Abstract: In some examples, a tool for forming a dental restoration comprises a preformed mold body configured to provide a patient-specific, customized fit with at least one tooth to be restored of a patient. The mold body is configured to align with a portion of a surface of the at least one tooth, and is configured to combine with the at least one tooth to define a mold cavity encompassing at least a portion of desired tooth structure of the at least one tooth to be restored of the patient. The portion of desired tooth structure defines a transition from a supragingival surface of the at least one tooth to a subgingival surface of the at least one tooth.

Abstract: An elastic matrix system for use during a dental restoration process is provided. In one embodiment, among others, the matrix system may include a restoration band having an elongated body between a first end and a second end. The restoration band comprises a top edge and a bottom edge. The matrix system also includes an upper circular rim of elastic material that has a first channel. The top edge of the restoration band is positioned in the first channel, and the restoration band expands and contracts a circumference of the matrix system along the first channel as the upper circular rim is manipulated. The matrix system also includes a lower circular rim of elastic material that has a second channel. The elastic sleeve attaches the upper circular rim to lower circular rim.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that can be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

Abstract: A dental wedge for inserting into the interproximal space between adjacent teeth comprises a first and second sidewall comprised of a shape memory material, including a nickel-titanium alloy, wherein the dental wedge is in a first, resting state when outside of the interproximal space and transforms to a second, operational state when the dental wedge is interested into the interproximal space between adjacent teeth and exposed to a first transformation stimulus, namely exposure to the higher temperature in the interproximal space. The expansion force generated by the dental wedge when in the second, operational stage is sufficient to secure a dental matrix against the tooth being restored and to separate the tooth being restored and adjacent tooth to expand the interproximal space.

Abstract: An interface conversion device and a wireless communication system including the interface conversion device are disclosed. The interface conversion device is connected to GPIB-equipped devices in a GPIB network to convert data in the GPIB format to the ZigBee format and vice versa, thereby transforming a cable network to a wireless network to increase the mobility, range, and number of devices in the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held interproximal dental tool for detaching unwanted materials from a patient's teeth and to methods of manufacturing such tools. The interproximal dental tool includes a compact, ergonomically designed housing which is gripped by a dental practitioner during use and a blade extending from and structurally supported by the housing which includes serrations for cutting or abrasive materials for sanding unwanted material.

Abstract: A dental spacer that is adjustable and attaches to a tooth. The dental spacer may include a ring with an inner surface and an outer surface. A screw may be secured to the ring to compress and expand the ring size. A spacer may be attached to the outer surface of the ring and may abut against an adjacent tooth. Therefore, the space between two teeth adjacent to a removed tooth may be preserved.

Abstract: A matrix ring includes a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a flame body having a central ridge and opposing lower extensions, the lower extensions terminating at an exposed face. The portion of the lower extensions proximate the exposed face being able to move relative to the rest of the flame body so as to better position on the teeth of a patient. A superimposed pad over portions of the flame body provides a deformable surface for engagement with the surface of the tooth of a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a proximal tooth separator. One embodiment comprises a handle and at least one separator connected to an end. The at least one separator comprising rigid metals, steel, titanium, or other materials suitable for separating teeth, and being sized so as to appropriately separate the teeth as known to those of skill in the art.

Abstract: A tooth separator apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a tong having two resilient arms that are biased in an open position and having a wedge at each end of each arm. A drive shaft moves a compression member to overcome the resiliency of the arms and move them and the wedges in a closing direction for separating the teeth. The drive shaft can also move the compression member in the opposite direction to release the closing force on the arms and thereby permit their resiliency to allow them and the wedges to move to an open position.

Abstract: A tooth separator apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a tong having two arms constructed of a resilient material and having a wedge disposed at each end. An expander member is coupled to the two arms, and a drive shaft is coupled to the expander member. When a user moves or rotates the drive shaft, the expander member is moved into a position which causes the two arms and wedges to separate by a distance sufficient to permit the wedges to be inserted in a patient's mouth and positioned adjacent to two teeth that are to be separated. When the user rotates the drive shaft in the reverse direction, the expander member returns to its original position thereby releasing the separating force on the resilient arms and permitting them and the wedges to move in a closing direction with sufficient force to separate the adjacent teeth.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for making a dental restoration is provided. The system includes a machine unit for processing a dental material to form the dental restoration, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the machine unit. An air channel for discharging a process-originated material from the machine unit provides an air connection between the machine unit and the control unit. Certain embodiments of invention are advantageous in that they help to increase the reliability of the machining operation.

Abstract: A dental implement that includes a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends which are spaced apart from each other a distance. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a front face having opposing sides, a top end and a bottom end. The front face is defined by two inwardly inclined surfaces which start at the opposing sides and incline inwardly toward each other and intersect to form a peak that extends at least partially between the top end and the bottom end of the front face. The peaks of the opposing tine assemblies face each other.

Abstract: An expansion device includes an inflatable balloon moveable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration configured to pass through soft tissue between two adjacent teeth of a patient when in the unexpanded configuration. The an expansion device also includes an inflation tube having one end connected to the inflatable balloon and another end serving as an entry port for an inflation fluid. The inflatable balloon has a triangular shape when in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A dental wedge for use in the inter-proximal space between adjacent teeth is described. The wedge comprises a taper section ending at a tip, and a body section extending to the tapering section at one end. The body section has an inverted V-shaped cross-section, flexing of the sides of the V-shape allows the wedge to adapt to various contours of the inter-proximal space. The mid-portion of the body section is narrower than at least a portion of the wedge either end of the mid-portion.

Abstract: Orthodontic spacer and floss set-ups are organized on a set-up holder which is a thin square or rectangular piece of plastic that has a plurality of complementary notches formed across opposite sides. The spacer is positioned more or less in between the notches on the set-up holder and one length of floss is disposed in one notch while the other length of floss is disposed in the complementary notch on the opposite side of the holder. In a supply of two or more spacer set-ups, the set-ups are separated from each other in this manner so that a particular one does not have to be untangled from a jumble of other set-ups. Kits provide pre-made set-ups already organized on a piece of notched plastic.

Abstract: A tooth separator apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a tong having two arms constructed of a resilient material and having a wedge disposed at each end. An expander member is coupled to the two arms, and a drive shaft is coupled to the expander member. When a user moves or rotates the drive shaft, the expander member is moved into a position which causes the two arms and wedges to separate by a distance sufficient to permit the wedges to be inserted in a patient's mouth and positioned adjacent to two teeth that are to be separated. When the user rotates the drive shaft in the reverse direction, the expander member returns to its original position thereby releasing the separating force on the resilient arms and permitting them and the wedges to move in a closing direction with sufficient force to separate the adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A dental article includes yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic, and no more than about 0.15 wt. % of one or more coloring agents of one or more of: Pr, Tb, Cr, Nd, Co, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof, whereby the dental article is provided with a color corresponding to a natural tooth shade; and wherein the dental article has a flexural strength of at least about 800 MPa. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: Dental articles are produced using relatively low sintering temperatures to achieve high density dental articles exhibiting strengths equal to and greater than about 700 MPa. Ceramic powders comprised of nanoparticulate crystallites are used to manufacture dental articles. The ceramic powders may include sintering agents, binders and other similar additives to aid in the processing of the ceramic powder into a dental article. The ceramic powders may be processed into dental articles using various methods including, but not limited to, injection molding, gel-casting, slip casting, or electroforming, hand, cad/camming and other various rapid prototyping methods. The ceramic powder may be formed into a suspension, pellet, feedstock material or a pre-sintered blank prior to forming into the dental article.

Abstract: A dental wedge for use in the inter-proximal space between adjacent teeth. The wedge includes a taper section ending at a tip, and a body section extending to the tapering section at one end. The body section has an inverted V-shaped cross-section, flexing of the sides of the V-shape allowing the wedge to adapt to various contours of the inter-proximal space. The mid-portion of the body section is narrower than at least a portion of the wedge at either end of the mid-portion.

Abstract: The invention is an open-ended dental ring with varying height used in the preparation of a tooth for a restorative procedure. The ring is used in conjunction with a shield to ensure the shield between a tooth to be restored and an adjacent tooth. The result is a close contact being formed between the two teeth after restoration and improved flexibility recall after repeated use.

Abstract: A separating ring having a body being a resilient bent open ring and having two bent side bars having distal ends and wedge legs formed respectively on the distal ends, the wedge legs being spearheaded and fit easily between adjacent teeth to allow dental operations to be carried out easily and without the need for wedges.

Abstract: A dental device (10) for temporarily filling a toothless gap (50) following extraction of a tooth. The dental device is arranged so as to be located in a space between two adjacent teeth (30, 40) bordering, on each opposed side, the toothless gap. The dental device comprises a central block (11) and two arms (12, 13) located on opposite sides of the central block (11). The two arms (12, 13) are extendible between a retracted position and an extended position. Each arm carries, at a free end thereof, at least one support (14, 15) adapted for resting respectively on a surface of the adjacent teeth when the arms are in the extended position. The central block includes an adjusting mechanism (19) for moving the two arms into the extended position, and a lock (20, 21, 22) locks the adjusting mechanism when the arms are in the extended position.

Abstract: A separator apparatus for separating a pair of adjacent teeth of a patient to facilitate the later placement of a molar band between the teeth. The apparatus includes a separator unit and a cooperating separating mechanism for manipulating the separator unit. The separator unit includes a length of separator material having a first coiled end portion, a second coiled end portion and an intermediate portion; the first and second coiled end portions being movable by the separating mechanism from a first at rest position to a second, spaced apart partially uncoiled position.

Abstract: A separating ring having a body being a resilient bent open ring and having two bent side bars having distal ends and wedge legs formed respectively on the distal ends, the wedge legs being spearheaded and fit easily between adjacent teeth to allow dental operations to be carried out easily and without the need for wedges.

Abstract: Improved dental wedge having curved elongate body approximating the anatomical curvature of a tooth undergoing repair to hold the matrix in conformity with the anatomical curvature of said tooth. The wedges comprising a curved elongate body having proximal and distal ends and tapering from the proximal end to the distal end, the elongate body further having a bottom surface, an inside surface and an outside surface opposite the inside surface, the curvature of the elongate body being towards the inside surface, and the bottom surface adjacent the insertion portion being curved upwards relative to the remainder of the bottom surface. The elongate body may be generally triangular in cross-section, and the inside surface is concave and the outside surface is convex transversely to the elongate body.

Abstract: The invention provides an elastic dental wedge for use in securing a matrix band or a cavity filling material mold against an object tooth. The dental wedge of the instant invention can be easily inserted and removed during dental treatment procedures. Also described herein are the methods of using this dental wedge in tooth restorations, orthodontic operations, etc.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that can be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

Abstract: Device for pushing away an enclosure arranged around a dental element. When filling dental elements, it is important that adjacent dental elements should come into contact with one another at a defined location. To this end, the invention proposes a tool for pushing the enclosure arranged around the dental element onto the adjacent dental element during the filling operation. In the vicinity of the free end, this tool is provided with a thickened section which has to push away an enclosure of this type. This thickened section is provided with a recess in the vicinity of the free end, approximately in the center. This recess forms an elevation in the filling material, and in this way shrinkage stresses can be guided out of the center of the filling material towards the outside, resulting in a shrinkage-free filling.

Abstract: An improved dental tooth spacer assembly provides a safe separation of the restoring tooth and the adjacent tooth during dental procedures. The improved dental tooth spacer assembly includes a separating portion made of a durable flexible material, and comprising a first wall and a second wall. Also the improved dental tooth spacer assembly includes a fixing member comprising an elongated body, a first wing and a second wing.

Abstract: An orthodontic separator, dimensioned such that it can be inserted between adjacent teeth. The separator is characterized in that it exhibits an increase in compressive force after insertion between adjacent teeth in the oral environment. The separator, after insertion, exerts sufficient force on the adjacent teeth to push the teeth apart.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental device for dilating interdental spaces. The device comprises two interdental matrices that can be inserted into interdental spaces two retaining arrangements to retain the interdental matrices, and a spacer device for guiding the retaining means in parallel and for separating teeth. The device provides access to the mesial and distal tooth surfaces in the areas of the interdental spaces and prevents gingival injuries and damages to the dental enamel caused by pressure. The device can be used in prophylactic or restorative odontotherapeutical methods.

Abstract: A method, with requisite tools, for producing a boat-shaped adhesive crust, contoured for dental composite filling, including steps of:

Abstract: A dental implement includes a wire member that forms a generally ring-shaped portion and first and second ends, which depend from the ring-shaped portion. The ring-shaped portion lies in a plane, with the first and second ends depending from the generally ring-shaped portion in a direction generally orthogonal to the plane. At least a portion of the first end touches at least a portion of the second end when in an initial resting state, wherein the first and second ends generate an inward force towards each other when separated.

Abstract: The invention is an open-ended ring used in the preparation of a tooth for a restorative procedure. The ring is used in conjunction with a shield to secure the shield between a tooth to be restored and an adjacent tooth. The result is a close contact being formed between the two teeth after restoration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting and removing a cemented, retrievable prosthodontic appliance using a levering instrument applied to the gap between two parallel surfaces, the first surface being a flat-topped ledge of a window on the lingual aspect of a dental prosthesis and the second surface being at least one opposed step or ledge on an artificial implant abutment. This invention combines the evenly stressed strength of a permanently cemented prosthesis with a damage free method of prosthesis removal without undue forces on the underlying implant.

Abstract: The tooth spacer comprises an elongated body having two opposite side edges extending between gingival and occlusal edges. A recessed or thin central portion of the body extends from the gingival edge toward the occlusal edge. The recessed central portion is sufficiently thin so that it may be inserted between the interproximal surfaces of two adjacent teeth while minimizing any wedging of the teeth apart.

Abstract: A dental device for cleaning teeth includes a resilient, elongated body member. The body member has two sides joined together so as to form a substantially V-shaped cross-section. Both inner and outer surfaces of each side include texturing in the form of cilia. In addition, spaced ridges may be provided on the sides to further aid in cleaning teeth. Each side also includes beaded edges to substantially prevent any cutting of gingival tissue when the device is used to clean between teeth. Finally, bristles may be provided along a section of the body member so that the device may be more effectively used to clean the open faces and chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Abstract: A novel method of restoring posterior teeth such as molars affected by interproximal decay includes drilling the affected tooth, on the side thereof on which the decay is located, essentially horizontally from the buccal to the lingual surface on a line intersecting the site of the decay to form a specially configured groove, scraping the groove clean with a spoon excavator, spreading the two proximate teeth with a separator, inserting a matrix strip between the teeth and anchoring it in place so that it closely overlies the groove, and injecting a dental composite into the groove through an aperture in the matrix. A supply of matrix strips and sets of specially constructed excavators and separators constitute components of a kit of armamentarium for practicing the method. This abstract is not to be taken either as a complete exposition or as a limitation of the present invention, however, the full nature and extent of the invention being discernible only by reference to and from the entire disclosure.

Abstract: An improved anterior splint that enhances fitting a wire mesh strip to the lingual surfaces of the teeth regardless of tooth crowding, for enhanced bonding, and adds increased labial stability to prevent labial tooth movement that can act after installation to peel away the wire mesh from the lingual surface. One or more small elongated tabs, interproximally disposed, are provided that are initially employed to manipulate and fit the wire mesh along the lingual teeth to be stabilized. Each tab is sized and fastened to the wire mesh to permit the dentist to pull labially on the tab, forcing the wire mesh into interproximal spaces, against the lingual surfaces, in spite of crowding. After the fitting is completed, the wire mesh and the tabs are bonded to the teeth, lingually and interproximally. Excess tab, projecting in front of the teeth is removed, presenting an aesthetic pleasing view.

Abstract: A device for inserting an elastomeric separation ring between adjacent teeth in a person's mouth, comprising a ring holder comprising a stem adapted to extend through and to hold a series of rings, a closed loop of strand material extending from one end of the ring holder and being adapted to receive rings thereon so that two segments of the loop pass through the opening in the ring, and two stops for the rings one stop at each end of the ring holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved tooth elevator characterized by a bit terminating in a blade having a generally S-shaped or reverse S-shaped cross section. The invention also encompasses the novel method of extracting at least one of a pair of adjacent teeth with an elevator having an S-shaped or reverse S-shaped tip which consists of inserting the bit with its axis essentially horizontal in between the teeth to be extracted and rotating said bit about its axis in a direction such that a remote sharpened edge of the S-curve engages one of said teeth at a point spaced from the gum line defining a fulcrum about which the adjacent sharpened edge of the S-curve pivots into prying engagement with the other tooth of the pair nearer said gumline so as to lift the latter out of its socket.