Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing dental bite planes in relation to the relative vertical and horizontal planes of a patient's face and head. A U-shaped bite fork, which can be held by the patient's teeth or gums, may be attached to a connection system that attaches to adjustable orientation rods that may be aligned to the vertical and horizontal planes of the patient's face and head. Once the orientation rods are correctly adjusted, the orientation rods may be may be locked into place to preserve the orientation of the patient's bite plane relative to the facial reference planes.

Abstract: A dental computer analyzer including a housing to be placed over a tooth, a first camera mounted in the housing, a first transmission line connected to the first camera for transmitting signals from the first camera representative of an image of the tooth in the housing, a central processing unit connected to the first transmission line for receipt of the signals representative of the image of the tooth, a crown die, a second camera for capturing an image of the crown die, and a second transmission line connected to the second camera for transmitting signals from the second camera to the central processing unit representative of the image of the crown die. The central processing unit includes a comparator for comparing the image of the tooth and the image of the crown die. A monitor is connected to the central processing unit for viewing the images of the tooth and the crown die. The comparator feeds superimposed images of the tooth and the crown die to the monitor.

Abstract: An expandable surgical retractor for use in minimal incision surgery is disclosed. The retractor consists of a fiber optic central rod surrounded by flexible wires designed to create an open space for visualization and surgical work within an illuminated surgical field. The flexible wires are disposed via selective pressure of the surgeon and are variable in number. The configuration will allow for both forward and back illumination of the surgical field. The expandable surgical retractor allows for surgical visualization in anatomical areas heretofore too complicated for surgical consideration. Other embodiments of the expandable surgical retractor are contemplated wherein a handle with an aperture may replace the central rod. The flexible wires may fit in openings around the aperture. The handle, in this embodiment, may have a light source and may be adapted to be used in select areas of anatomy. Further, the handle may be transparent.

Abstract: A surgical instrument to manipulate a patient's tissues, comprising a handle, a first blade, a second blade, and a blade actuator, and may further comprise a light and a power source. The first blade and the second blade each extend from the handle. The second blade is divided into at least two segments. The segments are each pivotable in relation to each other along a common axis. Movement of the blade actuator causes the segments of the second blade to pivot radially toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum having a universal connection between the handle and each of a plurality of blades, for selectively detaching and attaching one or more of the blades at any one of a plurality of angles between the handle axis and the blade axis. Preferably, the vaginal speculum is part of a kit having a plurality of elongated blades adapted to penetrate and fully enter a vagina while providing surgical access, each being interchangeably connectable to the handle, thereby providing a variety of options for blade length, blade width, or blade contour to better fit the vaginal structure of a particular patient. Each blade is made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic, that is disposable after each use. The handle is preferably made of heavy metal, with a permanent plastic sheath or coating.

Abstract: A denture remover includes an elongated, hollow shaft having a lower end and an upper end with an angled portion at the upper end. A suction cup is attached to a distal end of the angled portion. A vacuum release tube extends from the suction cup to an air port within the shaft interior having a spring-biased valve normally positioned therein. A handle is slidably mounted on the shaft and is fastened to the valve. A denture is removed by fastening the suction cup thereto in a conventional fashion. A user simply grasps the handle and pulls the attached denture from the wearer's mouth. To release the denture, a user slides the handle to remove the valve from the port allowing air flow to the suction cup aperture thereby eliminating the vacuum created by the suction cup.

Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaginal speculum comprising two spoon blades, which are intended for insertion into the vagina, and which are elongated and are located along side and opposite one another;—are mutually hinging in a clamped plane and through the longitudinal direction between a closed and open position; in which a handle is provided with operating means, in which the speculum is constructed in modular fashion with a first and a second module, the first module comprising the spoon blades, and the second module comprising the handle, and in which—the speculum further comprises transmission means that connect the operating means to the spoon blades, for opening and/or closing the spoon blades by means of the operating means; and in which—the speculum comprises connecting means, for connecting the first and second module together is a disconnectable manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing dental bite planes in relation to the relative vertical and horizontal planes of a patient's face and head. A U-shaped bite fork, which can be held by the patient's teeth or gums, may be attached to a connection system that attaches to adjustable orientation rods that may be aligned to the vertical and horizontal planes of the patient's face and head. The generally perpendicular orientation rods may be used separately or locked together to form a combined unit. Once the orientation rods are correctly adjusted, the orientation rods may be may be locked into place to preserve the orientation of the patient's bite plane relative to the facial reference planes.

Abstract: A method to create a digital model of a patient's teeth includes taking an impression of the patient's teeth using a radiopaque dental tray; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a dental tray containing a radiopaque agent; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a radiographic source; and generating the digital model with scanned data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for changing the form of the jaw and facial bones of an adult patient that did not develop fully during childhood. The method utilizes a device having a plate body with an expansion screw that fits within the mouth of the patient; flap springs that project from the plate body, and an overlay extending from the plate body. The device is placed within the mouth of the patient so that the overlay is in a position between at least two opposing teeth. In this position, opposing teeth contact the overlay during function (e.g. swallowing). This intermittent, unilateral application of force to the facial bones causes these bones to further develop, positioning out of place teeth into more proper positions, and inducing a more symmetrical and enhanced appearance of the face, as well as increasing the airway space behind the jaws. Concomitantly, the flap springs gently press against selected teeth that are out of alignment in order to guide those teeth into place.

Abstract: The invention relates to the medicine, in particularly, in orthodontics, and can be used during the correction of the form of upper jaw, namely, dental, alveolar and basal arches. The task of the group of inventions is to ensure increased functionalities of the devices for correction of the form of upper jaw, namely, dental alveolar and basal arches. The group of inventions has fastening elements, which are fastened on teeth of dentition's lateral segments and executed in the form of metal wireframes clasping teeth of dentition's lateral segments, and connected with two plates located on both sides of median palatine suture and connected with each other by the metal wire palatal power element or elements. In a first variant of the group of inventions, the plates are connected with the fastening elements through springs.

Abstract: An appliance fabricated to improve the appearance of a patient's smile includes a plurality of simulated teeth. The interior surfaces of each of the teeth closely fits and conforms to the surface of a patient's real teeth while the outer surfaces of each of the simulated teeth has an ideal surface configuration. The dental appliance provides the patient with the appearance of a perfect set of teeth and an ideal smile without a need to alter the dental structure of the patient's teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical device for the photo-polymerization of composite material, and is used in particular in the dental field. The inventive device comprises a light source (2) which is defined by an LED or a group of LEDs. It comprises electrical power supply means consisting of a battery (4) which is associated with a direct current/direct current converter device (7) commonly known as a DC/DC converter, passive means (3) for the evacuation of heat, and a central management unit (5) for operating parameters of the light source for the definition of a determined photo-polymerization energy profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to an abutment for dental implant. The abutment of the invention comprises: a post portion, a central portion, a head portion and at least one first portion. The post portion extends along a longitudinal axis. The central portion is formed on the post portion, and has a middle section and a peripheral section. The head portion is formed on the middle section of the central portion, and extends upwardly along the longitudinal axis. The first portion is formed on the peripheral section of the central portion, and extends upwardly along at least one first direction with a first angle corresponding to the longitudinal axis. According to the invention, the abutment can provide greater metal support and interlocking engagement for a posterior crown.

Abstract: An improved surgical retraction apparatus (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of rigid retraction members disposed about a central axis that move radially with respect to the central axis between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the retraction members form a central opening that is adapted to closely fit around the tubular section of a surgical port device. In the illustrative embodiment, a planetary gear train, cable assemblies, lever arms or two annular slotted plates used to control radial movement of the retraction members with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an orthodontic bracket comprising a body member having a gingival opening mesio-distally extending slot formed therein. The slot is sized and shaped to receive an archwire. The body member also comprising a vertical leg between the slot and a labial or facial surface of the body member. The vertical leg defines a portion of the slot. The body member also comprises a shoulder attached to the vertical leg adjacent the opening and extending into the slot. A method of using a orthodontic bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for changing the form of the jaw and facial bones of an adult patient that did not develop fully during childhood. The method utilizes a device having a plate body with an expansion screw device that fits within the mouth of the patient, flap springs that project from the plate body and an overlay extending from the plate body. The device is placed within the mouth of the patient so that the overlay is in a position between at least two opposing teeth. In this position the flap springs press against selected teeth that are out of alignment in order to urge those teeth back into place. This force on the teeth causes the jawbone to expand to accept the teeth in their proper position(s). Also, the device is arranged such that the opposing teeth contact the overlay during swallowing, which causes the patient's facial muscles to intermittently pull on the facial bones.

Abstract: A speculum provides visual access to a body cavity, and such instrument is used by physicians for vaginal examination. The speculum comprises a handle having a frontal portion and a rear portion slidingly secured to the frontal portion. A blade angle positioner is pivotally connected by a pivot connection in a top end portion of the handle rear portion, whereby to angulate a top blade removably secured to a top blade connector anchor at a forward projecting end of the blade angle positioner. The handle frontal portion has a bottom blade connector anchor in a top forward end portion thereof. The top and bottom blades each have a connecting end provided with clamp connectors for removable engagement with a respective one of the top and bottom blade connector anchors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic retractor apparatus for retracting and/or positioning organs during minimally invasive surgery. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween, and a retracting sleeve operatively associated with the elongate shaft. The retracting sleeve includes a first and a second spindle each disposable in the lumen of the elongated shaft, each spindle being selectively translatable through the lumen of the elongate shaft, and a sling portion extending between the distal ends of the first and second spindles, the sling portion defining a cradle for receiving organs therein, the sling portion being selectively movable upon translation of at least one of the first and second spindles.