Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for stimulating cell proliferation. In one implementation, a method for increasing cell proliferation is provided. The method includes providing a vibrational dental device configured to vibrate at a frequency higher than about 60 Hz. The method also includes mechanically stimulating, using the vibrational dental device, cells for a treatment period of less than about 10 to 20 minutes daily. The method may further include generating a peak acceleration magnitude in the horizontal direction substantially greater than that in the vertical direction. The number of the cells at the end of the period of time is increased. The cells may include at least one of human osteoblasts and fibroblasts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic device including: a unit wire positioned on a labial or lingual side of a tooth to be corrected of an upper teeth group or a lower teeth group; an adhesive adhered to the corresponding tooth while covering the unit wire, and fixed by curing; a soluble substance formed at the unit wire to prevent the unit wire from being adhered to the adhesive and dissolved afterwards; and an arch wire inserted into the adhesive from which the unit wire containing the soluble substance in a dissolved state has been removed and moving in an axial direction to move the entire teeth. Unlike the prior art, according to the present invention, a unit wire with a soluble substance applied thereto or a soluble substance covered by an adhesive at a circumferential surface thereof is attached to each of a plurality of teeth to be corrected, and then an arch wire is inserted via a space of the adhesive, formed as the soluble substance is dissolved.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for the treatment of Class II and III malocclusions that applies vector forces to the dental arches. The apparatus is anchored in operational contact by a pair of sheaths that are form fit over some or all of the teeth in the upper and lower dental arches. The apparatus can be removed by the user and can be incorporated into both full and partial Class I malocclusion aligners. Most importantly, the apparatus does not require the use of braces affixed to the teeth and it has an adjustable pressure range of pushing force.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of Class II and III malocclusions by applying curved intrusive vector forces to the dental arches. The apparatus is anchored in operational contact by a pair of sheaths that are form fit over some or all of the teeth in the upper and lower dental arches. The apparatus can be removed by the user and can be incorporated into both full and partial Class I malocclusion aligners. Most importantly, the apparatus does not require the use of braces affixed to the teeth and it has an adjustable pressure range of pushing force.

Abstract: A connection device (1) between a dental prosthesis, or an abutment framework for a dental prosthesis, and a master model, extending longitudinally between a first end (1a) and a second end (1b). The first end (1a) has a first connecting segment (T1) intended to be received in an implant analog, while the second end (1b) has a second connecting segment (T2) intended to be received in the dental prosthesis or the abutment framework. The first connecting segment (T1) has an outer thread (6), while the second connecting segment (T2) has a cylindrical portion (7).

Abstract: An implant-supported dental prosthesis, removal device for automatically removing the prosthesis, attachment piece for attaching the prosthesis to implants and an attachment bar for attaching the prosthesis to implants. The prosthesis comprises a compartment with a spacing member that can be actuated through a side opening by means of the device, for automatically removing the prosthesis. The device comprises a head with a first plunger configured for being introduced in the compartment and moving the first plunger in both directions to move the first plunger out when the spacer moves, causing removing the prosthesis, and when the first plunger moves in the opposite direction the head is extracted from the compartment. The attachment piece and bar for attaching the prosthesis respectively comprise a projection and a step to make it easier to remove the prosthesis.

Abstract: A dental implant adapted for implanting within a jaw bone, the implant comprising a horizontally-oriented body having a length extending in the mesial-distal direction of the jaw bone, the body having a threaded cavity dimensioned for receiving a prosthetic abutment, and wherein the cavity comprises an opening that is located wholly within a buccolingual width of the body.

Abstract: Structure enabling continuous angular adjustment for fixing a single dental device into an implant. The structure is formed from a ringwise tiltable threaded shank projecting from the implant and a dental device fixing unit comprising a fixing element for fixing the threaded shank to the implant. The fixing element is formed from an insertion piece and an intermediate piece. The lower end of threaded shank is placed between the end of insertion piece and the upper end of intermediate piece. A fixing nut is applied on the threaded shank. The intermediate piece and the insertion piece are secured to each other by means of a joining element placed in implant. The joining element is provided with lower corners and upper corners. A coupling body is installed on joining element. The mould or the frame is fixed to the coupling body by means of the fixing nut.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis with a threaded crown on a post and core includes a dental implant, a post and core having a portion adapted to be inserted into the implant and another portion protruding from the implant, a screw and a crown, the implant being adapted to be fixed to a bone and the post and core being adapted to be fixed to the implant with a thread, the crown being fixed to the post and core with the screw, wherein the post and core provides a connection element between the implant and the crown, a separation area being provided between the area where the post and core is housed in the crown and the area where the post and core is housed in the implant, and wherein the portion of the post and core protruding from the implant does not feature a diameter increase.

Abstract: Method of customizing and manufacturing tooling for preparing an osteotomy for receiving a dental implant, in particular drills and/or osteotomes. The method comprises the steps of: —receiving scan data modeling a planned position of the osteotomy and surrounding jaw bone area; —generating on the basis of the scan data a virtual implant model of the dental implant; —generating a virtual tooling model of the tooling on basis of the virtual implant model; —computer aided manufacturing of the tooling on the basis of the virtual tooling model.

Abstract: A partially customizable single-piece dental implant includes a preformed bone-anchorage component and an abutment component that is custom milled from a block either preoperatively, (i.e., Process A) or intraoperatively, (i.e., Process B). In Process A, the planned abutment shape is designed by a computer-aided design (CAD) software based on a computerized tomographic scan and other patient data. Alternatively, under Process B, the position of the planned implant with respect to the alveolus is digitally captured (e.g., by an optical impression device or an intraoperative computerized tomographic scan). In both Process A and Process B, a blank implant having the millable block is held to allow a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) machine to customize the abutment component, as well as part of the bone-anchorage component. The resultant dental implant is then inserted in the alveolus and either a provisional or permanent prosthesis can then be immediately loaded on the implant.

Abstract: A digital dental tray system is described including a dental tray shaped to at least partially surround a plurality of teeth and a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging elements attached to the dental tray. Each of the 3D optical imaging elements comprises a structured light projector to project a light pattern onto one or more teeth of the plurality of teeth and a camera to capture an image of the one or more teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a block for producing personalised root post flanges for dental implantology and to a method for producing a personalised root post flange for dental implantology, of the type that can be screwed onto a previously osseointegrated implant, normally in an incorrect position, and over which aesthetic material can be directly placed, providing the dental part with shape and colour, without having to apply a dental crown over the root post flange. Said block is characterised in that it has a structure that allows the selection of the mouth angle required for the channel used for the insertion of the screw for fixing to the implant.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic comprising a pre-fabricated metal base and a crown, wherein the dental prosthetic is fabricated by a process comprising the steps of manufacturing the pre-fabricated metal base from a first metallic material, wherein the pre-fabricated metal base is dimensionally adapted to be secured to, and fitted to, an implant fixture, and fabricating the crown from a second material using a 3D printing technology, so that the crown is printed on the pre-fabricated metal base and thereby fabricating the crown fused onto the pre-fabricated metal base, and thereby obtaining the dental prosthetic.

Abstract: A floss holder includes a housing and a spindle for receiving floss and a fork having two ends between which the feed portion of the floss is secured for use. A first locking plate is operable for receiving a feed portion and a return portion of the floss upon a horizontal surface thereof. A second locking plate is operable to engage the first locking plate, where a distal end of the second locking plate engages the feed portion and the return portion to substantially constrain the feed portion of the floss on the fork and the return portion, applying tension along the feed portion and the return portion. A number of protrusions assist in retaining the feed portion and preventing the tape floss from slippage while reducing the friction around the fork; the protrusions are located at the base of the fork and inside the floss holder.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an oral cavity washing device including: a device body including a pump configured to discharge washing liquid, and a body unit including a tank provided at the device body; a tube connected to the body unit and configured to allow the discharged washing liquid to flow through the tube; and a washing unit connected to the tube and configured to discharge the washing liquid. The body unit has a two-dimensional shape like an ellipse or an approximate ellipse in a planar view.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oral cavity washing device including a body unit including a pump configured to discharge washing liquid, a tube connected to the body unit and configured to allow the discharged washing liquid to flow through the tube, a washing unit connected to the tube and configured to discharge the washing liquid, a joint portion configured to detachably attach the washing unit to the body unit, a disposing portion provided at the body unit and configured to allow the tube to be disposed at the disposing portion in a state where the washing unit is attached to the body unit, and an elastic member provided at the disposing portion.

Abstract: An oral cavity washing device includes a body unit including a pump for discharging a washing liquid, a tube connected to the body unit for making the washing liquid discharged from the pump flow through the tube, and a washing unit connected to the tube for discharging the washing liquid. The oral cavity washing device further includes a joining portion which joins the body unit and the washing unit to each other by a magnetic force. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide an oral cavity washing device where the washing unit can be easily mounted on the body unit.

Abstract: An oral cavity washing device includes: a body unit including a tank which stores a washing liquid, a pump from which the washing liquid stored in the tank is discharged, and a case formed by joining a plurality of parts to each other so as to accommodate the pump; a tube connected to the body unit so as to make the discharged washing liquid flow through the tube; and a washing unit connected to the tube so as to discharge the washing liquid. The oral cavity washing device includes a seal structure having at least a first seal portion which seals a joint portion between the plurality of parts on an outer shell of the case. With such a configuration, the body unit of the oral cavity washing device can be efficiently washed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-pressure-water toothbrush and a U-shaped jet-washing groove structure thereof, comprising: a handle and a U-shaped jet-washing groove provided at an end of the handle. The U-shaped jet-washing groove structure has a first sidewall and a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has an inner wall surface provided with a plurality of nozzles. By the implementation of the present invention, the insides and outsides of the teeth surfaces and teeth gaps can be simultaneously flush for the purpose of quick and effective to cleaning the teeth.

Abstract: Described is a molded gauge used for both manual and automated inspection of the length of at least one ultrasonic scaler tip.

Abstract: An oral-care implement having a housing extending along a longitudinal-extension direction, a functional element mounted at the housing for driven motion relative to the housing, a motion-transmitter element disposed within the housing and extending along the longitudinal-extension direction. The motion-transmitter element has a first coupling portion coupled with the functional element. The motion-transmitter element has a metal-sheet portion made from a punched and bent metal sheet. The metal-sheet portion can have at least one section having a non-flat cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal-extension direction, such as an L-shape, or U-shape, or S-shape.

Abstract: A back-flushing plate (4) of a multifunctional oral care tool is provided at a back end of brush heads (1) and has an end portion lower than an end portion of the brush heads (1). A pair of brush heads (1) is driven to rotate by a pair of transmission rods (5), such that the brush heads produce a powerful suction flow. Sucked water splashes onto the back-flushing plate and generate a powerful flush flow, thereby attains a goal of flushing the oral waste away. It solves a problem of deep cleaning of furs and also solves a problem of waste liquid, such as tooth-brushing foam, remaining in an oral cavity.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit within a patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially encased within the housing. The emitter is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter. The electronic circuit is configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment. The apparatus and its use for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving oral tissue health are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mouth piece for cooling of oral tissue of a patient during chemotherapy treatment. The mouth piece includes a cooling medium contained within the top element and the bottom element and able to retain a cooling environment within the mouth sufficient to reduce capillary blood flow to the patient's mouth. In one embodiment, an external chamber extends from the front of the mouth piece to house a cooling medium. A bladder is positioned inside the external chamber for storing a solution having a freezing temperature above the freezing point temperature of the cooling medium to assist in cooling the cooling medium.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic apparatus having a height-adjustable table for animals according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a table where an animal is placed; a support stand supporting the table such that the table vertically moves and adjusting height of the table to move the table close to a floor; an X-ray detector disposed under the table and coupled to the support stand to move with the table; and an imaging stand spaced from the table, connected to the support stand, and having an X-ray tube for radiating X-rays to the X-ray detector.

Abstract: Bodily fluid collection systems are described where the system may be used for collecting and transferring sperm into a syringe. The syringe is configured to have a distal collection tip which is gently tapered or radiused to present a smooth and atraumatic surface and which is specifically configured and shaped to be inserted within and received by the collection receptacle. The distal collection tip has a shape which corresponds directly to a tapered reservoir defined at the bottom of the collection receptacle such that a distal opening defined through the tip is optimally positioned within the concentrated bodily fluid pooled within the reservoir for collection. Moreover, the gentle taper of the collection tip may present an atraumatic surface for inhibiting damage to the sperm contained within the ejaculate as the sperm is suctioned into the distal opening for insemination into the female.

Abstract: A cosmetic implant includes a silicone gel core and an outermost hydrophilic coating on all sides of the silicone gel core. An intermediate coating can be provided between the silicone gel core and the outermost coating. A method of performing cosmetic surgery on a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve packaging system includes a jar, a lid, a lid liner, and a humectant. The jar has a closed end, an open end, a side wall and an interior sized to receive the prosthetic heart valve. The lid is connected to the open end of the jar. The lid liner includes a rim sandwiched between the lid and the side wall of the jar to provide a fluid-tight seal. The humectant is supported within the interior of the jar. The humectant may be supported by the lid liner. The lid liner may include one or more windows so that the humectant may provide a desired humidity to the inside of jar to maintain a desired water content in the tissue of the valve. The system may obviate the need to store the valve in a dry state, or to otherwise store the valve submerged in an aldehyde solution.

Abstract: Instrumentation for percutaneous delivery of blood filtration devices to atrial appendages includes a curved access sheath and a delivery tube. A compressed filter device attached to a tether wire is loaded in the delivery tube. The access sheath and the delivery tube can be mechanically locked and moved together to place the device in a suitable deployment position. The device is deployed by expelling it from the delivery tube either by retracting the delivery tube over the tether wire, or by moving the tether wire forward through the delivery tube. A filter membrane in the deployed device extends across the appendage ostium to filter blood flow through the ostium. The filter membrane is configured to present a flat surface to atrial blood flow past the ostium.

Abstract: A system and method for retrieving an implantable device includes a delivery catheter, a recapture section, and a sheath. The delivery catheter has a proximal end and a distal end. The recapture section is axially extendable from the distal end of the delivery catheter. The sheath has a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen sized to receive the delivery catheter. A portion of the lumen of the sheath is actuatable from an enlarged inside diameter to a reduced inside diameter to apply an inwardly directed force to the recapture section. The delivery catheter can be actuated with respect to the sheath to extend or retract the recapture section with respect to the delivery catheter.

Abstract: A urinary stent includes ends for deployment in the kidney and bladder, respectively, that are non-coplanar. The bladder end of the stent includes a luminary groove, covered by a sleeve of materials softer than the remainder of the stent, allowing urine at sufficient pressures to pass out from the stent, between the stent and the sleeve. The bladder end of the stent adapts its shape according to respiratory changes in the length of the stent. This shape change also prevents or reduces stent related pain.

Abstract: The present invention is an anatomic system which uses the principle of applying higher elastic tonus than the rest tonus of the agonist muscles to provide the function of the antagonist muscles, and which is designed in a simplest way to provide the said purpose and which can be integrated to the body. The static mechanism of the invention is an elastic mechanism which applies a continuous stable tension in order to keep the joints open. The tension of the mechanism is calibrated by increasing or decreasing the amount of the liquid in a chamber which has flexible and elastic walls up to a certain via a port. In the dynamic mechanism of the invention, the tension applied by the elastic mechanism can be changed according to the motion the patient wants to perform.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an implantable fastening device for securing a graft to at least one bone of a joint, comprising a hollow tubular elongate textile element defining an inside volume and including a first free end and a second free end; and a bearing element having at least two through openings. Said elongate element has an initial outside diameter d0 (mm) and includes an admission orifice leading into its inside volume and an exit orifice going from its inside volume that are spaced apart by an initial distance m0 (mm) defining a sleeve, the first end of said elongate element being passed into the sleeve so as to form a first loop with at least a portion thereof being passed through at least two through openings of said bearing element. The second free end of said elongate element forms a second loop passing through a through opening of said bearing element.

Abstract: An implant device for insertion in a human or animal body comprises a frame, wherein at least a portion of the frame is capable of reversibly transitioning between a solid state rigid mode and a liquid state flexible mode, thereby allowing the device to change its shape.

Abstract: This document provides devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions such as valvular stenosis. For example, this document provides devices and methods by which a guide catheter can align itself with a blood flow stream to thereby help direct a guidewire or other elongate device transmitted from the guide catheter through an orifice of a heart valve.

Abstract: Methods for the rapid retraction of trans-catheter heart valve delivery systems are provided. A rapid retraction trans-catheter heart valve delivery system comprises a catheter based delivery system. The delivery system has internal mechanisms that allow for the controlled deployment of a heart valve prosthesis, as well as mechanisms that allow for quickly closing the catheter once the heart valve prosthesis has been implanted. This rapid retraction ability allows for reduced procedural durations and thus reduced risk to the patient.

Abstract: An annuloplasty system is provided, which comprises an annuloplasty ring assembly, at least one sensor and an external monitor or a prompting device. The annuloplasty ring assembly has an interface adapted to establish an operative connection with a manipulator. The manipulator is utilized for manipulating said annuloplasty ring assembly. The sensor is configured to detect regurgitation. The external monitor or the prompting device is adapted to provide, e.g. display, information based on said detected regurgitation.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein may be used to restore left ventricular function to address mitral valve regurgitation. One variation of an implant comprises a plurality of tethered anchors and a plurality of force-distribution members slidably disposed on the tether between the anchors. One or more of the force-distribution members can comprise a bioabsorbable material. Methods comprise deploying the implant to cardiac tissue, cinching the implant to its hard stop (e.g., where further cinching does not cause further tissue tightening), providing a pre-selected amount of slack to the implant after it has been cinched to its hard stop configuration, and securing a lock member on the tether. Also disclosed herein are lock member deployment catheters that provide a pre-selected amount of tether slack as it secures a lock member on the tether.

Abstract: An at least partly implantable system for injecting a substance into the body of a patient is disclosed. The system comprises at least one infusion needle disposed at least partly within at least one housing with a tip end of the infusion needle arranged for penetrating an outer wall of the housing. The system further comprises at least one drive unit adapted to be implanted inside the body and a for advancing and retracting the tip end of the infusion needle so that the infusion needle penetrates, upon advancement, the outer wall to allow for injection of the substance.

Abstract: A method of implanting a penile prosthetic in treating erectile dysfunction is described. The method includes providing a pump having a pump bulb including a mid-section having a first face that is planar in longitudinal cross-section and a second face that is concave and arced in longitudinal cross-section. The method includes implanting an inflatable member into a penis; implanting a reservoir into an abdomen; intraoperatively coupling the pump between the inflatable member and the reservoir; and implanting the pump in a scrotum.

Abstract: Augments for implantation of an orthopedic implant device in a bone. A distal end of an outer portion of the augment can have a shape that is configured to generally conform to the shape of a metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of an intramedullary canal of the bone. Further, a proximal end of the outer portion of the augment has a shape that is configured to generally conform to a shape of the metaphyseal region of the intramedullary canal. Additionally, the shape of the outer portion at the distal end can be separated from the shape of the outer portion at the proximal end by a distance that is approximately equal to the distance between the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction and the metaphyseal region of the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: The invention provides treatment methods of using meniscus to repair injured and/or arthritic joints, for example, small hand joints including but not limited to radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints. The invention also provides various implants made of meniscus for injured and/or arthritic joints.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant manufacturing method. The method includes preparing a pre-operative surgical plan for a specific patient, the surgical plan including a three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating at least one resection plane, communicating the surgical plan to a surgeon of the patient, and receiving approval of the surgical plan and the resection plane by the surgeon. The method also includes providing automated osteophyte/protrusion removal control for surgeon manipulation, receiving a modified three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating an osteophyte/protrusion removal and a recommendation for a corresponding selected orthopedic implant from the surgeon, and requesting manufacture of the selected orthopedic implant.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. Mounting members include, for example, flanges, blades, hooks, and plates. In some embodiments, the orthopedic attachments may be adjustably positionable about the base member or other attachments, thereby providing modularity for assembling and implanting the device, and various securing and/or locking mechanisms may be used between the components of the implant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses including a patellar implant are disclosed. The patellar implant can include a member, an articulation component and a connection mechanism. The member can be configured to engage a osteotimized surface of a patella. The articulation component can have an articulation surface that can be configured to articulate with a femoral prosthesis along a patellar groove. The connection mechanism can connect the articulation component with the member and can be configured to allow for at least one of removal and translational movement of the articulation component relative to the member and patella.

Abstract: A distal radioulnar joint prosthesis for replacing the distal radioulnar joint and a method for its implantation is provided. Such a device includes an ulnar component, a radial component, and a motion liner. The ulnar component includes a stem, a collar, and a shell. The radial component includes a hemispherical ball and plate. The hemispherical ball of the radial component is secured with the radial plate and articulates with the ulnar shell via the motion liner. The prosthesis is designed to more accurately replicate the biomechanics of the distal wrist than currently used implants.

Abstract: A disc replacement device including a first body member with a convex articulation surface and a second body member with a concave articulation surface is disclosed. When operably positioned, the convex articulation surface engages the concave articulation surface to provide for movement therebetween. The disc replacement device also includes a first opening in the first body member and a second opening in the second body member, wherein the openings are angled and extends from the front aspects of the body members through the external surfaces. The disc replacement device further includes at least two bone fasteners for insertion into the first and second openings to secure the disc replacement device to a first and second vertebra. An interbody motion device and fusion implant, as well as a surgical method for implantation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The expansion members are formed to each have a generally U-shaped rearward facing opening. The superior and inferior endplates have openings through their outer surfaces in at least partial alignment and communication with the rearward facing openings of the expansion members. The inferior endplate has a fully bounded cavity for telescoping receipt of the superior endplate. The inferior endplate also has a fully bounded channel extending through the rear endwall thereof in direct communication with the rearward facing opening of at least one expansion member for the receipt of bone graft material into the device to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies of the spine.