Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring tooth whitening treatments and status is shown in the form of a toothbrush with at least one panel with a scale of whiteness indicators. Whiteness indicia can be a removable or permanent insert disposed in a slot in the head, body or handle of a transparent toothbrush or an inlay in the surface of the brush. Other information such as appointment times, dentist information, instructions and images can be placed on the inserts. Comparison of the indicia with the teeth allows the user to evaluate the progress of treatments.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material that solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. In another embodiment, the inflatable tray has a rigid support. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray and fill tubes that provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: An integrated remote control and massage device includes a housing having at least one massage surface, a remote control input interface for enabling a user to control at least one electronic entertainment device, and at least one motor that selectively provides vibrating motion to the massage surface(s). The integrated device enables control of devices such as a television, an audio system, a video disc player, a video cassette recorder, a direct broadcast satellite receiver, a personal video recorder, a cable box, and a digital portable music and/or entertainment system. In addition, the device may be used as a vibrating massage device. The device may optionally include a heating element, a sound recorder, a device locator, or a flashlight.

Abstract: A package contains a product and a card. The package includes a window which permits viewing of the card from outside the package. A seller can insert the seller's card into the package through a slot in the package. The package can then be delivered to a recipient who can remove the seller's card and replace it with the recipient's own card. The product can then be delivered to a customer of the recipient.

Abstract: A demonstration pod and method for demonstrating dental situation and procedures. By way of example, a Sonipod demonstrates the effectiveness of an electric toothbrush and provides for educating a dental patient on proper brushing techniques to promote healthy oral hygiene. The instructional display includes a simulated tooth and gum assembly within a partially liquid filled chamber. High frequency brush movements create cavitations in the liquid of the chamber. The display also preferably includes a plurality of oscillating light emitters and an oscillating circuit that pulses at a range of frequencies to match and compare the frequency of brush head movements for different models of electric toothbrushes. Additional demonstration pod units are also described for non-dental purposes, in particular for comforting a baby, providing a light for a child, and entertaining a child.

Abstract: A colored dental floss that changes color when passed between the teeth. The dental floss is coated or impregnated with one or more agents that facilitate the color change by mechanically rubbing the floss against the oral hard tissue or by chemical reaction or both. In addition, the dental floss can be impregnated or coated with an agent that indicates the present of bacterial, disease, virus, infection or the like. Furthermore, the dental floss can be coated or impregnated with a medicament or anti-microbial agent for treat or prevention of disease and the like.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover cushions the impact of a rigid light emitting device when placed in contact with a patient's teeth or a dental appliance. The protective cover includes a base configured to attach to a rigid light emitting device, and a flexible translucent body. The body includes a first and second end. Light from the light emitting device enters the cover through the first end and exits through the second end. The flexible cover may be made of polyurethane, silicone, flexible polyethylene, or another elastomer.

Abstract: Floss dispensers comprising a body configured for holding and dispensing floss and a gripping arm extending from the body configured to facilitate gripping by the user while floss is dispensed and cut from the dispenser. The body houses a spool of floss and includes a hole for dispensing the floss and a hole for connecting the floss dispenser to a key ring or chain. A floss cutter is included in the body or the gripping arm. In one embodiment the gripping arm comprises an operational key. The gripping arm is either integrally or removably connected with the body. In one embodiment, the body comprises a clam shell case configured to hold the head of a key. In another embodiment, the body comprises a sheath type pocket configured to hold the head of a key. The floss dispensers may also comprise other features, including lights and a toothpick.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material which solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray, along with tubes which provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material that solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. In another embodiment, the inflatable tray has a rigid support. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray and fill tubes that provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: Floss dispensers comprising a body configured for holding and dispensing floss and a gripping arm extending from the body configured to facilitate gripping by the user while floss is dispensed and cut from the dispenser. The body houses a spool of floss and includes a hole for dispensing the floss and a hole for connecting the floss dispenser to a key ring or chain. A floss cutter is included in the body or the gripping arm. In one embodiment the gripping arm comprises an operational key. The gripping arm is either integrally or removably connected with the body. In one embodiment, the body comprises a clam shell case configured to hold the head of a key. In another embodiment, the body comprises a sheath type pocket configured to hold the head of a key. The floss dispensers may also comprise other features, including lights and a toothpick.

Abstract: An illuminated examination mirror having a neck and angled head with a mirror that is at least partially encircled by light emitting surfaces which direct light to a common point above the surface of the mirror, thereby concentrating the available light for examination. The illuminated examination mirror may be manufactured as a head assembly which may be connected or integrated into a source of illumination, such as a battery powered or fixed illumination source.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material which solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray, along with tubes which provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: A colored dental floss that changes color when passed between the teeth. The dental floss is coated or impregnated with one or more agents that facilitate the color change by mechanically rubbing the floss against the oral hard tissue or by chemical reaction or both. In addition, the dental floss can be impregnated or coated with an agent that indicates the present of bacterial, disease, virus, infection or the like. Furthermore, the dental floss can be coated or impregnated with a medicament or anti-microbial agent for treat or prevention of disease and the like.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material which solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray, along with tubes which provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: An illuminated examination mirror having a neck and angled head with a mirror that is at least partially encircled by light emitting surfaces which direct light to a common point above the surface of the mirror, thereby concentrating the available light for examination. The illuminated examination mirror may be manufactured as a head assembly which may be connected or integrated into a source of illumination, such as a battery powered or fixed illumination source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental matrix band used during tooth restoration procedures. The matrix bands have a smooth interior side which is placed in contact with the tooth requiring restoration. The exterior side a frictional engagement surface which is at least a portion of its surface that is configured to provide increased friction. Such a matrix band is placed around a tooth to be restored with the frictional engagement surface facing the embrasure or space between the teeth. A dental wedge can then be inserted into the embrasure against the frictional engagement surface to hold the dental matrix band stationary with respect to the tooth being restored. The frictional engagement surface is sufficiently rough that dental wedges are much less likely to slip out of an embrasure once positioned against the frictional engagement surface, thereby ensuring that a matrix band will be securely held in place by a dental wedge to enable the practioner to confidently proceed with the restoration.

Abstract: A syringe safety sleeve apparatus having a hollow inner barrel which couples to a conventional syringe device, and a hollow outer sleeve slidably disposed on the inner barrel. The outer sleeve reversibly slides on the inner barrel between a retracted position and an extended, needle covering position to protect users of the invention from the syringe needle. A docking base is included which provides for protecting persons from needle puncture wounds during attachment and removal of needles from the syringe device, during removal and replacement of needle covers on needles, and during disposal of used needles.

Abstract: A dispenser adapter apparatus which allows activation and dispensing of multiple types of materials with use of a single dispensing device. The invention includes a cartridge holder with a socket for receiving a replaceable cartridge of adhesive, filler, or other material, and an activation chamber. The cartridge holder is reversibly coupled to a dispensing device such as a syringe or dispensing gun. The piston of the dispensing device applies an activating pressure to a cartridge within the activation chamber. The activated cartridge is transferred from the activation chamber to the socket. A plunger associated with the cartridge holder forces material from the cartridge. Force is transferred from the piston of the dispensing device to the plunger of the dispenser adapter apparatus by mechanically interfacing the piston and plunger.