Abstract: Compositions and methods of treating teeth with self-foaming fluoride-containing gels are disclosed. In preferred aspects, the method includes dispensing a self-foaming fluoride-containing gel from an aerosol container into the trough of a dental tray, placing the trough of the dental tray containing the self-foaming fluoride containing gel into engagement with a patient's teeth and allowing the gel to transform into a foam while the dental tray is in engagement with the teeth. The fluoride-containing gels include a water soluble fluoride component, an oil-in-water emulsifier, a micro-emulsion stabilizer, a surfactant, a micro-emulsion stabilizer and thickener and optionally a gel clarifying agent.

Abstract: A disposable dental tray including a unitary member formed of a flexible foam material defining a pair of hinged U-shaped tray portions configured to fit over the upper and lower teeth of the mouth and wherein each tray portion is defined by a base wall, a pair of end walls and inner and outer side walls. A first one of the tray portions is provided with a handle that extends outwardly from the tray portion, the handle including a main portion and an end portion. The second one of the tray portions is provided with a handle that extends outwardly from the tray portion, the handle including a through slot adapted to receive and securely retain the end portion of the other handle.

Abstract: Foamable dental fluoride compositions containing a water-soluble fluoride component in an amount sufficient to provide from about 0.5 to about 10% by weight available fluoride are disclosed. The compositions include an oil in water emulsion which is preferably dispensed in combination with an aerosol propellant to provide microcell-stable foam which exhibits enhanced foam retention properties. Methods of treating teeth with fluoride and methods of preparing the foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing unit for evacuation system filter traps of the type used in dental evacuation suction systems comprises a housing bounded by a side wall having openings that provide fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere and a body of sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing material situated in the interior space of the housing. The material-containing housing is situated in a conventional filter trap comprising a cup-shaped unit comprising a mesh screen bottom wall. As waste material is suctioned into the filter trap, it passes through openings in the side wall of the unit housing into contact with the body of sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing material which releases upon contact.

Abstract: A dental impression tray includes a tray portion anatomically contoured to fit over at least a part of a patient's upper and/or lower dentition of which an impression is to be obtained. The tray portion is loaded with impression material and situated opposite to the desired dentition part whereupon the patient bites into the soft impression material to form an impression of the dentition in the material. The tray portion is defined by at least one wall on which a plurality of vertically extending adjacent ribs are integrally formed defining a plurality of channels therebetween into which the impression material flows. The ribs have a dovetail cross-section so that the channels narrow or converge in the inward direction, i.e. towards the interior of the tray portion, to prevent the impression material from separating from the side wall in the inward direction as well as spreading laterally as and after the impression is taken to thereby provide a precise impression of the dentition.

Abstract: A disposable dental tray for medications such as fluoride gel, includes a unitary member formed of a flexible foam material defining a pair of hinged U-shaped tray portions configured to fit over the upper and lower teeth of the mouth and wherein each tray portion is defined by a base wall, a pair of end walls and inner and outer side walls. Both of the tray portions are provided with respective tray portion positioning tabs extending from their respective outer side walls. The positioning tabs include respective tab sections which are pre-formed so as to be situated such that when the tray portions are folded, the respective tab sections will automatically abut and be squeezable against each other without the consequent application of any forces to the outer side walls of the tray portion thereby preventing any possibility of distorting the tray portions during use.

Abstract: An amalgam carrier and dispenser constructed in a manner such that its effective life is at least about five times greater than that of conventional instruments. The amalgam carrier and dispenser includes a handle, a plunger element affixed to the handle having a plunger portion, and an open ended sleeve element having an internal bore formed therein in which the plunger portion is slideably located. According to the invention, the plunger portion has a terminal end region, preferably in the form of a tip portion, which is formed of a hard metallic material while the clearance between the plunger portion and the internal sleeve element bore is smaller relative to clearances provided in conventional instruments. By these provisions, the effects of abrasion of the surfaces of the plunger and associated components which would otherwise be caused by the action of the amalgam on these components is significantly reduced relative to conventional instruments.