Abstract: Disclosed is a nano bubble generating nozzle including: a passage passing through an interior thereof to provide a flow path through which liquid flows; a nano bubble generating part corresponding to a part of the passage, and formed such that a cross-section of the nano bubble generating part becomes small and then large again along a flow path of liquid so that the nano bubble generating part has a pressure lower than an external pressure of the nozzle body; and a gas inlet formed in the nozzle body, and connected to the nano bubble generating part so that gas is introduced into the nano bubble generating part due to a difference between an external pressure of the nozzle body and a pressure in the nano bubble generating part.

Abstract: A capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental handpiece wherein the chip air line is selectively switched to the ON-state for using both water and chip air, and to the OFF-state for using only water. The dental handpiece has a switching valve provided between the circumferential chip air channel and the chip air line in the handpiece body for selectively allowing and preventing communication therebetween, wherein opening of the valve switches the communication to the ON-state in which chip air is allowed to pass from the circumferential chip air channel into the chip air line, whereas closing of the valve switches the communication to an OFF-state in which chip air is prevented from passing from the circumferential chip air channel into the chip air line.

Abstract: Device for difficult intervention in a closed enclosure, including a duct, a first end of which is intended to penetrate within the chamber, the duct being furthermore connected: to a pressure reduction device, the function of which is to lower the pressure within the enclosure; to an outlet duct for extracting the sucked-up material; and to a duct connected to a device for suddenly relieving the pressure and to an opening in the device for bringing the end of the duct into contact with the external air when the pressure within the enclosure reaches a value below a certain threshold.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes an oral appliance, a mask, and a tensioning device. The oral appliance is configured to receive at least some of a wearer's teeth and a mask. The mask is configured to deliver gas to the wearer. The mask includes a chamber configured to cover the wearer's mouth. The chamber is at least partially enclosed by an interior of the mask. The tensioning device couples the mask to the oral appliance and includes a flexible tension element at least partially disposed between the oral appliance and the mask and within the chamber. The flexible tension element is configured to apply a tensile force between the mask and the oral appliance.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could a filling station for fluid containers used in self-contained dental water supply systems comprising at least one pressurized fluid supply; at least one low pressure gas supply; the first valve circuit continuously connecting to the at least one pressurized fluid supply; the second valve circuit continuously connecting to the at least one low pressurized gas supply; the manifold that continuously connects to first and second valve circuits; a cap that attaches to a fluid container used in self-contained dental water supply system, the cap reversibly and continuously connects an interior of the fluid container to the manifold; an electronic control unit utilizing one or more timer circuits, wherein each timer circuit operates its respective valve circuit for a predetermined amount of time to deliver a predetermined amount of gas or fluid at a predetermined pressure into the interior of the fluid container.

Abstract: A cap system for connecting a fluid container to a self-contained dental water supply system of a dental work station comprising of a cap that attaches to an open end of a fluid container, a cap holder comprising a manifold and a manifold holder, the manifold connects to the self-contained dental water supply system and to the cap, the manifold moving within the manifold holder when the fluid in the fluid container reaches a certain amount to cause the self-contained dental water supply issue an alarm, the manifold further comprising a gas pressure regulator to convert high pressure gas of the self-contained dental water supply system to low pressure gas to move liquid from the liquid container through the manifold into self-contained dental water supply system, the high pressure gas pushes a sealing plunger in the manifold upon the cap to connect the manifold to fluid container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental unit and a method for feeding water to instruments and/or to other water outlet points of a dental unit. The object of the invention is to enable keeping pressure of the water lines of a dental unit essentially stable, especially also when the relatively stable pressure typical for public water systems cannot be taken advantage of because of potential backflow of water contaminated at the point of use to the public water system. According to the invention there is arranged a pressure chamber (12) to the feed water line (10) of a dental unit, the said pressure chamber (12) being arranged in functional connection with pressure control means (14, 15), and upstream of the said pressure chamber (12) a pump (13), which is arranged to be able to pump water to the said pressure chamber (12) also when it is pressurized.

Abstract: A reshapable retention device for insertion at a dental site and contact with adjacent dental surfaces, for the controlled delivery to the dental site of at least one material having a predetermined intraoral activity. The retention device includes at least one matrix containing the material. The retention device is adapted for physically affixing at the dental site for at least a predetermined time period correlated to the delivery of a predetermined portion of the at least one matrix to the dental site in a controlled single, bi or multiphase pattern. The retention device includes a first configuration in which the overall dimensions of the retention device are larger than at least one dimension of the dental site. The first configuration is reshapable to a second configuration in which at least one dimension of the retention device is reduced to enable physically affixing the retention device at the dental site.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for applying a tooth brightening composition to a tooth that includes a reservoir fluidly connected to an applicator, wherein the applicator has a frictional stress value sufficient to cause mechanical displacement of a biofilm present on a surface of the tooth. Alternatively or in combination with the above device, the applicator contains pores having a diameter of 0.1-1000 ?m.

Abstract: A flossing device cleans inside a mouth and essentially uses a water jet rather like a string of dental floss, to accomplish removal of particles between teeth. The device includes a mouthpiece that fits over the teeth. Advantageously no suction pump, nor power source, is included or needed in the device, which can be attached to a standard faucet. The device receives water from a standard faucet, which water exits the device from multiple holes in the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth, the oral appliance comprising an interior surface having a porous material disposed on at least a portion of the interior surface of the oral appliance, the porous material containing a medicament and the interior surface being formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the mouth and being capable of supporting and holding the porous material in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the mouth to deliver the medicament.

Abstract: An improved dental hygiene device for wearing in the mouth over the teeth and along gums has a flexible open-support structure. The flexible open-support structure has two opposing facing bases, an inner base and an outer base. Each base extends the length of the device and has a curvature to fit over the teeth and along gums of a wearer of the device. The inner base fits between teeth and the tongue, while the outer base fits between the teeth and the cheeks and lips region of the mouth. A plurality of arch-shaped ribs extends from the inner base over to the outer base joining the two bases to form the flexible open-support structure. The support structure has a means for receiving and holding a cream or paste and delivering the cream or paste to the teeth and gums. The cream or paste is automatically wetted by the production of saliva allowing the cream or paste to wick and migrate into the mouth.

Abstract: A medicament delivery tray and method for treating periodontal disease include fitting of a tray about the teeth and gums wherein the tray includes a seal that creates a substantially airtight seal against the gumline and a substantially airtight treatment chamber about the enclosed teeth and gums, the tray further having a reinforcing skirt providing a biasing force to the seal wherein a positive pressure can be created in the treatment chamber for forcing a medicament into the gums about the enclosed teeth.

Abstract: An artificial tooth apparatus for dispensing medicating agents to the body through the patient's jaw bone comprising a mechanical movement and kinetic mainspring winder, a tourbillon mechanism, a electronic regulator, and a pump mechanism arranged and configured to allow any medicating agent to be dispensed from the apparatus in a highly controlled and regulated manner according to input received by the electronic regulator and the patient's specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes. Multiple artificial teeth or a comprehensive bridge with several chambers may be used in cases where a polypharmaceutical approach is needed.

Abstract: A hydraulic tooth cleaner includes an upper tooth mold and a lower tooth mold respectively configured for attaching to the user's upper teeth and lower teeth, and a water press detachably connectable to nozzle tubes in a downward tooth groove in the upper tooth mold and an upward tooth groove in the lower teeth mold and controllable to supply a compressed fluid into the upper tooth mold and the lower tooth mold to clean the user's upper teeth and lower teeth.

Abstract: A syringe for the metered delivery of materials, in particular of dental materials, is described. The syringe may include a tube which accommodates material and a rotary plunger. Radially extending gripping bodies may be disposed about a longitudinal axis of the syringe are disposed on the syringe in the region of the outlet opening of the tube for applying the fingers of the hand for rotating the tube about the rotary plunger.

Abstract: Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a shell having a number of cavities to receive one or more teeth, each cavity having an inner surface. Fewer than all cavities are scaled-up in size by a first selected percentage over one or more dimensions of a corresponding tooth surface to provide a uniform space between the cavity inner surface and the corresponding tooth surface.

Abstract: A method of oral treatment comprises passing a flow of a gas mixture from a pressure vessel containing the gas mixture through a generator of non-thermal plasma; applying a partially ionising electrical potential to the flow of the gas mixture in the plasma generator, and thereby forming a non-thermal gaseous plasma in the gas mixture, and causing the flow of the gas mixture downstream of the plasma generator to perform the oral treatment. The gas mixture comprises (a) a noble gas selected from helium and argon and mixtures thereof, and (b) an additive gas selected from water vapour, air, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and nitric oxide and mixtures of any two or more thereof. The additive gas forms up to 1% by volume of the gas mixture. The oral treatment may be the cosmetic whitening of teeth, the non-clinical cleaning of teeth or the in situ cleaning of orthodontic braces, amongst others.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for intra-oral delivery of drugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oral care instrument which can maintain a sufficient support strength of a long neck, leaves little residue of a medicant after using, has a low contamination risk from nozzle tip, allows smooth spouting of a medical solution from the beginning, prevents excessive supply of a gelatinous or creamy oral-care composition in the case of flowing the composition in a supply channel inside the same, and contributes to the maintenance of the durability of a manufacturing mold. In the aforesaid oral care instrument which comprises a handle (2), a head (3) and a neck (4), a channel (11) for supplying oral-care composition running within the neck (4) to a nozzle (10) of the head (3) via the handle (2) is formed and the head (3) is connected in a detachable manner to the neck (4).

Abstract: An oral care instrument includes at least one oral care agent. In one embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided on one or more surfaces of the oral care instrument or included within cavities within the head or in one or more surfaces of a head. In other embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided in or on a thin slab subsequently bonded onto a surface, or applied as a stable coating. The oral care instrument can also be provided with a wear indicator. The oral care agents can be released during one use, during multiple uses, or throughout the life of the instrument. Water, oral secretions and/or chemicals within the mouth can activate the oral care agents.

Abstract: The invention features a composition which can or is to be used in a dental retraction, the composition comprising liquid a liquid and a layer type 1:1 silicate mineral and a layer type 2:1 silicate mineral in a ratio from about 50/50 to 5/95 wt.-% with respect to each other. The invention also relates to a container containing the dental retraction composition and to a kit comprising parts A and B, wherein part A comprises the dental retraction composition and part B comprises at least one accessory selected from the group of applier, dental impression material, retraction cap(s), a container for storing and dispensing the composition and combinations thereof. The invention further features a process of dispensing a dental retraction composition, the process comprising the steps: providing a dental retraction composition contained in a container, placing the container in an applier, and using the applier for dispensing the dental retraction composition out of the container.

Abstract: A manually powered portable device for creating a high-pressure pulsating stream of water or other liquid is disclosed. The device is intended for use in flushing and cleaning dentures. The device has a reservoir for storing the water or liquid, a piston and cylinder for pressurizing the water, a trigger operated slide valve for releasing the water from the reservoir and a rotating cylinder for creating the pulsating flow through the output nozzle of the device.

Abstract: According to one broad aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, disclosed herein is a hand held oral irrigation device having a tip for dispensing fluids. In one example, an oral irrigation device includes a body portion, and a reservoir for storing fluids, wherein the body and/or the reservoir define a first major diameter at a lower end of the oral irrigation device, and define a second major diameter at an upper end of the oral irrigation device, the first major diameter being larger than the second major diameter. In this example, by providing such a geometry for the device, a user can grasp the device with one hand about the second major diameter during use. In another example, the body includes a pump for pumping fluids from the reservoir to the tip, wherein the pump includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve, the inlet valve including a reed valve made of flexible fabric material. The outlet valve may also include a reed valve made of flexible fabric material.

Abstract: A dental cleaning system for providing a liquid jet for a mouth rinse includes a nozzle member, a nozzle attachment coupled to the nozzle member to define an axially extending chamber, a liquid duct configured to supply pressurized liquid to the chamber, a pressure piece disposed within the chamber, and a nozzle outlet extending out of the chamber and configured to discharge a cleaning jet.

Abstract: A method of cosmetically whitening teeth in vivo comprises exposing the teeth to be whitened to a flow of non-thermal gaseous plasma at a temperature acceptable for oral administration of the non-thermal gaseous plasma and for a time sufficient for the non-thermal gaseous plasma to have a tooth-whitening effect. Repeated treatments may be performed. The non-thermal gaseous plasma may be formed of helium or a mixture of helium and oxygen.

Abstract: An air water vacuum dental instrument includes a handle; a head; an air control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a water control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a vacuum control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; and an air water vacuum tip coupled to the head and configured to provide at least air, water, and vacuum in a mouth of a dental patient at the air water vacuum tip.

Abstract: The Hydro Clean Auto Floss provides a molded mouth-guard type mouthpiece configured in a U shape to conform to the contours of a set of human teeth, having a trough to receive the teeth, further comprising an irrigation water flow component at the front thereof consisting of an attachable tubing apparatus, allowing users to floss all of the teeth by means of pressurized water, at once, whether at home or on the go. A series of small circular openings are positioned along the perimeter of the mouthpiece, serving as the egress for water. At the front of the mouthpiece is positioned the attachment point for the irrigation water flow component. The irrigation water flow component comprises one central inlet nozzle, and two outlet nozzles, positioned on each side of the inlet nozzle. All of these nozzles are designed to receive tubing by means of a force fit. At the opposite end of the inlet hose is a spout adapter that is configured to accommodate most sink faucets.

Abstract: A method of tooth treatment includes sensing a surface condition of tooth or gum and controlling ejection of a fluid jet against the tooth based on the sensed condition. The fluid may be a liquid and may be carried in a self-contained reservoir in a handle of a fluid ejection device. The liquid can be a cleansing solution and may contain cleaning particles. The ejection can be controlled to clean teeth at high pressure and to reduce pressure applied to gum, for example, to clean plaque. In some embodiments, the method may be used to remove soft tooth. The method may further include automatically scanning the fluid jet relative to a handle of an injection device. In an embodiment, the fluid is ejected by means of a fluid ejector comprising a stationary magnet assembly providing a magnetic field and a coil assembly, slidably disposed with respect to the magnet assembly, the coil assembly driving ejection of the fluid jet.

Abstract: A device 10, typically hand-held, provides a flow of partially ionised gaseous plasma for treatment of a treatment region. The device comprises an applicator head 52 housing a miniature plasma cell 16 in which gas flowing through the cell from a gas source 22 can be energised to form a non-thermal gaseous plasma, and a plurality of electrodes 26, 28 for receiving electrical energy from a source of electrical energy for energising gas in a plasma forming region 18 in the cell to form said plasma. The applicator head 52 is detachable from the device and may be of a size and configuration to enable it to be inserted into the oral cavity of a human or animal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for intra-oral delivery of drugs. One method embodiment includes providing a dental device with one or more reservoirs, supplying at least one of the reservoirs with the one or more substances, and fluidly releasing the one or more substances from at least one reservoir into an oral structure at different preselected doses at different predetermined time periods and in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: Compositions containing ferrate(VI) are disclosed. Also, methods are disclosed that utilize ferrate(VI).

Abstract: A valve for adjusting the flow of water through an oral irrigation device is connected to a shower head by a flexible conduit. The valve is located on a handle connected to a water-dispensing pick for cleaning teeth and gums. Mixing apparatus is provided for injecting a secondary fluid, such as a mouthwash, into the flexible conduit upstream from the pick in a direct stream from the shower head.

Abstract: A water pressure type water jet teeth cleaning device, which has a nozzle with a curved tip including a hand held unit and a connecting tube. Attached to the connecting tub is a connector for connecting to the faucet. The water pressure type water jet teeth cleaning device of the present invention does not need a power supply to enhance safety, and is simple in structure and convenient to use.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device for use with a sink having hot and cold water lines includes a storage mount and a housing removably coupled thereto. The housing includes hot and cold water inputs and an outlet. The housing also includes first and second channels coupling the inputs to the outlet. The device includes piping tees and flexible tubing for connection to a sink's water lines. The device includes adjustable temperature valves in the first and second channels, respectively, for regulating amounts of hot and cold water passing through the channels. An adjustable volume valve is included for determining a volume of water exiting the outlet. The storage mount may be installed on a sink adjacent the faucet so that the oral hygiene device is a permanent fixture.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental adhesive materials that can create a reversible bond. In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental impression materials that can be used to accurately and efficiently obtain a dental impression. Moreover, example embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for use with the hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials disclosed herein. The hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials can provide dental professionals with dental materials that are more effective, efficient, and easier to use when compared to conventional dental adhesive materials and conventional dental impression materials.

Abstract: A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing a substance onto a substrate, such as a tooth treatment compound onto teeth, includes a vial including a pair of thin members forming a cavity therebetween in which the substance is arranged and a conduit defining an internal dispensing channel communicating with the cavity, an applicator tip arranged in connection with the conduit and including projections adapted to contact the substrate, and a cap including a cavity. The cap removably attaches to the vial and when attached, covers the applicator tip and seals the internal channel. When the cap is detached from the vial and the thin members are squeezed toward one another, the substance in the cavity is urged out of the cavity into and through the internal channel in the conduit and onto the projections to enable it to be brought into contact with the substrate.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detecting a crack in a human tooth, especially one covered by a restoration, such as a crown, the approach is to stress the suspect tooth and, by means of acoustic emission techniques, analyze the characteristics of the resultant acoustic emission from the tooth. To aid the identification of a crack from the acoustic emission signal, a baseline may be obtained by performing this procedure at a time when the tooth is known not be cracked, e.g., when a restoration is placed on it. This baseline acoustic emission signature is recorded. This procedure is repeated at intervals. The subsequent measurements are compared with the baseline to identify changes that indicate the initiation and growth of a crack. The invention includes apparatus for implementing the method. The approach is to integrate the acoustic emission pulser and sensor into commercially available dental instruments, e.g., a tooth polisher and a water syringe.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a gingival periosteum lining a bone. The apparatus comprises a periosteal mesher, which comprises a mesher surface, and a plurality of cutting elements distributed over the mesher surface, which are configured to cut the gingival periosteum to increase flexibility thereof. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having, in one embodiment, a unique, peristaltic pump water streaming or jet action; and in another embodiment, a multi-headed toothbrush may also be disposed on the end of a handle on which the jet nozzle or nozzles are disposed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a piezo insert for implant surgical operation comprising an insert pole having a water supply passage formed therein for supplying water to lift up a maxillary sinus membrane; and an insert tip comprising a plurality of water squirt holes provided along a circumferential direction of the insert pole at one end thereof, and a plurality of connecting passages for connecting the plurality of water squirt holes and the water supply passage.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for intra-orally diagnosing a body condition.

Abstract: A reshapable retention device for insertion at a dental site and contact with adjacent dental surfaces, for the controlled delivery to the dental site of at least one material having a predetermined intraoral activity. The retention device comprises at least one matrix containing the material. The retention device is adapted for physically affixing at the dental site for at least a predetermined time period correlated to the delivery of a predetermined portion of the at least one matrix to the dental site in a controlled single, bi or multiphase pattern. The retention device comprises a first configuration in which the overall dimensions of the retention device are larger than at least one dimension of the dental site. The first configuration is reshapable to a second configuration in which at least one dimension of the retention device is reduced to enable physically affixing the retention device at the dental site.

Abstract: A disposable dental micro-applicator includes an elongated, rigid, biodegradable handle with first and second ends and an applicator mechanically fastened to the first end of the handle. The applicator includes a chemically resistant application tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental patient anxiety and pain management system including a patient controllable interrupt device operable by a patient for interrupting a flow of pressurized fluid along a fluid path between a pressurized fluid source to a dental hand piece and for venting the pressurized fluid from a portion of the fluid path between the patient interrupt device and the dental hand piece for reducing the motive force driving the operative element of the hand piece, the fluid flow remaining interrupted until a reset device is operated for allowing the flow of pressurized fluid to resume along the fluid path between the pressurized fluid source and the hand piece.

Abstract: A dental implant for coupling an artificial tooth to a jawbone of a patient is provided. The dental implant comprises an elongated body having a first end threaded bone-engaging portion for engaging the dental implant with the jawbone and a second end, and wherein the dental implant is adapted to operate as a conduit for bone grafting material by enabling introduction of the bone grafting material into a grafting space extending between said elongated body and the patient's jawbone surrounding it. Preferably, the dental implant comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves located at the external surface of the threaded bone-engaging portion of the dental implant, or comprises circumferentially located openings, to allow delivery of bone grafting material into the grafting space.

Abstract: A capsule for storage, mixing, and dispensing of dental material, including an indicator for indicating proper activation of the capsule. The indicator may indicate that a minimum required displacement of an applicator member or of an activator member, or both, has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus for intrasosseous injection of medication to the medullary cavity of a jawbone and for the extraction of medullary bone contents is disclosed. It comprises an implant housing component, a drill bit component and a seal plug component. The implant housing component is implanted into the cortical bone of the mandible. The drill bit component produces a hole within the mandible that initiates the implanting of the implant housing component. The seal plug component that is removably attached to the distal end of the implant housing component allows for repeated access of a hypodermic needle into the mandible.