Abstract: Systems and methods for treating gingival tissue or oral biofilm includes applying to the gingival tissue (sulcus or periodontal pocket) a biofilm penetrating antimicrobial agent; removing the imbedded anaerobic bacteria from the gingival tissue following at least one applying of the antimicrobial agent to the gingival tissue; administering colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel to the gingival tissue following the removing of imbedded anaerobic bacteria; and cleaning the gingival tissue with a cleaning agent directly following the administering of the colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel for modifying the environment from anaerobic (diseased) to aerobic (healthy).

Abstract: An endodontic activator is provided to facilitate the removal of pulp tissue, the smear layer, and, when present, bacteria and their related irritants from a root canal system during an endodontic procedure. The activator enhances disinfection and deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The activator is a sonically driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth, flocked or brush-like. The activator comprises a snap-on coupler which is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The activator can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered into or vacuumed from the root canal space during endodontic procedures. By inducing sonic vibrations in the activator, hydrodynamic phenomenon are induced in the solution in the root canal to enhance deep lateral cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth.

Abstract: A tip component of a powder blasting device comprising a powder delivery portion and a detritus evacuation portion (evacuator tube) which may be formed as a single unit. The powder delivery portion comprises a mixing chamber, an inlet port and an outlet port. A gas delivery conduit extends to the inlet port. A discharge conduit extends through the outlet port and is movable to selectively seal powder within the mixing chamber. The detritus evacuation portion comprises an elongate tube. An adapter component comprises a pressurized-air delivery portion and a vacuum portion, formed as a single unit. A pressurized air source provides pressurized air to a pressurized-air delivery portion of the adapter component; and a vacuum source provides vacuum to a vacuum portion of the adapter component. An evacuator handpiece may be disposed between the vacuum portion of the adapter component and the evacuator tube of the tip component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric tooth cleaning device and to a method for automatically indicating the cleaning duration when cleaning teeth, whereby a timer signal is emitted using a time element after the termination of a set cleaning duration in a tooth cleaning session. According to the invention, the set cleaning duration, whose termination prompts the emission of a timer signal, is modified. An actual cleaning duration in the tooth cleaning session is registered by a time registration device. The deviation of the actual cleaning duration from a predetermined standard cleaning duration is determined by means of an evaluation device. The set cleaning duration of a subsequent tooth cleaning session is then defined depending on the deviation that has been determined.

Abstract: Powered toothbrush systems that provide improved bristle positioning and bristle contact with tooth surfaces that reduce the time and effort required for effective brushing. Some embodiments use alternating or oscillating pneumatic pressure and suction to move a tooth brush head. Various configuration of the brush head provide different areas of coverage ranging from individual tooth to quarter mouth (U-cross section), to half (U-cross section or H-cross section) or whole mouth (U-cross section or H-cross section) coverage. Some embodiments include flexible fingers and/or bladders to keep the bristle tips properly engaged with the teeth and gums, providing bristle contact over a wide variety of malocclusion. The shape of the brush heads adapts to conform closely to the shape of the user's dental arch and to any malocclusion that may be present. The power toothbrush automatically generates motion of the brush head that simulates the “Modified Bass Method” of brushing.

Abstract: A method including forming a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide on a substrate having a dimension suitable for an implant and forming a second coating layer on the first coating layer that promotes osseointegration. An apparatus comprising a substrate having a dimension suitable as a medical or dental implant and a coating on a surface of a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide and a second coating layer that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: Tooth whitening system includes a moldable dental tray of sufficiently moldable material so that a user can form the tray to substantially match the configuration of the user's teeth, in use. Moldable dental tray includes a raised region and a valley that are adjacent to and free of contact with a corresponding raised region and valley of a user's tooth adjacent a user's gum line. Thus, a tooth provided on the moldable dental tray is free of contact with the user's gingiva, in use. Tooth whitener includes a carrier, a whitening agent, and a sufficiently adhesive so that both the tooth whitener and the moldable dental tray are adhered to a user's tooth for a sufficiently long period of time to achieve a whitening of the user's tooth by the whitening agent. Tooth whitener and tray can be made of organic, natural materials.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for whitening teeth of a subject comprising administering one or more isolated, non-pathogenic, hydrogen peroxide-producing bacterial strains to an oral cavity of a subject.

Abstract: Methods for removing debris and bacteria from tooth and orthopedic surfaces using irrigation solutions are provided. The solution includes disinfectant, surfactant, and organic acid components. Disinfectants such as tetracycline and doxycycline compounds can be used. Suitable surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine compounds and polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene copolymers. The solution is particularly suitable for removing smear layers from tooth surfaces during root canal treatment and other dental procedures such as restoration, reconstruction, and periodontal work. The solutions also can be used to remove smear layers from bone surfaces.

Abstract: A plastic mouthpiece insert for allowing a wearer to whiten their teeth while getting a suntan, and have a generally oblong oval-rectangular opening with a curved rear end that abuts against the root surfaces of the frontal upper and lower teeth of the wearer. A raised front edge can protect the lips and separate in place about the opening to the mouthpiece. Whitening agents can be used to enhance the whitening effect so that ultraviolet light and heat source such as the sun or a sunlamp is all that it is needed. Reflective inner walls in the mouthpiece can magnify light to the teeth. The mouthpiece can include bite tables, and the side walls of the mouthpiece can be inwardly flared and funnel shaped for focusing and magnifying incoming light and heat. The mouthpiece can be colored to protect the inside of the wearer's mouth from receiving any light.

Abstract: A device for removing stains and polishing a user's teeth including a handle portion and a brushing head mounted on said handle, the brushing head comprises a support member; a pad of melamine foam coupled to the support member, and at least one tooth projecting outward from the melamine foam pad; wherein the at least one tooth, when rubbed against a users teeth, removes stains from the user's teeth.

Abstract: A silicone mouthpiece insert for allowing a wearer to whiten their teeth while under a whitening lamp and can be used to hold whitening trays and allow light curing of whitening chemicals for the teeth. The device can also hold whitening sponges, whitening strips and chemicals directly placed in the holder or be used as a one piece whitening tray for both upper and lower teeth all at once allowing for molding of those tray all at once. It also holds open the upper and lower lip to keep the teeth exposed to the lights shining into the center and sides of the mouth to reach the upper and lower, right and left sides of the surface of the teeth.

Abstract: The siwak tooth cleaning instrument provides a carrying, protecting and application instrument for a siwak stick, to be applied to the user's teeth for cleaning thereof. In some embodiments, the siwak tooth cleaning instrument includes a tubular housing with a siwak that may be selectively and adjustably raised and lowered to extend the siwak from the housing for cleaning one's teeth, and retracted within the housing for storage and transport, similar to a lipstick. In other embodiments, the siwak tooth cleaning instrument has tooth cleaning cartridges including a siwak that releasably engage the head portion of an elongated handle. A cover may be pivotally attached to the handle for covering the handle and attached cartridge, or a storage tube with replacement cartridges may be pivotally attached to the handle.

Abstract: A method and accompanying apparatus that allows high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for tooth whitening by use of an aerosol spray. The aerosol spray may be delivered through a mouthpiece that will direct the spray onto the teeth while inhibiting any escape of the spray to the lips and outside the moth. Also, in combination with antiplaque formulations, enhanced tooth whitening is effected.

Abstract: This invention is related to a kind of teeth bleaching formulation containing the vegetative enzymes extracted from plant tubers with extensively applications in cosmetic dentistry. The enzymes are susceptible to promote the decomposition (dissociation) of peroxide compounds, thus the intermediate hydroxyl free radicals are generated to turn the unpleasant stained tooth into light or colorless appearance effectively. The composition of a whitening gel may comprising 2˜50 wt % of hydrogen peroxide, 0.003˜3 wt % vegetative enzyme extract, and transferring to alkalinity approximately pH 8˜13 to achieve the high efficiency dental bleaching usage.

Abstract: A U-shaped mouthpiece joined with a delivery tube engaged at one of its ends and with a handle at an opposing end. The mouthpiece has an outer wall enclosing a hollow space, the outer wall configured as either one or two wells, each sized for receiving plural teeth. A plurality of apertures in the outer wall are positioned and extensive for directing a fluid within the hollow space into the well as jet steams. A plurality of bristles are mounted on the outer wall within the well in positions for fluid impingement by the fluid exiting the apertures. A fluid pump pressurizes the mouthpiece to enable the jet streams to impinge on the bristles so as to scour the teeth.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device is described. The oral cleaning device includes a brush head, a stem, a suction adapter, and a supply reservoir. The brush head includes a cleaning surface and defines an internal cavity. The stem is coupled to the brush head. The stem includes a fluid channel for bi-directional fluid flow to dispense fluid out of the brush head and to suction fluid into the brush head. The suction adapter is to the stem. The suction adapter couples a suction device to the stem for providing a suction flow within the stem in response to control by a user. The supply reservoir includes an integrated supply adapter to couple the supply reservoir to the suction adapter. The supply reservoir contains a water-based cleaning solution with less than a prescription amount of a cleaning agent.

Abstract: The present invention is a personal ultrasonic dental hygiene device. A handle with an ultrasonic transducer is provided with differing dental hygiene attachments for personal use. The device may be powered through a battery or through direct wall socket communication. A variety of controls may be provided to adjust ultrasonic frequency and treatment time.

Abstract: Preconditioning mouth rinse, which pre-treats the teeth to better receive a whitening formula containing a photosensitive compound, and a hand-held consumer light source for tooth whitening, which provides rapid tooth whitening, are disclosed. The light source may use a specific range of visible light and also emit heat sufficient to raise the temperature of the teeth a desired amount at a depth up to about 2 mm in the range of about from 1-5° Celsius over a predetermined period of time. The specified wavelengths of the hand-held consumer operable light will activate the photosensitive substance in the whitening formula. The oxidizing compounds may be transparent to light enabling light energy to activate the oxidizing compounds directly on the tooth surface, or to activate a photosensitizing or photosensitive compound added to produce the desired temperature increase.

Abstract: A dental hygiene apparatus including a mouthpiece formed of a flexible arcuate channel defining and inner space designed for receiving an upper or lower set of human teeth. The channel is provided with longitudinally extending tunnels interconnected by communicating passageways. Each of the tunnels is provided with a longitudinally extending track and a guide slot communicating with the inner space. A carriage assembly includes motor assemblies joined by rigid chassis rods. The carriage assembly is designed such that the motor assemblies may be disposed in the tunnels while the chassis rods are disposed in the passageways. The motor assemblies have a shaft extending through one of the guide slots and carrying a rotatably mounted cleaning head on a distal end. The motor assemblies also include a driven wheel resting on a one of the tracks, for propelling the carriage assembly along the tracks. The cleaning heads rotate to clean the teeth and travel along the tracks to clean each tooth in sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is a tongue cleaning device that reduces or eliminates the gag reflex during use comprising, a body having a first end and a second end. The first end forming an elongated handle having a contour for ease of handling and use and a gripping means. The second end forming a head having two or more elongated apertures forming at least two parallel ridges perpendicular to the handle. The head being flat and narrow in width and the body being narrow in thickness thereby eliminating or reducing the gag reflex during use.

Abstract: In a system and a method for managing of oral care, toothbrushing pattern data is received whenever a user brushes his or her teeth using a toothbrushing correction toothbrush. The received toothbrushing pattern data is recorded in a toothbrushing pattern database. The recorded toothbrushing pattern data is analyzed with reference to information of the user. An adaptability of the user according to the analyzed result is determined. Toothbrushing correction multimedia contents are chosen in response to the determined adaptability. The chosen toothbrushing correction multimedia contents are provided for the user. Thus, toothbrushing habits of the user may be corrected, a timely dental appointment may be made, and dental hygiene equipment may be replaced in time. Further, an oral health-related insurance rate may be accurately calculated.

Abstract: A method to whiten contacting interproximal mesial and distal surfaces of a pair of adjacent teeth includes the steps of providing a carrier shaped and dimensioned to be inserted between the pair of adjacent teeth, to fit between and separate the interproximal mesial and distal surfaces, and to contact each of the interproximal mesial and distal surfaces; charging the carrier with a tooth whitening composition; inserting the carrier intermediate the pair of adjacent teeth; and, manipulating the carrier to separate the contacting interproximal mesial and distal surfaces and to deliver the tooth whitening composition to the interproximal mesial and distal surfaces by contacting simultaneously the interproximal mesial and distal surfaces with said carrier to contact each of the interproximal mesial and distal surfaces with a portion of the tooth whitening composition on the carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, perdiodontitis, and oral malodor while also promoting general oral hygiene.

Abstract: The clearing system for fluid droplets includes a source of air (10) which is produced at a given velocity and an air flow directing member (15) for directing the air flow to an area on the teeth which has thereon a liquid film (19) produced by previous landing of high-speed fluid droplets, wherein the velocity of the air flow is high enough to significantly reduce the thickness of the liquid film and thereby increase the efficiency of the fluid droplets in the cleared area on the teeth.

Abstract: A brush tipped applicator includes an applicator tip having a body defining an external surface and an internal conduit. The applicator tip body can have a proximal end defining a proximal opening of the internal conduit and a distal end. The proximal end of the applicator tip body can have a first fastener that is configured for being coupled to a fastener (i.e., second fastener) of a member containing the dental bleaching composition such that the internal conduit of the applicator tip body is capable of being fluidly coupled with the dental bleaching composition. Additionally, the brush tip includes at least one filament disposed on the external surface of the applicator tip body. A dental bleach activator disposed within the filament in an amount sufficient for activating the dental bleaching composition for whitening the teeth.

Abstract: Oral care treatments are provided, including multi-component oral care compositions and methods for delivering such compositions to the oral cavity. Oral care devices and systems for implementing such oral care treatments are also provided.

Abstract: A dental lamp includes a control system adapted to control operation of a light source within the dental lamp. The control system requires that an unexpended light guide including a recordable medium be coupled to a lamp head of the dental lamp, in order to illuminate the light source. The control system records a first data signal on the recordable medium during illumination of the light source indicating that the light guide has been expended. The control system also records a second data signal onto a second recordable medium so that a particular duration of use of the light source may be indicated.

Abstract: A process for treatment of biofilm resident or present at a mammalian treatment site applies shockwaves to remove, disrupt, disperse, dislodge, destroy or attenuate the biofilm. The shockwaves can be generated in a handheld instrument by impinging a laser on a suitable target material. Removal of biofilm from implantable surgical devices is also described.

Abstract: A composition for photodisinfection of the oral cavity comprising toothpaste and a photosensitizing composition encapsulated within microspheres, wherein the microspheres release the photosensitizing composition into the oral cavity upon contact with liquid and/or force and the photosensitizing composition includes a photosensitizer that upon irradiation of at least one predetermined wavelength will reduce and/or eliminate microbes in the oral cavity. The present invention also includes a method of applying the composition into the oral cavity and applying irradiation to the oral cavity at a wavelength or wavelengths absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to reduce or eliminate microbes in the oral cavity.

Abstract: A dental device including an elongated handle and an access handle formed along the elongated handle. A tip portion is formed at a distal end of the access handle and tapers to a point flocked with a plurality of bristles. A weakened portion is formed between the access handle and the elongated handle thereby permitting separation of the access handle and the tip portion relative to the elongated handle.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for use in whitening teeth comprises support means (7) for being worn on a person's body, a source of radiant heat (9) and position adjusting means (5) connected to said source (9) and said support means (7) for enabling the source (9) to be adjusted to and held in a position adjacent to the person's teeth.

Abstract: There are provided a device and a method for cleaning teeth. The device comprises a brush, a shaft connected to the brush, a neck surrounding the shaft along a substantial portion of the length of the shaft, and a controller coupled to the shaft at the end of the shaft opposite the brush, the controller being mounted at the base of the neck so as to be movable between a first position that extends the brush away from the neck, and a second position that retracts the brush towards the neck. The method comprises inserting, between adjacent teeth, a device having a brush, a controller and a handle, the controller for effecting movement of the brush in a direction generally perpendicular to the handle, and keeping the handle generally stationary while moving the controller up and down to move the brush along front-to-back and back-to-front paths between the adjacent teeth. Moving the controller may occur via pressure from a user's finger, or via force from a motor in the device.

Abstract: The system includes a reservoir for fluid; a droplet generator for creating a stream of fluid droplets from the fluid wherein the velocity of the stream of droplets is within a range of 20 meters per second to 200 meters per second and the size of the droplets is within a range of 5 microns to 200 microns. A nozzle or nozzles direct the stream of droplets to safely clean a selected tooth or teeth surface area. The specific momentum of effective fluid droplets within the stream of fluid droplets is important in safe and effective cleaning.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having one or more toothbrushes connected or connectible to the end of a handle, the one or more toothbrushes providing a desirable fit about the teeth and/or gums and/or providing a desirable brushing action. An oral hygiene device hereof may provide for mechanically providing the brushing movements of the professionally recommended manual tooth-brushing method known as the “Bass” or “Modified Bass” technique to thus reduce or eliminate the element of human error associated with the brushing of a user's teeth and gums.

Abstract: While various structures, compounds and methods Tooth whitening may be accelerated and intensified by use of ultrasonic energy. Although ultrasonic energy does nothing to directly enhance whitening (i.e., it has no direct effect on stains, tooth enamel, or peroxides), ultrasonic energy may be utilized to accelerate and intensify chemical reactions between a peroxide and another dental bleach constituent, consequently accelerating and enhancing the release of oxygen ions from the peroxide, which in turn accelerates and enhances the whitening of teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for whitening teeth and a kit for fabricating a dental apparatus and/or denture without visiting the dentist or stomataologist.

Abstract: An exoskeleton support and associated placement system for use in placing a thin, flexible dental treatment strip over a person's tooth surfaces. The exoskeleton support includes an exoskeleton body that is curved so as to approximate the curvature of a person's dental arch. The exoskeleton support includes an inner surface that is oriented toward a person's tooth surfaces during use, an outer surface oriented away from the person's tooth surfaces during use, and means for temporarily holding or attaching a flexible dental treatment strip to the inner surface of the exoskeleton support. The exoskeleton support allows a user to more easily and accurately place a dental treatment strip on tooth surfaces to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides inexpensive, safe and reliable methods and systems for enhancing the effectiveness of aqueous or non-aqueous, concentrated or non-concentrated, cleaning compositions, such as concentrated cleaning liquids, by “energizing” all, or a portion, of the water that is employed in the compositions, and/or in diluted aqueous or non-aqueous compositions, and/or of the compositions, and to enhanced cleaning compositions that are safe for use by human beings.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of iatropgenic enamel damage includes a tray for connection to a handpiece for delivering ozone to teeth. A port in the tray is provided for receiving the ozone. The tray includes a resilient edge for sealably engaging the tooth/gums to prevent escape of ozone therepast.

Abstract: A method for brightening of teeth is described, using a kit with the components A an alkaline, aqueous sodium fluoride solution, containing a gel former, B a dried gel, present in film strips, containing B1 at least one gel former, B2 phosphate or hydrogen phosphate ions, B3 optionally at least one amino acid, B4 optionally fluoride, B5 optionally glycerol, B6 optionally a carboxylic acid or a buffer system for one of the pH values from 4 to 7. C a dried gel, present in film strips, containing C1 at least one gel former, C2 calcium ions, C3 optionally glycerol, as well as preparation of the kit.

Abstract: An autonomous device which includes a trough, shaped for the immersion of teeth and/or gums of a dental arch, or a dental brace and one or more electrical components which provide functionality is disclosed. The device is useful in methods for whitening teeth, relieving pain, treating bacteria, treating bad breath, and healing. Inserts for use with the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion, craniofacial anomalies, bony defects, and dentofacial deformities through accelerated bone remodeling as caused by the delivery non-static forces; reducing pain and discomfort in patients; and improving tissue integrity long-term results as to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The methods and apparatus include a mechanism for data capture and analysis related to patient compliance and usage behavior, as well as for establishing the invention as a component of the clinical office workflow to increase efficiency and productivity.

Abstract: A dental tray with a hydrophobic tooth whitening formulation where the tooth whitening formulation is substantially non-water soluble, and a method of using this dental tray to whiten the teeth. The tooth whitening formulation is primarily comprised of a hydrophobic polymer and a peroxide or a peroxide yielding compound. Preferably the hydrophobic polymer is the condensation product of a silicone resin and an organosiloxane. The dental tray is formed to encompass the front and the rear surfaces of the teeth. The dental tray is comprised of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The teeth whitening formulation is placed into the dental tray and the tray placed against the teeth to be whitened. This is for a sufficient period of time to at least partially whiten teeth. This can be a period of time from about 0.5 hour to 2 hours or more.

Abstract: A temperature modified oral care device including a base; an electrical circuit disposed at least partially in said base; and, a heating element connected to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for cleaning teeth with sonic energy, in particular audible sound or ultrasound. Sound is conducted to the teeth (5) through a liquid (6) in an oral cavity (3). Sound is applied from the outer side (2) of the oral cavity (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a bioactive glass as an air abrasive agent for use in the treatment of dental disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of microbial reduction and/or sterilization of impression materials, specifically elastomeric impression materials, by means of steam sterilization.

Abstract: An oral care implement has an interactive display that displays images representing oral care regions of the mouth. The user can interact with the display by playing a game, which can relate to oral care. An oral care implement has a plurality of lighted segments that can be sequentially illuminated to indicate a recommended brushing sequence. The lighted segments can be shaped and/or labeled to indicate particular oral care regions of the mouth.

Abstract: A prophylaxis cup formed of a silicone elastomer having perlite particles incorporated therein as an abrasive material. The silicone elastomer and perlite particles are processed in a 3-roll mill so that the perlite particles have a predetermined size and are uniformly dispersed throughout the prophylaxis cup. As the prophylaxis cup is used to clean and polish teeth, the prophylaxis cup disintegrates upon contact with the teeth releasing the perlite particles which act as a cleaning and polishing agent between the prophylaxis cup and the teeth.