Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-function oral appliance, comprising an elastomeric polymer, a hard non-elastic polymer, or a combination of the two fused together; formed using 3D printing or vacuum-forming; configured to engage all or part of the bottom and top teeth such that the lower jaw is advanced, e.g., 8 mm, anterior to its habitual resting position and opened, e.g., 8 mm, from its habitual resting position when the appliance is applied; and configured such that, e.g., 90%, or more, of airflow through the mouth is blocked by the appliance. In some embodiments, the appliance is configured to include gel-wells in the interior of the appliance.

Abstract: Apparatuses for forming oral protective devices and airway management devices (e.g., to discourage snoring) are described, as well as methods of using such apparatuses for making oral protective devices and airway management devices, and devices made according to such methods and with such apparatuses. The apparatuses can comprise arch-shaped elements with any of several features that allow ease of use, ease of customization to individual users, and implementation of airways desirable for applications such as airway management.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses suitable or treating conditions such as dry mouth. An example embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating dry mouth condition in a patient, comprising: (a) producing an appliance that is custom fit to the patient's teeth, with additional spaces configured to retain and deliver a therapeutic agent effective in treating dry mouth condition to teeth where treatment is desired; (b) applying the agent to the appliance such that the therapeutic agent is retained in at least some of the additional spaces; and (c) mounting the appliance with the patient's teeth such that the appliance delivers the therapeutic agent to the teeth where treatment is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of custom articles, and customization of existing articles, responsive to three dimensional data captured remotely. The invention is particularly applicable to the production of custom shoes and inserts for shoes, and can use smart phones to allow users to easily capture information required for custom footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new, practical, and inexpensive approach to labial herpes heat therapy. Heat is produced by the chemical reaction of elements contained in an inexpensive, portable and disposable air-activated chemical warming device that is small enough to be applied to an affected lip area. For example, a person can store the warming device at home and work, or simply carry a warmer in a purse or wallet. The warming devices can have a long shelf life.

Abstract: A drill particularly suited for drilling holes for dental anchors. The drill has a central shaft including a proximal end having conventional connection structure for attachment to a powered rotatable appliance and a distal end bearing a forwardly projecting pin which occupies and is guided within a pilot bore. The pin has a blunt, preferably spherical, enlarged head. The blade is mounted on the central shaft between the proximal and distal ends of the shaft. The blade is preferably annular, having cutting teeth facing the distal end of the shaft. At least one relief communicates between the interior of the annular blade and the exterior thereof.

Abstract: A ball retainer for spanning and connecting an anchor osteointegrated into the jaw of a person and a dental prosthesis intended to be connected to the anchor. The ball retainer is formed in two separate parts. The first part has a column atop which is mounted a ball for engaging the prosthesis. The column has excess or sacrificial material. The second part has a hexagonal or otherwise non-circular shank for being inserted into and engaging the anchor, atop which is located a platform having a flat top surface. When being utilized in a particular prosthetic installation, excess material of the column is planed or otherwise removed to adjust height of the prosthesis from the anchor. Simultaneously, the cut is oriented appropriately for accommodating misalignment between the anchor and the intended orientation of the prosthesis. Preferably, the column is similar in diameter and cross sectional configuration to the platform of the anchoring member, and both are greater in diameter than the shank.

Abstract: A healing cap for an anchor of a dental implant anchor. The healing cap has a cylindrical head having an opening at the top side, and two legs projecting downwardly from the head. The opening at the top side has threads for receiving a threaded tool which will subsequently be employed to withdraw the healing cap from the anchor. The legs are separated by a gap enabling the legs to be urged toward one another when the healing cap is inserted into the anchor. The legs are of lesser diameter than that of the cylindrical head, so that the head can seal the opening of the anchor when the healing cap is fully inserted into the anchor. The legs resiliently resist compression from being forced into the opening of the anchor. This arrangement causes frictional engagement with the anchor which secures the healing cap to the anchor. The novel healing cap enables an anchor to be employed which lacks threads for engaging the healing cap, thereby reducing cost of fabricating the anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing a permanent metal post and core adjusted angularly in order to result in a prosthesis aligned in parallel relation to surrounding teeth and prostheses. A bendable post and core assembly is placed in a conventional anchor. The post is bent to a precise desired angle with respect to the core, and cemented in this position. A ceramic mold is formed around the cemented post and core. The post and core, which is preferably fabricated from a synthetic organic polymer which melts at a temperature below 1,400.degree. F., is then heated and evacuated from the mold. A permanent post and core is then cast in the mold from a suitable material, such as gold. Optionally, a sleeve which is configured to slip over and closely conform to the post is employed, either to increase the diameter of the core prior to forming the mold, or to assist in fabricating the denture after the permanent post and core is completed.

Abstract: A dental implant that is either pre-formed having a general conical taper to reflect the average taper of a single rooted tooth, or custom manufactured to reflect a major portion of the root structure of a tooth that has been extracted. A plurality of retention elements are arranged on the distal half of the implant to provide immediate macro retention of the implant in the alveolar bone. The retention elements are tapered both longitudinally and circumferentially and can be biased relative to the longitudinal axis of the implant to provide a screw like mechanism when the implant is rotated in the alveolar bone. The retention elements are spaced about the implant surface to maximize stagger. This reduces the sheer forces generated on the alveolar bone during function and ensures that the implant remains tightly seated for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A dental implant that is either pre-formed having a general conical taper to reflect the average taper of a single rooted tooth, or custom manufactured to reflect a major portion of the root structure of a tooth that has been extracted. A plurality of retention elements are arranged on the distal half of the implant to provide immediate macro retention of the implant in the alveolar bone. The retention elements are tapered both longitudinally and circumferentially and can be biased relative to the longitudinal axis of the implant to provide a screw like mechanism when the implant is rotated in the alveolar bone. The retention elements are spaced about the implant surface to maximize stagger. This reduces the sheer forces generated on the alveolar bone during function and ensures that the implant remains tightly seated for an extended period of time.