Abstract: Embodiments are provided for digital dental modeling. One method embodiment includes receiving a three-dimensional data set including a first jaw and a second jaw of a three-dimensional digital dental model and receiving a two-dimensional data set corresponding to at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw. The method includes mapping two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data set to the three-dimensional digital dental model by transforming a coordinate system of the two-dimensional data to a coordinate system of the three-dimensional data set. The method includes positioning the first jaw with respect to the second jaw based on the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set. The method includes using at least a portion of the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set as a target of movement of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw in the three-dimensional digital dental model.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing movement of the mandible. A top pantograph is fixed to a patient, wherein fixing includes attaching clutches to the top teeth of the patient. A bottom pantograph is fixed to the patient, wherein fixing includes attaching clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient. Movement of the bottom pantograph relative to the top pantograph during the patient's bite cycle is monitored and a hinge axis corresponding to the patient's mandible is determined.

Abstract: A dental diagnosis device has an occlusion sound detection member that detects occlusion sounds by teeth and an analysis member that analyzes the teeth occlusion based on detected occlusion sounds by the occlusion detection member. The occlusion detection member comprises a sucker shaped suction member that sticks to a tooth, a hollow passage connected to a through-hole installed in the suction member and it is operably controlled to appropriate negative pressure by which the suction member is adhered to a tooth, and a detection member connected to the suction member, which detects occlusion sound via the suction member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a dental situation (1) comprising a plurality of implants (2, 3, 4, 5) and/or preparations for inserting dental restorations. Using a first measuring method, a first region (13) of the dental situation (1) is initially recorded while first measurement data are generated. The first region (13) is selected to comprise at least two implants (2, 3, 4, 5) and/or preparations. Subsequently, object regions (17, 18, 19, 20) surrounding the implants (2, 3, 4, 5) and/or the preparations are established, and, while using a second measuring method, the established object regions (17, 18, 19, 20) are detected, and second measurement data are generated. The second measuring method is more precise than the first measuring method.

Abstract: A tooth impact protection guard incorporates a posterior portion with a labial margin substantially at a contour of an alveolar ridge. The posterior portion extends over an occlusal surface of each posterior tooth and covers the lingual cusps to a posterior lingual margin at the cemento-enamel junction. An anterior portion has a contiguous labial margin with the posterior portion at a contour of the attached alveolar ridge. The anterior portion terminates in an anterior lingual margin substantially adjacent an incisal edge of each anterior tooth with an overlap of between 2 and 5 mm.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods of designing dental restorations and systems for performing the described methods are provided. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a virtual three dimensional representation of at least a portion of the patient's dentition that includes at least one preparation tooth, identifying a preparation margin on the virtual three dimensional representation, placing an arch form of a virtual tooth library in alignment with the virtual three dimensional representation, and proposing an initial restoration design based upon a tooth design obtained from the virtual tooth library.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable dental composition comprising a curable polyether group containing polymer as component (A), an initiator capable of initiating a curing reaction of component (A) as component (B) and a certain F-containing compound as component (C). The invention also relates to a method of production and use of the curable dental composition or a respective kit of parts for the preparation of or as impression material or for the preparation of crowns and bridges.

Abstract: Systems and processes for the duplication of dentures from existing dentures. The interior and exterior of the dentures are scanned and a best fit procedure is used to create a fully digitized denture. The denture teeth are selected from a library that is the closest fit to the original denture teeth. The library teeth are offset a preset distance to compensate for the best fit. The teeth are then subtracted from the digitized denture. The margins of the denture are then cleaned after subtracting the teeth. The denture base is then ready for manufacturing. The teeth are then installed onto the denture base and provided to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.

Abstract: Taking a digital implant or abutment level digital impression by means of intra-oral, computed tomography or other imaging method provides the restorative doctor and laboratory accurate and effective data for determining the implant position, angulation and locking feature orientation without a physical impression. Such data is correlated with a digital library to produce an output which enables design and fabrication of an accurate restorative device such as a prosthetic tooth or crown. In this way the time-consuming, costly and error prone mechanical replication of the relevant dental anatomy is obviated.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and a device for the determination of the centric position of a human set of teeth with improved precision. This is needed for the adjustment of an articulator in the production of dentures. For this purpose a plurality of successive bite movements or displacement movements of the lower jaw are recorded in form of electronic signal data and evaluated for the determination of the centric position.

Abstract: In an exemplary method for obtaining a contour image of a tooth, which can be executed at least in part by a computer, movement of an intra-oral camera can be detected by acquiring a first video image frame that includes the tooth and processing the first video image frame to detect one or more edges of the tooth in the first video image frame and acquiring a second video image frame that includes the tooth and processing the second video image frame to detect the one or more edges of the tooth in the second video image frame. The method can compare corresponding edge locations between the first and second processed video image frames and projects a fringe pattern illumination onto the tooth from the camera, capturing and storing one or more still images of the fringe pattern according to the detected camera movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to plastics which are self-disinfecting. The invention relates in particular to polyether or silicone based dental plastics and impression materials in which a biocidal material is incorporated. The dental impression material ace. to the invention comprises at least a polymerizable base paste BP and a non-aqueous catalyst paste CP, wherein the base paste BP comprises about 0.001 to about 10% by weight of a water-stable anti-microbial agent. Preferred anti-microbial agents are selected from the group consisting of Hexitidin, Cetypyridininumcloride (CPC), Chlorhexidine and its derivates (CHX) and Triclosan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental post (1) for supporting dental prostheses (2) by means of a screw attachment and method for the manufacture thereof which provides a customizable optimum solution for each case, both from the mechanical viewpoint and from the aesthetic viewpoint, essentially comprising an upper hole (8?) into which the retaining screw (4?) is screwed for retaining the prosthesis (2) on the post (1) such that the upper hole (8?) can be located at any point of the surface of the post once said post (1) has been customized in terms of the shape thereof and type of retention to the prosthesis (2) depending on the mechanical and aesthetic needs of the type of rehabilitation suitable for each particular case.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method of creating an impression of structures of the human oral cavity comprises: preparing impression trays: creating a first, or base, impression; grinding out portions of the base impression; and using the void(s) in the ground out base impression to take a second, or wash, impression. The base impression is taken with an excess of a high-density impression material which is positioned to extend beyond the structures of interest (of which the impression is being taken). The base impression is removed and all fine structure surrounding the structure(s) of interest is ground out. A wash impression is then taken using a low-density impression material. The base impression creates a seal around the structure(s) of interest (a closed system), thereby producing omnidirectional hydraulic pressure on the low-density material. Such omnidirectional hydraulic pressure produces a highly detailed final impression from which a high-quality model (e.g., cast) can be made.

Abstract: A composition for obtaining dental impressions and methods of using and making the same are disclosed. The compositions can include curable base compositions and surfactant systems. The surfactant system can include (i) 0.5 to 3 wt-% of a first surfactant comprising end-capped polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, end-capped polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, end-capped polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene alkyl ether or mixtures thereof, (ii) 0.5 to 3 wt-% of a second surfactant, selected from the group of non-ionic fluorosurfactants, (iii) 0 to 3 wt-% of a third surfactant, selected from the group of silicone surfactants, wherein the total quantity of first, second and third surfactant is from 1.5 to 6 wt-%. The mass ratio of the first surfactant to the second surfactant can be 1.4 or less when the content of the third surfactant is less than 0.5 wt-% and the total quantity of first and second surfactant is 2 wt-% or less.

Abstract: An orthodontic system includes a dental appliance and an auxiliary arrangement unit. The dental appliance includes a main body defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of a dentition of a user therein. The main body is formed with a main projection projecting outwardly away from the receiving space. The auxiliary arrangement unit includes an attaching member to be bonded to a tooth of the dentition, and a restraining member interconnecting the main projection and the attaching member for moving the tooth toward the main projection.

Abstract: A method of automatically producing or reproducing a customized AGP (Anterior Guidance Package) equipped splint for a patient with or without a severe malocclusion is provided. The method of automatically producing or reproducing an AGP equipped splint according to current invention comprises of combining Virtual Articulation, CAD (Computer Aided Design)-CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) method with AGP and special retentive piece technology. The method of the current invention enables a patient with or without a severe malocclusion to receive his/her customized AGP equipped splint or a replacement thereof automatically without visiting the dentist again and again.

Abstract: A dental impression tray assembly includes an upper tray and a lower tray operable with the upper tray, and the lower tray includes a first piece configured to measure jaw relations of a patient's mouth and a pair of second pieces detachably attachable to the first piece. The first piece of the lower tray is inserted into the patient's mouth independently of the pair of second pieces of the lower tray to measure the jaw relations and to obtain a bite registration. After the first piece is connected to the pair of second pieces, the assembly allows a final gum impression of the patient's lower gum to be obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for digital dental modeling. One method embodiment includes receiving a three-dimensional data set including a first jaw and a second jaw of a three-dimensional digital dental model and receiving a two-dimensional data set corresponding to at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw. The method includes mapping two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data set to the three-dimensional digital dental model by transforming a coordinate system of the two-dimensional data to a coordinate system of the three-dimensional data set. The method includes positioning the first jaw with respect to the second jaw based on the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set. The method includes using at least a portion of the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set as a target of movement of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw in the three-dimensional digital dental model.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter. Methods also include receiving point input data, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system. Methods also include receiving permissible movement input data directed to permissible movement of a first virtual tooth, bringing the first virtual tooth into contact with a second virtual tooth, and displaying data resulting from the simulation.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a dental implant surgical guide is disclosed. A patient-specific virtual model is generated using image data specific to a patient and virtual dental implants. The virtual model aligns the image data with the virtual dental implants using modeling software. A virtual mold is generated from the virtual model, and a physical mold is generated from the virtual mold. The physical mold is covered with a thermoplastic sheet via a thermoforming process. Excess thermoplastic material is trimmed off after the thermoforming process to produce a thermoformed piece. Metal tubes corresponding to each the virtual dental implants are placed onto the physical mold denoting the position, trajectory, and depth of the one or more virtual dental implants. A dental implant surgical guide that contains the thermoformed piece with the one or more tubes is produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is method for generating a dental preparation guide configured for validating the preparation of at least one tooth for a dental restoration, said method comprising: a: obtaining a digital 3D representation of a pre-prepared set of teeth; b: virtually removing said at least one tooth from the digital 3D representation of the pre-prepared set of teeth, such that a digital 3D representation of a remaining set of teeth is formed; c: providing a virtual target dental restoration expressing a target shape of the dental restoration; d: creating a virtual validation surface for the dental preparation guide based on the virtual target dental restoration, where the validation surface is such that the preparation of the tooth can be validated by the dental preparation guide; and e: creating a virtual preparation guide surface by combining the virtual validation surface and at least part of the surface of the digital 3D representation of the remaining set of teeth.

Abstract: A scanning member includes a head portion and a body portion. The head portion has an at least partially flat top surface indicative of a first characteristic of a dental implant, an at least partially flat first side surface indicative of a second characteristic of the dental implant, and a second non-flat side surface that opposes the first side surface. The body portion has a non-rotational feature configured to non-rotationally couple the body portion to the dental implant. The body portion is physically attached to a bottom surface of the head portion to form a generally “T” shape. The scanning member has an internal through hole for receiving a screw to threadably couple with a threaded bore within the dental implant. A set of scanning members includes scanning members having different body portions configured to couple to dental implants from different manufacturers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for adhesion between an alginate impression material for dental use and an impression tray, which contains: (U) a pretreatment agent that contains (I) 100 parts by mass of an organic solvent that has a solubility parameter (?) of 17.0-23.0 [(MPa)1/2] and (II) 0.1-30 parts by mass of inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 10 ?m or less; and (V1) an adhesive that contains (I) a polyamine compound that contains two or more amino groups in each molecule and (III) a lower alcohol solvent, or (V2) an adhesive that is obtained by mixing (I) a polyamine compound that contains two or more amino groups in each molecule, (II) an organic peroxide and (III) a lower alcohol solvent.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the results of an optical scan of the surface of an object such as human dentition in which the surface may be dry or wet. The method includes the step of applying a composition to the surface, wherein the composition includes a volatile component that rapidly evaporates resulting in the transformation of the residual composition to a durable, water insoluble, non sticky film on the surface, whether applied in a dry-field or in a wet-field environment. The composition generally includes an agent that improves the quality of the optical return signal to a 3D optical scanner. The method further includes the steps of scanning the surface having the film with an optical scanner and then, once scanning has been completed, using an organic solvent, such as a mouthwash containing alcohol, to remove the film from the object's surface.

Abstract: The invention consists of a rapidly crosslinkable, two-component silicone elastomer together with a specially designed tray that serves as a form for the silicone resin and forms an integral portion of a dental appliance.

Abstract: A method for creating a substantially accurate dental restoration from scanning a negative dental impression of a patient's teeth or a positive dental stone model of the patient's teeth includes applying a compensation rate to compensate for the shrunk or enlarged scan of the patients teeth, to the scan of the patient's teeth using the scanner to create a true dimension working file; the scan of the patient's teeth using a computer system to create a true dimension working file; or a shrunk restoration file of the restoration using a restoration fabricator. A restoration can be designed based on the scan of the patient's teeth and creating a restoration file. The restoration can be fabricated using a restoration fabricator.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a removable dental prosthesis using a three-dimensional (3D) printer includes receiving dental impressions of a patient obtained using a dental impression tray assembly, the dental impressions including a bite registration and at least a mandibular impression or a maxillary impression; receiving information related to the patient's jaw relations obtained using the dental impression tray assembly, the jaw relations including a vertical dimension and a centric relation obtained during the patient's single visit to a dentist; scanning the received dental impressions with a 3D scanner to provide data representative of an edentulous shape of the patient; generating a 3D model of the dental prosthesis based on the data and the received information related to the patient's jaw relations using 3D design software; displaying the generated 3D model on a display, allowing customization of the 3D model; and 3D printing the dental prosthesis according to the 3D model.

Abstract: A kit to make an individual impression tray for dental use, the kit having a standard model reproducing a dental arch, a semifinished product of thermoformable material, for example, a plate member, and a container for a heat exchange liquid. The first step that is carried out by the dentist to obtain the individual impression tray provides the insertion of the model in the container. Then, next to dental arch of the model a plate member is arranged and hereafter a certain amount of a liquid is put, for example, water, in the container up to covering plate member. The liquid is then heated by a source of thermal power, for example, a microwave oven, stopping heating when the temperature of the liquid achieves a value T* higher than the temperature for softening the thermoformable material of the plate member.

Abstract: An apparatus including a bite frame and a bite shaped member is provided. The bite frame includes one or more arcuate frame elements defining an opening for accommodating a mesh element or the bite shaped member that receives a bite registration material for registering a bite impression. The bite shaped member has a geometrical body structure, upper and lower channels of configurable shapes, and upper and lower windows. The upper and lower windows are separated by a space for receiving and allowing flow of the bite registration material to register a vertical distance between the upper and lower jaws. An image processing system operably connected to the apparatus determines the three-dimensional relation between the upper and lower jaws with reference to temporomandibular joints using panoramic images of the upper and lower jaws, reference points provided by radio-opaque markers, three-dimensional scanned images of the bite impression, and three-dimensional head surface images.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impression device and a method for three-dimensional acquisition of intraoral structures as well as a corresponding scanning device. The impression device of the invention comprises an impression sleeve, which has an open and a closed end, and at least one marker which is three-dimensional and disposed on the outside of the impression sleeve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing dynamic occlusion during replicated excursions of virtual three-dimensional representations of a dental patient's occlusal complex are provided.

Abstract: Methods of making an impression of dental tissue and dental articles (e.g. suitable for dental impression) are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a hardenable composition, comprising a resin system, a filler system, and an initiator system wherein the hardenable composition is a hardenable self-supporting material having sufficient malleability to be formed into a shape. The method further comprises placing said hardenable composition in contact with dental tissue such that an impression of at least a portion of the dental tissue is formed in the hardenable composition. The method further comprises curing the hardenable composition comprising the impression.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for virtually designing the attachment of a manufactured dental model of a patient's set of teeth in a physical dental articulator by means of one or more kinds of spacer elements, where the method comprises: obtaining a virtual 3D dental model of the patient's set of teeth, where the virtual 3D dental model is provided by means of 3D scanning; providing a virtual dental articulator type corresponding to a physical dental articulator, where the dental articulator comprises an upper arm and a lower arm and has a known articulator height, which is the distance between the upper arm and the lower arm in the static position of the dental articulator; providing a minimum height of the dental model, where the height of the dental model is the height of an upper part and the height of a lower part of the dental model; providing one or more kinds of virtual spacer elements with predetermined heights, where each kind of virtual spacer element corresponds to a physical spacer element; determini

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for validating a drilling template for producing an implant-borne tooth replacement before performing an implant drilling. The drilling template produced is placed on dental structures of a jaw area that is to be provided with the tooth replacement. A measuring element is inserted into the drill guide of the drilling template, wherein the measuring element and at least one partial region of the dental structures not covered by the drilling template is measured using an optical three-dimensional measuring method.

Abstract: A combination tool for defining and measuring anatomical features of a patient for the fabrication of dentures. The tool includes components for preparing a double arch impression, for determining the vertical spacing of the patient's mouth, for measuring the lip, mid line and smile lines of the patient, and for determining the occlusal plane of the patient. This single tool replaces the need for a multitude of tools typically used in preparing for the fabrication of dentures.

Abstract: A method for dental restoration that includes disposing a flowable and curable tooth restoration composition into an open cavity of a stent that defines contours of a final design model of a patient's teeth and includes an interproximal contact that has been thinned along an interproximal contact zone but not separated, seating the stent on the patient's teeth such that the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition fills a space between at least one tooth to be restored and the stent, initiating curing of the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition in the stent such that the composition bonds to the at least one tooth to be restored and forms at least one restored tooth and removing the stent from the patient's teeth to expose the at least one restored tooth.

Abstract: A drill guide employs multiple layers of materials with different mechanical properties in order to achieve concurrent goals of rigidity, fit and retention. For example, a rigid exterior shell and a soft interior may be used together to securely and precisely fit a drill guide to a surgical site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for taking dental impressions, the composition comprising a siloxane component (A) comprising terminal vinyl groups, a silioxane component (B) comprising Si—H groups, a catalyst (C) being able to catalyze a curing reaction between components (A) and (B) and a silicone oil (D), wherein the silicone oil has a viscosity at 23° C. of at least about 600,000 mPa*s and is present in an amount from about 1 to about 20 wt.-% with respect to the weight of the whole composition. The invention also relates to a method of producing such a composition and a method for adjusting the Shore hardness A of a composition.

Abstract: A dental tracing apparatus including a first layer having a first surface and a second surface coated with an adhesive material; a second layer over the first surface, an edge portion of the second layer being substantially firmly attached to an edge portion of the first surface; and a removable third layer over the second surface of the first layer. The dental tracing apparatus is sized and shaped to be attached to a surface of a dental tray after the third layer is removed. The dental tracing apparatus receives tracing caused by an object via the second layer such that the tracing is marked on the dental tracing apparatus. The marked tracing is removable by separating the second layer from the first surface of the first layer and the lifted second layer is repositionable on the first surface of the first layer to receive further tracing.

Abstract: A polymeric material is curable from an uncured state to a cured state and includes at least one finely dispersed filler. The material has in the cured state, a translucency in the range of about 30% to about 100%, and shore A hardness according to DIN 53505:1984 in the range of about 20 to about 70 and a tensile strength according to DIN 53504:1994 in the range of about 1.5 MPa to about 4.5 MPa. The material has in the uncured state, a consistency according to DIN ISO 4823:2000 of type 0 to 3.

Abstract: Vibrating dental devices and accessories are provided, including a unique snap fit dental plate and vibrator connection; risers for adjusting the thickness of a dental plate; a pointer or wand that can be clamped onto a dental plate to reach even severely misaligned teeth; a cushioned dental plate having a non-Newtonian fluid therein that allows conformation of the cushion to the dentition, but hardens on use to allow the transmission of vibration to the teeth. Accessories such as carrying cases and docking stations are also provided.

Abstract: To improve an adhesive force of an adhesive agent between an impression material and a tray, and to stabilize the adhesive force therebetween, provided is an adhesive agent for the adhesion between an alginate impression material and an impression tray for dental applications, which includes a polyamine compound having two or more amino groups in a molecule and a solvent.

Abstract: A method of obtaining and merging volumetric data and surface data of a patient's dentition for use in designing and/or manufacturing a prosthodontic component, such as a drill guide, an implant, or other prosthodontic appliance, for example. A plurality of radio-opaque markers are temporarily secured directly to a patient's dentition. Surface data is then obtained, such as by scanning the patient's dentition with the markers or alternatively, by taking an impression of the patient's dentition with the markers, forming a physical model that includes analogs of the markers, and scanning the physical model. Either before or after the surface data is obtained, an anatomical, volumetric image data set of the patient's dentition is obtained via a volumetric scan of the patient's dentition with the markers appearing in the image data set.

Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: In a method of obtaining a gum impression of a patient's mouth and measuring jaw relations, a dental impression tray assembly including a lower tray and an upper tray to fabricate a denture, is used. The lower tray includes a first piece and a pair of second pieces and the upper tray includes a third piece and fourth piece. The method includes inserting the lower tray loaded with an impression material into the mouth to take an impression; taking out the lower tray from the mouth and cutting the impression material along a borderline between the first piece and the pair of second pieces; separating the first piece from the pair of second pieces; attaching an intra-oral tracer to the first piece and inserting the first piece, to which the intra-oral tracer is attached, and the third piece into the mouth to measure the jaw relations.

Abstract: An impression gingival cuff for taking an impression during a restoration procedure of a dental implant osteointegrated in a jaw bone. The dental implant is engageably connectable with an abutment having a prominent countour. The impression gingival cuff has a tubular-conical shape, a circumferential thin wall, two open ends including an apical end oriented towards a tooth root and a proximal end oriented towards an occlusal direction, an inner surface oriented towards the abutment and an outer surface oriented towards surrounding gingival tissue. During installation of the cuff between the dental implant and the abutment, the apical end retains the prominent contour of the abutment so that the outer surface of the cuff pushes the surrounding gingival tissue away from the abutment. This allows taking an accurate impression of both the dental implant and abutment in order to fabricate a high precision restoration.

Abstract: A composition, apparatus and method for preparing a 3-D impression or replica of small objects. It is particularly aimed at the dental field and provides improved optical texture of an impression or replica of a small object to enable imaging by photogrammetry. The composition comprises a liquid curable polymer; macroparticles having a size greater than about 1 ?m in diameter and microparticles present in a size range of less than about 1 ?m such that the macroparticles and microparticles are present in a ratio in the range of between 5:1 and 15:1 (by volume); wherein the impression or replica formed from the composition has a surface particle distribution effective to allow imaging by photogrammetry.