Abstract: An orthodontic appliance can include a shell having a plurality of cavities shaped to receive a patient's teeth is disclosed. The orthodontic appliance may comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an elastic coating covering at least a portion of one or more of the interior surface or exterior surface of the shell. A stiffness of a portion of the orthodontic appliance corresponding to the portion of the shell covered by the elastic coating can be determined by a stiffness of the elastic coating.

Abstract: An endodontic file, for manual or motor driven use by an endodontist, includes a color-coded handle, a shank, and a serrated cutting edge. The cutting edge of the endodontic file is side-cutting with pyramidal teeth and ends in a pointed tip. The endodontic file is used manually inside the root canal in an “up and down” axially aligned motion and these pyramidal teeth will provide a ripping action. A second type of endodontic file has a curved cross section and a sharpened tip. with pyramidal teeth lining the edges of curved blade section. A third type of endodontic file has a flat debriding side which tapers to a point; with a series of adjacent 3-D pyramids emerging from this surface for removing loose material or in urging already loosened material from a root canal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, systems, and devices for expanding arch of teeth. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include a removable shell formed of a first material having a number of cavities formed therein. The number of cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include an arch element extending from the removable shell in a lingual direction and across an arch width of the removable shell. The arch element can be formed of the first material and a second material that is a different material than the first material, can be designed to expand an arch of the teeth of the patient, and can have a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.

Abstract: A trans-illuminative intraoral diagnostic lighting system includes a housing containing at least one LED and has a removable light diffusing positioning apparatus attached to it that facilitates proper positioning of the housing within the oral cavity of a person behind their teeth. When the LED(s) is/are activated, the oral cavity is illuminated and light passes through the teeth making their internal structures visible outside the oral cavity. A retractor may be used to retract the cheeks and lips to allow full exposure of the teeth and a camera may be employed to photograph the teeth from outside the oral cavity.

Abstract: A method of operating an intraoral scanner. The intraoral scanner includes an image capturing device and a processor. The method includes the image capturing device sequentially capturing M images along a first dental arch, the processor establishing a first arch model of the first dental arch according to the M images, the image capturing device sequentially capturing N images along a straight-line path from a first anchor to a second anchor on the first dental arch, the processor generating first coordinates of the first anchor and second coordinates of the second anchor according to the N images, and the processor calibrating the first arch model according to the first coordinates and the second coordinates. The first anchor is located at one side of a dental midline of the first dental arch. The second anchor is located at the other side of the dental midline of the first dental arch.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatuses and methods for making a final hybrid prosthesis to be attached to one or more dental implants. One preferred method includes the step of making a temporary hybrid prosthesis and at about the same time also making a duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis. The duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis permits the final hybrid prosthesis to be made with fewer visits to a restorative dentist and with less dental laboratory time than is currently needed when making a final hybrid prosthesis.

Abstract: A hair-styling appliance includes a first and second arm pivotably mounted between a spaced-apart and a closed configuration; a reservoir mounted on the first arm and intended for containing a fluid to be vaporised; a vaporisation device mounted on the first arm and configured for generating vapour; a fluid-conveying element attached to the reservoir and configured for conveying fluid contained in the reservoir to the vaporisation device. The reservoir is movably mounted between a vaporisation position in which the vaporisation device is configured for vaporising the fluid conveyed by the fluid conveying element and an inoperative position. The hair-styling appliance includes an actuating element mounted on the second arm and configured for moving the reservoir from the inoperative position to the vaporisation position when the first and second arms are moved from the spaced-apart configuration to the closed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator brush (1) for applying a cosmetic, make-up or care product to human keratin materials, especially the eyebrows, comprising a handle (4) which extends along a longitudinal axis (X) and, at the distal end thereof, an applicator head (2) having distal (2c) and proximal ends, and carrying a tuft (3) of bristles (6), the free ends (6a) of which define an applicator surface (5) that is convex towards the outside, in which applicator the applicator head (2) extends along a longitudinal axis (Y) that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the handle (4), and wherein the tuft (3) of bristles (6) is arranged such that the transverse dimension of the applicator surface (5) increases towards the distal end (2c) of the applicator head (2), passing through a maximum, before decreasing from the location at which the transverse dimension is maximum towards the distal end (2c), the maximum of the transverse dimension of the applicator surface (5) being closer to the prox

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic bracket including a bracket body having a slot into which an orthodontic wire is inserted, a bracket cover mounted on the bracket body and configured to open and close the slot, and a ligating member provided in the bracket cover and configured to selectively block the slot so as to confine the orthodontic wire in the slot. The orthodontic bracket may precisely and consistently transmit force, for example, torque, of the orthodontic wire to a tooth, and minimize or prevent factors contributing to failure, such as deformation of or damage to the ligating member due to opening and closing of the slot.

Abstract: A hair clip includes a first paddle extending from a first tab. The first paddle has at least a portion with a width that is greater than a width of the first tab. A second paddle extends from a second tab. The second paddle has at least a portion with a width that is greater than a width of the second tab. The second tab is connected to the first tab. A biasing element is disposed between the first tab and the second tab. The biasing element applies a biasing force to both the first and second paddles such that in a rest position, the first and second paddles are in a closed position, and, in a use position, a first force is applied to the first tab and a second force is applied to the second tab such that the first tab and second tab are moved closer to one another and the first and second paddles are moved further apart from one another than in the rest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerization and post-tempering device (10) for tempering, in particular post-tempering, dental restoration parts (54) made of polymerizable plastics. At least one light source (38) which emits light in the visible and/or ultraviolet wavelength range and a light chamber with a door (14) to the light chamber are provided. The door (14) comprises a window (20) with a window pane (22) which consists of at least two layers (56, 58) whose layer facing the light chamber reflects at least 90%, in particular approximately 95%, of light, and whose layer facing away from the light chamber filters out UV light and/or blue light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and method for preconditioning lingual tissue for lingual orthodontic treatment, including the application of lingual braces. Protuberances may be affixed to the lingual surfaces of one or more of a patient's teeth prior to the introduction of an orthodontic appliance to allow time for the tongue to adapt to the presence of foreign structures. The protuberances may promote keratinization of the lingual tissue. The protuberances may be removed prior to the application of the orthopedic appliance. The protuberances can be pre-fabricated or fabricated in situ on the surfaces of the teeth. The protuberances may be any suitable material, including metal, polymer, or ceramic.

Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments relate to a system for preventative dental laser treatment that ensures even irradiation of a laser beam. The system includes, a laser arrangement configured to generate the laser beam. The laser beam has one or more of a super-Gaussian energy profile and a transverse ring mode. The system also includes a focus optic. The focus optic is configured to converge the laser beam with a numerical aperture of 0.1 or less to a focal region. The system also includes a hand piece configured to direct the laser beam at a surface of a dental hard tissue. The system additionally includes a controller. The controller is configured to control one or more parameters of the laser source, such that a portion of the surface of the dental hard tissue is heated to a temperature in a range between 400° Celsius and 1300° Celsius.

Abstract: Disclosed is an angle deflection type twisted hair styling device, including an upper gripping portion and a lower gripping portion openable and closeable through a hinge structure. An upper clamping head is connected to the upper gripping portion. A lower clamping head is connected to the lower gripping portion. An upper clamping surface is provided on the upper clamping head. A lower clamping surface is provided on the lower clamping head. The upper clamping surface has an upper twisted deflection angle with respect to the upper gripping portion. The lower clamping surface has a lower twisted deflection angle with respect to the lower gripping portion. The upper twisted deflection angle equal to the lower twisted deflection angle. A hairstyle with an inclined angle and a twisted shape can be realized without rotation of a user's hand, and the hairstyle can be completed without major changes to perm action.

Abstract: An abutment for use with a dental implant. The abutment includes a connecting pin configured to be introduced into an associated receiving channel of the dental implant. The connecting pin includes a screw channel for a connecting screw for connecting the abutment to the dental implant. An inner diameter of the screw channel over its entire length up to an opening on an end face is at least as large as the diameter of a screw head of the connecting screw, and a plastically deformed retaining element is provided in order to support the connecting screw.

Abstract: A biological tissue rootage face (30) capable of closely bonding to a biological tissue (H, S) is composed of a biocompatible material and has numerous fingertip-shaped microvilli (41). The microvilli (41) have tip diameters in the order of nanometers. An implant (1) has the biological tissue rootage face (30) on a surface (11, 24) configured to root into a biological tissue (H, S). In a method for forming the biological tissue rootage face (30), a surface of a biocompatible material is subjected to laser nonthermal processing carried out by emitting a laser beam in air, to form numerous fingertip-shaped microvilli (41). The laser beam is a laser beam of an ultrashort pulse laser.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such mouthpiece may include a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A handheld appliance having a body and an attachment, the body includes an attachment mechanism having a slot and an actuator, the attachment including a protrusion adapted to engage with the slot wherein the actuator has a first position and a second position and the actuator is moved from the first position towards the second position as the protrusion engages with the slot. In the first position the actuator may at least partially obscures the slot. The actuator includes a surface which may interact with the protrusion when the protrusion engages with the slot. The surface may be adapted to at least partially define the slot at or near the second position. When the protrusion is at a pre-determined position within the slot, the actuator may return towards the first position. The actuator may be biased into the first position.

Abstract: An intraoral device (1) with a pair of dental aligners (10), each aligner having an outer shell (100) of rigid plastic in the shape of a rounded V defining branches joined at the front part (10a) of the outer shell. The front part has a truncated part in the form of an elongate notch (104), which confers flexibility on the outer shell in a plane orthogonal to the median sagittal plane of the aligners by bringing together or spacing apart the branches of the V. The outer shell includes an impression (106) formed in the front part on the outer face of the outer shell and extending on either side of the elongate notch. The notch cooperates with an attached wedge (50) which serves as a mechanical abutment for blocking flexion of the outer shell at a given curvature when the attached wedge (50) is fixed in the impression (106).

Abstract: A customizable implant made of plastic including a thermoplastic which is reinforced with long fibers arranged multidirectionally in a targeted manner and has a modulus of elasticity E of 10-70 GPa is provided. A system for producing a customizable implant including a device for collecting patient data regarding the environment into which an implant is to be inserted, a computer program for creating a model for a customized implant based on the patient data collected, and a device for producing the customized implant based on the calculated model by means of 3D printing and/or laser sintering is also provided.