Abstract: The surface detection system includes a source of an optical interrogating signal (44) which accompanies a droplet spray in an oral cleaning device directed to an oral surface (46). The interrogating optical signal is reflected from the oral surface which the spray impacts and detected (48). A selected characteristic of the reflected signal, such as intensity, is indicative of the nature of the oral surface, such as either gum tissue or a tooth surface. The detected reflected signal is then processed to determine the nature of the oral reflecting surface. The processor (50) then provides a resulting output signal which can be used to either warn the user concerning the nature of the oral surface or to change the characteristics of the spray appropriately according to the surface (51).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a periodontal interdental tray and to a periodontal medicament tray syringe that can be used in conjunction with the periodontal interdental tray of the present invention, or can be utilized by itself or in conjunction with other periodontal trays already on the market. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to treatment of periodontal disease, and in particular to a dental tray syringe and method for delivering medicaments into areas of the mouth either supragingival or subgingivally to treat the infected areas.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

Abstract: A dental apparatus which comprises a dental device, a graphic display and a user interface connected functionally to one another, the user interface being arranged to be used in controlling functions of the dental device. The user interface is a touch pad and the graphic display comprises means for showing symbols describing control functions of the dental device and a cursor. The dental apparatus further comprises means for moving and controlling the cursor in response to a touch of a pointer means and its movement on the surface of the touch pad. A detachable and disinfectable film, which can be replaced by a new one after it has worn out, may be attached to the contact surface.

Abstract: An oral care device suitable for use in providing a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal, which device includes means for providing reciprocation of a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect of the oral cavity when the liquid is contacted with a plurality of surfaces thereof under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect.

Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front, rear and base inner walls of the device and the front and rear inner walls each include a plurality of openings, the devices further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.

Abstract: An oral care system that provides a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal by using a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect, where the system includes means for directing the liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing the liquid to the means for directing the liquid onto the surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing reciprocation of the liquid over the plurality of surfaces under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect; and a reservoir for containing the liquid.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides electrochemical dispensing apparatus and methods. According to the principles of the invention, a microelectronic electrochemical dispenser is used to cause the release of one or more selected chemical substance from a stored chemical compound. The release is controlled using a timer or sensor apparatus in a controlling device, preferably an ASIC.

Abstract: The stem portion of a toothbrush body has a set of bristles on a bristle plate at one end thereof, the stem portion including a shell or stem body having a longitudinal opening therethrough. A core member is configured to fit within the stem body, having two opposed grooves in the exterior surface thereof along the length thereof. The stem body has two grooves in the interior surface thereof, such that the grooves in the core member and the grooves in the stem body can align to form separate fluid channels along the length of the stem portion. The stem portion receives fluid from a reservoir and delivers the fluid to the bristle plate, which includes exit openings for the fluid. The core member and the stem body also include fluid-tight connections therebetween, separating the two channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is 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, with at least one matrix containing the material. The device is adapted for physically affixing at the dental site. The device has a first configuration in which the overall dimensions of the retention device are larger than at least one dimension of the dental site, which is reshapable to a second in which at least one dimension of the retention device is reduced. In the second configuration the retention device has a predetermined shape having contours for affixing at the dental surfaces. The device is affixed to the dental site in its second configuration.

Abstract: A gingival massaging device comprising a dental arch shaped body for positioning within the oral cavity between the gingiva and the tissue linings of the lips, and the teeth, wherein the body comprises an internal track along which a plurality of massaging elements for massaging the gingiva are movable, wherein adjacent massaging elements are connected to each other by a mechanical linkage, wherein the device further comprises a shifting mechanism for moving the massaging elements along the track.

Abstract: A dental applicator device is disclosed. Generally, the dental applicator device includes a trough comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a floor, wherein at least one of the first wall, second wall, and floor comprises a contact surface, wherein at least a portion of the contact surface comprises a reticulated foam material. Methods of applying a dental agent to a target surface of a subject's dentition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiuse programmable dental device that allows the user to selectively program various fluid delivery regimens and methods of using and programming the irrigator device. The irrigator may also be operated manually, as desired by the operator. Other features, such as selective delivery of various fluids, monitoring fluids levels of the system, and the capability to store previously used regimens within the systems memory, are found in the present invention.

Abstract: A multi-switch (24) for an oral care appliance includes a switch housing (28) having a hollow chamber (30) therein, a button actuator (32) with at least two O-rings (42) around the periphery thereof, and inlet and outlet channels (50, 52) connecting a source of compressed gas (18) with the housing chamber and the housing chamber with a mixing chamber (26), respectively. A pump (60) moves fluid from a reservoir (20) to the mixing chamber. The O-rings are positioned so that as the button actuator is actuated and then released, the outlet is closed and the inlet is opened, allowing gas to move into the housing chamber. The pump is actuated, and then the inlet is closed and the outlet opens, allowing gas in the chamber to move to the mixing chamber to produce a stream of fluid droplets, which are directed out through a nozzle portion (16) of the appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic capsule for the storage and delivery of dental material, the capsule exhibiting a cylindrical cavity in a first capsule section and connecting the first and a third capsule section in a second capsule section and the third capsule section being a dispensing nipple angled with respect to the first capsule section characterised in that the first capsule section exhibits a reinforced longitudinal side and a longitudinal formed in a round manner and the reinforced longitudinal side is an edge on a round tube, the edge forming the reinforcement, and to similar capsules with two reinforcement edges.

Abstract: A device which allows the insertion of a flowable filling material through at least part of a dental implant inside the body to touch the bone. The implant can be hollow and to have a side perforation connecting the space inside the implant with the surrounding of the implant. This perforation can be placed initially outside the alveolar ridge. The device can allow immediate direct contact between the filling material and the tissue and for the displacement of the soft tissues covering the bone.

Abstract: A pump for an oral irrigator includes a pump chassis, an eccentric end plate movably connected to the pump chassis, a first alignment shaft connected to the pump chassis, a second alignment shaft connected to the eccentric end plate, a first gear rotating around a longitudinal axis of the first alignment shaft, and a second gear engaging the first gear and rotating around a longitudinal axis of the second alignment shaft. By selectively moving the eccentric end plate relative to the pump chassis selectively moves the second gear relative to the first gear.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for applying dental compounds includes an instrument head. The instrument head has a support structure with a plurality of elastic projections formed on the support structure. The projections have less stiffness than the support structure with respect to a height extent and enclose a receiving space for the dental compound. Additionally, the projections have a planar configuration and are arranged substantially parallel to one another with respect to a width extent. The diameter of the instrument head is equal to or less than 3 mm. Using this applicator instrument, it is easier to apply dental compound in dosed amounts and to spread the dental compound across a surface to be treated.

Abstract: An oral irrigator includes a base having a pump mechanism, a reservoir housed within the base and fluidically connected with the pump mechanism. A handle with a jet tip is connected with an outlet from the pump mechanism to receive a pressurized fluid stream from the reservoir to direct a fluid at a surface inside an oral cavity. The oral irrigator also includes a radiant energy source and delivery system for directing radiant energy at a surface inside an oral cavity.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

Abstract: A surface treatment device comprising a body, a motor disposed in the body, an applicator operably coupled to the motor, and a container coupled to the applicator via a fluid flow path, the container containing a surface treatment substance.

Abstract: A coupling for the production of a releasable connection between a medical, in particular a dental, handpiece part and a supply hose and for the transmission of current and if applicable further supply media from the supply hose to the handpiece part. The coupling includes two coupling elements wherein one of the two coupling elements may be arranged on the supply hose and the other on the handpiece part. A guide element is arranged on one of the two coupling elements, which guide element can be inserted into an insertion opening formed on the other coupling element. In a certain relative rotational position of the two coupling elements a pushing element having current contacts engages into a corresponding recess of the second coupling element, wherein with inserted or at least partly inserted guide element the two coupling elements can be rotated relative to one another around an axis of rotation before attainment of the predetermined coupling position.

Abstract: The droplet spray teeth cleaning system includes in one aspect a window of temperature and volumetric flow ratio between air and gas for safe and comfortable yet effective operation, the volumetric flow ratio ranging between approximately 24 and 875 and the temperature from approximately 27° C. to a maximum of 60° C. The temperature is maintained by a flow-through heater (74) arranged around a liquid line portion (51) of the droplet spray system, preferably in a handle portion (52) of the system. Also included is a thermocouple heat sensor arrangement (78) which determines the temperature of the liquid prior to the nozzle portion and a control (76, 53) for maintaining the temperature within the temperature/flow ratio window. A filter (126) is provided, preferably in the head portion of the system, for filtering out particles from the liquid, while at the same time permitting adequate flow therethrough at least during the expected lifetime of the replaceable head portion of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting or diagnosing diseases by sampling and testing intra-oral fluids.

Abstract: An oral irrigator tip for an oral irrigator with proximal extensions for removal of debris and plaque at the gum line and between teeth in addition to mechanical stimulation of gum tissue. The extension elements may be bristle clusters, posts, or arcuate structures. The oral irrigator tip may further include a tip head and a shaft portion, the shaft portion defining a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The tip head defining an opening to a cavity for housing the fluid outlet. The extension elements may be attached to the tip head and positioned about the opening.

Abstract: The invention includes a piston having a piston body (1) and front seal for sealing the gap between the side wall of the piston body and the wall of a chamber within which the piston and a material are disposed in a conventional manner. The front seal (5) has a leading edge (6) included angle (A) as defined below, and a trailing edge (7) included angle (B) that is smaller than the leading edge included angle. By the appropriate selection of these two angles, the force required to move the piston (and thus the material) is optimized, the force required to move the piston (and thus the material) is optimized, which results in a more useful dispenser than conventional syringe-type dispensers. These and other features of the present invention are described in greater detail below.

Abstract: An oral care product comprising a source of calcium ions, a source of phosphate ions, and an insoluble whitening agent for deposition onto the teeth, characterised in that the source of calcium ions and the source of phosphate ions are physically separate prior to the use of the product.

Abstract: An oral care product comprising a first composition comprising an insoluble calcium salt that is not a calcium phosphate salt, a second independent composition comprising a source of phosphate ions, and a means for delivering each of the compositions to the surface of the teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable plug connection, for inserting a nozzle tube (2) into a jack (1), consisting of a hollow cylinder (3) and a sleeve (6) displaceably mounted on said cylinder. To this end, the nozzle tube (2) is provided with radially spring-loaded lugs (20), the free ends of which are in contact with a locking surface (10a). The locking surface is formed on a flange (10) of the sleeve (6) which can slide relative to the hollow cylinder (3) against the force of a spring (24). For releasing the connection, the sleeve (6) is pushed back so that the lugs (20) slide along a truncated cone (14) on the hollow cylinder (3) and are pushed inwardly in the process. As a result, the ends of the lugs (20) slide from the locking surface (10a). As soon as the lug ends have left the locking surface (10a), the nozzle tube (2) shoots from the jack (1) under the action of the spring (24).

Abstract: A toothbrush includes: a hollow head portion defining a first fluid passage therein and having a bristle-mounting wall formed with a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the first fluid passage; bristle bundles provided on the bristle-mounting wall, each of the bristle bundles being composed of a plurality of hollow bristles, each of the hollow bristles having a third fluid passage that has a connecting end in fluid communication with the first fluid passage and an open free end opposite to the connecting end; a hollow grip portion connected to the head portion and defining a second fluid passage therein, the second fluid passage being in fluid communication with the first fluid passage; and a suction unit connected to the grip portion and adapted to draw a fluid from an exterior of the bristle-mounting wall through the apertures and the third fluid passages.

Abstract: A medical treatment device, such as a dental treatment device, is described, the device including a drive unit for driving multiple different tools that are detachably connectable to the treatment device and a tool recognition device for recognizing whether a tool is connected to the treatment device and/or which of the different tools is connected to the treatment device. The tool recognition device includes a coil and an evaluation unit, wherein the coil is connected or connectable to an AC voltage sources, and the coil is inductively couplable to the different tools, so that an AC voltage signal that is specific for each tool and that can be associated with the particular tool by the evaluation unit can be generated.

Abstract: An interproximal squirt brush includes a solution container having a compressible solution chamber for containing a washing solution and a nozzle head having an opening, and a brush head including a brush arm and a brush member. The brush arm has a brush portion and a retention portion slidably inserted into the opening of the solution container, wherein a dispensing channel is formed between the retention portion of the brush arm and the inner wall of the nozzle head for allowing the solution to pass therethrough. The brush member is provided at the brush portion of the brush arm. Therefore, when a compression force is applied on the solution container, the solution is released to the brush member through the dispensing channel of the nozzle head.

Abstract: Medical treatment devices, such as dental treatment devices, comprise a drive unit for driving a tool configured to act on a treatment site, a light-emitting device and a cooling media dispensing device for dispensing at least one cooling medium onto a tool and/or a treatment site. The device can be controlled, such as with a controller, to substantially alternatingly operate the light-emitting device and the dispensing device, thereby intermittently illuminating the tool and/or the treatment site and dispensing cooling medium toward the tool and/or the treatment site, respectively, which provides a user with an improved view of the tool, the treatment site, or both.

Abstract: An adapter for use with an air/water tip (e.g., a three-way dental syringe). The adapter comprises a body including a proximal end and a distal end, a mixing chamber disposed between the proximal and distal ends, a water delivery lumen for delivering water from a coupleable fluid dispensing device to the mixing chamber, and a separate air delivery lumen for delivering air from a coupleable fluid dispensing device to the mixing chamber. The cross-sectional area of the water delivery lumen at a location adjacent the mixing chamber is greater than the cross-sectional area of the air delivery lumen at a location adjacent the mixing chamber. The relative cross-sectional areas act to balance pressures of air and water entering the mixing chamber so as to provide a ratio of volumetric flow rate of water to air that is between about 0.5:1 to about 2:1.

Abstract: The present invention is an oral irrigator comprising a pump, a discharge nozzle and a pressure control. The pump has a generally constant operating speed and feeds the discharge nozzle. The pressure control is adapted to modify a discharge pressure at the nozzle without a significant change in pump speed. The pressure control modifies a level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The modification of the level of fluid flow restriction is accomplished by modifying aspects of a fluid flow path extending through the pressure control. The aspects modified include the diameter, length and/or number of direction changes of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: Systems and kits dispensing material and methods of forming and using the systems and kits are disclosed. The system may include a deformable vessel portion for storing material and a spout portion for directing the material as the material is dispensed from the system. The vessel portion and the spout portion may be formed separately and subsequently coupled together to form the system.

Abstract: Dental treatment trays and strips used to deliver a dental bleaching composition to a person's teeth are formed from a moisture resistant barrier material and include a bleaching agent destabilizer disposed on an inner treatment surface of the barrier layer that is positioned against the person's teeth during use. The bleaching agent destabilizer may be compounded with the moisture resistant material or otherwise disposed relative to the barrier layer so that at least some destabilizer is positioned on the inner treatment surface of the tray or strip so as to contact the dental bleaching composition during use.

Abstract: A prophylactic system 100 for a dental hand piece 101 of a selected shape and having an outlet 112 for providing a fluid to an operating field is disclosed. A cover 102 has a shape substantially similar to the hand piece 101 for enclosing the dental hand piece 101 and includes an aperture 118 for communicating with the operating field. An s-shaped valve 600 includes a path 605 for coupling the fluid from outlet 118 of the hand piece 101 to the aperture 118 of the cover.

Abstract: An automated flushing system removes stagnant water and the micro-organisms it contains from dental unit waterlines when a dental chair is not in use. The system prevents the exponential replication of micro-organisms in dental waterlines and can be used to increase the contact time of disinfectants with adherent biofilms in waterlines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental treatment apparatus comprising a source of gas, a generator for generating oxidizing gas from the gas of the source, an application device for application of the oxidizing gas to a selected application area and exposing the selected application area to the oxidizing gas, a destructor for the oxidizing gas and a vacuum pump to create a pressure sufficient to suck the oxidizing gas from the application device to the destructor, whereby an additional gas reservoir for the gas from the source is provided between the source and the generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a volume-adjustable micro-injection device. The device includes a base structure having a syringe positioning structure and a grip, in which the syringe positioning structure can flexibly accommodate injection syringes with different volumes; a holding structure capable of flexibly adjusting an injection angle of syringe content for easier operation; a qualitative controller capable of accurately controlling injection volume; a pressure pushing structure to hold and push a plunger; an injection controller interlinked with the qualitative controller and the pressure pushing structure; and an eject structure facilitating simple operation and easy replacement of injection syringes.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a cradle switch plug that is placed into a cradle of a dental instrument in a dental delivery unit to deactivate the instrument thereby allowing the instrument to remain at the ready without endangering or spraying the user and/or assistants and/or patients. In addition, when an instrument is removed from an air fitting a plug may be screwed into the air fitting. The plug prevents entry of debris into the ports thereof. The plug also enables proper seating of the air fitting within the cradle and, thus, actuation of the cradle switch.

Abstract: A tabbed carrier for a dental restoration composite and a pre-packaged unit of composite for performing an aesthetic restoration. The unit is mounted on a polymeric film carrier material and is covered and sealed with the same or otherwise suitable covering film. The carrier film may be an elongated strip containing serially placed units of composite, each readily separable from the strip for individual usage. This packaging is in light restrictive outer packaging since the preferred unit of composite is of a light-cured material such as bis-GMA. In preferred packaging, the unit dose is singular and applicable to the tooth surface with the film carrier which is adapted with tabs to facilitate handling and the draping or damming of the subject tooth from adjacent teeth to facilitate application of the composite. The tabbed carrier enables the composite to be worked, i.e., shaped or formed on the tooth with the film intermediate the composite and the customary forming tools.

Abstract: The sprayhead device includes a housing (60) having an orifice plate (62) therein with at least one orifice opening (64) therethrough. A liquid line (36) delivers liquid to the sprayhead, where it proceeds through the orifice opening, wherein the liquid flow rate through the orifice and the liquid pressure are sufficiently great relative to the size of the orifice that the liquid moves through the orifice as a continuous stream. Gas is delivered to the housing and gas flows to the interior of the sprayhead through at least two openings (68) in the housing. The gas streams (flows) intercept the liquid flow perpendicularly, approximately 180° apart. The velocity of the gas flows is sufficient to break up the liquid stream from the orifice into a spray of droplets of desired size and velocity, accelerating them out of an acceleration duct (66) exit portion of the housing.

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: Apparatus and method for the treatment of dental caries includes a source of oxidizing gas, an aqueous medium and a handpiece for delivering the gas and aqueous medium to a tooth. A cup attached to the handpiece is provided for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area of the tooth to the gas and aqueous medium. The cup includes a resilient edge for sealably the edge for engaging the tooth around the selected area to prevent escape of gas and aqueous medium therepast.

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: A combined irrigator-vacuum device includes a pump assembly mountable over a syringe or device body. The device body has a dividing wall which divides the body into a clean chamber and a waste chamber. Openings are formed at the bottom of the body to provide an inlet into said waste chamber and an outlet from said clean chamber. The pump assembly includes a housing and a compressible cover defining a pump chamber. A vacuum valve and an irrigation valve are positioned within the pump chamber above the syringe waste chamber and clean chamber, respectively. The pump is operable such that compression of the cover causes irrigant fluid to be ejected from the clean chamber and release of the cover causes used irrigant to be vacuumed into the waste chamber. The device can be selectively switchable between an irrigation-vacuum mode, an irrigation-only mode and a vacuum-only mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for retaining and dispensing substances embedded in the oral cavity, More particularly, said device includes at least one or more containers (reservoirs) which container stores the substance; should only one container be present at least one stopper is also present; and a cord which connects the above components and may function also as an anchorage.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the device including a cartridge for containing the medicament therein, the cartridge including a housing, a retractable chamber disposed within the housing and having a lumen, a substantially stationary member disposed within the lumen of the retractable chamber and having a uniform cross-section sized to provide a sliding fit within the lumen to provide for retraction of the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member upon actuation of the device, and means for retracting the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member while maintaining the substantially stationary member in a substantially stationary position upon actuation of the device; the device further including means for activating the means for retracting the retractable chamber.