Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of assemblies each configured to support a dental mold and a material, a heating system configured to heat the material, a forming system configured to form a chamber encompassing the dental mold and at least a portion of the heated material, and to cause the heated material to form over the dental mold, and a conveyor system configured to move the plurality of assemblies from a loading area to the heating system, from the heating system to the forming system, and from the forming system to an unloading area.

Abstract: Method for producing a three-dimensional model of at least a partial jaw comprising: fully-automatic shaping of at least one recess for accommodating a laboratory analogue into the alveolar ridge of the model using three-dimensional scanning data and shaping the depth, position, and orientation of the at least one recess such that the crestal end of the laboratory analogue inserted into said recess coincides with the crestal end of the dental implant in the jaw; or fully-automatic shaping of at least one vestibular, lingual or palatinal feed-through through the model into the at least one recess using three-dimensional scanning data and arranging the feed-through such that the crestal end of a laboratory analogue coincides with the crestal end of the dental implant in the jaw when the laboratory analogue is fixed in place with a pin inserted through the feed-through in the model into an opening in the laboratory analogue.

Abstract: A shape and depth template for incisions with treatment tips, usable in treatments such as bone surgery, comprising a guiding body for a treatment tip provided with two mutually opposite end faces arranged at a preset distance and a lateral surface, one of the end faces being arrangeable at the treatment tip incision region and with a hole that of preset shape that passes there through from one end face to the other.

Abstract: Dental unit, which comprises at least one connection for at least one ancillary device, a drive-power and feed system for providing drive power or feed to said at least one ancillary device, and a control system for controlling the drive-power and feed system as well as the at least one ancillary device. For its part, the control system comprises at least one programmed function, which includes at least one predefined control operation directed to at least one ancillary device. In addition, at least one trigger is defined for each programmed function within the control system, in response to which said programmed function is performed. According to the invention, the dental unit comprises configuration means, which are arranged to receive control commands from the user in order to configure at least one programmed function and to configure said at least one programmed function according to control commands received from the user.

Abstract: Fabricating polymeric shell appliances for moving a patient's teeth. A first tooth arrangement model is formed by placing models of individual teeth representing the patient's teeth onto a plurality of platforms of a frame approximating a shape and size of a jaw of the patient, wherein each model tooth comprises a coupling member for coupling the model tooth with a platform of the plurality of platforms. A first polymeric shell appliance is formed over the first tooth arrangement model or a copy thereof. At least a second tooth arrangement model is formed by rearranging at least some of the individual teeth relative to the frame. At least a second polymeric shell appliance is formed over the second tooth arrangement model or a copy thereof.

Abstract: A shape and depth template for incisions with laser tips, usable in bone surgery, comprising a guiding body for a laser tip provided with two mutually opposite end faces arranged at a preset distance and a lateral surface, one of the end faces being arrangable at the laser tip incision region and with a hole that of preset shape that passes there through from one end face to the other.

Abstract: The dental model pouring jig of the present invention includes a base member that supports a model base support member and a mold support member. The model base support member is secured to the base member and is capable of mounting a dental model base. The mold support member is adjustably secured to the base member and capable of mounting a mold of a person's teeth. The mold support member is adjustable relative to the model base support member to properly position the mold adjacent the dental model base. The pouring jig may include a magnet controlled adjustment mechanism to control adjustment of features of the pouring jig relative to each other.

Abstract: An orthodontic kit includes brackets and at least one archwire for a single patient. The brackets and archwire are provided in a sealed container that is sterilized after the container is closed. Optionally, the kit includes all or at least some of the additional orthodontic articles desired for a bonding procedure, such as buccal tubes or buccal tube preweld assemblies, ligatures, bonding compositions, single use hand instruments and articles for moisture control.

Abstract: Fabricating polymeric shell appliances for moving a patient's teeth. A first tooth arrangement model is formed by placing models of individual teeth representing the patient's teeth onto a plurality of platforms of a frame approximating a shape and size of a jaw of the patient, wherein each model tooth comprises a coupling member for coupling the model tooth with a platform of the plurality of platforms. A first polymeric shell appliance is formed over the first tooth arrangement model or a copy thereof. At least a second tooth arrangement model is formed by rearranging at least some of the individual teeth relative to the frame. At least a second polymeric shell appliance is formed over the second tooth arrangement model or a copy thereof.

Abstract: A dental appliance fabrication system includes a reconfigurable dental model including a frame having one or more tooth members disposed on the frame; and one or more micro-positioners each coupled to one tooth member to move the tooth in six degrees of freedom relative to the frame.

Abstract: The dental model pouring jig of the present invention includes a base member that supports a model base support member and a mold support member. The model base support member is secured to the base member and is capable of mounting a dental model base. The mold support member is adjustably secured to the base member and capable of mounting a mold of a person's teeth. The mold support member is adjustable relative to the model base support member to properly position the mold adjacent the dental model base.

Abstract: The dental model pouring jig of the present invention includes a base member that supports a model base support member and a mold support member. The model base support member is secured to the base member and is capable of mounting a dental model base. The mold support member is adjustably secured to the base member and capable of mounting a mold of a person's teeth. The mold support member is adjustable relative to the model base support member to properly position the mold adjacent the dental model base.

Abstract: In a tooth prosthesis carrier implant including a carrier post, a carrier element supported on the carrier post for supporting a tooth crown or a tooth prosthesis, and a spring element disposed between the carrier post and the carrier element for biasing the carrier element away from the carrier post, an elastomer material is introduced as a liquid into the space between the carrier post and the carrier element so that, after curing, the elastomer material firmly interconnects the carrier element and the carrier post.

Abstract: A dental appliance fabrication system includes a reconfigurable dental model including a frame having one or more tooth members disposed on the frame; and one or more micro-positioners each coupled to one tooth member to move the tooth in six degrees of freedom relative to the frame.

Abstract: The dental model pouring jig of the present invention includes a base member that supports a model base support member and a mold support member. The model base support member is secured to the base member and is capable of mounting a dental model base. The mold support member is adjustably secured to the base member and capable of mounting a mold of a person's teeth. The mold support member is adjustable relative to the model base support member to properly position the mold adjacent the dental model base.

Abstract: An aligning dental impression transfer method and apparatus is described in which the transfer of the bite registration in centric occlusion is accurately preserved from a triple tray impression to the positioning upon an articulator. At each stage of the casting of a working model the spatial relationship of existing dental structures are preserved.

Abstract: The dental model pouring jig of the present invention includes a base member that supports a model base support member and a mold support member. The model base support member is secured to the base member and is capable of mounting a dental model base. The mold support member is adjustably secured to the base member and includes a mold platform that is capable of mounting a mold of a person's teeth. At least a portion of the mold platform is configured to be easily detached and reattached to the mold support member. The mold support member is adjustable relative to the model base support member to properly position the mold adjacent the dental model base.

Abstract: The dental model pouring jig of the present invention includes a base member that supports a model base support member and a mold support member. The model base support member is secured to the base member and is capable of mounting a dental model base. The mold support member is adjustably secured to the base member and capable of mounting a mold of a person's teeth. The mold support member is adjustable relative to the model base support member to properly position the mold adjacent the dental model base.

Abstract: A dental pin and bushing assembly for coupling of a removable die of a tooth to a working cast. The pin includes an axially extending head that can be secured in the die. The bushing is secured in the working cast, and includes an elongated sleeve with an interior shape for receiving the pin. A collar depends from the head of the pin for positionally locating the pin in a recess in the elongated sleeve. A body of the pin depends from the collar, and is co-axial with the head portion. An interior annular ring in the elongated sleeve mates with an annular groove of the pin when the collar portion is fully seated in the recess. The geometries of the annular ring and groove are such that the interior annular ring snaps into the annular groove, and thereby provides tactile feedback to the dental technician signaling that the pin is fully seated in the bushing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the accuracy with which tooth restorations are performed, including the manner by which a tooth is prepared and fit with a dental prosthetic, such as a crown or bridge. Further, the present invention is directed to reducing the skill-dependent tasks associated with tooth restoration, including root canals, while at the same time, improving the precision with which these procedures are performed and by aesthetics of the prosthetic. By improving the accuracy of restoration procedures, any need to repeat these procedures for a given patient can be eliminated and patient comfort can be improved. In addition, by improving the precision with which a prosthetic is prepared for attachment to the prepared tooth of a patient, and/or fit to patient, durability and longevity of the prosthetic are improved.

Abstract: A dental appliance fabrication system includes a reconfigurable dental model including a frame having one or more tooth members disposed on the frame; and one or more micro-positioners each coupled to one tooth member to move the tooth in six degrees of freedom relative to the frame.

Abstract: An articulator for adjusting and fabricating a dental restoration has a proximal counter, occlusal counter and laboratory die. The method of using the articulator provides an accurate, extraoral adjustment of the dental restoration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the accuracy with which tooth restorations are machined, using a device which can accurately copy mill a dental prosthetic blank from a previously formed dental prosthetic model, and which can closely replicate the feel of a dental tool to which dentists are accustomed. The device uses a tool supported on a linear rotary axis to mill the dental prosthetic blank. In addition, exemplary embodiments are directed to the preparation of a hybrid dental prosthetic blank which can be easily machined.

Abstract: A connecting pin for a socket connection for fastening dental crown or jaw segments to a model base comprises a fixing shank and a socket shank. The socket shank can be inserted releasably into a seat in a guiding sleeve which is accommodated in the model base. In order to make available a connection which is inexpensive and easy to produce, the outer radial surface area of the fixing shank, not loaded by external forces, has a radial undercut at least in the area of the smallest radius (rmin) of the surface area as viewed along the length of the fixing shank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manipulable or reconfigurable dental model system and methods for its use to model a series of tooth configurations corresponding to sequential tooth movements during an orthodontic treatment. When a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment, teeth and bite configurations are realigned in a series of stages. Each stage represents a new pattern or dental configuration that will eventually lead to a proper final positioning of the entire dentition. Progress from the initial configuration, through the intermediate stages and finally to the final configuration may be accomplished using any one or a combination of different dental appliances. Of particular interest to the present invention, many of these appliances may be made using a dental mold representing the patient's dental configuration. In particular, thermoformable plastic positioning appliances which fit over the patient's teeth may be formed over a three-dimensional mold of the patient's dentition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the accuracy with which tooth restorations are performed, including the manner by which a tooth is prepared and fit with a dental prosthetic. Further, the present invention is directed to reducing the skill dependent tasks associated with tooth restoration, while at the same time, improving the precision with which these procedures are performed. By improving the accuracy of restoration procedures, any need to repeat these procedures for a given patient can be eliminated and patient comfort can be improved.

Abstract: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis can take place by performing corticotomy surgery at two points on opposite sides of the mandible and at the same time attaching an expansible distraction device to the teeth of the mandible on opposite sides of the two points of the corticotomy surgery. The device is then periodically expanded until a desired mandibular length is obtained. The device includes a plurality of bands that are fitted onto the teeth of the mandible and a number of universal expansion screws that are connected to the bands for purposes of distracting the mandible. This device can be assembled with an appropriate appliance assembly tool that precisely positions and aligns the universal expansion screws relative to the bands during assembly thereof.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing a dental prosthetic with a minimum of time and labor. The preferred embodiment of the invention compresses first and second trays which are hingedly secured to allow articulating movement of the trays with respect to each other. At least one of the trays is provided with a grid having a plurality of holes in a spaced pattern to receive pins for supporting the model. In operation, one of the trays is filled with plaster and the negative impression of the teeth is placed therein. The operator then closes the articulator temporarily to determine the optimum location of the pins with respect to the various teeth marks in the impression. The pins are then inserted into the appropriate holes in the opposing tray, with the pins being parallel to each other. The impression is then filled with plaster and the tray containing the pins is then closed to cause the individual pins to be inserted into the plaster at the predetermined locations.

Abstract: The apparatus has a copying mechanism (1), which is mounted in a support fork (2) and comprises a feeler (17) and a toolholder (20). The copying mechanism (1) is supported on a support fork (2), which is arranged swivellably and displaceably on a foundation body. With the copying mechanism (1) is associated a rocker (3), which carries a pattern station (4) and a fabricated part station (5). On the stations (4, 5) are synchronously and rotatably mounted a pattern (24) and a fabricated part (25). Due to the fact that with the pattern (24) and the fabricated part (25) are associated two movement axes, namely axis (26) and the rocker swivel axis (23), it is possible to sense patterns having a random three-dimensional shape and corresponding fabricated parts can be copied.

Abstract: The invention described facilitates accurate placement of orthodontic brackets on a patient's mal-occluded teeth. An indexed dental cast of the patient's mal-occlusion is produced by the present apparatus. In process steps for indexing the crown model, various adjustment devices hold a selected mal-occluded crown model of the cast in an "ideal" or corrected position in space. The cast is thus positioned and held while a drill is used to form index holes in the cast material. The index holes record the "ideal" position of the selected crown model even though the crown model remains in its original mal-occluded position in the cast. Positioning of a bracket against the selected crown model is accomplished by a bracket holder and adapter using the index. The holder receives the bracket while the adapter is positioned, using probes inserted into the index holes. The holder may be moved to a selected tip angle and bracket placement height through adjustments on the adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously separating segments of a dental cast from a plaster base wherein the segments are mounted to the base with pins positioned within holes that extend through the base with the apparatus comprising a platform and a clamp for positioning the base in a predetermined position spaced from the platform. A set of engaging pins are positionable upon the platform in alignment for insertion into the holes of the base. A threaded driver is provided for moving the platform and engaging pins thereon toward a base located at the predetermined position to engage the engaging pins with the dental cast pins thereby dislodging the pins and separating the segments from the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in preparing both metal and porcelain dental crowns. The apparatus has a plurality of upright supports and arms coupled therewith that are moved to contact with the tooth opposing the tooth to be crowned in the proper occlusal locations such that when the permanent crown is prepared it has all of the proper occlusal characteristics of the opposing dental structure. The apparatus is intended for use in and with a replica of the patient's dental structures. The apparatus has a plurality of pathways upon which the upright supports may be moved so as to position the supports in the proper contact points. Methods for utilizing the apparatus when preparing metal and porcelain crowns are also provided. A preformed, imitation dental crown having four layers for use in preparing porcelain crowns where each layer corresponds to one of the layers of porcelain or metal necessary to prepare the finished porcelain crown is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an orthodontic archform wherein the bracket archwire slots are level to one another. The method includes setting up separated model teeth in a straight line on a setup fixture to locate the brackets in a level position on the model teeth, transferring the model teeth and brackets to an alignment fixture, and positioning them in a curved arrangement defining an archform. An archwire can then be formed in the bracket slots either manually or by inserting and clamping the archwire in the slots and heat treating the archwire in an oven.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately placing orthodontic brackets on the lingual or labial surface of a model of a patient's maloccluded teeth in conjunction with an indirect bonding procedure or the like. A model support incorporates an immovable base forming a spherical surface segment which receives a complimentary spherical surface segment of a movable model platform thus providing for rotation of the platform in all planes of space about a centroid region. The maloccluded model is placed on the movable platform with a selected tooth thereof located at the central region of a sphere of which the spherical surface segments form a part. A tooth orienting template is releasably supported in fixed relation to the base structure and is selected according to the centrally positioned tooth of the model. The optimum position of the selected tooth relative to an optimum dental arch at the labial surface thereof is identified for bracket attachment to the labial surface.

Abstract: A denture mold for making teeth prostheses has a base element for releasably supporting a positive copy of teeth and made of a mold material, and a plurality of pins arranged to connect the positive copy with the base element, wherein the base element is formed as a prefabricated plate of a shape-retaining material and the pins are releasably arranged on the plate parallel to one another and fixed on the same, so that the plate serves as a holder for the pins during making of the positive copy, whereupon the plate serves as a base of the denture mold. The denture mold is manufactured by releasably arranging a plurality of pins on the plate in correspondence with a negative denture impression, filling the negative denture impression with a mold material, dipping the pins into the mold material, and hardening the latter to form a positive copy of the teeth.

Abstract: A magnetic pin setter useful in constructing replicas of teeth for production of crowns and bridges. The device employs two support rods mounted on a base, each supporting a horizontal plate at its upper extremity. Mounted on the base between the two support rods is an adjustable work table. In producing castings for restoration work including crowns and bridges, dowel pins must be positioned for the casting and removal of individual tooth models to be restored. Small horseshoe magnets are magnetically attached to the horizontal plates and the second magnet interconnected to the first magnet holds a vertical support rod in position. The rods retain the dowel pins in position in the center of the individual teeth for the casting process.