Abstract: An aligner placement system allows for precise holding of a hook or other tool to carefully place, position or remove a dental device, like an aligner, in the mouth. The system uses a handle end that is configured to allow a person to firmly grip the system and hold it in the desired position to properly seat the dental device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dental screwdriver having a shaft portion made of a smart type alloy that bends with little or no resistance along an arch forming portion thereof and without imparting torqueing forces along a distal front end portion thereof onto which is connected a drive tip designed to interface with an appropriately sized screw. The smart alloy automatically assumes its original shape in the absence of twisting forces on the shaft along the arch forming portion. In an alternate embodiment, assuming the original shape involves applying heat and/or subtle finger pressure. The dental screwdriver may be part of a set of screwdrivers, each having a distal front end portion which is uniquely weighted, sized and/or dimensioned to accommodate different driver tips, handle different torqueing functions, and/or configured to bend to a specific maximum angular arch without permanent deformation. A dental prosthetic having a curved bore cavity is also described.

Abstract: A dental scaler for use in cleaning dental implants. The scaler includes a handle having a generally central axis extending along the length thereof, a handle tip end affixed to the handle, and a rod affixed to the handle tip end, wherein the rod comprises at least six sections, one angle, and a curved tip.

Abstract: Packaging systems for dental implants and methods for implanting a packaged implant are provided herein. The packaging system includes a housing and a cap forming an enclosure for a dental implant and corresponding healing screw. The housing includes a first and second base portion that interact with a platform that receives a portion of the dental implant to present the dental implant to a user during use.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the quality of a surface on a component comprises the steps of (a) contacting a surface of a component with a media and imprinting qualities of the surface with the media; and (b) evaluating the imprint to determine the quality of the surface of the component.

Abstract: A grasping collar is featured that has a flexible main body having an exterior surface with surface cavities configured for finger reception; a hole extending within an interior region of the body along an X-axis direction and being a through-hole relative to the body; an elongated slit extending in the X-axis direction, and in a radially inward direction from an exterior surface of the body into communication with the hole, the elongated slit including a thinner slit section extending in the X-axis direction for a portion of an overall length of the body as well as a wider slit section extending in the X-axis direction for a remaining portion of the overall length of the body. Methods of utilizing and assembling the grasping collar are also featured.

Abstract: Provided herein is an adapter for a dental curing light. The adapter can restrict or otherwise concentrate light as it is emitted from the dental curing light making the beam of light more focused to a specific portion of a tooth rather than radiating an entire tooth. The adapter can have different customizable shapes and sizes which is beneficial for adhering attachments commonly used with orthodontic aligners to a tooth.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes at least one removable or replaceable dental tip. The dental instrument includes a spring actuated collet and collar housed internally within a handle. The handle includes a handle center affixed to a center rod and a grip portion housing the collet and collar and a handle center affixed to a center rod. The center rod is affixed to the collet. The collet includes spring fingers that are biased radially inward by the collar to retain the dental tip. When the grip portion of the handle is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the handle relative to the handle center, camming surfaces associated with the grip portion and the handle center cause translational movement along the longitudinal axis to engage or disengage the collar from the collet.

Abstract: A handling device for a dental tool having a) a body having an elongated shape configured to receive a prying load from an operator; and b) one or more receptacles through the body configured to retain at least a portion of a dental tool and allow an engagement portion of the dental tool to project therefrom substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body; wherein the engagement portion is adapted to contact a portion of a dental covering along only one of a facial side or a lingual side of the dental covering and by being wedged between a gum-line and the dental covering; and wherein the one or more receptacles are configured to transfer the prying load from the body to the engagement portion of the dental tool.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an orthodontic appliance removal device that includes a shaft defining a longitudinal dimension. The shaft includes a shaft proximate end and a shaft distal end, and a lateral portion proximate to the shaft distal end extending transversely away from the shaft in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension. The lateral portion includes a lateral portion proximate end that is adjacent to the shaft distal end, and a lateral portion distal end configured to contact an orthodontic appliance. A handle section is also coupled to the shaft adjacent to the shaft proximate end. In another embodiment, the orthodontic appliance removal device is a multi-tool device which further comprises a seating device for seating an orthodontic appliance and/or a toothbrush.

Abstract: A medical or a dental instrument comprises an operative portion (101) for operations according to the purpose of use of the instrument, a center portion (103) mechanically connecting to the operative portion, and a radio frequency identifier (106) located on the center portion and capable of being read from a distance of the instrument. The instrument further comprises a tubular handle portion (104) provided to surround the radio frequency identifier and at least a part of the center portion, the tubular handle portion being cast on the instrument so that the material of the tubular handle portion is adhered to the material of the center portion. Thus, the tubular handle portion acts not only as the handle portion but also as at least a part of a fixation system attaching the radio frequency identifier to the instrument. An instrument of such construction is easy to keep hygienic.

Abstract: A device for removing a file fragment lodged within a root canal of a tooth may include: a flexible shaft configured for insertion into the root canal; a plurality of prongs extending from the distal end of the flexible shaft; a concentric shaft slidable upon the flexible shaft and configured to contact and move the prongs into contact with the file fragment; and a device to create and deliver vibrations at an intensity configured to cause local melting of the plurality of prongs in contact with the fragment, for welding of each of the prongs to the fragment. Counter-rotation of the shaft and fragment may cause it to be dislodged from the canal. Prior to using the device, the root canal may generally be enlarged using a drill, and an umbrella drill is used to form an opening around the coronal end of the fragment to expose a portion thereof.

Abstract: The invention comprises a light curing device with a light source (30) and a light guiding device, in particular a light guiding rod (18) with a light entry surface (31) that extends next to the light source (30) if regarded in the emission direction of the light source (30), and with at least one sensor (36) that is arranged next to the light entry surface (31), and with a control device (32) that is arranged within a handpiece (14) of the light curing device (10). The light curing device (10) further comprises a base station (12) of the light curing device (10). The base station (12) is provided with a second light source (24) and a second light sensor (26) for the bidirectional optical communication with the handpiece (14), which bidirectional communication takes place through the light guiding device (light guiding rod), in particular in the frequency range of visible light or UV light and in particular in a modulated manner.

Abstract: A torque limiting device for use with a dental drive tool including a housing defining a rotation axis and having a bore concentric with the rotation axis and a torque limiting insert. The housing has a recess for housing at least part of the torque limiting insert. The torque limiting insert includes a fixing region held within the housing and a spring region extending from the fixing region and including a locking catch protruding into the bore. The locking catch is aligned with the recess so it can be moved radially outwards into the recess in to a disengaged position. The locking catch is arranged to engage with the dental drive tool when the tool is introduced in the bore to transmit a torque applied to the housing and to deflect into the disengaged position against the force of the spring region when a predefined torque limit is reached.

Abstract: A device suitable for the subsequent positioning of a dental implant, having a handle extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal and a distal end, and a bifurcated abutment at the distal end and at the proximal end of the handle, each abutment having two legs, whereby the configuration of the two legs on the proximal abutment is mirrored with respect to the configuration on the distal end. At least one bifurcated abutment is adapted to embrace the processus pyramidalis ossis palatini and/or the processus pterygoideus ossis sphenoidalis and/or the tuberosity of the maxilla.

Abstract: An integrated dental component, carrier and affixation tool provides a clinician with a large object to hold the dental component, and allows for single-handed orientation, placement and fastening with the integration of an affixation tool.

Abstract: A package for an object includes a support element with a coupler configured to hold the object captive in a given orientation of the object, and release the object by pivoting the object. The support element alone defines a first chamber containing the object, the support element also includes at least two parts that can be coupled and uncoupled relative to each other by inter-fitting with partial overlap, so as to form the first chamber containing the object. A stopper is coupled to the support element of the object by inter-fitting with partial overlap such that the support element presents a grip portion that projects from the stopper. A cover is coupled to the stopper by inter-fitting with partial overlap so as to cooperate with the stopper to define a second chamber inside which the grip portion of the support element extends, and while the cover is coupled to the stopper, a grip portion of the stopper projects from the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a placement device for a dental component, a method for handling a dental component with a placement device, a dental component for placement with a placement device and a set comprising a placement device and a dental component. The placement device (1) for a dental component (2) is preferably an implant and comprises a proximal end (11), a distal end (12) and a coupling mechanism (20) for coupling the distal end (12) to the dental component. The coupling mechanism includes at least one movable pin (21) having a longitudinal axis (A1) and being movable along its longitudinal axis (A1) relative to the placement device (1) for engaging the dental component. It also includes at least one engagement part (28) at the distal end of the placement device (1) for engaging the dental component, the engagement part having a longitudinal axis (A2).

Abstract: A retractor for periodontal surgery includes an elongated handle from which extends a first connection portion and a second connection portion, with a blade extending from the second connection portion. The handle and the first connection portion are positioned at a first angle, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are positioned at a second angle. The first and second connection portions are generally co-planar. The blade is obliquely positioned at a third angle relative to the central axis of the second connection portion. The blade may be easily inserted into an incision in a patient's gum so as to retract the incision.

Abstract: A dental tool for removing a dental aligner secured to teeth may include a first contact point that is configured to contact a biting surface of the aligner; a second contact point that is configured to contact a gumline end of the aligner; and a third contact point that is configured to contact a lateral surface of the aligner. A method of using the dental tool to remove the dental aligner from teeth is also disclosed.

Abstract: Intraoral phototherapy devices receive light from an associated light source and propagate the light into an oral cavity of a patient. The device comprises a light guide that receives light from an external light source. The light guide comprises a main body portion made of an optically transparent soft flexible biocompatible polymeric material sized and shaped to conform to contours of the oral cavity when inserted therein to direct the light to targeted regions of the oral cavity. The main body portion comprises a pair of spaced apart side wings sized and shaped to be received between a patient's teeth and cheeks on opposite sides of the oral cavity and a center flap intermediate the side wings for transmitting and directing the light to targeted regions of the oral cavity. A controller delivers light to the light guide in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A curing tool is described that comprises a tool body 12 having an end wall generally perpendicular to an axis 14 of the tool body 12, the tool being arranged to be moved, in use, in substantially the direction of the axis 14, an array 16 of LEDs carried by the tool body 12, the LEDs being arranged to emit light in a direction generally parallel to the axis 14, and a reflector 18 carried by the tool body 12 and arranged to reflect light emitted from the LEDs and incident upon the reflector 18 such that the reflected light is reflected in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis 14.

Abstract: The instrument (10) for handling a dental part (50), for example, a male part, extends in a longitudinal axis (11) between a handling end (10c) and a connecting end (10a) for connection to the dental part (50). The connecting end (10a) has a receiving opening for receiving the head (51) of the dental part (50), which is laterally open, so that the connecting end (10a) and the dental part (50) can be connected by displacing them relative to one another transversely to the longitudinal axis (11). The male part (50) includes a head end having at least one protrusion, (53a) with which a stop (17b) that is formed on the instrument (10) can be contacted for transferring a torque generated on the instrument.

Abstract: A periodontal pocket probing device facilitating fabrication and application and effectively reducing the cost is disclosed to include a main body, and a probe having a connection portion located at one end thereof and connected to the main body and a flat probing tip located at an opposite end thereof and defining a flat front end edge on a front side thereof opposite to the connection portion for allowing the produced pressure to be distributed in all directions to reduce the patient's pain upon insertion of the probe into the deep inside of a periodontal pocket.

Abstract: A method for cutting with a tool comprises rotating the tool in a first direction. Then, at a predetermined moment, quit rotating the tool and allow the tool to coast in the first direction. While the tool coasts, a parameter is determined that represents drag experienced by the tool as the tool coasts. If the determined parameter does not exceed a predetermined limit then the tool is rotated in the first direction. If the determined parameter exceeds the predetermined limit, then the tool is rotated in another direction opposite the first direction. The predetermined moment when the tool begins to coast may be any desired moment, such as when the tool rotates through a specific distance or for a specific period of time.

Abstract: The orthodontic hand instrument includes a handle portion having a first end and an opposing second end, as well as a first shaft extending outward from the first end and a second shaft extending outward from the second end, each shaft having a working end. The working end of each shaft includes a stoop having a gingival head and an occlusal head, and a vertical slot extending between the gingival head and the occlusal head. Both the gingival head and the occlusal head of the stoop of each working end have a rectangular shape. The handle portion may have a knurled surface or other suitable griping surface for preventing the hand instrument from slipping out of the orthodontist's hand. Further, each shaft can include a tapered portion adjacent to the corresponding working end.

Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implant fixture remover. The fixture remover includes a remover screw which has a first thread formed on one side thereof to be screwed to a female screw portion of an implant fixture implanted into an alveolar bone, and a second thread formed on the other side thereof; and a remover driver including a torque transmitting portion which is slide-inserted into the remover screw, and a torque providing portion which is separated from the torque transmitting portion and screwed to the second thread so that the torque transmitting portion maintains contact with the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a dental impression, having the first step of providing an impression tray filled with a first high viscosity impression material. The second step is to take a first impression by inserting the tray into the patient's mouth over a prepared tooth for the patient to bite and let cure. Thirdly, the tray is removed and a second low viscosity impression material is applied over the prepared tooth. The tray is then reinserted into the mouth over the prepared tooth of the patient in order to take a second impression of the prepared tooth, allowing the hydraulic pressure created by the second impression material to urge the sulcus away from the tooth margin. At this point, the tray is removed from the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A torque limiting tool, method for using the same, and set of torque limiting tools according to different loads are arranged for adjusting a device to a predetermined load, and preventing further adjustment once the predetermined load is reached.

Abstract: A package for an object such as a preferably-sterile medical component, includes: a support element provided with elements for coupling the object; a stopper that can be coupled to the support element in such a manner as to define a first chamber for containing the object, and such that a grip portion of the support element projects from the stopper; and a cover that can be coupled to the stopper in such a manner as to define a second chamber inside which the grip portion of the support element extends, and such that a portion of the stopper coupled to the support element projects from the cover.

Abstract: A superstructure for oral, dental and maxillofacial prostheses includes at least one anchoring dental element and at least one additional dental element, wherein the additional dental element has an internal hollow portion forming a closed cavity inside the same element. With respect to the known technology in the field, the superstructure of the invention offers the advantage of being lighter, more comfortable and less bothersome for the user, thanks to the substantial reduction in weight due to the smaller quantities of material used for producing it.

Abstract: A package for an object such as a preferably-sterile medical component, includes: a support element provided with elements for coupling the object; a stopper that can be coupled to the support element in such a manner as to define a first chamber for containing the object, and such that a grip portion of the support element projects from the stopper; and a cover that can be coupled to the stopper in such a manner as to define a second chamber inside which the grip portion of the support element extends, and such that a portion of the stopper coupled to the support element projects from the cover.

Abstract: Insertion tool for transmitting torque from a drive tool to a dental implant, having a tool shaft including, at its apical end a dental implant engagement section including a torque applying unit to engage the dental implant such that torque can be transmitted from the insertion tool to the implant, a drive tool engagement section coronal of the dental implant engagement section including a primary torque receiving unit to engage the drive tool such that torque can be transmitted from the drive tool to the insertion tool, and a break zone arranged between the drive tool and dental implant engagement sections and designed to break upon application of a predetermined amount of torque. The shaft includes, between the dental implant engagement section and the break zone, an auxiliary torque receiving unit to engage a drive tool such that torque can be transmitted from the drive tool to the insertion tool.

Abstract: A femoral reamer (100) can include a base material (304) and a coating (302) disposed on the base material. The coating can be harder than the base material and, as a result, the femoral reamer can wear more slowly than if the coating was absent. The coating can be a different color than the base material. When the coating is worn off, such wear can be easily observed from a visual inspection of the femoral reamer. The coating can have an initial thickness (i.e., a thickness prior to use) that is related to a tolerance on a size and/or a shape of a hole drilled by the femoral reamer. When the coating is worn off, the size and/or the shape of the hole drilled by the femoral reamer may be at or near an edge of a specified tolerance range. The femoral reamer can be part of a kit and a method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for supporting an implant or prosthesis, formed by two parts including one part forming an upper ring (1) which is made from a rigid or semi-rigid solid biocompatible material and another part forming a lower ring (2) which is made from a rigid or semi-rigid, integrable or porous biocompatible material, said device being intended to receive an implant or a removable prosthesis at the upper ring and to be installed in situ by means of the lower ring.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with two legs movable relative to each other is provided. A tip inserted in a receiving space at the distal end of each leg is exchangeably held at the free end of the leg. A two part fixing device is provided for releasable fixation of the tip to the leg, the fixing device having on one of the parts two locking arms which are arranged next to each other and are elastically bendable apart, and on the other of the parts a locking projection extending into the leg transversely to the direction of insertion. The locking projection, when inserting the tip into the receiving space, engages between the locking arms, bending them apart, and at the end of the inserting movement, enters a recess on the inner side of the locking arms. The receiving space widens in the proximal direction from its insertion end.

Abstract: The current invention refers to a device for the removal of residues that have not been removed after the repair of teeth. It enables easier sanding between teeth, provides greater support, and requires less time for the oral cavity to be open. It is lubricant, electricity, and battery free. The surfaces of this invention are smooth with rounded edges, and can sand both the fronts and the backs of the teeth. The current invention will enable dentists throughout the world easier manipulation in the process of removing residues after teeth repair and will only require the use of one hand.

Abstract: A dental instrument for hand use comprising a handle and a tool head, the tool head has a plurality of tools projecting from a flared end section having a width that increases away from the handle.

Abstract: A method and a kit for the positioning of a small object, such as a dental restoration, in a specific desired location, includes a handle portion and a head portion having bristles. The method includes the steps of placing a non-molten glue pellet on the exterior surface of the object, applying heat to the pellet to melt it, positioning a head portion of a restoration placement device having bristles in the melted glue to receive the object on the end portion of the device, placing the object in its desired location, and removing the restoration placement device from the object.

Abstract: A housing (35) for an implant (25), a holding piece (1) to connect the implant (25) to the housing (35), and an insertion tool (20) for inserting the implant (25) into an implant site. The holding piece (1) includes at least one resilient element (45) for detachably connecting to the implant (25) with a first retentive force and a tool retention means to connect to the insertion tool (20) with a second retentive force which is greater than the first retentive force. In between the two ends the holding piece (1) features a housing connection segment (30) for connecting the holding piece (1) to the housing (35). On a distal end the insertion tool (20) comprises torque transmission means, which transmit torque directly to the holding piece (1) and/or to the implant (25).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pre-loaded placement tool (10) useful for positioning small objects. The head portion (14) of the placement tool (10) is pre-loaded with a heat-activated adhesive (16) and the body (12) of tool (10) includes a flange (18) cooperating with receiving bracket (24) of a heating device (20).

Abstract: An integrated dental component, carrier and affixation tool provides a clinician with a large object to hold the dental component, and allows for single-handed orientation, placement and fastening with the integration of an affixation tool.

Abstract: A holding device with a base element for a handpiece of an intraoral scanner, which has a head area (3), has a receiving area (5) of the base element (1), in which the head area (3) can be snugly accommodated at least partially. The receiving area (5) has an interior (8) with at least two holding areas (10, 11), which are arranged essentially opposite to one another.

Abstract: A dental elevator apparatus used to easily and efficiently elevate a tooth or dental implant for removal thereof. Specifically, the dental elevator has a tip portion having a curved, helically-shaped contoured surface for engaging a tooth or dental implant, allowing the same to be utilized by a user, providing leverage against the tooth or dental implant for elevation of the same. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A dental instrument having a first member with an axial passage engageable with a removable second member. Rotationally engageable dental tools engageable at a first end of the first member, are fixed in a radial position around their axle by the distal end of the second member engaged within the axial passage. The dental instrument allows for the tools to be from a kit featuring a plurality of different tools, each of which is engageable to the axle, and rotatably adjustable for holding in a fixed position by the second member.

Abstract: An insert for an oral hygiene handle having a cavity is described. The insert has a load member capable of pivoting with respect to the housing and an output source disposed in electromagnetic communication with the load member, a power source in electrical communication with the output source having first and second contact areas, and an indication element forming an outer facing surface. When the load member pivots a predetermined amount, a first contact arm makes contact with a first contact area and/or a second contact arm makes contact with the second contact area thereby causing the power source to deliver power to the output source, wherein the output source provides electromagnetic energy to the load member, wherein the load member transmits the electromagnetic energy from the output source to the indication element, and wherein load member, the indication element, and the engagement section are integral with one another.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental implant pick up and drive assembly, comprising a dental implant and a pick up and drive device for picking up the implant and driving it into a patient's jawbone. The dental implant comprises a cavity disposed on one end of the dental implant, a first wall portion in a hexagon shape connected with the cavity, and a threaded portion enclosing the dental implant. The pick up and drive device comprises: a driver head, disposed at an end portion thereof, including a second circumferential wall in a hexagon shape, in which a size of the second circumferential wall is slightly smaller than a size of the first wall portion of the implant for close accommodation when in driving. At least one wall of the second circumferential wall of the driver head has a slant surface for engaging and interfering with the implant when in picking up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solution to be selectively applied to individual parts of the surface of dental ceramic(s) and a process for using the solution in the dental field. More specifically the invention relates to a solution comprising a) a solvent, b) an effect agent, and c) a complexing agent. The invention also relates to a kit comprising the solution and to a method of using the solution for selectively treating of parts of the surface dental ceramic(s). The invention also relates to a application instrument suitable for applying the solution.