Abstract: A particulate collecting device for dental patients is disclosed. The device includes a pair of vertical flanges, with a first flange configured to be positioned and worn on a right side of a patient's chest and a second flange configured to be positioned and worn on a left side of the patient's chest. The vertical flanges have an inner contour that aerodynamically funnels air flow away from the patient's face. The device includes a protective sheet located between the vertical flanges. The device includes a particulate matter reservoir that is fluidly coupled to the vertical flanges and configured to receive funneled air, and particulates contained therein, from the vertical flanges. The device also includes a negative air pressure generator, which is fluidly coupled to the particulate matter reservoir and produces negative air pressure in a direction from a top area of the vertical flanges towards the particulate matter reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing thermoformed removable orthodontic aligners and improving the retention of such aligners to patient teeth are disclosed. The systems generally include a digital scanner that is configured to obtain a digital image of a patient's dentition and a computing environment that is configured to receive a copy of the digital image; create a reference plane relative to one or more teeth featured within the digital image; position a line that runs perpendicular from the reference plane and runs tangential to a height of maximum convexity of each of the one or more teeth; measure an area of undercut between such perpendicular line and an exterior surface of each of the one or more teeth; repeat the foregoing steps at a plurality of points along the perimeter of each of the one or more teeth; and construct a three-dimensional model of an undercut area for each of the one or more teeth.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed that enable a person to electronically refer a product or service that is for sale to a third party, which enables the third party to purchase the product or service from the applicable vendor for the benefit of the referring person. The systems generally include a server; at least one database that houses product-specific data; a product association module; and a payment module. The product association module is configured to receive digital input from an author; correlate the digital input with product identifiers stored within the database; and communicate the product identifiers to a reader. The payment module is configured to receive payment instructions from the reader for a product that is represented by the product identifiers; transfer the payment instructions to a vendor that is selling the applicable product; and communicate to the author and vendor that the product has been paid for by the reader.

Abstract: Methods of repositioning a mandible of an individual include acquiring a digital model of a dentition and/or a craniofacial anatomy of the individual, the digital model including a representation of a condyle or an incisal guidance or both the condyle and the incisal guidance. The method also includes calculating, based on the digital model, a slope of the condyle or a slope of the incisal guidance or both the slope of the condyle and the slope of the incisal guidance, and fabricating at least one removable orthodontic appliance including a feature configured to constrain a posterior or anterior movement of the mandible relative to the maxilla when worn by the individual, wherein a position of the feature is determined based on the slope of the condyle or the slope of the incisal guidance or both the slope of the condyle and the slope of the incisal guidance.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits for measuring and establishing a gap between two surfaces are disclosed, which include and involve the use of a plurality of gap-establishing elements. Each gap-establishing element consists of a three-dimensional object having a defined and consistent thickness across an area that spans at least a partial length of the three-dimensional object. In addition, each gap-establishing element is labeled with a number that is correlated with the defined and consistent thickness that applies to such gap-establishing element. The plurality of gap-establishing elements are configured to be stacked upon or combined with each other. Such gap-establishing elements are useful for measuring and establishing gap dimensions that are included within various structures and/or machines (including simple and complex machines).

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing thermoformed removable orthodontic aligners and improving the retention of such aligners to patient teeth are disclosed. The systems generally include a digital scanner that is configured to obtain a digital image of a patient's dentition and a computing environment that is configured to receive a copy of the digital image; create a reference plane relative to one or more teeth featured within the digital image; position a line that runs perpendicular from the reference plane and runs tangential to a height of maximum convexity of each of the one or more teeth; measure an area of undercut between such perpendicular line and an exterior surface of each of the one or more teeth; repeat the foregoing steps at a plurality of points along the perimeter of each of the one or more teeth; and construct a three-dimensional model of an undercut area for each of the one or more teeth.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an orthodontic condition and providing information regarding orthodontic treatment can include analyzing patient data, which can include online activity of an individual, an image of an individual and a combination thereof, receiving at least a portion of patient data onto a server, accessing one or more databases that comprises or has access to at least one of information derived from orthodontic treatments, information derived from a website, and a combination thereof, and instructing at least one computer program to analyze at least a portion of the patient data and identify at least one diagnosis of an orthodontic condition. A system can include one or more computer programs configured to perform a method according to the disclosure.

Abstract: A shipping container that is configured to store, protect, and transport a dental impression is disclosed. The shipping container includes an exterior surface that encloses an interior area; a support located within the interior area that is configured to receive an impression tray that includes a patient's dental impression; and a means attached to or integrally formed with the support that is configured to hold the impression tray in place on the support and to position the impression tray in a standardized orientation. The shipping container, including its exterior surface and internal support(s), are made of a material that will not interfere with a selected non-invasive imaging scan. The shipping container is configured and used to obtain a digital scan of the dental impression, without the need to open the shipping container or directly handle the dental impression.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an orthodontic condition and providing information regarding orthodontic treatment can include analyzing patient data, which can include online activity of an individual, an image of an individual and a combination thereof, receiving at least a portion of patient data onto a server, accessing one or more databases that comprises or has access to at least one of information derived from orthodontic treatments, information derived from a website, and a combination thereof, and instructing at least one computer program to analyze at least a portion of the patient data and identify at least one diagnosis of an orthodontic condition. A system can include one or more computer programs configured to perform a method according to the disclosure.

Abstract: Facial approximation systems and methods for approximating the soft tissue profile of the skull of an unknown subject.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance that is configured to receive and transmit stimulation to a patient's teeth to enhance movement of such teeth, which includes an aligner that is configured to be fittingly and reversibly applied to a patient's teeth. The aligner includes a first area that is adapted to receive and transmit stimulation to one or more targeted underlying teeth (to enhance movement of the targeted underlying teeth). The aligner also includes a second area that is not adapted to receive and transmit stimulation to one or more non-targeted underlying teeth (or is otherwise adapted to prevent at least some stimulation from being transmitted to non-targeted underlying teeth), to avoid or reduce movement of the non-targeted teeth.

Abstract: A shipping container that is configured to store, protect, and transport a dental impression is disclosed. The shipping container includes an exterior surface that encloses an interior area; a support located within the interior area that is configured to receive an impression tray that includes a patient's dental impression; and a means attached to or integrally formed with the support that is configured to hold the impression tray in place on the support and to position the impression tray in a standardized orientation. The shipping container, including its exterior surface and internal support(s), are made of a material that will not interfere with a selected non-invasive imaging scan. The shipping container is configured and used to obtain a digital scan of the dental impression, without the need to open the shipping container or directly handle the dental impression.

Abstract: Facial approximation systems and methods for approximating the soft tissue profile of the skull of an unknown subject.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: Methods and systems for diagnosing and identifying a treatment for an orthodontic condition can include a server configured to receive patient data through a website. Methods and systems can include the use of a database that includes or has access to information derived from textbooks and scientific literature and dynamic results derived from ongoing and completed patient treatments. Methods and systems can include the operation of at least one computer program within the server, which can be capable of analyzing patient data and identifying at least one diagnosis of an orthodontic condition. Methods and systems can include assigning a probability value to at least one diagnosis, and the probability value can represent a likelihood that a diagnosis is accurate. Methods and systems can include instructing a computer program to identify at least one treatment approach, a corrective appliance, or a combination thereof for the at least one diagnosis.