tip assembly, the barrier having a hole whose diameter is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the liquid-applying member to control the flow of liquid.

Abstract: An axis indicator contains a long rectangular tube placed within the saddle of a dental bracket. The indicator contains a projection which is parallel to the archwire slot in the dental bracket and can be aligned parallel to the occlusal plane of the patient. Thus, use of the axis indicator insures proper placement of the dental bracket on the teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus using an elastic member having a first and second portion fixed to anchor points which are selectively placed on anchor teeth, both anchor teeth being in the same selected dental arch and both anchor teeth on the same buccal or lingual face of the selected arch, or on the same selected posterior or anterior face of each anchor tooth. The elastic member is operative to engage and exert muscle balance, alter forces selectively either to lingual or buccal faces of the dental arches. The elastic member comprises polymer tube portions joined by bifurcated fixtures.

Abstract: Upper and lower frames of jaw movement analyzing apparatus is disclosed. A segmented clamp interconnects the side arms of the lower frame to a forward transverse rod in a manner to simplify locating the jaw hinge axis. The clamp includes a screw for gripping the rod with two of the clamp segments for maintaining the arms in adjusted angular positions while permitting further easy adjustment. The clamp also includes separate ball screws engaging a side arm to maintain axial positioning of the arm and permitting further easy adjustment. A lock screw extends through the clamp segments to lock the arms in the located hinge axis position.

Abstract: A heating element is inserted into the archwire slot of the tooth in order to allow the adhesive surface of a dental bracket to become loose. Force is exerted by a pull wire, controlled by a force limiting spring, until the bracket is removed. No harm comes to the patient or the tooth.

Abstract: A paraocclusive instrument including two holding jaws laterally applied to the lower dental arch and a basic element in communication with the holding jaws in the form of a rod to transfer movement of the lower jaw to display and/or recording devices. The holding jaws are pivotally connected with pivot arms which are pivotally mounted at the basic element and extend divergingly from this bearing position at the basic element to the connecting points with the holding jaws. A lockable adjustment device is provided at the basic element for setting the mutual position of the pivot arms. The adjustment device includes a rod mounted at or in the basic element which is longitudinally displaceable and articulated to the pivot arms to positively control them and which, if displaced longitudinally, pivots the pivot arms. It is advantageous for the end of the rod facing the pivot arms to be connected with the pivot arms by guide arms.

Abstract: A disposable dry field tongue guard for intra-oral placement during a dental procedure to remove saliva from around the lingual side of the lower arch while also constraining the tongue so that the tongue does not interfere with the procedure. The dry field tongue guard comprises an evacuation tube having an exterior end that connects to a suction source. The interior end of the tube fits into an aperture that is centrally located in a curvatured top wall of a tongue guard sheath. There is a cavity within the tongue guard sheath within which the interior tip end of the evacuation tube is located. Channels extend from this cavity downwardly and outwardly to the outer periphery of the tongue guard sheath. A tongue shield for fitting over the tongue is disposed beneath the tongue guard shield. The device is retained in place on a patient during a dental procedure by means of a chin blade that has a friction lock fit on the exterior end of the evacuation tube.

Abstract: A synthetic tooth for replacing an actual tooth by inserting a flexible crowned member into the socket of the removed tooth. The synthetic tooth is conformed to the tooth socket and filled to replace the actual tooth therein.

Abstract: Debonding of cemented orthodontic brackets from teeth by application of a quick twisting force to fracture the adhesive bond. A torquing tool has slotted ends making a close slip fit over mesial and distal side surfaces of the bracket, and has a flattened center section providing a good tactile sense of applied force. The method and tool are especially useful with brackets made of brittle ceramic material.

Abstract: An attachment for removably supporting a denture in the mouth of the user in which the user has at least two spaced apart dental posts implanted therein, the attachment including a first basic portion in the form of an anchor member semi-permanently attached to the anchor post and being curved to generally the shape of the alveolar ridge of the user and having a bar portion extending between the spaced apart dental posts, the anchor member having retention recesses at each end. The attachment's second basic portion is a denture member which conforms generally to the contour of the anchor member and which is engagable in proximity with the anchor member. The denture member is cast within a denture having simulated gum portions and teeth portions. The denture member has integrally formed projections which are removably insertable into the recesses in the anchor member, the axes of the projections and the axes of the recesses being inclined toward planes of the anchor member and the denture member.

Abstract: An arch bar for direct bonding to the teeth of a patient comprises an elongated arch bar having a plurality of ligature hook elements extending from one side thereof. The back or gingival portion of the arch bar is provided with a layer of mesh material extending substantially the entire length thereof. The mesh material may be in the form of a fine metal mesh which is spot welded or otherwise secured to the gingival portion of the arch bar to effect optimum retention with the bonding agent that secures the arch bar to the enamel surfaces of the patient's teeth. The arch bar may be perforate along its length to enable light passage through the arch bar when photo polymerizing bonding agents are employed. The ligature hooks may be of a configuration to enable retention thereof by special application instruments for positioning of the arch bar during installation.

Abstract: The dental flosser-dispenser includes a pistol-grip shaped handle portion and a bow portion extending therefrom for holding a length of tension of floss between its tip and an anchoring mechanism. A spool of dental floss is provided in the handle and includes a detent system for selectively paying out new floss from the spool and anchoring the spool in place while the device is being used for flossing. An alternate embodiment of the dental floss dispenser includes a pistol-grip shaped handle portion in an elongate neck portion supporting the U-shaped armature. A spool of dental floss is provided in the handle and includes a detent system for selectively paying out new floss from the spool.

Abstract: Mesial-distal slippage of an orthodontic archwire is deterred by manufacturing a parabolic archwire with a bend at its vertex. The bend has a height incapable of entering the wire-receiving slots of the brackets on a patient's teeth.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic appliance is provided with a means for retaining the appliance within the user's mouth. The appliance has an upper and lower tooth receiving trough and the troughs are separate at an anterior end, but connect at a posterior end by a resilient hinge which biases the appliance into an open position with the two trough anterior ends urged apart. Such an appliance can be manufactured by slitting the appliance after molding, before it has cooled, to thermoset the hinge in an open position; slitting the appliance after it has cooled, reheating the hinge area and then thermosetting it in an open position; or molding the appliance in an open position.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance system includes a plurality of connector appliances for rigidly connecting a force-supplying appliance to a patient's teeth to be positioned or stabilized. Each connector appliance includes a male connector piece rigidly attached to the force-supplying appliance and a female connector piece adapted for rigid attachment to a tooth to be positioned or stabilized. Each male connector piece is substantially wedge-shaped having a large base connected to the force-supplying appliance and a relatively narrow outer end. Each female connector piece includes a wedge-shaped receptacle generally corresponding in shape to the wedge shape of the male connector pieces, the receptacle being adapted to receive one of the male connector pieces in a fully inserted, connected position with the receptacle surfaces substantially abutting said wedge-shaped male connector. Each connector preferably also includes a locking device for locking the male and female pieces together in the connected position.

Abstract: A dental instrument for cleaning and planing of tooth root faces comprises a conical or flattened working part, in which one or more countersunk grooves are cut out. Opposed side faces of said grooves form a sharp, essentially square-angled cutting edge with area of the working part situated on either side of the groove. When the deposits upon the tooth have been removed and the tooth face planed, said areas form load-relieving surfaces resting against the tooth face and preventing the cutting edges from coming into contact with and undesirably working off further undamaged tooth material.

Abstract: Low profile dilation catheter and method of manufacturing the same for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The catheter has an inflatable balloon for dilating stenotic lesions, and an integral guide wire by which the catheter can be steered into the artery system.