Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include various compositions that include a pH modifier composition and/or a buffering capacity modifier composition. In some examples, the pH modifier compositions include a dose of pH modifier to raise the pH in a patient's mouth from about 1 to about 2 pH levels. The compositions are then incorporated into various confections for oral ingestion or application that allow a patient to easily use the composition with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers. For example, compositions with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers can be incorporated within chewing gum, tablets, lozenges, breath strips, hard candy, oral sprays, and other confections. Another embodiment of the invention includes a testing device to test the pH and buffering capacity within a patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental bleaching device may include a flexible backing material, and a dental composition in contact with the flexible backing material. The dental composition may include a thickening agent and a peroxide bleaching agent. The dental composition may be a gelatinous compound having physical deformation properties that allow the dental composition to bend and conform to a shape of a container into which the dental composition is placed, but the dental composition will not merge into a second piece of the dental composition when placed in contact with the second piece. The dental composition will not crack or break when the dental bleaching device is flexed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that light and magnify a treatment site within the oral cavity without interfering with a dental treatment procedure. In particular, example embodiments of the present invention provide a virtual operatory system that includes an image capture subsystem connected to an image display subsystem. For example, the image capture subsystem can capture and communicate a live image of a treatment site to the image display subsystem for the dental professional to view while performing a dental treatment procedure. In at least one example embodiment, the virtual operatory system can also include an image rendering subsystem that can render the live image of the treatment site in one or more ways to provide an improved visual to the dental professional of the treatment site.

Abstract: A toothpick may comprise a toothpick body having a fibrous flocking material adhered to a surface of the toothpick body.

Abstract: A method of removing a dental adhesive may comprise locating the position of the dental adhesive, directing radiant energy into the dental adhesive causing the dental adhesive to weaken a bond formed with the dental adhesive, and breaking the bond by applying a suitable force to overcome the weakened bond. A dental adhesive may comprise a polymer and a dye or pigment. The dental adhesive may be formulated to cure to form a bond that is weakened in response to the dye or pigment absorbing radiant energy subsequent to curing.

Abstract: A dental polishing tool may comprise a polishing cup comprising an abrasive polymeric sponge.

Abstract: A method of removing a dental adhesive may comprise locating the position of the dental adhesive, directing radiant energy into the dental adhesive causing the dental adhesive to weaken a bond formed with the dental adhesive, and breaking the bond by applying a suitable force to overcome the weakened bond. A dental adhesive may comprise a polymer and a dye or pigment, The dental adhesive may be formulated to cure to form a bond that is weakened in response to the dye or pigment absorbing radiant energy subsequent to curing.

Abstract: A light source includes a socket connection, a base connected to the socket connection, an LED unit, a mount and a heat conductive material. The socket connection is capable of connecting to a source of electricity. The mount is disposed into the base, and has a top surface on which the LED unit are disposed and a side surface devoid of the LED unit. The heat conductive material directly contacts the LED unit and the side surface of the mount. The heat conductive material enters into a space flanked by the mount and the base and is substantially translucent or transparent such that light emitted from the LED unit is able to pass through the heat conductive material.

Abstract: A compound may comprise a chromatic moiety that is chromatically visible to the human eye under white light. The compound may be configured to bind to cancerous cells and minimizes collection within healthy tissue. The compound may readily absorb a wavelength of light that is matched to a radiant energy source that emits light at or near said wavelength.

Abstract: A compound may comprise a radio-opaque moiety that is readily identifiable by radiography, such as X-rays and the like. The compound may be configured to bind to cancerous cells and minimizes collection within healthy tissue. The compound may readily absorb a wavelength of light that is matched to a radiant energy source that emits light at or near said wavelength.

Abstract: Targeting molecules that when circulated within the bloodstream tend to bind to malignant cells and minimize attachment to healthy tissue cells and benign tumor cells. The targeting molecule is designed to be detectable such that it can be identified by various means such as an MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, chromatically visible to the eye, and any other useful means of detection.

Abstract: A light source includes a socket connection, a base connected to the socket connection, an LED unit, a mount and a heat conductive material. The socket connection is capable of connecting to a source of electricity. The mount is disposed into the base, and has a top surface on which the LED unit are disposed and a side surface devoid of the LED unit. The heat conductive material directly contacts the LED unit and the side surface of the mount. The heat conductive material enters into a space flanked by the mount and the base and is substantially translucent or transparent such that light emitted from the LED unit is able to pass through the heat conductive material.

Abstract: A method of reducing tooth decay may include growing one or more acid resistant layers on tooth enamel. The acid resistant layer may include a monofluorophosphate anion. For example the acid resistant layer may include calcium monofluorophosphate. An acid resistant layer may be grown by delivering a two-part compound to the tooth enamel.

Abstract: A two-part treatment film may include a barrier layer, a gelatinous composition layer, and at least one active ingredient adhered to the gelatinous composition layer. The barrier layer may be a flexible film that is insoluble in water. In some embodiments, the at least one active ingredient may be in the form of dried particles. In other embodiments, the at least one active ingredient may be in the form of microspheres filled with an active ingredient.

Abstract: A delivery tip for flowable materials with bristles or fibers extending therefrom. The tip is a cannula with a tapered outlet and features a bristle or fiber bundle with a binding restriction member that interfaces with the cannula at some point within the cannula but has a smaller cross-sectional area for flow passage than the cannula at that point. The bristle or fiber bundle extends out of the tapered outlet. The delivery tip may connect to a material reservoir with flowable material. When positive pressure is applied to the reservoir, material then will flow through the cannula, around the restriction member, into the bristles or fibers and out the outlet for distribution to a desired surface.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include various compositions that include a pH modifier composition and/or a buffering capacity modifier composition. In some examples, the pH modifier compositions include a dose of pH modifier to raise the pH in a patient's mouth from about 1 to about 2 pH levels. The compositions are then incorporated into various confections for oral ingestion or application that allow a patient to easily use the composition with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers. For example, compositions with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers can be incorporated within chewing gum, tablets, lozenges, breath strips, hard candy, oral sprays, and other confections. Another embodiment of the invention includes a testing device to test the pH and buffering capacity within a patient's mouth.

Abstract: The present invention is a formable dental treatment tray utilizing poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and a gelatinous active. Blending of the active is accomplished by mixing the Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with an active ingredient, such as a peroxide like hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, sodium perborate, or sodium percarbonate, usually also with water or an appropriate organic solvent. Peroxide concentrations in these new gels can reach a 30% concentration of hydrogen peroxide while maintaining a shelf life of six months at room temperature without developing peroxide decomposition. The gels are applied to an appropriate backing and dried to a gelatinous state. In use, the active is hydrated and regains adhesiveness. Then the tray is pressed and formed around a user's dental arch to form the customizable tray. Multiple active ingredients may be used, with or without peroxide, for accomplishing desired treatment regimens.

Abstract: A dental bleaching device may include a backing material made of a polymeric wax mixture, and a dental composition in contact with the backing material. The dental composition may include a thickening agent and a peroxide bleaching agent. The dental composition may be a gelatinous compound having physical deformation properties that allow the dental composition to bend and conform to a shape of a container into which the dental composition is placed, but the dental composition will not merge into a second piece of the dental composition when placed in contact with the second piece.

Abstract: A dental bleaching device may include a flexible backing material, and a dental composition in contact with the flexible backing material. The dental composition may include a thickening agent and a peroxide bleaching agent. The dental composition may be a gelatinous compound having physical deformation properties that allow the dental composition to bend and conform to a shape of a container into which the dental composition is placed, but the dental composition will not merge into a second piece of the dental composition when placed in contact with the second piece. The dental composition will not crack or break when the dental bleaching device is flexed.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental adhesive materials that can create a reversible bond. In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental impression materials that can be used to accurately and efficiently obtain a dental impression. Moreover, example embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for use with the hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials disclosed herein. The hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials can provide dental professionals with dental materials that are more effective, efficient, and easier to use when compared to conventional dental adhesive materials and conventional dental impression materials.