Patents Assigned to Dentsply International Inc.
  • Methods for making dental restorations using two-phase light-curing materials
    Patent number: 8420708
    Abstract: Methods for making dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, fillings, and other restorations are provided. The methods involve using a two-phase light curing (TPLC) material. Preferably, the TPLC material used to form the dental restoration comprises a blend of polymerizable compounds; photopolymerization systems (a) and (b), and particulate filler materials (a) and (b). In a first light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of greater than 420 nm is used to activate system (a). In a second light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of less than 420 nm is used to activate system (b). The two step light-curing method is efficient and allows the dentist to make restorations having high mechanical strength and pleasing aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventor: Fuming Sun
  • CLOSED LOOP SPEED CONTROL FOR A PNEUMATIC DENTAL HANDPIECE
    Publication number: 20130052606
    Abstract: A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Methods for designing a customized dental prosthesis using digital images of a patient
    Patent number: 8386061
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing customized dental restoration and prosthesis, particularly denture prescriptions using a computer software program are provided. In this system, digital photographs of the patient to be fitted with the denture are taken, and the photographs are transferred to the software program. Based on these photographs, the program makes certain calculations. The program then prompts the dental professional to select the desired materials and structure for the denture. Based on this input, the program automatically produces a prescription for the denture. The digital prescription is sent to a dental laboratory for making the denture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Violante, Arlo King, Jon Jackson
  • Total etch dental adhesive composition
    Patent number: 8372896
    Abstract: Dental adhesive composition having a pH of at least 5, which comprises an aqueous solution containing (a) a polymerizable N-substituted alkyl acrylic or acrylic acid amide monomer; (b) a water-soluble polymerizable carboxylic acid; and (c) a water-soluble organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim E. Klee, Uwe Lehmann, Franziska Heinzmann
  • POSITIVE DRIVE CHUCK AND BUR ARRANGEMENT FOR A DENTAL HANDPIECE
    Publication number: 20130029288
    Abstract: A chuck assembly for a dental handpiece includes a hollow cylindrical tube portion having a first internal bore, and a chuck portion having a second bore. The chuck portion is supported within the first bore co-rotational with the tube portion about a common axis. The chuck portion has an annular body portion defining the second bore for supporting a cylindrical tool therein. A drive element comprising a drive pin inserted in a first end of the tube portion traverses the first internal bore at a first end of the tube portion. The drive pin cooperates with a distal end of a rotary tool insertable into the second bore to transfer torque to the tool. The tool has an elongated body portion having a driven portion and a working portion. The driven portion includes a shank portion with channels for receiving the drive pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Eugene J. NOVAK
  • SELF-CURE ACTIVATOR
    Publication number: 20130018123
    Abstract: A self curing activator for chemical polymerization of the interface of a dental bonding agent and a self curing or dual curing dental cement or restorative, includes an aryl borate compound, a polymerizable monomer, an optional acidic compound, an amine compound which exhibits a catalytic action, an organic peroxide containing material, and a metal compound wherein said metal compound promotes the decomposition of the organic peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Huaibing Liu, Paul D. Hammesfahr, Gregory Pomrink
  • Dynamic water spray intensity for dental handpieces
    Patent number: 8348666
    Abstract: A water spray intensity system for providing water to a dental workpiece based on dynamic conditions experienced by the handpiece. The dental workpiece is a dental structure, typically in the mouth of a patient. A periodic function of the handpiece may include a motion such as a periodic motion of a tool of the handpiece, the speed of the rotating tip or some measurable parameter such as the torque experienced by a rotating tip assembled to the handpiece. Instead of providing water at a constant flow rate, the periodic function of the handpiece, such as torque or tip speed, is made by measuring a parameter associated with the handpiece. The water spray intensity system then automatically adjusts the flow of water from the handpiece based on the sensed parameter or periodic function to improve cutting efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Dentsply International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Beck
  • METHOD AND ANTIBACTERIAL/ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITIONS IN DENTAL COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20120328553
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition and method of making a polymerizable antibacterial/antimicrobial resin and using such a bioactive resin in formulated dental compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: XIAOMING JIN
  • TISSUE MANAGEMENT IMPRESSION MATERIAL AND DISPENSING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120329006
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a tissue management impression material and a method of application into the sulcus of a patient, whereby the tissue management impression material is a part of the final dental impression made when manufacturing a dental device, such as a crown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventors: PAUL B. PIERSON, FUMING SUN, Richard J. BENNETT, ROBERT PIERONI
  • COLLAGEN COATED ARTICLE
    Publication number: 20120316646
    Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible article having a surface comprising collagen fibrils attached to said surface via one or more linker molecules, wherein each of said collagen fibrils is attached to at least one of said one or more linker molecules at a proximal end of the fibril, and wherein each of said collagen fibril has a proximal portion extending from said proximal end to a point P along said fibril, wherein, for a majority of said fibrils, each fibril at said point P is oriented so as to form an angle ?P in the range of 0° to 45° to the surface normal N at the point of attachment of said fibril to said surface. The collagen fibril-coated surface has improved biocompatibility and is useful in a medical implant intended for implantation into soft tissue or bone tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Christina Gretzer, Matthias Mörgelin
  • FOOT PEDAL CONTROLLER FOR DENTAL SCALER
    Publication number: 20120301844
    Abstract: A method for controlling a dental instrument includes a foot pedal responsive to commands from a user. An operating mode is selectable between normal and boost cycle. A conventional mode is selectable by pressing and holding the foot pedal to a first level to operate in normal mode. The foot pedal operates in a boost mode when the pedal advances to a second level. Maintained mode is selectable by tapping the foot pedal to change modes between idle, normal and boost mode. Each mode is switched by tapping the foot pedal. The pedal switches between the second process and the first process by pressing and holding the foot pedal at the desired level corresponding to normal or boost mode. The pedal switches from the first process to the second process by tapping the foot pedal at the level corresponding to normal or boost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. GUARAGNO
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VISUALIZING CONTRACTION STRESS FROM CURABLE MATERIALS
    Publication number: 20120285258
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a method to use such an apparatus for visualizing the contraction stress from curable materials. Particularly, a simple test device has been designed and fabricated and a method of using such a device, which allows a user to easily distinguish the curable materials that can generate contraction stress in different magnitudes. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a simple and effective way to make the complicated contraction stress due to polymerization (curing or setting) visualizable and audible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Jin, Louis Bertrand, Qizhou Dai, Bill Martin, Nils Classen, Nikki Sparacino
  • Methods for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances
    Patent number: 8308478
    Abstract: Improved methods for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances, such as brackets, to the tooth surfaces of dental patients are provided. The methods use a transfer tray to accurately position the brackets on the tooth surfaces. Preferably, the tray is made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/siloxane material. The brackets are coated with a protective coating to prevent them from becoming embedded in the tray. Preferably, a translucent, blue-tinted coating is used to cover the brackets. Dental restorative materials are used to bond the brackets to the teeth. The transfer tray is then removed from the mouth, while the appliances remain firmly bonded to the tooth surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn M. Primus, Michael C. Alpern, Michael Anderson
  • ENDODONTIC INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF
    Publication number: 20120282571
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nonlinear superelastic file comprising the steps of: providing a superelastic file having a shaft and a file axis; providing a fixture including a file groove being defined by one or more displacement members, the file groove configured for receiving the shaft; inserting at least a portion of the shaft into the fixture along the file groove, the portion of the shaft including a first portion of the shaft; contacting the first portion of the shaft with a first displacement member of the one or more displacement members such that the first portion of the shaft is displaced from the file axis thereby forming a first offset portion of the shaft; heating the portion of the shaft while inserted in the fixture to a temperature of at least about 300° C. for a time period of at least about 1 minute to shape-set the portion of the shaft thereby forming a shape-set nonlinear file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: DAN AMMON, VINCENT SHOTTON, YONG GAO, RANDALL MAXWELL
  • Closed loop speed control for a pneumatic dental handpiece
    Patent number: 8303304
    Abstract: A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Dentsply International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Brennan, Timothy M. Beck, Eugene J. Novak, Thomas E. Barker, William Raymond, Karl H. Bethke
  • SET OF DENTAL COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20120270180
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, in a set of male dental components, such as abutment screws, each male dental component has a threaded portion with different core diameter. Each male dental component is to be connected to a mating female dental component, such as an abutment. The smaller core diameter a threaded portion has, the higher friction is provided when the male dental component is finally tightened to its mating female dental component, even though the same insertion torque is applied to all male dental components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Mattias DAHLSTRÖM, Anders HALLDIN
  • DENTAL ABUTMENT INCLUDING FILLET
    Publication number: 20120258427
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a dental abutment and methods of forming the same. The abutment may include a head portion located at an upper end of the abutment and constructed to support a prosthetic tooth replacement and soft tissue adjacent the head portion, an anti-rotation feature located at a lower end of the abutment and constructed to mate with a dental implant, and a fillet located at an interface between the head portion and the anti-rotation feature. The fillet may reduce a risk of fracture at the interface between the head portion and the anti-rotation feature. In some examples, the abutment may be formed at least partially of a ceramic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Bethany F. GRANT, James G. HANNOOSH
  • DENTAL POLISHING DEVICE AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20120244496
    Abstract: The invention provides a dental method including forming a polishing member sufficient, when rotated, to polish a cut unpolished dental tooth surface to a surface roughness of less than 0.07 sRa ?m and, to polish an unpolished dental restorative material supported by a tooth in a patient's mouth to a surface roughness of less than 0.03 sRa ?m. The dental polishing material preferably includes elastomeric polymer impregnated with blocky synthetic diamonds. The synthetic diamonds effectively have particle sizes less than 50 microns. The synthetic diamonds are more than 50 percent by weight of the dental polishing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Steven R. JEFFERIES, SIBEL ANTONSON, PAUL D. HAMMESFAHR, ROBERT V. HARE, PATRICIA W. KIHN, SCOTT G. MCINTIRE
  • Dental device connection adapter
    Patent number: D674487
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Kile, Mark Sprinkle
  • Adjustable dental media holder
    Patent number: D675737
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dentsply International Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis L. Steward, Jr., Paul McDonough, Thaddeus J. Hartlaub