Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a pontic in a polymeric shell dental appliance, including providing a polymeric shell dental appliance of the type which is removably placeable over a patient's dentition, said shell having a concave trough which conforms to the teeth when the appliance is placed over the dentition and a location in the trough corresponding to a missing tooth; and depositing a flexible, durably affixed material in the location to form the pontic.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a pontic in a polymeric shell dental appliance, including providing a polymeric shell dental appliance of the type which is removably placeable over a patient's dentition, said shell having a concave trough which conforms to the teeth when the appliance is placed over the dentition and a location in the trough corresponding to a missing tooth; and depositing a flexible, durably affixed material in the location to form the pontic.

Abstract: A hand-holdable apparatus useful for abrading a surface is provided. The invention is particularly useful for dental applications using a stream of abrasive particles suspended in a gas stream to abrade the surface of a tooth. The apparatus of the invention may be modified to easily minimize “bleed down” of the gas/abrasive stream using a pinch valve and to remove worn flexible conduits for routine maintenance and autoclaving of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention also provides a novel pick-up assembly for delivery of abrasive particles.

Abstract: A hand-holdable apparatus useful for abrading a surface is provided. The invention is particularly useful for dental applications using a stream of abrasive particles suspended in a gas stream to abrade the surface of a tooth. The apparatus of the invention may be modified to easily minimize “bleed down” of the gas/abrasive stream using a pinch valve and to remove worn flexible conduits for routine maintenance and autoclaving of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention also provides a novel pick-up assembly for delivery of abrasive particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a pressurized stream of gas having particles suspended therein, is described. A double acting pinch valve suitable for use in the apparatus is also described. The apparatus finds particular utility in the dental industry.

Abstract: A removable nozzle head for a miniature sandblaster used for medical or industrial applications is disclosed comprising a nozzle, a handpiece nozzle adapter, a nozzle locking ring where the nozzle and nozzle handpiece adapter each have corresponding first and second bore in fluid communication to allow delivery of independent supplies of a gas and an abrasive laden stream to a mixing chamber in the nozzle for delivery through a orifice tube to a surface to be abraded, cleaned or modified.

Abstract: A device for containing abrasive particles expelled from air-abrasive apparatus and permitting their facile removal without the aid of a vacuum source, while facilitating a relatively unobstructed view of the working area during use. One embodiment disclosed is a device for containing abrasive material expelled by a gas abrasive dental apparatus. The device comprises a flexible puncturable, substantially flat distal sheet comprising one side of the device for isolating a tooth surface to be abraded; a transparent, puncturable, substantially flat proximal sheet comprising the other side of the device; an enclosure for containing the abrasive material.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for an air abrasive unit such as those used in the dental field. This method and apparatus utilizes an internal vibrator motor with vibration transmitters which transmit the vibration throughout the abrasive jar. The abrasive pickup assembly uses pressure differentials to suck up abrasive through a screen which controls the flow rate and particle size of the abrasive flowing through the system. The system can utilize a photo-optical detection system to detect the abrasive level. Alternatively, a pressure/pulse detection system may be used to measure abrasive level. Dilution of the air/abrasive mixture and "air only" modes are possible with the present system. Depressurization and mere reductions of pressure can also be accommodated. The invention also includes a system for easily modifying the content of an air abrasive stream exiting the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel composition and system for use for removal of organic and inorganic materials from a variety of substrates, including a tooth surface, without damage occurring to the substrate. The disclosed composition comprises a friable abrasive particle which when propelled by a gas stream at a surface for a time sufficient departs adequate energy to remove organic and inorganic materials from the surface without causing any significant ablation of the surface.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel composition and system for use for removal of organic and inorganic materials from a variety of substrates, including a tooth surface, without damage occurring to the substrate. The disclosed composition comprises a friable abrasive particle which when propelled by a gas stream at a surface for a time sufficient departs adequate energy to remove organic and inorganic materials from the surface without causing any significant ablation of the surface.

Abstract: A removable nozzle head for a minature sandblaster used for medical or industrial applications is disclosed comprising a nozzle, a handpiece nozzle adapter, a nozzle locking ring where the nozzle and nozzle handapiece adapter each have corresponding first and second bore in fluid communication to allow delivery of independent supplies of a gas and an abrasive laden stream to a mixing chamber in the nozzle for delivery through a orifice tube to a surface to be abraded, cleaned or modified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an air abrasive unit such as those used in the dental field. This method and apparatus utilizes an internal vibrator motor with vibration transmitters which transmit the vibrations throughout the abrasive jar. The abrasive pickup assembly uses pressure differentials to suck up abrasive through a screen which controls the flow rate and particle size of the abrasive flowing through the system. This system can utilize a photo optical detection system to detect the abrasive level. Alternatively, a pressure/pulse detection system may be used to measure abrasive level. Dilution of the air/abrasive mixture and "air only" modes are possible with the present system. Depressurization and mere reductions of pressure can also be accommodated.

Abstract: A hand-holdable apparatus useful for abrading a surface is provided. The invention is particularly useful for dental applications using a stream of abrasive particles suspended in a gas stream to abrade the surface of a tooth. The apparatus of the invention may be modified to easily minimize “bleed down” of the gas/abrasive stream using a pinch valve and to remove worn flexible conduits for routine maintenance and autoclaving of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention also provides a novel pick-up assembly for delivery of abrasive particles.