Abstract: An illuminated dental prop for holding a patient's mouth open during dental procedures is disclosed. The illuminated dental prop is completely disposed within the patient's mouth during use and includes a bite prop and a lighting assembly that is selectively detachable from the bite prop to allow for intense sterilization of the components before or after use. The lighting assembly is selectively repositionable along the bite prop to accommodate different patient situations. Under certain embodiments of the invention, the body portion and/or the lighting assembly will be disposable after a single use.

Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.

Abstract: An oropharyngeal dam for facilitating a safe and efficient dental treatment is disclosed. The oropharyngeal dam includes a pair of cheek retractors including an upper retractor component, a lower retractor component and a cheek retracting sheet. Further, the upper retractor component, the lower retractor component, the cheek retracting sheet, and a set of lip retractors are collectively configured to retract cheeks of a patient. The oropharyngeal dam includes a tongue protector including an upper protector component, a lower protector component and a tongue protecting sheet. Furthermore, the upper protector component, the lower protector component and the tongue protecting sheet are collectively configured to shield and retract a tongue of the patient. The set of lip retractors are configured to aid lip retraction when pulled outside the mouth.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprising a handle and a blade extending at an angle from the handle, an illumination assembly having a plurality of direct light sources provided on the blade, and a cover configured to enclose the illumination assembly, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of openings, each opening corresponding in position to a respective light source of the illumination assembly when the cover is attached to the blade.

Abstract: A modular mouthpiece for soft tissue placement includes a base tray and soft tissue placement inserts. The soft tissue placement inserts are configured to be selectively coupled to the base tray.

Abstract: A bite block with inclined surfaces fits between a patient's upper and lower jaws to hold them apart and fixes the bite block position relative to the jaws. A support plate slides relative to the bite block to position a needle guide on the support plate along an axis of the support plate. A position stop on the support plate contacts the anterior border of the Ramus of the patient's mandible to position the needle guide along the axis. A syringe needle is guided by the needle guide to a predetermined location to administer anesthetic, preferably to the inferior alveolar nerve as it enters the mandible. The needle guide is inclined to avoid gaging and a tongue depressor attached to the support plate positions the patient's tongue.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device facilitate controlled positioning and manipulation of an individual's relative head, neck and jaw positions to facilitate stable airway management. In various embodiments, the device includes a base to which support arms are movably attached. A thrust arm is movably attached to each support arm and a jaw disc is attached to each thrust arm and adapted for rotation in accommodating various shapes and sizes of patient jaws.

Abstract: An oral orthotic device includes a body having a left portion including an upper surface and a right portion including an upper surface. The upper surface of the left portion and the upper surface of the right portion define a plane positioned to extend above an irregular surface defined by teeth of a user. A bite block extends from the upper surface of one of the left portion or the right portion a distance above the plane such that the bite block is disposed on the oral orthotic device exclusively on either the left portion or the right portion. One or more springs extend from the body and are configured to buffer the body from the teeth of the user. A lingual portion is coupled to the left portion of the body and to the right portion of the body. The lingual portion encloses a helical wire.

Abstract: A retainer appliance includes a retainer body, a frame, a first clasp, and a second clasp. The retainer body is configured to contour a roof of a mouth of a patient and includes a bite block extending therefrom. The frame is secured to the retainer body and extends therefrom. The first clasp extends from a left portion of the retainer body and is configured to couple to a first tooth located in the mouth of the patient. The second clasp extends from a right portion of the retainer body and is configured to couple to a second tooth located in the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: Dental retraction and isolation devices disclosed herein simultaneously isolate at least a portion of a maxillary dental arch and at least a portion of an opposing mandibular dental arch, along with the gingivae near the gumline, while gently retracting a patient's tongue, cheek and lips. All procedures in operative dentistry and fixed prosthodontics can be performed using these devices, but they are particularly useful where access to the gingiva is necessary or desirable, where a dry field is crucial for bonding success, and/or where occlusion and masticatory movement in a dry field are advantageous. The devices can be deployed in seconds and stay in place without clamps, ligatures or wedges, and because the devices are fabricated from soft, pliable materials, they reduce tissue damage and conform to oral surfaces.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating respiratory problems of a subject, such as those related to sleep apnea, are presented herein. An implementation of a device may be configured to provide a measured vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and/or mandibular advancement in a subject. Methods for treating a subject through the use of the device may include systematically increasing and/or decreasing the measured VDO provided by the device.

Abstract: A dental instrument configured to measure a degree of tapering of a side wall of a tooth is described. The dental instrument may include a handle and a taper measuring component coupled to a distal end of the handle. The taper measuring component includes a first, second, and third elongated member. A bottom surface may be formed at a coupling point of the second and third elongated member, where the second elongated member is configured to be substantially vertical when the bottom surface is placed adjacent to a tooth, and the third elongated member projecting radially from the second elongated member at a predefined angle. The third elongated member is shaped and positioned to rest substantially flush along the at least one side wall of the tooth when a degree of tapering of the tooth is substantially similar to the angle, and may include a measuring component.

Abstract: An orthotic device for redefining an occlusal plane includes a left portion, a right portion including an upper surface, a bite block coupled to either the left portion or the right portion, and a lingual portion coupled to the left portion and the right portion. The orthotic device is configured to engage teeth located along a left portion and a right portion of a mandible. The bite block is disposed along the upper surface of either the left portion or the right portion and extends upward relative to an upper surface of the left or right portion.

Abstract: Mouth gags having a tongue blade that includes a spine and an engagement portion for engaging a tongue of a patient are disclosed herein. The spine has a front, a back, a first side and a second side. A plurality of ratchet notches are located on the first side and a plurality of ratchet notches located on the second side. The mouth gag also includes a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism has a plurality of ratchet teeth for engaging the ratchet notches and a plurality of release tabs for disengaging the ratchet teeth from the ratchet notches.

Abstract: A device is provided for opening mouth. The device is custom-made through 3-dimensional (3D) printing. The overall framework is printed out after 3D-scanning the oral cavity, which meets a patient's oral shape. The present invention practically and effectively fabricates a custom-made mouth-opening device. The mouth's structure changed after surgery is taken into consideration, so that the patient can easily open the mouth with one hand. Furthermore, because the weight overall is light, the whole single-hand operation feels no heavy. The prolonged work of dental rehabilitation required by the patient is met. The device is easy to be cleaned. The feature of high material strength yet with proper softness is achieved. The comfort of use is increased for the patient with life quality enhanced. The effectiveness of rehabilitation and intervention is improved. The cost of custom-made medical material is effectively reduced.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to oxygenation masks having a plurality of tubes detachably secured to the oxygenation mask, wherein the plurality of tubes comprise an oxygen tube configured to supply oxygen gas received from an oxygen source to the patient via the oxygenation mask and an end-tidal carbon dioxide return tube configured to direct a portion of the patient's exhaled breath, comprising carbon dioxide, away from the oxygenation mask and to an end-tidal CO2 monitoring device. Accordingly, the oxygenation mask may be configured to supply oxygen to a patient while concurrently monitoring the breath metabolism rate of the patient by collecting a portion of the patient's exhaled breath in a gas return tube which is in fluid communication with an ETCO2 monitoring system.

Abstract: Systems for maintaining a vacuum in a patient's oral cavity comprises an oral device, a vacuum control system, and an assembly including first and second tubes for connecting the vacuum control system to the oral device. The oral device has an internal plenum, and a vacuum is drawn in the plenum by a vacuum pump connected by a first tube of the tubular assembly. The vacuum is maintained by an air source which is connected to the plenum by the second tube of the tubular assembly. By maintaining a constant circulating air bleed through the oral device and the connecting tubes, saliva may be removed from the system and collected in a saliva trap located before the vacuum pump.

Abstract: Cheek retraction devices including an upper frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of an upper dental arch, a lower frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame elements may each include left and right frame portions wherein the upper and lower left frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on one side of the frame, while upper and lower right frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on another side of the frame. The v-shaped hinges on opposed sides permit the upper and lower frame elements to be at least partially folded toward each other. A posterior frame element may be provided extending between the v-shaped hinges.

Abstract: An oral protection device including a dental wedge to be positioned between the dental arches of one side of the mouth, and a protection blade having a first portion which pushes against the tongue, and a second portion which engages with the other side of the mouth within the vestibule and having a blade extended by a turned-back section which forms a hook positioned at the labial commissure of the mouth.

Abstract: A dental device with dual saliva extractors and dual retractors for the tongue and upper lip and method are connectable to a suction and disposal unit. The device includes a pair of extractors each of which includes a suction tip and a tubular member for connecting the tip to the sources of suction. A first of the tubular members is put into a patient's mouth with a first curved portion inserted in a lower portion of the patient's mouth over the tongue and behind the front teeth and a second curved portion separate from said first portion branched off from where the first portion crosses the lower teeth and is inserted between the upper lip and upper molars under the region of the Stenson's duct.

Abstract: An intra-oral device for positioning oral tissues during medical treatment, for example, radiation treatment. The device includes upper and lower dental arch members configured to engage the maxillary and mandibular teeth or edentulous arch(es) of a patient, respectively. The upper and lower dental arch members are operatively coupled to provide a dental arch assembly. A protective element to displace or depress a patient's tongue is secured at a suitable working position with respect to the dental arch assembly. In an embodiment, provision is made for three-dimensional spatial adjustment of the protective element to a desired location, at least during initial fitting and assembly. The device is then secured to allow consistent repetition of the oral tissue positioning from treatment to treatment. The protective element may be configured to engage the tongue of a patient so that the tongue may be selectively positioned for treatment and/or diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning device includes a debris retention feature that helps the user remove debris from the tongue. In one embodiment, the feature is a suction system that removes the debris from the working area of the device. In another embodiment, the feature is a recess positioned adjacent the working edge such that the debris will collect in the recess. Another embodiment of the invention provides a tongue cleaning device having a working edge that is concave with respect to the tongue. Other embodiments of the invention provide flexible handle and head designs.

Abstract: A wearable airway supporting device consisting essentially of elastic textile products and a matching set of form-fit mandible projectors, and has portions that encircle the head such that, when combined with a set of form-fit mandible projectors, exert pressure on at least the pterygoideus internus section of the user's mandible so as to apply upwardly, outward pressure on the lower jaw (mandible) in order to stabilize the same while the user is sleeping or unconscious, thereby preventing snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and other airway obstruction caused by the tongue dropping back into the throat and blocking the user's airway. When the elastic members are placed around the front and back of the user's head, the device keeps the user's mandible jutted forward and prevents the tongue from falling back so that air flows through his airway.

Abstract: A dental retractor for preventing a patient's teeth from contact with an inner portion of a patient's mouth and tongue. The retractor includes three members. A first plate like member is constructed and dimensioned to fit between a patient's teeth and the inner side of the patient's cheek. A second plate like member is constructed and dimensioned to fit between the patient's same teeth and the patient's tongue. A third rod-shaped member connects the first and second members and is integral therewith and connected to a central portion thereof with mirrors. A mirror surface on one of the first and second members facing the teeth is provided. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first member fits between the upper and lower teeth on both sides of the mouth and includes a mirror for inspecting essentially all of a patient's teeth.

Abstract: A method for generating a virtual jaw image includes performing a movement recording method to obtain a movement record which comprises producing at least one position data record over a defined time. A position data record describes a spatial position of a lower jaw to an upper jaw at a specific time. Surface sections of the upper and lower jaw are scanned at the defined time during the movement recording method to obtain a spatial relation of the surface sections during the defined time. Digital upper and lower jaw images are recorded. A position data record of a virtual position of the digital lower jaw image is assigned to the digital upper jaw image. A position data record is selected to obtain a selected position data record. The digital lower and upper jaw images are virtually aligned based on the selected position data record to produce the virtual jaw image.

Abstract: The cheek pouch anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, conversely-adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.

Abstract: A device for helping maintain a mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure may include a tooth engaging portion including at least one groove for accepting at least one lower tooth of the patient's lower jaw, an extension portion that extends away from the tooth engaging portion, and a handle that extends down from the extension portion and ends in a caudal end. The caudal end of the handle and the groove of the tooth engaging portion lie along a longitudinal axis drawn through a center of the groove.

Abstract: The inventive retractor includes two half-moon shaped trays at each side located on the sides of the mouth covering the lips and opening the mouth to reveal the teeth from the front. The trays are interconnected by a strap-like member spacing the upper and lower teeth from one another by a slight amount. The angulation between the trays and the strap-like member is devised to improve the patient's comfort level and to better facilitate alignment of the retractor with typical human oral anatomy. Each of the inventive trays has a handle so that the retractor may easily be gripped for insertion into the mouth and removal therefrom.

Abstract: A new medical tube guiding device, the device including a first patient engaging portion configured to engage a zone of an upper jaw of the patient and a second patient engaging portion configured to engage a zone of a lower jaw of the patient. The first and second patient engaging zones are biased apart to provide a working gap between them. The invention also provides for a guide means for a medical tube that is supportable on one or both of the patient engaging portions and locatable relative to the patient engaging portions to guide the medical tube through the working gap into a mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A method includes planning a head scan of a subject via a console (716) of an imaging system (700), wherein the head scan scans both jaws of the subject, including metallic dental fillings of teeth of the subject, scanning the subject 108, including the metallic dental fillings of the teeth of the subject, via the imaging system, wherein the subject has a dental metal artifact reduction device (802) installed in their mouth during the scan, and generating projection data indicative of the scanned region of the head of the subject, including the metallic dental fillings of the teeth of the subject.

Abstract: A mouth opening instrument includes an upper member suitable for attaching on an upper jaw side within the mouth of a patient and a lower member suitable for attaching on a lower jaw side. The instrument further includes a connecting section, a control section, and an input section. The connecting section connects end portions of the upper member and the lower member such that a resistance of opening or closing actions of the upper member and the lower member are controllable. The control section controls the resistance of opening or closing actions of the upper member and the lower member. The input section receives an operating state signal indicating an operating state of a dental treatment device. When the operating state signal indicating an operating state of a dental treatment device is inputted, the closing resistance of the upper member and the lower member is set to be greater than that at a time when the operating state signal is not inputted.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may include a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A tooth whitening and maintenance system and method and a system and method for protecting the gums.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: An improved retractor device which includes a first main flat arm portion for extending along the outer surface of a patients cheek, that can be grasped by the dentist or hygienist performing the procedure; (or even in some cases, the patient); a second arm that extends into the mouth in use and is attached to the main arm at an acute angle of approximately fifty degrees and having that connecting area gently curved convexly from upper lip to lower lip and concavely from the intraoral to the extraoral portions so as to present a atraumatic surface to oral commissure, and the intraoral arm being convex as it extends to the posterior part of the mouth and getting narrower as it goes posteriorly and ending in a high convex end portion that extends behind the last tooth to reflect the cheek outwardly and posteriorly to produce an increased volume of space for conducting the dental procedure in a dry field and with greater and better comfort, access and visualization.

Abstract: A tissue retractor, for use by dental practitioners, in order to provide clear viewage of a large sector of the oral cavity. The retractor includes a unibody construction in one embodiment, which is intended for attachment to any of the numerous standard dental instrument handles, with two oblong mirrors connected by a bridge, which is static in some embodiments and retractably dynamic in some embodiments. The retractor pulls oral tissue away from the field of work and allows a dental practitioner without the assistance of a Dental assistant to have easy access to the oral workspace and eliminates the need to continually maneuver mirrored tools during procedures.

Abstract: The oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea provides greater comfort to the user and maintains an open air passage through the mouth by preventing the tongue from blocking the windpipe during sleep. The appliance has a mouthpiece including a frame of hard material and a tooth tray of softer material that conforms closely to the tooth pattern of the user. A spoon-like tongue depressor extends adjustably from the forward center of the device, the tongue depressor having a downward convex bowl that holds the tongue away from the windpipe of the user. The tongue depressor has a stein captured by and rotating in the adjuster, so that the tongue depressor may be prevented from rotating as the adjuster is threaded inwardly or outwardly in the front of the device. An air passage is preferably provided to each side of the tongue depressor adjuster.

Abstract: An intraoral retractor includes a main body plane with one curved end and is dented in the middle to avoid injure the frenum; and the other end is a handle bended 30 degree away from the plan of the body. The grasper is inserted within a patient's mouth to retract the lip and open the patient's mouth vertically, while the handle allows easy operation. With the retractor, the operator can pull the patient's upper or lower lip as desired and examine the upper or lower dentition, which is highly useful for intraoral photography, dental checkups and treatments.

Abstract: A dental illumination system includes an adjustable self-supporting frame and a lamp head coupled to the frame. The lamp head includes a housing and a spacer having formations that is adapted to removably mechanically couple the lamp head to a reference device, again having formations, for facilitating illumination of a tooth by a light source contained within the lamp head. The spacer and lamp head may be formed integrally. If formed separately, both the lamp head and the spacer may include formations.

Abstract: A mouth opening instrument includes an upper member suitable for attaching on an upper jaw side within the mouth of a patient and a lower member suitable for attaching on a lower jaw side. The instrument further includes a connecting section, a control section, and an input section. The connecting section connects end portions of the upper member and the lower member such that a resistance of opening or closing actions of the upper member and the lower member are controllable. The control section controls the resistance of opening or closing actions of the upper member and the lower member. The input section receives an operating state signal indicating an operating state of a dental treatment device. When the operating state signal indicating an operating state of a dental treatment device is inputted, the closing resistance of the upper member and the lower member is set to be greater than that at a time when the operating state signal is not inputted.

Abstract: A dental tool is disclosed that includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region, in which the neck region is S-shaped. The operational unit can further include a tongue retractor, a flap retractor or a combination thereof. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may further contain a lateral bend, a rotation of the working end or both. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.

Abstract: Described is a mandibular manipulator instrument as a standalone tool or with associated mouthpiece that includes two interlocking laterally sliding frames including a movable upper and a lower incisor pull, shaped for receiving a patient's central incisor teeth and a pair of pinion shafts for driving the upper and lower incisor pulls. A screw thread is used to provide a precise lateral motion for the sagittal measurement. The mouthpiece is constructed of resilient rubber. The manipulator is positioned and held in the resilient rubber mouthpiece by the two pinions protruding through acoustically tight apertures respective to each pinion's position. The manipulator can be used for other applications in an embodiment without the mouthpiece and/or in combination with a bite registration shape that is part of the manipulator frame.

Abstract: A tongue guard and a method for using the tongue guard, in particular for dental procedures, is described.

Abstract: A dental retractor tool and method for retracting the tongue and/or cheek away from the teeth in an oral cavity is provided. The dental retractor has a shape and configuration that allows for retraction of both the tongue and cheek simultaneously while allowing a dental professional to maintain ergonomically improved posture. The dental retractor can include a neck having a U-shaped bend adapted to fit around a distal portion of a patient's tooth. The dental retractor can be located opposite another dental tool, such as a dental examination mirror, to eliminate the need for excessive instruments during a dental procedure.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. In another quadrant embodiment a bite extension extends out of an opposing side of the patent's mouth and facilitates holding the patient's mouth open. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.