Abstract: The specification discloses a dental curing light including 1) a light engine, 2) a coaxially aligned, camera-based viewing system, and 3) a control system providing a variety of safety features and simplified, operator-friendly operation. The camera's field of view (FOV) is coaxial with the centerline of the curing beam of the light engine. The curing light includes a multi-planar dichroic mirror (MDM) providing viewing and light beam direction aligned with the target. The MDM provide multiple images to the camera from different angles. The camera provides real-time measurement of light intensity reflected back from the targeted surface. Using the multiple image portions reflected by the multi-planar dichroic mirror, the control system computes the distance between the curing light and the target. The reflected intensity and the calculated distance enable the control system to compute a light engine irradiance to achieve a desired irradiance at the targeted surface.

Abstract: An optical sensor for an instrument to form a closed-loop curing instrument that is configured to manage the quantity of delivered energy to a curable material, including a composite restoration for a tooth. The closed-loop curing instrument is configured to analyze a signal indicative of the light reflecting from the curable material, and to adjust light output based on the analysis.

Abstract: An optical sensor for an instrument to form a closed-loop curing instrument that is configured to manage the quantity of delivered energy to a curable material, including a composite restoration for a tooth. The closed-loop curing instrument is configured to analyze a signal indicative of the light reflecting from the curable material, and to adjust light output based on the analysis.

Abstract: A matrix ring includes a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a flame body having a central ridge and opposing lower extensions, the lower extensions terminating at an exposed face. The portion of the lower extensions proximate the exposed face being able to move relative to the rest of the flame body so as to better position on the teeth of a patient. A superimposed pad over portions of the flame body provides a deformable surface for engagement with the surface of the tooth of a patient.

Abstract: A matrix ring comprising includes a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a frame body having a central ridge and opposing lower extensions, the lower extensions terminating at an exposed face. The portion of the lower extensions proximate the exposed face being able to move relative to the rest of the frame body so as to better position on the teeth of a patient. A superimposed pad over portions of the frame body provides a deformable surface for engagement with the surface of the tooth of a patient. In the Specification The opposing tines 14a, 14b are shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: A matrix band for dental applications including a base material and a coating. The base material has an outer surface and a tooth contact surface as well as a perimeter. The coating is applied to the tooth contact surface and extends to the perimeter of the tooth contact surface. The coating is a fluorinated ethylene propylene, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyether sulfone.

Abstract: A matrix band for dental applications including a base material and a coating. The base material has an outer surface and a tooth contact surface as well as a perimeter. The coating is applied to the tooth contact surface and extends to the perimeter of the tooth contact surface. The coating is a fluorinated ethylene propylene, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyether sulfone.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes a first arm, a second arm, which is pivotally coupled to the first arm about a pivot axis, and a spring. The first and second arms are pivotal with respect to each other in a plane generally orthogonal to the pivot axis. Each of the arms has a proximal portion, a medial portion, and a distal portion, with the proximal portions defining hand grip portions, and with the arms being pivotally connected at their medial portions. The spring biases the distal portions of the arms toward each other. Each of the distal portions comprises a first portion and a prong portion depending from the first portion. The prong portions comprise back-to-back generally C-shaped portions and spaced apart tines. The C-shaped portions define a pair of seats, with the tines depending from the seats and having spaced apart distal ends adapted for engaging a rubber-dam clamp, and the seats providing contacts for a dental retaining ring.

Abstract: A prophy angle comprising a body, a drive system, and a paste feed assembly. The body includes a cylinder and a head portion associated with the cylinder. The drive system extends through the body and includes a drive shaft assembly and a cup shaft assembly. The drive shaft assembly extends through the cylinder. The cup shaft assembly extends through the head portion. The cup shaft assembly is coupled to the drive shaft assembly and further includes a prophy cup disposed at one end thereof. The prophy cup is in fluid communication with the body. The paste feed assembly includes a piston assembly and a piston movement assembly. The piston movement assembly includes a handle member. The handle member includes a second end associated with the piston assembly, a first end distally spaced therefrom and a pivot point positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A treatment for a dental water unit system comprises a shock treatment including silver colloid and hydrogen peroxide that stays in the system for an extended period, followed by a flushing of the system and the addition of a maintenance solution comprising at least silver colloid in an amount safe for human consumption.