Abstract: A dental instrument with arms pivotally connected for scissors pivot action between closed and open positions is disclosed. A pair of tines extends from distal ends of the arms and at least one shaping surface on one of said tines is supported so that it is operable to shape an interior surface of one of two matrix bands positioned around adjacent teeth. In use, each tine is positioned inside of adjacent matrix bands positioned around adjacent teeth. As the arms are pivoted towards the closed position, the shaping surface is moved towards the tine on which it is not supported and a clamping force is applied by the tines causing the shaping surface to shape at least one of the matrix bands.

Abstract: A system of tools for use in an orthodontic setting made up of a series of individual tools. Each tool comprises a pair of flat, generally elongated arms placed in an adjacent lengthwise relationship and connected at each first ends in a manner so as to force the remaining portions of the arms apart. Each of the tools has specially modified features that allow the tools to perform specific functions such as: scraping teeth and orthodontic devices; grasping orthodontic brackets; placing orthodontic brackets onto a tooth without disturbing other free-floating brackets; measuring the distance between portions of a tooth so as to ensure proper bracket placement; measuring the distance between orthodontic brackets; and aseptically retrieving objects from a drawer.

Abstract: Apparatus for bending dental instrument for use in root canals. The apparatus includes two rotatable sleeves made of plastic material one of which is carried by a stationary element which acts as a handle and the other one of which is carried by a movable member articulated on the handle. A coil spring interposed between the handle and the movable member urges the two sleeves to be maintained at distance one from each other. The blade of the instrument to be bent is engaged between the two sleeves when they are positioned distant from each other. A force then is exerted on the movable member for moving one of the sleeves toward the other one and pinching the blade of the instrument between them. Then, while the blade is pinched between the sleeves, a traction is exerted on the instrument accompanied with a lateral displacement that produces the bending of the blade.

Abstract: Device for the production of temporary dental crowns having a die and a matrix. The die is an artificial tooth having a shape closely approximating that of the tooth being restored, a fixing and supporting shaft protruding from the middle of the artificial tooth. The matrix is cup-shaped with a recess into which an elastic ring is placed, the elastic ring pressing inwardly a plastic foil from which the temporary crown is formed about the die as it is thrust into the elastic ring. The relaxed internal diameter of the internal ring is smaller than the size of the lower part of the tooth being restored. Concentrically with the space in the open end of the matrix there is provided a socket with an outside flange within which the outer edge of the plastic foil is initially held. The device can produce temporary plastic dental crowns which closely approximate the shape of the tooth being restored, and it is easy to take the crown off the matrix and the die without any damage thereto.

Abstract: A dental instrument having a unitary handle which includes a pair of elongated spaced apart arcuate grip portions. The grip portions are integrally connected to each other at a forward part of the handle and connected together at their rear ends by an integral rear part which extends transversely between the grips. A captive operating nut supported on the rear part is threadably engaged with an operating rod which extends longitudinally of the handle between and in spaced relation to the grips. The nut is operable to move an associated beak generally toward another opposing beak mounted in fixed position at the forward end of the handle. The movable beak may be pivotally supported on the forward part of the handle or may comprise a part of the operating rod.