Abstract: In a method for preparing a closely fittable full denture device, a molded full denture is prepared to roughly correspond to contour of a patient's hard palate and vacated gum. The molded full denture includes a palatal arch portion with an inner palatal arch wall surface which is adapted to match and confront the hard palate and which has a cavity. The inner palatal arch wall surface is then coated with a layer of curable resin paste, and is pressed against the hard palate to obtain an impression. Thereafter, the impressed resin paste layer is cured to obtain the closely fittable full denture device.

Abstract: A dental or medical device for use in construction of a finished dental or medical appliance which includes a shapable prepreg, where the prepreg coontains fibers, and at least one solid body attached to the prepreg. The solid body attached to the prepreg constitutes a solid body included in the finished appliance and forms a part or whole of the outer surface of the finished appliance. Also disclosed are methods for the manufacture of the device, either so that the prefabricated solid body is contacted with the prepreg, or so that the solid body is created simultaneously with the manufacturing of the device.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated, mouldable composite body, e.g. a body (12) forming elongate apertures (12, 14, 15, 16) for receiving and engaging metallic fastening means for attachment to osseointegrated fixtures. A composite polymer bridge for dental implants is manufactured by attaching suitable fastening means (10) on the abutments that penetrate the gingiva or on their replicas in a positive model (11) of the jaw and placing a mouldable body, e.g. a body (12) forming elongate apertures (13, 14, 15, 16) around these means. The mouldable body is then pressed together to collapse the elongate apertures and to fit tightly around the fastening means, whereupon the body is cured.

Abstract: A method and a device for reinforcing a unit for dental purposes by applying matrix material via an opening in the unit. Components included in the matrix material are kept separately in two enclosed spaces, and the spaces are brought into internal contact with each other via a connecting member. Upon or after said internal contact, a mixing member situated inside the first space acts on the viscous matrix components which have been mixed toether are fed from the space to the inside of the unit via the opening, without any substantial leakage to the outside of the unit.

Abstract: A device is used for forming holes and inserting sleeves in a unit incorporated in a dental bridge or a template for forming holes in bone. The unit comprises a shell and, arranged in the latter, a matrix material which is viscous at least in an initial forming stage and which gives the unit resiliency properties or is resilient as a function of one or more actions. The device comprises a perforating part (7) by means of which the shell and the substance can be penetrated and can be pushed aside counter to the effect of the resiliency in order to form holes or recesses. Arranged behind or under (over) the perforating part there is a sleeve-supporting portion by means of which a sleeve (5) assumes a position in the hole or recess and exposes its outside to said pushed-aside and resilient shell and substance or agent. The perforating part and the sleeve are arranged to prevent any substantial leakage of the substance or agent during the penetration and the sleeve application.

Abstract: Dental prosthetics, including implants, crowns and bridges, made from nanophase materials. The nanophase materials are generally manufactured by evaporating a metal or other solid substrate by heating it to a temperature at or above its boiling point in a vacuum to form a vapor. The vapor is then condensed back to a solid state through contact with a cold gas. In a first method, the nanophase material is heated until it is in a fluid state, then it is poured into a mold and cooled to form all or part of a dental prosthetic. In a second method, the nanophase material is placed into the mold in a powdered form, then heated so that the grains form a solid mass. Nanophase crowns and bridges should generally be formed in one piece, but the upper surface of a nanophase prosthetic will usually be covered with porcelain or another non-nanophase material.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis blank and a combined dental prosthesis blank and blank holder. The dental prosthesis blank provides for forming a dental prosthesis therefrom and the blank holder holds the blank during the forming of the prosthesis. The blank comprises a first free end for forming the dental prosthesis therefrom and a positioning end for positioning the blank in the blank holder. The positioning end includes a cylindrical cone, i.e. extension, having a pair of reference surfaces defined by a slot extending along the axis of the cylindrical extension. The blank holder includes a reference element such as a bar that fits within the space between the reference surfaces.

Abstract: A method of preparing a ceramic artificial crown by applying at least one kind of dental porcelain selected from the group consisting of a body porcelain, an incisal porcelain and a translucent porcelain onto the surface of a ceramic core molded by heating and softening a ceramic material and putting it into a mold with the application of a pressure followed by firing; wherein

Abstract: The invention provides high strength dental polymeric dental products made from wax-like polymerizable dental material. These dental products have superior strength compared to products formed from prior wax-like polymerizable materials. Prior wax-like polymerizable materials do not form strong enough polymeric material for making dentures. High strength dentures are made by positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material of the invention. This material is then shaped and polymerized to the form a denture base of high strength dental polymeric material. These dentures are completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.

Abstract: A combination set (FIG. 1, A,B), at least in a medium size or different sizes, includes complete arched denture teeth units (1), (2) preformed without denture base, for setting up denture teeth instantly and adjustable in a full balanced articulation during custom denture work. The set(s) is composed of a complete upper (1) and separate complementary complete lower (2) arched denture teeth unit, each including anterior and posterior denture teeth inter-connected either in a complete (A) or under-extended complete (B) tooth arch at least in an oval form. Each of the units includes a total unitary inter-occlusal bite plane preformed in a corresponding centric occlusion and full balanced articulation.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental restoration element which is to be secured in the mouth of a dental patient includes providing a base plate with ready made x-ray opaque restorative teeth thereon, the base plate being formed in correspondence with the mouth of the patient in which the restorative teeth are to be fixedly secured. The base plate is temporarily situated in the patient's mouth and then the temporarily situated position of the base plate in the patient's mouth is observed, preferably via an x-ray. The temporarily situated position of the base plate in the patient's mouth is assessed to determine predetermined locations at which drill holes for facilitating the fixed securement of the restorative teeth in the patient's mouth are to bored.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a dental appliance by shaping a low ball tack polymerizable material. By including fluorescing agent the surfaces of dental appliances are visually identifiable.

Abstract: The invention provides high strength dental polymeric dental products made from wax-like polymerizable dental material. These dental products have superior strength compared to products formed from prior wax-like polymerizable materials. Prior wax-like polymerizable materials do not form strong enough polymeric material for making dentures. High strength dentures are made by positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material of the invention. This material is then shaped and polymerized to the form a denture base of high strength dental polymeric material. These dentures are completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.

Abstract: The present invention involves a removable partial denture that does not have a palatal or lingual bar, strap or plate connecting both sides of an arch of the partial denture. In addition to the rests and/or clasps, it is held in position by the shape of the linguoplate, which conforms to the shape of the lingual surface of the teeth and alveolar mucosa, and the shape of a portion of the adjacent gum tissue of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a dental implant system suitable for an endosteal implant into a jawbone are provided. The systems and methods make use of an tapered, expandable polymer sheath insertable into a jawbone, a tapered implant insertable into the sheath and causing expansion of the sheath upon insertion, and an abutment adapted to be coupled to the implant and permitting the attachment of a dental prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention provides a high strength dental polymeric material formed from wax-like polymerizable dental material. A wax-like polymerizable dental material formed by a process comprising blending polymerizable compounds which polymerize to form high strength dental polymeric material. The invention provides a process for making a denture including: positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material, and shaping the polyermizable material into the form of a denture base. The process is completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.

Abstract: To provide an artificial tooth holder by which various complicated steps required for the preparation of a denture as in the lost wax process are reduced and the arrangement work of artificial teeth, which has hitherto required a skill, is made simple, the artificial tooth holder is constituted of artificial teeth held in the same arrangement order as natural teeth on an artificial tooth holder main body via a heat polymerization type or photopolymerization type paste-like denture base material.

Abstract: A dental or medical device for use in construction of a finished dental or medical appliance which includes a shapable prepreg, where the prepreg coontains fibers, and at least one solid body attached to the prepreg. The solid body attached to the prepreg constitutes a solid body included in the finished appliance and forms a part or whole of the outer surface of the finished appliance. Also disclosed are methods for the manufacture of the device, either so that the prefabricated solid body is contacted with the prepreg, or so that the solid body is created simultaneously with the manufacturing of the device.

Abstract: An upper denture has an artificial teeth support base with side regions and a front region shaped for fitting onto a person's upper gums. The support base has an open area situated between the side regions and behind the front region and which exposes a portion of the roof of the wearer's mouth at that location. An arched center region of the support base extends between the side regions behind the open area and is shaped to fit against the roof of the mouth. The open configuration makes the denture more comfortable and provides a more natural environment in the mouth. For example, the tongue and foods and beverages may make direct contact with the top of the mouth. The support base may be articulated in a manner which enables adjustment of the fit of the denture after fabrication.

Abstract: A resin composition for denture is provided, which does not require operations for weighing, and mixing during the use; is free from involving of air bubbles; and when used for preparation of a denture base, is free from a reduction in physical properties and staining or discoloration with a lapse of time. Further, a completed denture has a high elastic energy value, is superior in impact resistance, and when applied with an impact or a stress as in the case of dropping, is not readily broken. The resin composition for denture base is in a one-paste state and is constructed by (a) a polymerizable monomer and/or oligomer having a modulus of elasticity at polymerization of 0.25 to 3.00 GPa, (b) an organic filler and/or an organic-inorganic composite filler having a modulus of elasticity of 0.25 to 3.00 GPa, and (c) a polymerization initiator made of a heat polymerization type polymerization initiator and/or a photopolymerization type polymerization initiator, and optionally, (d) an inorganic filler.

Abstract: A formable mouthguard with teeth (10) having a mouthguard (12) which comprises a mouthguard outer side (12O) attached to a mouthguard inner side (12I) by a mouthguard bottom (12B) which has an open mouthguard bottom right end (12BR) and an open mouthguard bottom left end (12BL). An upper jaw (14) positioned on an outer surface of the mouthguard outer side (12O). The upperjaw (14) has an upper jaw gum (14A) interspersed with a plurality of upperjaw teeth (14B).

Abstract: A locator or signaling device and a detector system for locating lost dentures includes a button or insert that can be mounted on the surface of an existing denture. An insert can also be implanted in a new denture. The internal signaling component is surrounded by a resin layer that can be used to bond the locator button to the existing denture and will also isolate the internal signaling component form the denture wearer's oral cavity. The internal signaling component is responsive to an electromagnetic field and emits a detectable signal when the denture is located with a specified interrogation zone or search area. Signaling components having magnetic characteristics that are altered by an incident variable electromagnetic field can be employed. The preferred location for the locator, locator strip, marker or button is on the interior lingual surface of the flange of a mandibular or lower denture.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental device comprising thermoplastic polyamide having a Charpy notched impact strength of at least 3.5 ft-lb/in2. Preferably the polyamide comprises at least 10 percent by weight of micro-crystals having a largest dimension less than 750 nanometers. Preferably the device is a Denture base, denture, partial denture, clasp, splint, or night guard. Preferably, the polyamide has an opacity of less than 30 percent. The invention provides a metal cartridge container containing particles of thermoplastic polyamide effectively free of pigment. The metal cartridge is used in a method of making a partial dental prosthesis having a substantially transparent clasp. First a substantially transparent thermoplastic is injected into a first portion of a mold cavity of a mold containing an artificial tooth, and then a substantially opaque thermoplastic injecting into a second portion of the mold cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides high strength dental polymeric dental products made from wax-like polymerizable dental material. These dental products have superior strength compared to products formed from prior wax-like polymerizable materials. Prior wax-like polymerizable materials do not form strong enough polymeric material for making dentures. High strength dentures are made by positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material of the invention. This material is then shaped and polymerized to the form a denture base of high strength dental polymeric material. These dentures are completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.

Abstract: A method for processing a glass fiber material, wherein the glass fiber material has been heat treated at a temperature less than or equal to the annealing temperature of the glass for a length of time effective to prevent separation and fraying of the edges of the material upon cutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a multicolored shaped body for further processing to form a dental restoration, and to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A Dental Prosthesis comprising a metal structure and a tooth-like outer layer whereby the entire Dental Prosthesis is completed in just one dental visit. A refractory model is provided and a formable metal of a higher melting temperature is shaped on the refractory model to the general shape of the metal structure. The formable metal is joined by applying metal of a lower melting temperature, flux and heat to melt the metal of a lower melting temperature, and to fill and cover the formable metal to form the metal structure which is then made ready to receive the tooth like outer layer. The tooth like outer layer is formed on the metal structure and finished to form the Dental Prosthesis.

Abstract: A container for cross-linking composite materials on dental bridges and arches and on individual teeth, comprising: a plurality of plate-like elements which can be stacked and clamped together, at least one of the plate-like elements, which is internal to the plurality of plate-like elements, being constituted by a plurality of blocks which can be removed independently of each other to form an area which is suitable to constitute a mold into which it is possible to place a metallic structure on which the elements of a dental prosthesis are to be formed, the at least one of the plate-like elements and a plate-like element that is adjacent thereto in an upward region and constitutes the top plate-like element of the container being both made of a material which is transparent to light.

Abstract: The intraoral diffusion type administration device of the present invention is incorporated in a dental restoration, such as a complete denture, a partial plate denture, and a mouthpiece, and comprises: chambers for storing an administration material, permeable walls provided at said chambers, tubes having one ends connected to said chambers and having openings at predetermined positions, and shuttering means provided at said walls and at said openings of said tubes, said shuttering means open when in use, or not in eating and drinking, and close when not in use, or in eating and drinking. The permeability of the walls permits saliva to enter the chambers to dissolve the administration material, and the concentration gradient in the tube results in gradual diffusion of the solution into a mouth.

Abstract: Coatings for hard tissue and surfaces of the oral environment are provided that reduce adhesion of bacteria and proteinaceous substances to these surfaces. Methods of reducing adhesion of these materials to such surfaces, and polymers for incorporation into such coatings are also provided.

Abstract: Coatings for hard tissue and surfaces of the oral environment are provided that reduce adhesion of bacteria and proteinaceous substances to these surfaces. Methods of reducing adhesion of these materials to such surfaces, and polymers for incorporation into such coatings are also provided.

Abstract: In summary, the invention is directed to a method of making a new dental prosthesis from an existing dental prosthesis, including the steps of making a sacrificial positive or pattern of the existing dental prosthesis, and using the sacrificial pattern of the existing dental prosthesis to form a new dental prosthesis. The inventive method likewise includes making a sacrificial pattern of at least a part of an existing denture. The invention further includes the construction of new dentures from a patient's worn dentures, by providing copy or modified copy of the worn dentures into which one can set and arrange the denture teeth. The invention still further includes a dental prosthetic, such as a denture, made by such methods.

Abstract: A dental appliance and a process for making a dental appliance by forming a laminated vinyl base of closed cell materials using a thermal forming technique and subsequently forming a polymerized overlay resin layer to bond artificial teeth to the base and provide a visible surface for the appliance. The resulting laminated appliance is slightly flexible but the flexibility may be increased by increasing its temperature and thereby facilitate installation over or removal from undercut dental tissues in a patient. The thermal formed intermediate is employed in a "try-in" when temporarily waxed and temporarily fitted with artificial teeth. The intermediate portion of the "try-in" eventually becomes incorporated in the dental appliance. The blanks may be furnished as an array, with flexibility information to assist in selection of an appropriate blank from the array.

Abstract: In order to solve such problem that heating a mark such as a one-chip microprocessor which is easily damaged thermally in case of curing a heat-curing resin enclosing such one-chip microprocessor could have not been essentially made in event of embedding sealably such mark in the resin section of a denture, the present invention is characterized by that a groove-shaped recess for inserting the mark has previously been defined in a wax pattern indispensable for fabrication of the denture. For defining such recess, the implement for making a recess for embedding sealably the mark which is provided with a head shaped so as to have substantially the same dimension as that of the mark is used. More specifically, the head of the implement which has been heated by hot water is pressed upon a surface of the wax pattern to define such a groove-shaped recess as a result of melting a portion of the wax thus heated.

Abstract: A method of producing dentures is provided. A moldable denture plate is introduced into the mouth of a patient. Deformation of the denture plate is carried out in a patient-specific manner. While the denture plate is still in the patient's mouth, it is subjected to at least a preliminary hardening. After being removed from the patient's mouth, the denture plate is provided with prefabricated teeth.

Abstract: A permanent dental bridge comprised entirely of composite material may be constructed directly, i.e., without laboratory assistance, either in situ or ex situ. In the in situ process, composite material is applied between abutment teeth in the patient's mouth, affixing wings are formed from the composite material, those wings respectively attaching to corresponding surfaces on the abutment teeth, and the composite material is cured. The steps of application and curing of composite material are successively repeated until a completed dental bridge, including a pontic portion, is formed entirely within the patient's mouth. The ex situ process is accomplished by fabricating a composite pontic, applying composite material between the patient's abutment teeth, curing the composite material, applying a lamination of additional composite material between the abutment teeth, inserting the composite pontic into the lamination, and curing the lamination.

Abstract: A cosmetic accessory device for teeth that simulates the appearance of an assemblage of teeth and gum. The device includes a gum portion and a tooth portion shaped and dimensioned to cover the user's upper or lower front teeth. The device is made of a nontoxic, nonirritating, tasteless, odorless, resilient, easily cleaned and chemically stable material that does not stick to natural teeth, gums, or most dental work. In use, the device is held in place by custom-fitted inner projections that match the spaces between the user's own front teeth and (optionally) a shelf extending just across the front teeth. Unlike typical conventional novelty dental devices, the natural teeth and gums are not completely covered, so the device is comfortable to wear and does not interfere with natural speech or bite closure.

Abstract: A blank for preparing artificial tooth parts, such as inlays, overlays or partial and complete crowns and bridges comprises a body of laminate material. The body has at least one layer of high abrasive resistance, at least one layer of high breaking strength, and at least one layer of lower hardness and breaking strength. For forming the tooth part, material is removed from the blank in such a way that the layer having high fracture strength forms a reinforcing structure. In a single working step, a tooth part of high strength can be machined.

Abstract: Coupled artificial teeth which minimize the shaping work of gum when manufacturing a denture model and eliminates residues in the plaster mold are disclosed. A coupled artificial tooth assembly includes a plurality of teeth coupled together only by wax. On the front side of the gum, the wax covers a base portion of each of the artificial teeth and fills the interdental papillae, while exposing the tooth crowns. On the backside of the gum, the wax fills the space around the bottom portion of each of the artificial teeth so that the bottom portion is almost completely exposed. The backside of the gum is substantially flush with the bottom portions of the artificial teeth and forms a bow-shaped curved surface similar in shape to a real human gum.

Abstract: A low-fusing temperature porcelain compositions, methods of use thereof on metal or porcelain substrates to form dental prostheses and kits therefor. Compositions of the invention have a fusing temperature of less than 800.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with a substrate of metal or ceramic. Each composition includes, in weight percent of the composition, from 40 to 65 percent by weight SiO.sub.2, from 6 to 12 percent by weight Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, from 6 to 12 percent by weight Na.sub.2 O, from 5.5 to 10.50 percent by weight K.sub.2 O, from 1 to 3 percent by weight Li.sub.2 O, from 0.8 to 2.5 percent by weight CaO, from 0.8 to 4.0 percent by weight B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and from 0.1 to 0.8 percent by weight CeO.sub.2.

Abstract: A method for subantral augmentation including the steps of lifting the schneiderian membrane from the antral floor, and placing graft material between the schneiderian membrane and the antral floor, without fracturing the lateral maxillary wall.

Abstract: A method of initiating the construction of a new denture from a worn denture includes making a 360.degree. indexed impression mold of the worn denture, including all outer surfaces corresponding to all of a patient's complementary oral tissues, removing the worn denture from the impressionable material in which the mold is formed, filling the mold with a curable liquid, preferably dental acrylic, to form a stint, forming a mated two- layered model onto and around the stint wherein the two-layered model includes a resilient layer and a rigid layer. The resilient layer is placed in undercut areas, defined by the stint, to prevent breaking or cracking upon separating the stint from the two-layered model, the rigid layer is composed of an inelastic material such as dental stone or gypsum, and at least one retention clip is utilized to anchor the resilient layer to the rigid layer.

Abstract: A kit whose contents permit a denture wearer to repair their own dentures. The kit contains replacement teeth, a liquid monomer and a powdered polymer which when added together form a putty-like acrylic, a pipette for dispensing the liquid, a specially designed grinding and filing tool, a piece of emery paper, and a strip of wax used for temporarily bridging a loose tooth to a fixed tooth. Instructions explaining a method for repairing both simple and complex denture fractures, as well as replacing broken or lost denture teeth are also included in the kit. The methods each utilize the specially designed grinding and filing tool.

Abstract: A preformed posterior palatal seal (Preformed PPS) for securing to, anatonically based existing dentures includes a body preformed of a predetermined size and shape of a posterior palatal seal (PPS) for sealing an existing denture at the "Ah line" of the human palate and adhesive for holding the preformed body to a denture.

Abstract: This device includes two separate impression-molded all gum and cap-cup encasements (upper and lower arches) with veneered artificial teeth mounted to the encasement walls. The veneered encasements comprise the completed all gum and cap-cup dental device. The completed cap-cup encasements cover the upper and lower arches of full sets of natural teeth and gums.

Abstract: A thermally deformable denture base adapted to be fitted to an edentulous ridge and the surrounding tissue surfaces and a method of producing and fitting complete dentures incorporating the thermally deformable denture base. The denture base has an inner surface and an outer surface and is formed by a molding process from a doughy mixture of a plasticized liquid monomer and a methyl methacrylate polymer powder in a 1:3-3.5 ratio. When heated to a temperature above about 135.degree. F., the denture base is malleable and may be molded in the mouth of a patient to attain an approximation of the tissue surfaces. The denture base may be incorporated into a complete denture by curing an unpolymerized resin material denture liner to the inner surface of the denture base and affixing teeth to the outer surface of the denture base.

Abstract: An artificial larynx consists of (1) a first unit mounted in the mouth comprising a dental prosthesis, including a loud speaker, a power amplifier, a self-contained power source, plus a radio frequency receiver, and (2) a second unit held in the hand equipped with an input control device, self-contained power source, electronic circuitry and transmitter allowing the user to alter the frequency and volume produced by the unit in the mouth. The construction and components of the unit allows laryngectomees to speak with both a natural sound and a high degree of intelligibility.

Abstract: This device includes two separate impression-molded all gum and cap-cup encasements (upper and lower arches) with veneered artificial teeth mounted to the encasement walls. The veneered encasements comprise the completed all gum and cap-cup dental device. The completed cap-cup encasements cover the upper and lower arches of full sets of natural teeth and gums.

Abstract: A thermally deformable denture base adapted to be fitted to an edentulous ridge and the surrounding tissue surfaces and a method of producing and fitting complete dentures incorporating the thermally deformable denture base. The denture base has an inner surface and an outer surface and is formed by a molding process from a doughy mixture of a plasticized liquid monomer and a methyl methacrylate polymer powder in a 1:3-3.5 ratio. When heated to a temperature above about 135.degree. F., the denture base is malleable and may be molded in the mouth of a patient to attain an approximation of the tissue surfaces. The denture base may be incorporated into a complete denture by curing an unpolymerized resin material denture liner to the inner surface of the denture base and affixing teeth to the outer surface of the denture base.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a partial denture or bridge appliance securable to an abutment tooth or abutment teeth having crowns or copings thereon, the partial denture or bridge appliance in snap fit secure relationship with the crown or coping on the abutment tooth or teeth, the snap-fit fitting achieved by electrical erosion methods in order to eliminate any undue stress or strain on the abutment tooth or teeth so as to prevent their eventual loosening or loss.