Abstract: A light shield is provided for dental apparatus which shines light onto light curable material used to repair teeth. The shield is formed of a plastic material which substantially attenuates light in the blue range, and can be mounted onto the guide tube of the light gun utilizing engagement members defined between slits cut in the plastic sheet forming the body of the shield. The engagement members between the slits are displaced as the light shield is pressed onto the tip of the guide tube, with the engagement members then resiliently pressing against the periphery of the guide tube to firmly hold the shield in place. The shield can be easily removed by the dentist after the procedure with the patient is completed, and is economical so that it may be disposed of after one use.

Abstract: A dental bleach system and method whereby fumed silica is used as a base for forming a paste with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, the paste acting as a nonreactive carrier to control the delivery of the hydrogen peroxide solution to the dental surface. The fumed silica is provided as a predetermined quantity in a mixing chamber while the hydrogen peroxide solution is provided as a premeasured volume in an ampule. Both items are made available to the dental care professional in a single patient use kit.

Abstract: An in vivo method is described for treating a subject for periodontal disease by placing a mixture of a glyceride composition and a therapeutic agent in the periodontal pocket of subject such that the therapeutic agent is released in a sustained manner. The glyceride composition is selected such that the mixture of the glyceride composition and the therapeutic agent is capable of forming a gel in the environment of the periodontal pocket. Also described is a sustained release delivery system comprising the mixture of the glyceride composition and therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A handpiece assembly is disclosed for use with a dental laser assembly of the type having a laser and an elongated optical fiber assembly. The optical fiber assembly has a proximal end which receives radiation from the laser and a distal end which delivers the laser radiation to a target site. The handpiece assembly includes an elongated handpiece which is dimensioned to be held in a human hand. A longitudinal throughbore is formed in the handpiece and is dimensioned to slidably receive the optical fiber assembly so that the distal end of the optical fiber assembly extends outwardly from one end of the handpiece. A locking assembly removably locks the other end of the handpiece against longitudinal movement to the optical fiber assembly. Furthermore, the entire handpiece assembly is discarded after use on a single patient to prevent disease transmission by the handpiece.

Abstract: A jaw bone anchored type head positioner for positioning the head of a subject which is employed in a cephalotomograph or temporomandibular joint radiograph using X rays or the like. A die patterned on an impression taken from the dentition of the subject is fixed to the positioner so that the head of the subject is fixed in position by means of the die.

Abstract: A dentistry practice or method requiring a patient's possession of dental drill components, i.e. drill burr, handset or drill burr attaching means, etc., which are unavoidably in danger of HIV virus contamination during typical use, and the relinquishing of this possession to the dentist preparatory to the use thereof, thereby totally obviating any inter-patient contamination of these dental drill components that could transmit the HIV virus resulting in AIDS.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning hoses used by a dentist in the course of his work has a container having a mouth and a top adapted to snugly cover the mouth of the container. The top includes at least one nozzle protruding upwardly from a surface of the top to the exterior of the container, the nozzle having an internal bore through which fluid in the container may pass and the nozzle sized to fit snugly within a hose attachment attached to the end of an external suction hose so that the hose may be connected to the nozzle via the hose attachment. The top also includes an internal tube attached firmly to the nozzle and extending into the lower interior portion of the container, so that the unattached end of the internal tube is immersed in the fluid. The application of suction to the external suction hose causes the fluid in the container to be drawn through the internal tube, the nozzle, and then the hose, thereby cleaning the hose with the fluid.

Abstract: A periodontal barrier and method incorporating chemotherapeutic agents is disclosed for aiding and guiding periodontal tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A device for delivering beneficial agents such as drugs orally for sustained time periods comprising a support member that is formfit or clasped over or around the teeth and one or more reservoir members that is/are carried on an exterior surface of the support along the labial, buccal or lingual surfaces of the teeth and is adapted to hold the agent and release it to the oral cavity for achieving a local effect within the mouth, an effect elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract or systemically.

Abstract: A method of preventing or decreasing the emission of mercury vapor in the mouth, from a mercury amalgam filling, comprising contacting the amalgam filling with an oral composition containing sulfur in an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate the emission of mercury or mercury vapor. The oral composition may be in the form of a toothpaste, chewing gum, mouthwash water, mouth spray, or the like.

Abstract: A process for cleaning and/or shaping passages, comprising providing an optical fiber having a diameter sufficiently small to be introduced into the passage and having a free end provided with a radiation focussing element; introducing the free end of the fiber into the passage so that the focal point defined by the radiation focussing element is located adjacent the region to be cleaned or shaped; providing a liquid in the passage at the location of the focal point of the radiation focussing element; and supplying pulses of laser radiation to the fiber so that the radiation exits the fiber via the free end to provoke a cavitation of vapor at the interior of the irrigating liquid.

Abstract: A thermoplastic optical fiber for use in treatments requiring filling of openings, recesses, passages, or crevices in mineralized physiologic tissue, the fiber having at least a portion composed of at least one ingredient which is capable of being placed in a flowable state when heated by application of selected laser radiation, is physiologically compatible with the mineralized physiologic tissue and bonds with the mineralized tissue.

Abstract: A dental cement for providing a fixing for a temporary dental prosthesis or appliance is provided. The dental cement includes a metal oxide, a metal hydroxide and an aqueous solution of a polycarboxylic acid. The cement may also include a fatty acid, a polyvinylacetate emulsion and a dimer fatty acid. One or more plasticizers may also be included. Residual dental cement may be removed from the temporary dental prosthesis or appliance when desired by using a dissolving bath containing a metal hydroxide and a chelating agent.

Abstract: A blank for the manufacture of artificial teeth, either replacement whole teeth or crowns, permits a tooth to be produced by machining from the blank which comprises a layered block of synthetic plastics materials, the layers being of predetermined varying color (hue), chroma, value and translucency to simulate the pulp, dentine and enamel layers in a real tooth, thereby providing an artificial tooth with the distribution and depth of color of a real tooth. The blank has a core portion including a reference point for machining purposes and the layers are applied over the core portion, their thicknesses and thickness distributions being predetermined so as to be able to obtain different tooth colors by selective removal from the layers.

Abstract: Light emitting apparatus for curing photocurable dental material includes a handpiece having a housing, a depending handle and a detachable light guide. The light guide is received in a head connected to the housing. Rotational movement of the head relative to the housing also rotatably moves the light guide so that the guide may be turned by the same hand of the user that is grasping the handle. Additionally, a pivotal connection between the housing and the handle permits limited pivotal adjustment of the angle of the housing relative to the handle for improved manipulation and user comfort. A base of the apparatus includes an upright pedestal that houses a device for determining the intensity of light provided by the light guide.

Abstract: A system for long term releasing of medication in the mouth, and especially an intra-oral fluoride releasing system (IFRS) for releasing fluoride over a long term for inhibiting the formation of caries in the teeth. The system uses a holder for retaining and protecting intra-oral fluoride tablets or other intra-oral medicament in the form of fluoride releasing devices (IFRD). The holder has a plate with retaining sides and retaining posts or a carrier. The tablet will fit within the holder. The tablet may be located in the carrier, or ligature bands can be tied around the tablet in order to releasably hold the IFRD within the holder. The system causes a level of fluoride to be maintained over a long term within the mouth which has been found chemically effective for caries control and without causing severe irritation to oral tissues.

Abstract: A dental instrument for use in filling cavities in teeth with a light activated filling compound which includes a condensing tip constructed from a plastic or glass fiber optic material. A source of light, either external to the instrument, or contained therewithin, can be selectively energized to enable controlled activation of the activator in the filling compound as the compound is being packed and shaped within the cavity by the condenser tip of the instrument. The dental instrument includes a suction cup removably connected to the tip for releasably gripping a dental overlay.

Abstract: An appliance is provided which can safely and securely carry one or more inserts into the cavity to be filled, apply a constant positive pressure against an adjacent tooth, and allow the dentist to adjust the location and spacing of the insert(s) and the amount of pressure exerted by the proximal insert against the adjacent tooth, as desired. Following initial placement of the insert, the insert is secured in a desired position and maintained in that position during the entire filling process so that both of the practitioner's hands are free to carry out the polymer delivery and polymerization process.

Abstract: An improved laser apparatus for periodontal treatment comprising a surgical laser and a handpiece for focussing the beam of laser light and directing it on to tissue within a periodontal pocket. The improvement comprises a protective shield at the end of the handpiece displaceable from a first position preventing the passage of the laser beam to a second position allowing the laser beam to pass. Preferably, the protective shield includes two prongs located at the end of the handpiece and capable of relative lateral displacement thereby providing the effect of an improved laser scalpel.

Abstract: A system for automatically and progressively dispensing fluids into an individual's mouth comprises a dental prostheses such as a bridge having an interior cavity with a plurality of chambers defined therein. A first passageway communicates between the inner chamber and the interior of the mouth for progressive delivery of fluid from the chamber into the mouth. A second passageway communicates between the outer chamber and the outer surface of the bridge and functions as a vent. Spaced parallel walls within the cavity define the chambers therein and openings in the walls communicate between adjacent chambers. The walls, openings, and passageways are positioned and oriented such that fluid is dispensed into the mouth progressively from the inner chamber during waking hours when the wearer is in a standing or upright position and is not dispensed during the night time or sleeping hours when the wearer is in an inclined or lying position.

Abstract: Aa system for long term releasing of medication in the mouth, and especially an intra-oral fluoride releasing system (IFRS) for releasing fluoride over a long term for inhibiting the formation of caries in the teeth. The system uses a holder for retaining and protecting intra-oral fluoride tablets or other intra-oral medicament in the form of fluoride releasing devices (IFRD). The holder has a plate with retaining sides and retaining posts or a carrier. The tablet will fit within the holder. The tablet may be located in the carrier, or ligature bands can be tied around the tablet in order to releasably hold the IFRD within the holder. The system causes a level of fluoride to be maintained over a long term within the mouth which has been found chemically effective for caries control and without causing severe irritation to oral tissues.

Abstract: A holding device allows for tightening of a screw joint in a bone-anchored dental implant without imposing stress upon the tissue surrounding the implant. The device includes a first part which is rotationally locked in relation to the implant and a second part in the form of an arm which is rigidly connected to the first part, extends substantially perpendicularly thereto and is provided with a holding portion which interacts with the stationary part of the tightening tool to prevent undesirable rotary movements.

Abstract: A handle adapted for engaging, holding and delivering a dental implant to a surgical site, and for holding a dental implant within a package for the implant comprises a body section with a middle portion adapted to fit into a container for the implant; a flange portion connected to the middle portion and adapted to engage an opening in the implant container; a first end portion connected to the middle portion and including an implant-engaging configuration internal or external to the handle; and a second end portion connected to the flange and including a configuration suitable for engaging an implant-insertion tool. The body portion includes an internal passage adapted to receive a shaft that includes a portion for securing an implant to the handle at the implant-engaging configuration.

Abstract: A periodontal barrier and method incorporating chemotherapeutic agents is disclosed for aiding and guiding periodontal tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A bridge for an artificial dental structure is made of titanium. The bridge is constructed from modular elements which are adapted one to the other and are treated for joining together, for example by means of laser welding. In a first treatment unit one or more first treatment stages are performed for the construction of the bridge. Identification data introduced or utilized in this or these stages relating to the individual different heights of the anchorage elements above the dentine and their different relative inclinations, and the positions and directions of the modular elements in relation to one another and to the anchorage elements are obtained and stored.

Abstract: A system for long term releasing of medication in the mouth, and especially an intra-oral fluoride releasing system (IFRS) for releasing fluoride over a long term for inhibiting the formation of caries in the teeth. The system uses a holder for retaining and protecting intra-oral fluoride tablets or other intra-oral medicament in the form of fluoride releasing devices (IFRD). The holder has a plate with retaining sides and retaining posts or a carrier. The tablet will fit within the holder. The tablet may be located in the carrier, or ligature bands can be tied around the tablet in order to releasably hold the IFRD within the holder. The system causes a level of fluoride to be maintained over a long term within the mouth which has been found chemically effective for caries control and without causing severe irritation to oral tissues.

Abstract: A personal information carrier (10) having a radiographically readable code (12) uniquely identifying a person which is installed in a cavity (34) in the side (30) of the person's tooth (32) which is then filled with a radiolucent composite filler (50) to protectively seal the carrier (10) within the cavity (40). Detecting the location of a missing child is achieved by using a filler (50) which matches the color of the surrounding tooth surface (30) to conceal the presence of the personal information carrier (10) from a potential kidnapper and distributing the code (12) of the missing child to the authorities and professional dental community. Amnesics and corpses are also identified by radiographically reading the carrier (10) and comparing the code (12) to a list of codes (12) of missing persons which are listed in alphanumeric order.

Abstract: Message identifying information in available microdot and microchip format is applied to a tooth, where it can be easily coated over, yet still readable by appropriate scanning devices. The microdot or microchip can be a passive device, for external reading, or can be active to transmit information to the scanner.

Abstract: A malleable plate is provided with a cover of resilient cushioning material for insertion between the user's upper and lower teeth. The plate may be of a perforate nature with an extension for securement to a base adapted for attachment to a hand held vibrator. The plate is deformed by the user's bite to effect positive securement to the teeth.

Abstract: A dental appliance safety-line consists of a line, one end of which contains a flexible vinyl handle and with an attachment end. The vinyl handle is used to grasp onto and manipulate the safety line, and the attachment end provides an adequate amount of retentive surface area for an adhesive to penetrate and adhere to and imparts substantial strength between the safety line and a dental device such as a dental restoration or appliance. The safety line is left attached to the dental device during the fitting and adjustment procedures. Once the dental device is permanently affixed in the oral cavity, the chair side practitioner takes any readily available instrument and removes the safety line by cleaving the adhesive at the junction of the attachment end and surface of the dental device. This removal is accomplished without the need for modifying or refinishing the surface of the dental device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing, compacting and shaping a light-activated dental restorative material in a cavity preparation or between adjacent teeth and for polymerizing said restorative material in said cavity preparation or between said teeth to produce a restorative are disclosed. A mirror/oral illuminator and a combination mirror and fiber optic probe are also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable and disposable extension for a light guide of a dental curing light in which a hollow empty body having a calibrated aperture therein is detachably fitted on the rigid light guide so that the aperture faces the optical glass in the light guide. The hollow body is opaque to light and provides a pathway for light from the optical glass to and through the aperture. The aperture is calibrated so as to be of relatively small size compared to the optical glass to permit a relatively narrow beam of light to exit from the aperture. The extension permits substantially instantaneous spot curing of a composite between a laminate and a tooth to preserve their relative position when other operations are carried out.

Abstract: A method for determining orthodontic bracket placement on a malocclused tooth to correct the malocclusion includes the steps of generating digital information which defines the shape and location of the malocclused tooth in the patient's jaw, from which digital information a mathematical model of the tooth and jaw is generated. The correct placement position of a bracket is then calculated from the digitized information. A standard bracket is thereafter modified, if desired, individually for the patient, in view of the patient's physical deviations from the statistical averages. The shape of a bracket positioning jig is calculated and formed. Another step is forming an archwire for the brackets. The method may be used on one or more teeth in the same dental arch, as well as for both dental arches with respect to malocclusion therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for filling a cavity within a tooth or mold, and also to a tool intended for the implementation of the process.

Abstract: A tool and method for handling small objects particularly suitable for placing small cast restorations into prepared cavities inside the mouth of a dental patient. The tool comprises an elongate handle having an adhesive tip of nonhardening pliable adhesive material. The material is plastically deformable, upon sustained pressure, and a forward bonding surface may be formed of a size appropriate for the size of the object to be placed and the contour of the placement location. A lump of the material encompasses a terminal portion of the handle, and the tool is operable at any convenient angle within the space restrictions inherent at a particular location. Economical manufacture allows disposable use of the tool and lessens the likelihood of transferring infection between patients.

Abstract: An appliance for use by medical and dental practitioners utilizes a latex glove as a platform for attachment of supplies. After donning a pair of latex gloves, the practitioner may load a measured portion of dentifrice into a suitable receptacle. The receptacle may then be detachably affixed to the glove surface in a location permitting convenient access to the dentifrice retained therein. After completion of the procedure the gloves and affixed receptacle may be removed and disposed of as a unit. In a simple embodiment of the appliance a pouch or depression formed on the glove surface serve as dentifrice receptacles.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for producing the whitening of live teeth with pathological and normal colorations, destined to whitening any tooth with normal color and furthermore eliminating the pathological coloration produced by aetiologies of different origin. The whitening of the teeth (6) is effected applying different chemical products to the dental enamel, covering the teeth to be treated with a metallic plate containing an absorbent material with a chemical whitening product which acts in the presence of heat and provokes the reaction of said product which will act on all sides of the dental drown, producing whitening of the teeth. The device is constituted, in essence, by a whitening device, comprised by a thermic heating unit, whether or not controlled by microprocessor, heating elements, temperature, time and alarm sensors and controls.

Abstract: A device for use as a hot or cold dental compress comprising a flexible, thermally non-conductive mouthpiece insertable in the upper or lower oral cavity is disclosed. One or more thermal bags comprising a temperature storage medium enclosed in flexible sealed envelopes are secured to the interior and/or exterior surfaces of the mouthpiece. The temperature storage medium comprises a non-toxic substance which maintains its gel-like consistency over a wide range of temperature. The thermal bags are heated or cooled and the compress used to treat affected areas of the mouth, cheeks, palate, gums or tongue. A method of treating affected areas of the oral cavity of a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive mouth piece has a pressure detector-sound unit assembly mounted on or embedded in the molded bite guard. When a patient clenches or bruxes his teeth, the pressure detector senses that condition and activates the sound unit to emit a tone audible to the patient. The patient is thereby alerted that he is clenching or bruxing his teeth so he can stop. Alternatively, a mechanical clicker can be embedded in the mouth piece and will emit an audible tone when the patient clenches or bruxes his teeth.

Abstract: A process of applying a temporary diagnostic, consultative restoration to teeth to demonstrate to the patient how the restoration will look after it is finished, comprising the steps of , applying color to the wax cover, which may include sticks, ropes or cakes of wax, applying a wax cover to the teeth, carving the wax to the desired shape, applying a petroleum or acrylic cover to the wax to create a shine like real teeth. The material includes a predetermined amount of soft wax of predetermined color to cover one or more teeth, applied to the teeth, and a petroleum or acrylic base cover applied to the wax to make the restoration shine like natural teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus for dentistry which includes an information system having a program for generating data in a sequential manner, a handle device, and an information link which allows for the introduction of data from the information system to the handle device. The handle device includes a display unit as well as a data input key. The data input key, upon being manipulated, chooses a data item derived from the information system and the display unit displays at least the last data item introduced or the data item being introduced. The data being introduced is segmetized into discrete groups and a data item from each group can be chosen upon manipulation of the data input key and the display unit can include a plurality of display segments for displaying data items chosen from the segmetized groups of data. Audible signals can also be used in association with displaying data items.

Abstract: An air emitting light and shielding apparatus for dental treatment comprised of a pressurized air source connected to an adjustably positionable air emitting light formed so as to develop an air envelope substantially surrounding the face and oral cavity or other body parts of a patient residing in a selected position in the dental chair or other operating table including positions in which the patient may be tilted such that vapors, blood, saliva splash, dental particles, or other foreign matter propelled from the patient's oral cavity during drilling, air-water syringing, or the like, are deflected by the inner boundary of the air envelope and are transported downstream of the patient's oral cavity for collection on a disposable patient drape thereby preventing the same from reaching the face and respiratory tract of a dental team member operating on the patient.

Abstract: A dental bleaching instrument with a source for generating heat. A temperature sensor can be distanced from the heat generator for determining the heat proximal to the teeth. That more accurately reflects the temperature of the heat actually reaching the tooth surface. The light used for bleaching the teeth provides, originally, IR, optically visible light and UV wavelengths. All UV and optically visible light is filtered except for a narrow band of optically visible light to facilitate aiming. Also, the heat source of the device is physically separable from the power and control mechanism yet electrically connected thereto, to facilitate alignment and location of the light with respect to the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for taking impressions of a portion of the body which utilizes the projection of a grid of sinusoidal profile onto the body portion of which the impression is to be taken. The projections are phase-shifted and resulting images are memorized and from the memorized images, the variations in intensity resulting from the phase-shift at each given point can be ascertained to enable the configuration of the region to be calculated.

Abstract: Assembly of interchangeable autofocus light guides of varying diameter for a dental curing light apparatus to provide maximum power density independently of the selection of light guide. Each light guide has an optic rod of a preselected diameter and a proximal end axially spaced from the focal spot, such that radiant energy incident upon the proximal end corresponds to a predetermined surface area matched to said preselected diameter. Each optic rod also has a head of common diameter for interchangeable insertion into the light-curing apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable cap for use by dentists for facilitating the cementation process of orthodontic banding. The cap includes a two-piece construction employing an adhesive base portion with a peel-off cover. The base element contains the surface adhesive only in a central area where the orthodontic band should make contact with the cap. The cap further includes a pair of tabs that extend from opposite sides which are not coated with adhesive to facilitate use by a practitioner wearing rubber gloves.

Abstract: A container for a dental X-ray film package which can prevent attachment of saliva of a patient to the dental X-ray film package contained therein. The container comprises a containing element formed from a flexible sheet for containing a dental X-ray film package therein, and a gripping element formed from at least one flexible sheet and connected to the containing element. The gripping element extends outwardly of an oral cavity of a patient when the containing element is inserted in the oral cavity. When an X-ray photograph is to be taken, a dental X-ray film package is inserted into the containing element and then the containing element is placed at a suitable position for photographing of a tooth. After X-ray photographing, the gripping element is gripped to take out the containing element from the oral cavity and pulls or tears off the gripping element in the opposite directions to open the containing element to take out the film package from the containing element.

Abstract: An oral drug retaining device includes a receptacle for receiving and holding a polymer matrix impregnated with a pharmacologic agent. The receptacle is formed by a cooperating basket and frame. The basket and frame include a hinge at one side and a latch pin at the opposite side to allow the receptacle to be selectively opened and closed to replace the polymer matrix as desired. Cooperating male and female connectors are provided to allow the receptacle to be releasably mounted to a tooth of a patient. One of these connectors is adapted for mounting to a tooth while the other is attached to the frame of the receptacle.

Abstract: A dental impression tray and method of using it to form in a light-polymerizable impression material an impression of a portion of dental anatomy in an oral cavity, the tray being formed of transparent material, preferably clear plastic, and molded into a channel-like shape defined by walls capable of having visible actinic light applied to the walls transmitted both through and within the walls. At least some of the outer edge portions of the tray are beveled, guiding light that has entered the walls of the tray against exiting loss that would not be effective in initiating polymerization of the impression material.

Abstract: A tooth-anchored beneficial agent delivery device comprising an anchor-member that is semipermanently attached to a tooth, such as by an adhesive, bonding or a tooth-encircling band, and one or more agent-carrying cartridges that are removably connected to the anchor member such as by a ball-and-socket mechanism.