Abstract: A fixing system for cervical vertebrae includes a fixing apparatus for cervical vertebrae in which a cervical vertebrae-fixing plate is made close contact with cervical vertebrae and a screw is inserted into the cervical vertebrae through a screw hole formed in the cervical vertebrae-fixing plate, and a driver that rotates the screw. Here, clips for holding the inserted screw are provided in the screw hole, a convex portion is positioned at the rear of a front end portion of the driver which is fitted in a groove on the screw, and the driver loosens the inserted screw while spreading the clips using the convex portion, when the inserted screw is loosened.

Abstract: A bone plate is provided including a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface may be adapted to contact bone. The bone plate may further include a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture includes an annular sidewall and a lip adjacent to the bottom surface of the bone plate. The bone plate may also include at least one slot, wherein the slot includes a sidewall and a lip adjacent to the bottom surface of the bone plate. A bone plate system and method of use are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together or connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device. A sleeve can surround at least a portion of the bone fixation device to promote bone in-growth with or at the bone joint or fracture to facilitate fusion of the bone segment.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer for implantation in an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a balloon-like body, a first deployable protrusion and a second deployable protrusion. The body has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The spacer is arrangeable in an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The first deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the proximal end and the second deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the distal end. The first and second deployable protrusions are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the unexpanded configuration and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A clip-on reducer tool assembly for seating a spinal fixation rod in a rod receiving implant, the tool assembly has an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a proximal end with a cylindrical portion having a threaded opening, a first leg extension extending therefrom to a distal end, and a second leg extension joined to the first leg extension at an intermediate location between the distal end and proximal end. The second leg extension extends from the distal end toward the proximal end to a lever end spaced from the cylindrical portion. The leg extensions at the distal end have grasping members to engage an outer surface of a rod receiving implant and a fulcrum proximally located near the intermediate location configured to enlarge the space between the leg extension at the distal end as the lever end is depressed inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw for reducing a malleolus bone fracture that includes a unitary shaft with screw threads on a distal end of the shaft and a head on a proximal end. An enlarged terminal end segment of the head includes a socket for receiving a tool adapted for rotating the screw into aligned fibula and malleolus bone fragments at the fracture site. First and second spaced-apart tapered transition segments are formed at a juncture of the shaft and head and a juncture of the head and an enlarged terminal end segment of the head the such that rotation of the screw provides progressively increased fracture-reducing pressure between the fibula and malleolus bone fragments as the first and second tapered transition segments drives the malleolus against the fibula. A method of using the screw for reducing a malleolus bone fracture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A femur plate is provided, the femur plate comprising a first end portion anatomically pre-formed to conform to a trochanter region of the femur and a second end portion anatomically pre-formed to conform to a condyle region of the femur, wherein the second end portion comprises at least one first opening configured to receive a bone fastener. The femur plate further comprises an elongate shaft extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, the elongate shaft comprising at least one second opening configured to receive a bone fastener. Furthermore, a periprosthetic implant system comprising the femur plate and a method of implanting the femur plate are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an expandable fastener for orthopaedic applications and arranged for fastening when positioned in a bore hole in bone. The fastener comprises a body having an axis. The fastener further comprises an expansion portion moveable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration such that, in use, the expansion portion urges outwardly from the body towards the bone surrounding the bore hole. The fastener is arranged such that ingrowth of bone between the expansion portion and the body is substantially avoided when the expansion portion is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A distraction screw includes a proximal portion secured to a first vertebra, a distal portion secured to a second vertebra and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the proximal and distal portions and is positioned in an intervertebral space. The intermediate portion is configured and adapted to enable distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: A bone fixation device (1) comprises an elongated member (2) and a washer (3) assembled in a manner to prevent relative longitudinal displacement at the same time allowing axial rotation of the washer (3) with respect of the elongated member (2). The elongated member (2) comprises a proximal head (4) and an elongated shaft (5). The proximal head (4) comprises at least a distal spherical portion (8) having a diameter (D) and defining a maximum transversal dimension (Dh) of the proximal head (4). The washer (3) has a central cavity (14) configured to seat the proximal head (4) and comprising a central spherical portion (15) having the same diameter (D) of the distal spherical portion (8) of the proximal head (4). The central spherical portion (15) extends between a distal rim (16) and a proximal rim (17).

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a receiving part configured to be pivotably connected to a head of an anchoring element, the receiving part having a channel for receiving a rod and an accommodation space having an opening for accommodating the head, and a sleeve-like insert piece having a sleeve axis and a spherical segment-shaped outer surface portion. The insert piece is configured to be positioned around a portion of the head in the receiving part and to pivot in the receiving part, and includes a first part and a separable second part configured to be connected with the first part by a connection structure configured to permit translational movement between the first part and the second part in a direction transverse to the sleeve axis, while preventing movement between the first part and the second part in a direction parallel to the sleeve axis.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is provided. The electrosurgical generator includes: a non-resonant radio frequency output stage configured to output a substantially square electrosurgical waveform; and a controller coupled to the non-resonant radio frequency output stage, the controller configured to adjust a crest factor of the substantially square electrosurgical waveform on a cycle-by-cycle basis.

Abstract: Body tissue ablation is carried out by inserting a probe into a body of a living subject, urging the probe into contact with a tissue in the body, generating energy at a power output level, and transmitting the generated energy into the tissue via the probe. While transmitting the generated energy the ablation is further carried out by determining a measured temperature of the tissue and a measured power level of the transmitted energy, and controlling the power output level responsively to a function of the measured temperature and the measured power level. Related apparatus for carrying out the ablation is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for operating an electrosurgical generator, including a radio-frequency (RF) output stage configured to output an electrosurgical waveform, a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with an implantable device in a patient, and a controller coupled to the RF output stage and the wireless transceiver, the controller configured to control the RF output stage to generate an electrosurgical waveform based on the implantable device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and an end effector assembly that is disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a tubular portion, a connection arm, and a toolbox. The tubular portion defines a lumen and the connection arm is extendable from the lumen. The toolbox has a micro-tip that is configured to be selectively secured to a connection tip of the connection arm. The toolbox has a transport configuration where the toolbox is disposed within the lumen and a deployed configuration where the toolbox is disposed entirely outside of the lumen.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating tissue are disclosed, including intra-operative mapping of a probe ablation zone. The method uses a system that maps the proximal and distal margins of the probe ablation zone using tools that access the ablation target. In some embodiments, the tools comprise a bone drill, and an introducer assembly, including a cannula and a stylet. The tools have features or markings that cooperate to indicate which probe to use to achieve the desired ablation. The method further facilitates planning probe placement for delivering energy to treat (ablate) a desired ablation volume of a target tissue by using a system that maps both the target tissue and possible probe ablation zones.

Abstract: A probe includes a shaft and an applicator head designed to treat irregularly-shaped hollow cavities, such as a cavity in breast tissue created by a lumpectomy procedure. The applicator head has a fixed geometry, and a plurality of electrodes can be advanced from an exterior surface of the applicator head in an omnidirectional pattern. The electrodes are used to deliver radiofrequency current or other energy to ablate the marginal tissue.

Abstract: Adjacent tissue layers can be accessed using a catheter device with a distal tip having a conductive portion including a first cutting feature and one or more projections extending from the first cutting feature towards an outer diameter of the distal tip. Electrical energy can be supplied to the conductive portion of the device to cut tissue. A stent can be delivered to form a fluid communication between the adjacent tissue layers.

Abstract: A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool has a tool mounting portion having a tool mounting housing, a tool mounting plate, and a coupler to couple a shaft assembly having an articulation section to the tool mounting portion. An articulation mechanism is located within the tool mounting portion and is configured to receive a proximal end of the shaft assembly to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The articulation mechanism has a cam mechanism operative to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. An interface mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion to a manipulator.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for applying to biological tissue RF electromagnetic energy and/or microwave frequency EM energy, wherein the instrument tip has a protective hull with a smoothly contoured convex undersurface facing away from a planar body, and wherein the planar body has a tapering distal edge, and wherein an underside of the planar body extends beyond the protective hull at the tapering distal edge. Also disclosed herein is an interface joint for integrating into a single cable assembly all of (i) a fluid feed, (ii) a needle movement mechanism, and (iii) an energy feed (e.g. a coaxial cable), and a torque transfer device for permitting controlled rotation of the cable assembly within the instrument channel of an endoscope. The interface joint and torque transfer device may be integrated as a single component.

Abstract: Dermatological systems and methods for providing a picosecond laser treatment a plurality of treatment wavelengths, at least one of which is provide by an optical parametric oscillator (OPO).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laser-assisted machining (LAM) of non-monolithic composite bone material is described. A high intensity focused laser beam conducts bone material removal in extremely short time duration without causing any thermal (necrosis) and mechanical damage to the material surrounding the bone-laser interaction region. A computer associated with the apparatus for machining bone preferably employs a Multiphysics computational modeling approach which takes into account physical phenomena such as heat transfer, fluid flow, convection mixing, and surface tension when determining bone target volume, calculating material properties of the multicomponent and multicomposition composite bone material, determining parameters for the laser-assisted machining based on the material properties, and performing the laser-assisted cutting/shaping/machining of bone.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for removing a vascular obstruction in a subject using a combination of thrombolytic and laser ablation therapy. Treatment methods include positioning a catheter adjacent to an obstruction within a vessel of a subject. A portion of the obstruction may be ablated by delivering laser energy through the optical fibers to the distal end of the catheter, where the optical fibers are exposed, and circulating a fluid containing one or more thrombolytic agents to a remaining portion of the obstruction for a predetermined amount time. Fluid containing one or more thrombolytic agents capable of dissolving a remaining portion of the obstruction may be circulated through the fluid delivery lumen and removed through the fluid removal lumen.

Abstract: An ablation planning system includes a user interface (104) configured to permit selection of inputs for planning an ablation procedure. The user interface is further configured to incorporate selection of ablation probes and one or more combinations of ablation powers, durations or parameters applicable to selected probes in the inputs to size the ablation volumes. The user interface includes a display for rendering internal images of a patient, the display permitting visualizations of the ablation volumes for different entry points on the internal images. An optimization engine (106) is coupled to the user interface to receive the inputs and is configured to output an optimized therapy plan which includes spatial ablation locations and temporal information for ablation so that collateral damage is reduced, coverage area is maximized and critical structures are avoided in a planned target volume.

Abstract: A force exerted on a distal end of an elongate medical device can be determined. A graphical representation of the distal end of the elongate medical device and a graphical representation of the force exerted on the distal end of the elongate medical device can be computed. The graphical representation of the force can emanate from the graphical representation of the distal end of the elongate medical device. A first dimension of the graphical representation of the force can be increased in response to a longitudinal force being exerted on the distal end of the elongate medical device. A second dimension of the graphical representation of force can be increased in response to a lateral force being exerted on the distal end of the elongate medical device.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of selecting a display language for a surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and a module, such as a shaft assembly, that is interchangeably connectable to the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a first memory configured to store a language parameter and a control circuit that is operably coupled to the memory. The module includes a second memory configured to store a textual phrase in a plurality of languages. When the module and the handle assembly are connected together, the control circuit is configured to retrieve, from the second memory, the textual phrase in a language corresponding to the language parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating surgical summary footage are disclosed. A system may include at least one processor configured to implement a method including accessing particular surgical footage containing a first group of frames associated with at least one intraoperative surgical event and a second group of frames not associated with surgical activity. The method may include accessing historical data based on historical surgical footage of prior surgical procedures, wherein the historical data includes information that distinguishes portions of surgical footage into frames associated with intraoperative surgical events and frames not associated with surgical activity. The method may include distinguishing in the particular surgical footage the first group from the second group based on the information and, upon request of a user, presenting to the user an aggregate of the first group of the particular surgical footage while omitting presentation to the user of the second group.

Abstract: A method of operating a robotic control system comprising a master apparatus in communication with a plurality of input devices having respective handles capable of translational and rotational movement and a slave system having a tool positioning device corresponding to each respective handle and holding a respective tool having an end effector whose position and orientation is determined in response to a position and orientation of a corresponding handle. The method involves producing desired new end effector positions and orientations of respective end effectors in response to current positions and orientations of corresponding handles, using the desired new end effector positions and orientations to determine distances from each point of a first plurality of points along a first tool positioning device to each point of a plurality of points along at least one other tool positioning device, and determining and notifying that any of the distances meets a proximity criterion.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating tissue during a procedure performed within an eye of a patient is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a hand-held controller and an elongate member configured to be inserted into the eye of the patient. The elongate member has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the elongate member being coupled to the hand-held controller. The elongate member also has a lumen extending through the length of the elongate member. The apparatus further includes a plurality of flexible grasping fibers extending through at least a portion of the lumen and beyond the distal end thereof. The grasping fibers are adjustable by the hand-held controller to advance or retract relative to the elongate member by altering a distance between distal ends of the grasping fibers and the distal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: A medical system including: a first manipulator inserted into a lumen of a patient, the first manipulator including a first end effector and a first camera configured to capture an image of the first end effector; a second manipulator inserted into an abdominal cavity of the patient, the second manipulator including a second camera; a first operating portion configured to operate both the first and second manipulators; a first selector configured to select one of the first and second manipulators as a first operating target; a controller configured to control the first and second manipulators; and a display configured to display to the operator, wherein the controller includes one or more processors, the one or more processors are configured to: acquire the selected first operating target, acquire a first image from the first or second camera, and transmit the acquired first image so as to be displayed on the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods of virtual feedback include a virtual feedback device virtually coupled between a first and second device and a control unit. The control unit is configured to select a virtual feedback model (VFM) for the virtual feedback device from among a plurality of VFMs; configure the VFM; determine, based on information from one or more first sensors for detecting information related to a position of the first device and one or more second sensors for detecting information related to a position of the second device, a relative displacement between the first second devices; determine, based on the relative displacement and the VFM, a feedback level; send feedback commands, based on the feedback level, to one or more first actuators for inducing feedback on the first device and to one or more second actuators for inducing feedback on the second device.

Abstract: A surgical draping system includes an under-draping, an over-draping, and a connecting draping connected by the under-draping and the over-draping. The surgical draping system is used to establish and maintain a surgical corridor to a surgical site or sites on a patient supported by a surgical table. The surgical draping system can accommodate rotation of the patient on the surgical table, such that the sterile surgical corridor is maintained even during such rotation. The sterile surgical corridor extends through an aperture formed in the over-draping, through an enclosed passageway formed through the connecting draping, and through an aperture formed in the under-draping.

Abstract: A tissue expansion device with a plurality of lobes made from non-compliant material, each lobe defining a chamber therein. Each chamber is fluidly isolated from every other chamber in the plurality of lobes. Each chamber has an inflation element with a valve to release a pressurized fluid to inflate the lobe to expand a cavity, and a deflation element with a valve to deflate the lobe by compressing the fluid.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly comprising an end effector, a shaft assembly, a closure drive system, and a firing drive system is disclosed. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a dual lock configured to engage a closure member and a firing member to prevent the firing member from being advanced distally from a proximal firing stroke position before the closure member is in a distal closure stroke position. The dual lock is further configured to prevent the closure member from being retracted from the distal closure stroke position before the firing member is returned to the proximal firing stroke position after the firing stroke.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: A surgical illumination apparatus comprises a fiber optic input, and illuminated surgical instrument, and an optical coupling bracket for coupling the fiber optic input to the illuminated surgical instrument. The coupling bracket comprises an elongate frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central channel extending therebetween, wherein the central channel is sized to receive and support optical fibers of the fiber optic input. The proximal end of the bracket is coupled to the fiber optic input, and the distal end of the bracket is coupled to an illumination element of the illuminated surgical instrument. The apparatus may further comprise a shroud disposed around the illumination element that is coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: A dental treatment or examination system having a plurality of dental instruments and a supply unit coupled to the dental instruments. The system includes means to identify the contact of a selected dental instrument from the plurality of dental instruments by a human hand and initializes, based upon an identified contact of the selected dental instrument, the supply unit for an operation of the instrument. When the selected instrument is contacted by a human hand, the supply unit may automatically make available activation or parameterization options for the selected instrument and/or suitable cleaning media available to an operator of the selected instrument.

Abstract: A self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) with the conductive element (50) on the external surface of the needle (10/70) is described. The needle (10/70), which can be divided into shank (30) and tip (20) portions, is hollow and is made of an electrically resistive material. A conductive element (50) located on the external surface of the needle runs along the length of its shank (30) and the length of its tip (20). An insulating material (60) located between the conductive element (50) and the external surface of the needle runs along the length of the shank (30). The conductive element (50) contacts the tip (20) of the needle, causing the needle to self-heat when electric current is supplied. A method for filling a root canal using the self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) is also described.

Abstract: Orthodontic positioning devices, and related methods and systems, are disclosed for use with one or more orthodontic elastic members. The disclosed devices are configured to couple with an orthodontic elastic member so as to react a force from the elastic member into the appliance to, for example, generate traction forces on the patient's teeth to produce a desired occlusion. A positioning device includes a patient removable tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hook configured to interface with an orthodontic elastic member. The hook can be configured to be offset from a surface of a tooth when the appliance is coupled with the patient's teeth and no elastic member is coupled with the tooth. The hook can be curved so that the hook is more retentive on the aligner. The hook can be reinforced so that the reinforcement resists deformation when the elastic is in place.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic correction device includes a first correction unit, a second correction unit, and several elastic members. The first correction unit is configured to be removably worn on the anterior teeth of the maxillary or mandibular dental arch of a patient and has several first connection parts formed thereon. The second correction unit is configured to be removably worn on the posterior teeth of the same maxillary or mandibular dental arch of the patient and has several second connection parts formed thereon. The elastic members couple the first connection parts to the second connection parts. Thus, the elastic force of the elastic members drives the first correction unit to retract toward the second correction unit, to achieve en masse retraction and intrusion of the anterior teeth during space closure in the treatment of dental protrusion.

Abstract: A method is proposed for ascertaining the spatial positions and orientations of at least two implants anchored in a jaw of a patient, said method having the following steps: 1. An adhesive bond aid is produced that bridges the implants and has negative molds of adhesive caps, wherein the negative molds fit on the adhesive caps if these are affixed to the implants, and wherein the negative molds allow a clearance relative to the adhesive caps. 2. The adhesive caps are affixed to the at least two implants in the jaw of the patient. 3. The adhesive bond aid is positioned over the adhesive caps. 4. The clearance between the adhesive caps and the negative molds is filled with adhesive. 5. The adhesive is cured. 6. The adhesive caps are released from the implants. 7. The obtained adhesion key is removed from the patient.

Abstract: A method provides a modular dental implant. The modular dental implant has (a) an implant apex comprising an internal fastening surface; (b) a first hollow implant body segment; (c) an abutment having a screw access hole; and (d) a fastening screw. The method also entails fastening the external fastening surface of the first hollow implant body segment to the internal fastening surface of the implant apex; and screwing the fastening screw (i) through the abutment and the first hollow implant body segment, and (ii) into the implant apex, when the abutment, the first hollow implant body segment, and the implant apex are fastened together.

Abstract: There is provided an implant having a slack prevention function by an eccentric fitting structure. An engaging shaft 53, which is decentered with a screw shaft 52, is provided at the end of an abutment screw 5, and is engaged with an engaging hole 45 provided in the bottom of a screw hole 44, into which an abutment screw 5 is screwed, and thus, the screw shaft 52 is inclined to and eccentric from the screw hole 44. Thereby, the screw shaft 52 comes to be strongly pressed partially in a circumferential direction toward the screw hole 44, so that internal stress in the horizontal direction is accumulated on the screw shaft 52. The screw 5 is threaded with maintaining prevailing torque caused by the internal stress, which enables the screw 5 to be fastened to the right position.

Abstract: A dental protocol for creating an osteotomy for an implant is disclosed. A first drill is selected having a tip to create a pilot hole in the bone surface of a patient. The first drill includes a first boring section to create a bore hole for a second drill and a second boring section to create a coronal area on the hole near the bone surface. A first drill hole is created on the bone surface having a depth compatible with the length of the implant with the first drill and a coronal area. A second drill for creating a second hole having a width compatible with the body of the implant is selected. A second drill hole is created on the bone surface with the second drill.

Abstract: A dental tray impression system, including at least one of a top denture and a bottom denture, and methods of use thereof. A top denture may include (a) a top dental impression tray including an upper trough on a palatal side and configured such that the upper trough fits adjacent to a top alveolar ridge of a patient's mouth and (b) a top tooth portion configured to removably attach to a cavity side of an anterior end of the top dental impression tray. A bottom denture may include (a) a bottom dental impression tray comprising a lower trough on a mandibular side and configured such that the lower trough fits adjacent to a bottom alveolar ridge of the patient's mouth and (b) a bottom tooth portion configured to removably attach to the cavity side of the anterior end of the bottom dental impression tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the virtual secondary machining of a virtual three-dimensional gingiva model, said model having been created during the planning of an artificial gingiva. Here, the virtual gingiva model is virtually machined by at least one defined three-dimensional surface structure of the gingiva model being modified by means of a virtual tool using a computer.

Abstract: A dental restoration, a method for the production of a dental restoration and a kit. The dental restoration comprises an outer component, in particular a shell, and an inner component, in particular a core. The inner component and the outer component contain composite material. The outer component is mountable or mounted on the inner component. The inner component is designed for attachment onto a tooth preparation, in particular a tooth stump.

Abstract: Methods for accelerating orthodontic movement that include administering, within first and second consecutive time periods, light via an intraoral light therapy apparatus having a mouthpiece, are provided herein. During administering, the mouthpiece is disposed within a mouth of a patient, with a light emitter embedded in a flange of the mouthpiece being disposed between alveolar mucosa and buccal mucosa of the patient. A first removable aligner is disposed on a first set of teeth of the patient prior to, during, or subsequent to a first administering. A second removable aligner, different from the first removable aligner, is disposed on a second set of teeth of the patient prior to, during, or subsequent to a second administering. The light directly illuminates a first portion of the alveolar mucosa during the administering.