Abstract: Simultaneously retracting gingiva and taking an impression around a tooth with two different materials having different setting properties with different viscosities or rigidity. A supportive material having a higher viscosity or rigidity relevant to an impression material is used in combination with a rigid tray to retract gingiva and form an impression of and around a tooth. The timing of the application of pressure to the tray when placed over a tooth containing the two different materials is such that pressure is only applied when the supportive material has a state of cure or setting state with a viscosity or rigidity greater than the state of cure or setting state of the impression material.

Abstract: A container holding pre-dosed applicators for applying a material. The container holds the pre-dosed applicators upright with the absorbent end of the pre-dosed applicator contacting an absorbent pad on the bottom of the container containing a solution with a desired material to be applied. The absorbent pad holds a predetermined quantity of material for dosing the applicators. The packaging and dosing of the applicators can be performed concurrently facilitating manufacturing and making packaging more efficient and cost effective.

Abstract: A container holding pre-dosed applicators for applying a material. The container holds the pre-dosed applicators upright with the absorbent end of the pre-dosed applicator contacting an absorbent pad on the bottom of the container containing a solution with a desired material to be applied. The absorbent pad holds a predetermined quantity of material for dosing the applicators. The packaging and dosing of the applicators can be performed concurrently facilitating manufacturing and making packaging more efficient and cost effective.

Abstract: A self-heating chemically activated pouch formed to hold a medical or dental device or material prior to use or application. The pouch has a construction to readily receive a dental device or material, such as a tip or syringe containing a dental material or composite, permitting easy activation of an activator or trigger to initiate an exothermic chemical reaction of a heating material to heat the dental device or material. Heating the dental material or composite improves its flowability and properties.

Abstract: An applicator pad for cleaning and drying a surface prior to applying a material. The applicator pad cleans and dries a tooth prior to application of a wax material. The wax material may comprise a tooth whitening agent or a fluoride material. In one embodiment a plurality of flexible absorbent posts extend above the wax material surface. In another embodiment a grid extends above the wax material surface. In another embodiment two different wax material portions are divided by a fold line. In another embodiment a cleaning and drying portion is placed adjacent the wax material applying portion. Cleaning and drying of the tooth surface prior to the application of the wax material facilitates the adherence of the wax material onto the tooth surface. The applicator pad is particularly beneficial for tooth whitening and maintenance.

Abstract: A fluoride composition applied to teeth. The fluoride composition comprises microcrystalline wax, mineral oil, vitamin E, amorphous calcium phosphate or ACP, guar gum, and sodium fluoride. The amorphous calcium phosphate and sodium fluoride are released gradually and when dissolved in saliva form ionic fluoride and ionic calcium that aid in re-mineralization of the tooth enamel. Enhanced fluoride treatment is obtained relative to a conventional fluoride rinse. A similar composition may be used as a protective coating material to protect whitened or bleached teeth.

Abstract: This invention relates to microwell array compositions which are coated with one or more thin film coatings. The invention includes the process of fabricating and using thin film coated microwell arrays.

Abstract: This invention relates to microwell array compositions which are coated with one or more thin film coatings. The invention includes the process of fabricating and using thin film coated microwell arrays.

Abstract: A microfluidic rotary valve and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The rotary valve includes a stator chip having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The rotary valve also includes a rotor having at least one rotor channel in sealed engagement with the stator chip. The rotor rotates between valve positions preventing and allowing fluid communication between the inlets and outlets by way of the rotor channels and according to the design of the inlets, outlets and rotor channels. The stator chip includes a first planar substrate having a contact face and a second planar substrate having a contact face bonded to the contact face of the first planar substrate. The first planar substrate defines a first portion of the inlet and outlet, and the second planar substrate defines a second portion of the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A microfluidic rotary valve and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The rotary valve includes a stator chip having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The rotary valve also includes a rotor having at least one rotor channel in sealed engagement with the stator chip. The rotor rotates between valve positions preventing and allowing fluid communication between the inlets and outlets by way of the rotor channels and according to the design of the inlets, outlets and rotor channels. The stator chip includes a first planar substrate having a contact face and a second planar substrate having a contact face bonded to the contact face of the first planar substrate. The first planar substrate defines a first portion of the inlet and outlet, and the second planar substrate defines a second portion of the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A bead trapping device for trapping beads. The device is formed from a substrate, posts extending from the substrate; the posts being patterned to form cavities between the posts, the cavities having a diameter between 0.5 &mgr;m and 200 &mgr;m; and means for loading beads onto the substrate. A method of trapping microscopic beads for analysis, the method comprising the steps of contacting a fluid containing beads with a substrate having posts extending from the substrate to form bead trapping cavities, the bead trapping cavities having a diameter between 0.5 &mgr;m and 200 &mgr;m; and loading the beads into the bead trapping cavities.