Abstract: A device is disclosed to unilaterally or bilaterally illuminate the oral cavity that is useful for commercial cheek retractors. The present invention also discloses a bite block designed to implement the device for lateral illumination of the oral cavity.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue receiving cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue receiving cup being generally concave and sized such that a first side of the tongue receiving cup extends over a first side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side extends over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup extends along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip extends at least partially along the back of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue receiving cup.

Abstract: A dental oral appliance for use with patients who suffer with sleep disorders, to reduce or eliminate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and to open the airway for a sleeping patient. Retention for the appliance is provided by an occlusal coverage of the upper or lower teeth. A raised incisor ramp (110) that extends from the incisal tip of the incisor toward the lingual, or posterior ramps, separate the posterior teeth to open the airway. A transpalatal member (28), which extends from the lingual of the right molars to the lingual of the left molars, inhibits the upward and backward movement of the tongue. The tranpalatal member may be curved and may slidably fit in the body of the appliance. A posterior tongue restrainer may be attached to the transpalatal member. There may be a plurality of raised projections (232, 234, 236) on the bottom of the transpalatal member.

Abstract: An intraoral airway having opposing trays with a soft lining or cushion to grip the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient with a fixed relationship in such a manner as to gently open the mouth and thrust the mandibular component slightly forward thereby opening the oral cavity and hypopharynx for air/gas passage that is easily tolerated by fully awake patients/users as well as by sedated, anesthetized or obtunded patients.

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.

Abstract: A distraction device that allows for an improved use of the existing process of distraction osteogenesis. The distraction device facilitates the displacement of a healthy portion of bone to a deficient area to enable bone and soft tissue growth in a fracture gap and allows for both vertical and angular bone regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of managing delivery of an orthodontic treatment plan using treatment guidelines, instructions and appointment planning tools customized to the individual patient being treated. A method includes, e.g., generating a treatment plan for a patient, generating a customized set of treatment guidelines, providing the set of customized treatment guidelines to the practitioner; and providing a set of orthodontic appliances to the practitioner.

Abstract: A dental absorbent pad (10) is disclosed having a moisture permeable, outer layer (11), a moisture absorbent layer (12), a stiffening plate (13), and a moisture impermeable backing (14). The moisture absorbent layer and stiffening plate are smaller in size than the overlying outer layer and backing so that a margin (17) is formed thereby which surrounds the moisture absorbent layer and stiffening plate. The margin is very flexible and therefor comfortable to a patient undergoing a dental procedure.

Abstract: An orthotic device and method that reduces or eliminates the physical effects associated with movement disorders, such as Tourette's Syndrome, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Specifically, the device and method eliminates or substantially reduces the involuntary movements and premonitory urges associated with movement disorders without the need for medication or surgery. The device and method also eliminates or substantially reduces the pain, nerve stimulation and other effects associated with TMJ disorders, such as displaced articulated disks. The device includes a base portion and adjustable raised spacers that adjust the position of the mandible to relieve pressure exerted on the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve or CN V), retrodiscal tissue, and other nerves due to improper TMJ alignment. The liberation of pressure and stimulation on the trigeminal nerve, retrodiscal tissue and other nerves eliminates the involuntary movements, pain and stimulation associated with these conditions.

Abstract: Oral appliances which reside within the mouth and which bring the lower jaw and/or the tongue forward to increase airway flow during sleep or physical activity are provided. Furthermore, the oral appliances are constructed such that they may be optionally customized to an individual user's mouth shape. Methods of using such oral appliances are also provided.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cheek enhancement piece which can be used casually and low-priced with a cosmetic consciousness similarly to false claws, false eyelashes, and the like, and moreover, adjustable by a person to be fit to own oral vestibule.

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

Abstract: A jaw advancer connects to the skull, maxilla jaw, and the jawbone, mandibular jaw, without contacting the teeth of a patient. Each advancer, of a pair, has a hollow upper member with a head to admit a screw into the maxilla and an opposite threaded end, a socket having a threaded end that admits the upper member and an opposite smooth bore, and a lower member with a head to admit a screw into the mandible and an opposite smooth end that fits into the smooth bore. The lower member has a coaxial spring that provides an expansive force to the lower jaw and that cushions the socket. The lower member slides within the hollow portion of the upper member when the patient moves the advancer. The head of the upper member attaches proximate the molars of the maxilla to advance the mandible and attaches proximate to the incisors of the maxilla to retract the mandible. Alternatively, the lower member has a slight curve to separate it from the teeth.

Abstract: A lip and cheek expander for use when performing dental medicine, dental hygiene or dental-documenting activities has two tensioning frames (1, 2) and non-profiled film-like means (3) connecting the tensioning frames (1, 2). When the expander is fitted, the inner tensioning frame (1) inside the oral cavity and the outer tensioning frame outside lies against the lips and cheeks. The film-like means (3) are connected at one end to the inner tensioning frame (1) and at the other end to the outer tensioning frame (2). The film-like means (3) oppose forces (5) to the closure and contraction forces of the lips and cheek muscles and conduct them away onto the tensioning frames (1, 2). The mouth opening is thereby kept open and the lips and cheeks held back from the rows of teeth. A closing of the mouth is also possible when the lip and cheek expander is fitted.

Abstract: The Awake Airway is an oral device designed with two arches to gently hold both the maxillary and mandibular dental arches in a fixed position angled slightly open in such a way as to not stimulate any part of the oral cavity or oropharynx so a fully wide awake user would tolerate it. It would be made of a resilient material such as a soft plastic with a foam insert to hold the teeth or edentulous arches. It is shaped to conform to the teeth and maxillary and mandibular anatomy, and easily inserted by the user him/herself. By gently maintaining the mouth slightly open it would enhance the patency of the airway.

Abstract: A custom-fitted dental appliance prevents grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer. The appliance includes a base member having a generally U-shaped horizontal portion with opposing posterior sections and an anterior section disposed between the posterior sections. The anterior section has an arcuate curvature substantially matching the curvature of the dental arch of most wearers. The base member has a vertical portion connected to a forward edge of the horizontal portion. The vertical portion of the base member has an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section. The appliance includes over-molded molar pads that are bonded to the upper surfaces of the posterior sections of the base member. An over-molded anterior flange is bonded to the vertical portion of the base member. In preferred embodiments, the anterior flange has a pair of opposing vertical notches for accommodating the upper canine teeth of the wearer.

Abstract: A multi-functional dental instrument has a base handle and a first attachment. The base handle has first and second base ends opposite to each other. The base handle comprises a power connector to connect to a power source and a first base connector at the first base end. The first attachment is coupled to the first base connector at the first base end. The first attachment is powered by the power source to perform a first dental task at a working area. Another embodiment includes a bite block, a holder embedded in the bite block, and a light source attached to the holder to illuminate an operation field. The light source is powered by a power source. Another embodiment includes an absorbent pad and an illuminator having a light source attached to the absorbent pad to generate light when powered by a power source.

Abstract: A device is disclosed to unilaterally or bilaterally illuminate the oral cavity that is useful for commercial cheek retractors. The present invention also discloses a bite block designed to implement the device for lateral illumination of the oral cavity.

Abstract: A cheek and lip retractor is defined by a supporting member (4) supporting a pair of retracting elements (2) to be inserted at least partially in a patient's mouth (3), by a light source (11) fixed to the supporting member (4), and by an optical device (17) for the transmission of the light emitted from the light source (11) inside the mouth (3); the optical device (17) extending wholly along the supporting member (4) and/or the retracting elements (2).

Abstract: An improved dental prop that is formed of a slim, cylindrical configuration for bilateral access with voided areas on either end for the purpose of aiding in the comfort of the patient by allowing the patient's jaw to relax during lengthy dental procedures, while effectively articulating the mouth in an open position. The prop contains a safety line eyelet, perpendicular to the center of the cylindrical body, thereby allowing a dentist an extra precautionary step toward the safety of the patient in the case of ingestion or aspiration.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: The invention describes methods, devices, kits and systems for isolating one or more teeth. The devices include a topology conformable device that can be constrained into a shape that can be delivered into an oral cavity and unconstrained to allow the device to isolate a target tooth and initiate a working field.

Abstract: A plastic mouthpiece insert for allowing a wearer to whiten their teeth while getting a suntan, and have a generally oblong oval-rectangular opening with a curved rear end that abuts against the root surfaces of the frontal upper and lower teeth of the wearer. A raised front edge can protect the lips and separate in place about the opening to the mouthpiece. Whitening agents can be used to enhance the whitening effect so that ultraviolet light and heat source such as the sun or a sunlamp is all that it is needed. Reflective inner walls in the mouthpiece can magnify light to the teeth. The mouthpiece can include bite tables, and the side walls of the mouthpiece can be inwardly flared and funnel shaped for focusing and magnifying incoming light and heat. The mouthpiece can be colored to protect the inside of the wearer's mouth from receiving any light.

Abstract: The elastomeric member of the present invention is a flexible light guide and curing aid, which permits pressure to be applied to a photo curable material during the clinical restoration of a tooth while simultaneously curing the material by exposing the photo curable material to light. The method of the present invention permits the high forces developed between the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth when engaged to be utilized to create the applied pressure on the photo curable material. The elastomeric member is soft and has an optically transparent body with a first section having first and second opposing planar surfaces adapted for placement in lateral juxtaposition between the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth of human dentition and a second section extending from the first section adapted to facilitate contact with a dental light guide while the opposing teeth are engaged.

Abstract: An element for aiding in the cementation of a fixed dental prosthesis that results in equal pressure being applied to the prosthesis comprising a block having a first end (M) and a second end (d). The first end (M) is thicker than the second end (d), and when the first end is mesially placed and the second end is distally placed between two dental arcades, equal pressure is applied to the prosthesis. The block may be frustropyramidal, frustroconical, or helical in shape.

Abstract: A system and method for tooth bleaching are disclosed wherein a patient's mouth is prepped for tooth bleaching treatment, a light activated tooth bleaching composition is applied on a tooth surface to be bleached, a lamp assembly is placed in position to activate the oxidizing compound in the bleaching composition, and one or more spacer is coupled to the patient and to the lamp assembly to set a distance between the two.

Abstract: The cheek and lip retractor for dentistry comprises respective cheek portions and lip portions for the upper and lower lip, the lip portions comprising a lip shield and mucous pads which are separate and spaced apart from the lip shield, the cheek portions and lip portions being connected to each other by flexible connecting elements, and the connecting elements being disposed between the lip shield and the mucous pad. Such a retractor allows a largely free treatment of the tooth portions to be treated and provides a comfortable fit for the patient.

Abstract: A mouth block formed of either cotton, plastic or rubber which is to be placed between the teeth of a mandible and the teeth of a maxilla of a jaw to prevent chewing action. The mouth block has a tapered configuration with the widest part of the taper to be located near the front teeth and the narrowest part of the taper to be located directly adjacent the back teeth. The mouth block my include an attachment that facilitates the connection to a lanyard or a rod for the purpose of removing of the block when such is desired.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having, in one embodiment, a unique, peristaltic pump water streaming or jet action; and in another embodiment, a multi-headed toothbrush may also be disposed on the end of a handle on which the jet nozzle or nozzles are disposed.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a disposable dental appliance and method of use is provided. In particular, a cheek retraction apparatus is provided, which is formed from a lightweight yet durable biocompatible polymer. The apparatus is sufficiently durable to withstand recurrent use, however, the it is economically manufactured so as to be disposable. Moreover, the apparatus is pre-sterilized to alleviate the need for autoclaving and/or dry heat sterilization. A cheek retraction apparatus in accordance with the present invention also provides an indicia display medium that allows the dental practitioner to display patient information, whitening treatment measurements, or other indicia that might be useful to them during oral photography.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: A dental retractor comprising a substantially U-shaped strip and an elongated handle. The U-shaped strip has a top edge and a bottom edge. Each of the top and bottom edges forms a substantially U-shape, wherein the U-shape formed by the bottom edge is smaller than the U-shape formed by the top edge. The elongated handle has a distal end of the handle attached to the U-shaped strip at a substantially trough point of the U-shaped strip.

Abstract: A dental camera and a mouthpiece attachment thereon. The camera has a light source and a light receiving element configured for receiving reflected light and producing an image based on the received light. The mouthpiece is mountable to the housing of the camera and is configured for contacting a patient's mouth for positioning the camera with respect to at least a portion of the mouth. The mouthpiece has a light channel associated with the light source for permitting the emitted light to reflect off a tooth in a patient's mouth and permitting the reflected light to travel into the receiving element. A wing extends radially from the light channel and is configured and dimensioned for placement between a lip and teeth of a patient for substantially blocking light from entering the light channel from outside the wing. A display on the housing is associated with the receiving element for displaying the image.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cheek, lip and tongue shield comprising a handle having a first and second end, the first end for gripping; a first shield having an anterior end, a posterior end, and an inferior border, the anterior end transitioning from the handle second end; a non-hinging transverse member having a first and second end, the first end transitioning from the first shield posterior end; and a second shield having an anterior end, a posterior end, and an inferior border, the posterior end transitioning from the transverse member second end. The transverse member inferior border does not extend as far inferiorly as the first and second shield inferior borders, the first shield passively isolates the cheek and lip from the operative site, and the second shield passively isolates the tongue from an operative site.

Abstract: Retractors discussed herein include lip retractors that have four channel retainers to retain four portions of the lips. The four channel retainers are attached to four resilient members, which are adapted to bias the four channel retainers outwardly away from one another, which in turn retract the portions of the lips that are retained by the four channel retainers to expose the teeth and/or mouth. Optionally, the retractors may be equipped with a tongue retainer. If equipped, the tongue retainer is adapted to limit the tongue to further expose the backside of the teeth.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cheek, lip and tongue shield comprising a handle having a first and second end, the first end for gripping; a first shield having an anterior end, a posterior end, and an inferior border, the anterior end transitioning from the handle second end; a non-hinging transverse member having a first and second end, the first end transitioning from the first shield posterior end; and a second shield having an anterior end, a posterior end, and an inferior border, the posterior end transitioning from the transverse member second end. The transverse member inferior border does not extend as far inferiorly as the first and second shield inferior borders, the first shield passively isolates the cheek and lip from the operative site, and the second shield passively isolates the tongue from an operative site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the size of lips. The apparatus is a clear or flesh colored polymer strip with a strong moisture activated adhesive on one side. A user inserts the apparatus on the inside of their lip with an attached applicator. Once in proper position, the user simply pulls the applicator away. When in place the lip enhancer maintains a stretch in the inner lip tissue, causing more of the lip to be exposed externally, thus making the lip appear noticeably larger. Users may talk, eat, and drink while using the lip enhancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for illuminating oral cavity. A bite block comprised of a flexible biocompatible sterilizable molded material encapsulates within the molded material a battery, a pressure-sensing switch and a light. When a dental patient applies pressure to the bite block placed between the teeth, the light illuminates the oral cavity.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a patient's mouth in an open position during a medical procedure is provided. The device includes a cylindrical body configured to be received in the patient's mouth. A flange extending from an edge of the body is configured to engage the face of the patient, and preferably, the device includes a retainer for retaining the body in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The cheek and lip retractor for dentistry comprises respective cheek portions (7, 8) and lip portions (1, 2) for the upper and lower lip, said lip portions comprising a lip shield (3, 4) and mucosa pads (5, 6) which are separate and spaced apart from said lip shield, said cheek portions and lip portions being connected to each other by flexible connecting elements (9-12), and said connecting elements being disposed between said lip shield and said mucosa pad. Such a retractor allows a largely free treatment of the tooth portions to be treated and provides a comfortable fit for the patient.

Abstract: A dental retractor comprising a substantially U-shaped strip and an elongated handle. The U-shaped strip has a top edge and a bottom edge. Each of the top and bottom edges forms a substantially U-shape, wherein the U-shape formed by the bottom edge is smaller than the U-shape formed by the top edge. The elongated handle has a distal end of the handle attached to the U-shaped strip at a substantially trough point of the U-shaped strip.

Abstract: A system and method for tooth bleaching are disclosed wherein a patient's mouth is prepped for tooth bleaching treatment, a light activated tooth bleaching composition is applied on a tooth surface to be bleached, a lamp assembly is placed in position to activate the oxidizing compound in the bleaching composition, and one or more spacer is coupled to the patient and to the lamp assembly to set a distance between the two.

Abstract: A dental retractor system used to manipulate positioning of the cheeks and to control saliva flow. The system includes a handle connected to first and second legs that are extended from the handle in a fork or horseshoe configuration. A pair of flaps distend from the legs and are angularly arranged to lie adjacent inner cheeks of the patient with or without interaction with a dry angle.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a patient's mouth in an open position during a medical procedure is provided. The device includes a cylindrical body configured to be received in the patient's mouth. A flange extending from an edge of the body is configured to engage the face of the patient, and preferably, the device includes a retainer for retaining the body in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental retractor system used to manipulate positioning of the cheeks and to control saliva flow. The system includes a handle connected to first and second legs that are extended from the handle in a fork or horseshoe configuration. A pair of flaps distend from the legs and are angularly arranged to lie adjacent inner cheeks of the patient with or without interaction with a dry angle.

Abstract: A dentifrice apparatus (10) for cleansing the teeth and gum tissues of a user wherein, the apparatus (10) includes an enlarged head member (20) having a top surface (24) provided with a plurality of projections (25) and a bottom surface (23) adapted to be connected to the stem portion (31) of a suction cup member (30) the cup portion (32) of which releasably connects the apparatus (10) to a user's tongue (101) and a rupturable membrane (40) forming a reservoir for a supply of dentifrice material (50) that may be dispensed from a selected portion of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: A bite block system for maintaining the mouth of the patient in an open position during a dental procedure. In one embodiment, the bite block includes a plastically deformable material on at least a surface thereof for making an impression of the patient's teeth. Such customized bite blocks provide greater safety and comfort. In another aspect, a tongue suppressing bite block system includes a bite block and a tongue suppressor adjustably attached thereto so that the tongue depressor can be adjusted horizontally or vertically relative to the bite block to account for variations in the size of patient's mouths, teeth and tongues. In another aspect of the invention, an anatomical tongue depressor is provided for use with a bite block. The anatomical tongue depressor wraps around the side and underneath the tongue in order to cradle it in a more comfortable and secure fashion when in use with a bite block.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a disposable dental appliance and method of use is provided. In particular, a cheek retraction apparatus is provided, which is formed from a lightweight yet durable biocompatible polymer. The apparatus is sufficiently durable to withstand recurrent use, however, the it is economically manufactured so as to be disposable. Moreover, the apparatus is pre-sterilized to alleviate the need for autoclaving and/or dry heat sterilization. A cheek retraction apparatus in accordance with the present invention also provides an indicia display medium that allows the dental practitioner to display patient information, whitening treatment measurements, or other indicia that might be useful to them during oral photography.