Abstract: Convertible orthodontic brackets (100) of the present invention include a bracket base (102) formed of a ceramic and/or polymeric material (104) and a metal insert (105) defining an arch wire hole or tube received within a slot of the bracket base. The metal insert (105) includes a gingival sidewall (105a), an occlusal sidewall (105b), a lingual bottom wall (105 c), and a selectively removable labial web cover (112) extending between gingival and occlusal sidewalls (105a, 105b). The metal insert (105) may be formed as a single, integral piece of metal, preferably by machining. The metal insert (105) may be formed using stronger metals which are unsuitable for use in metal injection molding processes.

Abstract: Convertible orthodontic brackets (100) with a selectively removable labial web (112) are formed by machining. A circular pilot hole is formed so as to extend mesially-distally through the body of the orthodontic bracket (100). One or more shaping broaches are then pushed or pulled through the pilot hole so as to form a desired rectangularly-shaped arch wire hole (106) within the orthodontic bracket body (104). The area surrounding the labial web cover (112) is also machined to form first and second connecting web regions (114, 116) of reduced cross-sectional thickness on either side of the labial web cover (112). Manufacture by machining allows stronger more dense metals to be employed compared to manufacturing by metal injection molding.

Abstract: Methods and systems for temporarily coating intra-oral devices (e.g., orthodontic brackets and/or wires) so as to reduce discomfort to soft tissues within a patient's mouth. One embodiment of such a system includes at least one orthodontic bracket or orthodontic arch wire and a two-part polymerizable temporary coating composition for use in coating selected surfaces of the brackets and/or wires. One silicone polymerizable two-part composition includes a vinyl siloxane component, a cross-linking component, and a catalyst activator initially divided between the two parts so that at least one of the components is kept separate from at least one other component (i.e., all three components are not initially commingled). Upon mixing of the first and second parts, the composition begins to polymerize.

Abstract: A dental curing light includes a device body that efficiently conducts heat away from the light emitting diode portion of the curing light. The device body includes a proximal gripping end and a distal head end. The device body is formed from a thermally conductive body material. Excellent heat conduction away from the LED dies is achieved using a thermally conductive layer disposed over the device body. The thermally conductive layer serves as a conduit to quickly conduct heat away from the LED dies for dissipation within the material of the device body In this manner, the material of the device body serves as a highly efficient heat dissipater. The surface area coupling the thermally conductive layer to the device body is sufficiently large that a majority (e g, substantially all) of heat being conducted by the thermally conductive layer is transferred to the device body during operation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and related systems for evaluating and demonstrating various performance characteristics of one or more dental curing lights. The method and system employs a performance evaluation member (e.g., in the shape of a disc) comprising a carrier material (e.g., any of various suitable polymeric materials) and a color-changing material on or within (e.g., impregnated within) the body material. A user is able to use the performance evaluation member to demonstrate and evaluate performance characteristics relating to the presence of particularly desired wavelengths within the light emitted by a dental curing light, footprint size and shape of emitted light, uniformity of intensity within the emitted footprint, as well as relative intensities of desired wavelengths provided by two or more dental curing lights.

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: In situ foamable dental bleaching compositions include a dental bleaching agent, thickening agent, polyol, and in situ foaming agent. The foamable dental bleaching compositions are initially dispensed as a dental bleaching gel. Upon placement of the dental bleaching gel onto a person's tooth surfaces, the in situ foaming agent causes the bleaching gel to foam. Dental bleaching systems include an in situ foamable dental bleaching composition within a pressurized container (e.g., bag-on valve container) having a nozzle that, when actuated, expels the in situ dental bleaching composition as a gel. Dental bleaching methods include dispensing the in situ foamable dental bleaching composition as a gel, contacting a person's tooth surfaces with the dental bleaching gel, and allowing the gel to expand and foam in order to dynamically distribute and replenish the dental bleaching agent to the tooth surfaces and into the interproximal spaces between teeth.

Abstract: The apical third of a root canal is cleaned and/or shaped during a root canal procedure with an endodontic file made from a titanium-based alloy either by reciprocating manual use or by using a reciprocating powered hand piece. The titanium-based endodontic file has super-elastic properties that allow it to be very flexible and strong. The endodontic file is rotated in the apex of a root canal in degrees of rotation less than 120 degrees. By restricting the degree of rotation, excessive cutting by the endodontic file is kept to a minimum. The use of elastic alloys of titanium help prevent ledging or other damage to the root canal wall that may be caused using rigid apical files made of stainless steel.

Abstract: A non-custom dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer that is flexible so as to conform to a plurality of differently-sized and shaped dental arches during use. The moisture-resistant barrier layer comprised of wax, paraffin wax and/or polyolefin. The dental treatment device also includes a substantially solid dental treatment composition adapted so as to be initially substantially dry to the touch and so as to become sticky and adhesive to dental tissue when moistened. The substantially solid dental treatment composition includes at least one tissue adhesion agent and at least one active agent, such as a dental bleaching agent.

Abstract: Dental treatment trays or strips include a moisture-resistant barrier layer that is flexible so as to conform to a plurality of differently-sized and shaped dental arches during use. The moisture-resistant barrier layer comprised of wax, paraffin wax and/or polyolefin. The dental treatment device also includes a substantially solid dental treatment composition adapted so as to be initially substantially dry to the touch and so as to become sticky and adhesive to dental tissue when moistened. The substantially solid dental treatment composition includes at least one adhesive agent and at least one active agent, such as a dental bleaching agent.

Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the bracket base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a ligation cover which is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open non-ligating position relative to the slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the slot. The exterior labial surface of both the base and ligation cover comprise a compound two axis curvature so that substantially all of the exterior labial surface of both the bracket base and the ligation cover present a smooth, continuous exterior surface that is substantially free of sharp discontinuities and crevices.

Abstract: A degradation resistant gingival retraction cord including silk is formed from two or more strands that are braided, twisted or woven. The degradation resistant retraction cord comprises at least about 50% silk, 80% silk, 90% silk, 95% silk, or essentially all silk. They are able to maintain at least about 70%, 80% or 90% of this tensile strength for a time period of at least about 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. The silk retraction cords have the look, feel and desirable utility of a thin, flexible, and resilient natural fiber cord, while also resisting degradation when pre-impregnated with a corrosive agent. Such cords combine the degradation resistance of a man-made fiber, while also having greater liquid absorbance, lightness, flexibility and resilience like a natural fiber cord.

Abstract: An absorbent and degradation resistant knitted gingival retraction cord comprising silk is formed from one or more strands by interlocking a plurality of loops. As a whole, the knitted retraction cord contains at least about 50% silk which, when manufactured so as to have a knitted structure, exhibits resistance to degradation and has the ability to absorb liquid (e.g., an active agent solution). An active agent is impregnated within the one or more strands and/or the plurality of interlocking loops of the knitted retraction cord such that the cord advantageously retains the active agent and resists degradation by the active agent.

Abstract: Methods employing an electric field for disinfection of a root canal preparation during an endodontic procedure. A monopolar electrode probe sized and configured for insertion into a root canal of a tooth is inserted within the root canal preparation. A ground electrode is electrically connected to the patient to complete the circuit with the monopolar electrode probe. An electrical voltage is applied between the probe and ground, resulting in virtually no current flow between the electrodes, but rather the generation of an electric field within the root canal and adjacent dental tissues. The electric field kills microbes within the root canal system of the tooth without significant heating or damage to surrounding dental tissue.

Abstract: Gingival retraction cords are constructed from two or more strands that are interlocked to form a knitted, braided, woven, or twisted retraction cord. At least one strand is made from an absorbent material and another strand is made from a degradation-resistant material, such as nylon, polyester, fiberglass, or metal. The absorbent strands are impregnated with an active agent. The degradation-resistant strands resist degradation by the active agent. Alternatively, one or more strands are used to make the knit, weave, or braid and each strand is made from two or more different fibers. For example, one or more absorbent fibers and one or more synthetic fibers can be twisted to make a blended strand. The blended strands can be used to knit, braid, or weave a retraction cord. Because the degradation-resistant strands are part of the strand pattern, the retraction cords can be made sturdier without adversely affecting the cord's inherent deformation properties.

Abstract: Mixing devices used with a syringe or syringe system and related systems for mixing dissimilar components contained therein. The devices and systems include a hollow elongate handle having a proximal end, a distal delivery end, and a delivery passageway therethrough. A mixing member is disposed at or near the proximal end of the hollow elongate handle, which mixing member and a portion of the handle are axially slidable within a syringe barrel during use. The user may push and pull the distal end of the handle, causing corresponding axial movement of the mixing member within the syringe barrel. The devices and systems may be used to homogenously mix difficult to mix two part compositions, as well as single part compositions which include components that may tend to separate over time (e.g., a fluoride varnish composition).

Abstract: A dental bleaching composition comprises a dental bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent. The bleaching composition may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener. A delivery system for delivering the bleaching composition comprises the aforementioned dental bleaching composition in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier layer such as a dental tray or a flexible strip of material.

Abstract: Activating endodontic points and dental tools are sized and configured to be placed in the root canal of a tooth. The activating endodontic points or dental tools are coated or impregnated with a curing agent that initiates or accelerates polymerization of a sealer or filler composition when placed in contact with the sealer or filler material. Curing agents can include amines that can destabilize a peroxide in the sealer or filler material to initiate or accelerate polymerization, or they may comprise the peroxide. An implement can be dipped in a concentrated curing composition just prior to inserting the implement into a root canal to contact the filler or sealer composition. Kits may include a plurality of curing agent compositions having different concentrations and/or amounts of curing agent. Kits may also include a curable resin material that includes a first part of a multi-part curing system and a curing composition that includes, as curing agent a complementary part of the curing system.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a moveable structure for selectively narrowing the width of at least a portion of the arch wire slot so as to allow for engagement of an undersized arch wire having a width less than the slot width. The moveable structure for selectively narrowing the width of the arch wire slot may be defined by one or more spaced apart cuts disposed in at least one side wall defining the arch wire slot so as to define a bendable portion of the sidewall.