Abstract: A manufacturing system and method obtain a first digital model of teeth, create a modified digital model of the teeth by adding a locator feature to the first digital model of the teeth, and create a physical model of the teeth based on the modified digital model. A portion of the physical model is created based on the locator feature. A dental aligner device is formed on the physical model of the teeth with extraneous material of the dental aligner device extending away from the dental aligner device. The extraneous material is removed from the dental aligner device from the physical model of the teeth. The forming of the dental aligner device and/or the removing of the extraneous material is performed by positioning the physical model using the locator feature.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (“GUI”) is generated on the display, the GUI has a graphical depiction that simulates a translucence level of an oral appliance. The graphical depiction of the translucence level is adjustable based on a user input. A value based on the user selected translucence level is sent to an external device for determination of manufacturing parameters for the oral appliance.

Abstract: A mobile computing device comprises an AR display, an image capture device that generates image data of a face of a viewer of the AR display, and a processing device. The processing device receives the image data; processes the image data to identify a position of a dental arch in the image data; determines a treatment outcome for the dental arch; generates a post-treatment image of the dental arch that shows the treatment outcome; generates updated image data comprising a superimposition of the post-treatment image of the dental arch over the received image data depicting the face of the viewer; and outputs the updated image data to the AR display, wherein the post-treatment image of the dental arch is superimposed over the dental arch in the received image data such that the post-treatment image is visible in the AR display rather than a true depiction of the dental arch.

Abstract: Embodiments provide the capability to determine a digital 3D model of a patient's teeth obtains projection images acquired by scanning a negative impression of the patient's teeth using a computed tomographic imaging apparatus, where the impression includes a radio-opaque transfer element for a dental implant or crown post. One exemplary method reconstructs, from the projection images, an air volume model within the reconstructed volume and bounded by a transition surface defined according to the negative impression. A transfer element volume model of the transfer element is defined, segmented from the air volume model and from the transition surface. A combined digital 3D model of the patient's teeth is formed according to the air volume model and transfer element volume model. At least a portion of the combined digital 3D model of the teeth is displayed.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket with an adjustable hook designed to facilitate bending. The orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and an adjustable hook extending from the bracket body, the adjustable hook comprising a stem base structure a bend region extending from the stem base structure, a neck region extending from the bend region, and a head extending from the neck region. In some embodiments, the adjustable hook has a length, L1, measured from a bottom portion of the stem base structure to the head, and a length, L2, measured from a bottom portion of the neck region of the hook stem to a free end of the head, wherein L2 is greater than or equal to 60% of L1.

Abstract: A NiTi alloy root canal file with a flexibility gradient includes a tip segment (F1), a middle segment (F2) and a root segment (F3) divided along the axis of the NiTi alloy root canal file with the flexibility gradient. The internal microstructure of the tip segment (F1) of the root canal file is martensite M-phase, the internal microstructure of the middle segment (F2) is R-phase, and the internal microstructure of the root segment (F3) is austenite A-Phase. The present invention further provides a manufacturing method for the NiTi alloy root canal file with the flexibility gradient. The beneficial effect of the present invention is effectively improving safety in use.

Abstract: A kiosk comprises an AR display, an image capture device that generates image data of a face of a viewer of the AR display, and a processing device. The processing device receives the image data of the face; processes the image data to identify a position of a dental arch in the image data; determines a treatment outcome for the dental arch; generates a post-treatment image of the dental arch that shows the treatment outcome; generates updated image data comprising a superimposition of the post-treatment image of the dental arch over the received image data depicting the face of the viewer; and outputs the updated image data to the AR display, wherein the post-treatment image of the dental arch is superimposed over the dental arch in the received image data such that the post-treatment image is visible in the AR display rather than a true depiction of the dental arch.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a processing device receives image data of a face from an image capture device associated with an augmented reality (AR) display. The processing device processes the image data to a) identify a mouth in the image data, b) identify a dental arch in the mouth, and c) determine a position of the dental arch relative to a position of the AR display. The processing device determines a treatment outcome for the dental arch, generates a visual overlay comprising an indication of the treatment outcome at the determined position of the dental arch, and outputs the visual overlay to the AR display, wherein the visual overlay is superimposed over a view of the dental arch on the AR display.

Abstract: Composite alloys comprising a first alloy portion comprising nickel and titanium and a second alloy portion comprising nickel and titanium in a different stoichiometry than the first alloy portion are disclosed, along with related methods of manufacture and use. Particularly, the composite alloys may be used in customized medical devices where a shape memory effect would be beneficial.

Abstract: A system to produce a replacement anatomical structure, comprising: a quantitative three-dimensional (Q3D) endoscope disposed to image a structure within a field of view that includes target tissue; at least one processor configured to: produce a first Q3D model of an anatomical structure that includes target tissue; produce a second Q3D model of the anatomical structure that includes remainder tissue in a location from which the target has been tissue removed; and produce a third Q3D model of a replacement structure based at least in part upon the first Q3D model and the second Q3D model.

Abstract: A method of making a customized orthodontic bracket includes steps of providing a pre-manufactured physical bracket body, providing a physical bracket base having a tooth facing side shaped according to of at least part of a patient's tooth, and joining the bracket body and at least a portion of the bracket base. The bracket base is provided using a material build-up process. The invention helps facilitating manufacturing of customized orthodontic brackets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an archwire with a varied cross section which is formed integrally with a hook. The archwire includes a customized archwire body corresponding to a setup model of patient's teeth, and the hook which is formed integrally with the archwire body. The archwire body is formed in such a way that at least one region has a cross section different from that of another region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthodontic positioning appliances that represent teeth in desired positions and related systems and methods. An appliance can include teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth. An appliance can include an outer component having a surface representing teeth in desired positions. An outer component can be integral with an appliance. An outer component can be separate and configured to couple with an appliance main body.

Abstract: Braces placed on teeth are retained, until a predetermined criteria is satisfied. A plurality of aligners are ordered while retaining the braces on the teeth, in response to the predetermined criteria being satisfied. The braces are replaced with a first aligner of the plurality of aligners.

Abstract: Method of assembling a distalizer comprising a mesial element and a distal element, and an arm connecting the distal element with the mesial element, the arm comprising a ball member at one end of the arm and the distal element comprising a receptacle for receiving said ball member, the method comprising providing the distal element with an opening of the receptacle that is large enough to introduce the ball member substantially without deformation, providing the arm with the ball member, introducing the ball member into the receptacle, and reducing the opening of the receptacle. The disclosure further relates to a distalizer obtainable by such a method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an orthodontic system and a method of using the same to perform orthodontics. In one example, an orthodontic system is presented. The orthodontic system includes a tube having at least one sidewall and two opening ends, and a luting agent. The luting agent is disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the at least one sidewall of the tube and a portion of a surface of a tooth onto which the tube is directly attached or adhered. The two opening ends of the tube remain substantially open so that a wire can move along the tube.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-chromatic dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape of the dental appliance can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance.

Abstract: A method of making a biometric dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different structural and/or optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic bracket and a method of manufacturing the same in which a bonding pattern is formed by irradiating a laser beam onto a base face of the orthodontic bracket that a machining process has been completed, and the bonding pattern formed on the base face is coated with an adhesive for attachment to teeth, thereby allowing the adhesive for attachment to teeth to firmly hold the orthodontic bracket on, and at the same time significantly reducing the processing time that takes to process the base surface for enabling for the adhesive to hold the orthodontic bracket on thereby enabling the mass production of the orthodontic bracket of high quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing tooth parts from dental-grade metal powder, wherein existing CAD/CAM milling machines can be used. The essential process steps consist of: a) preparing a slurry from dental-grade metal powder, b) casting the slurry into a mold, c) drawing out (drying) suspension liquid (water) until a mechanically stable blank is obtained, d) milling the blank into the desired shape, e) oxygen-free sintering of the tooth parts milled from the blank. Because the blank is still present as a green body, milling does not place great demands on the milling machine in terms of mechanical stability and dust development. As a result, the operating speed and the service lives of customary milling machines are substantially increased.

Abstract: Rapid palatal expander which comprises an actuator element (2) provided with a drive head (3) and with two stems (4) with opposite threads, as well as a first and a second main body (5, 6) provided with aligned female threads (7, 8) that are each engaged by a threaded stem (4) of the actuator element (2). Guide means (9) are provided for guiding the simultaneous movement of the main bodies (5, 6) along the longitudinal extension direction Y of the actuator element (2) following the rotation of the drive head (2). Such guide means (9) comprise: a first and a second pair of rods (11, 12), which are fixed in a single body with the first and the second main body (5, 6), respectively, and are slidably mutually engaged with each other in a form relationship in order to guide the movement of the two main bodies (5, 6) with a single degree of freedom in the aforesaid longitudinal direction (Y).

Abstract: A green metal body includes metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for adjusting a tooth position. A system for adjusting a tooth position can include an attachment configured to be attached to a tooth to be moved, a dental appliance including a guide slot configured to receive the attachment and to define an adjustment trajectory of the tooth, and an adjustment band to generate force on the tooth to move the tooth along the adjustment trajectory.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer all-ceramic dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can be removed to form an outer layer comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance. At least one of the first article, the outer layer, and the second article can be fired, for example, while still being coupled to a support.

Abstract: An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

Abstract: Methods for making a layered dental appliance. Some methods can include providing a solid structure (e.g., a die or a dental core, such as a fully sintered ceramic dental core) having a desired outer shape, and applying a first slurry to the solid structure to form a first free form layer on the solid structure. The method can further include solidifying the first free form layer on the solid structure, and machining the solidified first free form layer to a desired shape to form a first article comprising the solid structure and a first shaped layer. The method can further include applying, solidifying, and machining a second layer in a similar way to form a second article comprising the solid structure, the first shaped layer, and a second shaped layer. In some methods, the free form layers are not exposed to a high temperature prior to being machined.

Abstract: A method of producing an endodontic file that involves grinding in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a rotating dental instrument blank. By grinding the dental instrument blank in this manner, the torsional strength of the resulting endodontic file is not eroded during its production, thereby providing a file that is less susceptible to breakage during its use.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a body having an archwire slot and adapted to be secured to a tooth, and a clip coupled to the body and movable between an open position, permitting access to the archwire slot, and a closed position, inhibiting access to the archwire slot. The clip has a base material having recesses formed by laser-ablation, and a coating formed over at least one of the recesses.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel implant provided with a macroporous surface on the top surface, and a method for the production of such a metallic and/or ceramic implant having a textured, particularly porous, surface for the at least partial insertion in hard tissue, such as in a bone, and/or into soft tissue. The implant is produced as a green compact, at least in sections, using a cold isostatic pressing, casting, and/or injecting (CIM, MIM) with subsequent sintering to obtain an implant, and is particularly characterized in that the surface is modified and/or prepared before sintering such that a macroporous surface is present after sintering without requiring any finishing.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a body (16) and at least one clip (36) connected to the body for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot (18). The body and each clip have matching, generally oval-shaped external profiles that present a compact, low-profile configuration. Each clip includes at least one prong (46) that engages a tab for helping to retain the clip in connected relationship to the body. Each tab is connected to the body by a protrusion that has a top surface coplanar with a bottom wall of the archwire slot.

Abstract: A dental orthodontic apparatus includes a carrier and fastening elements having rear holding and front parts. The carrier includes an elongated carrier piece having two sections and a carrier holding part. The fastening elements are arranged along the sections such that the front part of each element is adjacent a front side of a section, and the rear holding part of each fastening means is adjacent a rear side of the section. Carrier piece material at the rear side of a section is removable by a fabrication tool. The rear holding part of each fastening element is embedded within and completely surrounded by a first section of the carrier piece, and the rear holding part of each fastening element is embedded within and completely surrounded by a second section of the carrier piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an attachment intended to form part of an orthodontic appliance and comprising a recess for receiving an orthodontic arch. During a first step, an attachment blank is produced, comprising an attachment portion of standardized configuration and dimensions and a base portion. During a second step, the base portion is shaped in order to provide the attachment with a customized configuration developed in accordance with the configuration of the tooth on which the attachment is to be placed and the desired position of the recess after the attachment has been secured to the tooth. Once it has been manufactured, the attachment has an attachment portion and a base. The invention also relates to the resulting attachment blank and attachment and to an orthodontic appliance including said attachment.

Abstract: Method for producing at least one patient-specific modular bracket (1) having a pad (3) and a bracket body (7), which comprises the following steps: a) providing a raw pad library (19) of raw pads (5), b) providing at least one bracket body library (23) of A raw bracket body (9), c) generating a patient-specific set-up, in particular made of plaster, of the teeth to be treated of an upper jaw and/or of a lower jaw of a patient, d) selecting a raw pad (5) from the raw pad library (19) for each of the patient's teeth to be treated, e) forming a patient-specific glued surface (3K) on each raw pad (5) for producing a pad (3), f) selecting a bracket body (7) from the bracket body library (23) for each pad (3) for respective connecting with the pad (3), g) connecting one pad (3) each to the corresponding bracket body (7) thereby producing a bracket (1) for each of the patient's teeth to be treated.

Abstract: Method for producing a patient-specific bracket body (7) for a modular bracket (1) having a pad (3) and a bracket body (7), which comprises the following steps: a) providing a raw bracket body (9) having a spacer section (9d), b) establishing a first parameter for cutting through the spacer section (9d), a distance of a resulting cut surface of the spacer section (9d) from the slot (11), in order to establish a suitable height of the bracket body (7), c) establishing a second parameter for cutting through the spacer section (9d), a cutting angle to a mesio-distal axis, in order to establish a suitable torque value of the bracket body (7), d) establishing a third parameter for cutting through the spacer section (9d), a cutting angle to an occlusal-gingival axis, in order to establish a suitable rotation value of the bracket body (7), e) cutting through the spacer section (9d) according to the three established parameters, whereby a bracket body (7) is produced.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket system disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.

Abstract: A green metal body includes metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth.

Abstract: Provided herein is a force system for repositioning teeth and the methods of making and using the system.

Abstract: A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined locations on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth.

Abstract: A green metal body includes metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dentition retaining apparatus that includes a joint between a holding member and a supporting member. The holding member is elastically deformable and terminates in an end segment having a length with an outer diameter. The joint includes a coil extending from the supporting member and having an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the end segment of the holding member. The coil is placed around at least a portion of the end segment of the holding member. The coil compresses the end segment of the holding member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination of a bracelet and a device for assisting in attaching a bracelet of the type having a clasp at one end and a receiver at the other end and being flexible between such ends. The device comprises a dangling member attached to the bracelet, which dangling member is of sufficient length so that at least one finger of the wearer's involved hand can engage the dangling member against the involved hand and thereby position said receiver at or near the wrist while the wearer's other hand manipulates the clasp at the other end of the bracelet so as to bring such clasp into proximity with the receiver and then so as to attach the bracelet. In another embodiment of the invention, a detachably attachable dangling member is disclosed that can be retrofitted to a typical bracelet. In another embodiment of the invention, the dangling member is permanently attached near one end of the bracelet and is detachably attachable elsewhere on the bracelet.

Abstract: Proposed is a method and apparatus for forming an orthodontic bracket for use with an orthodontic archwire involving shaping a length of material to form at least two enlarged portions and a base member, the base member being intermediate two arm members and the respective enlarged portions having a thickness that is thicker than the thickness of the base member; bending the length of material at the respective enlarged portions; and coining the respective enlarged portions, such that portions of the arm members define a channel to receive a portion of the orthodontic archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for an orthodontic system has a rear base for being mounted to a tooth and first and second portions extending from the rear base. The first and second portions are spaced apart to provide a slot for positioning an arch wire therein. The first and second portions define a front face with an opening for receiving the arch wire. At least one of the first and second portions includes an adjustable tightening element for adjusting the pressure on the arch wire. An orthodontic bracket system comprises a plurality of brackets for being mounted to the teeth of a patient and at least one inter-bracket adjoining assembly mounted to a pair of adjacent brackets and interposed therebetween. The length of said inter-bracket adjoining assembly is modifiable so as to correspondingly modify the distance between the pair of adjacent brackets.

Abstract: A system and method for orthodontic alignment includes a radiographic template. The radiographic template has a plurality of metallic markers. A negative impression of a patient's dental arch is made. At least one orthodontic treatment aligner is produced. The aligner is manufactured based in part on a computed axial tomography (CT) scan of a patient wearing the radiographic template and a separate scan of the radiographic template, wherein the data is processed by superimposition of the orthodontic aligner on the CT images of the patient including a jaw in axial and panoramic views. In this manner, the tooth above the gum line, represented by the negative impression as well as the tooth below the gum line, represented by the CT data is used to design the orthodontic aligner.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for utilizing metallic portions in dental positioning appliances. One embodiment includes a removable dental positioning appliance having a shell having one or more cavities shaped to receive and reposition one or more teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation and where at least a portion of the shell is formed from a metallic mesh material.

Abstract: A method for producing an orthodontic bracket is comprised of sintering a molded body of highly-pure alumina fine powder at a temperature of 1,200° C. to 1,300° C. to obtain a sintered body composed of crystals having a relative density of 96% to 99.5% and an average crystal grain size of at most 1 ?m, and thereafter subjecting the sintered body to an HIP treatment at a temperature of 1,200° C. to 1,350° C., under a pressure of at least 50 MPa. Such an orthodontic bracket has high strength and high translucency, can be processed into a complicated shape, similar to that of a metal bracket, and maintains excellent translucency.

Abstract: Process for producing an inorganic-inorganic composite material, in which an open-pore, crystalline oxide ceramic shaped part is produced from an oxide ceramic powder or a powder of an oxide ceramic mixture after shape-imparting processing and presintering, an infiltration substance is applied to this shaped part in vacuo and at room temperature, and the oxide ceramic is sintered in a densifying manner under an air atmosphere and at ambient pressure to form an inorganic-inorganic composite material.

Abstract: Convertible orthodontic brackets (100) with a selectively removable labial web (112) are formed by machining. A circular pilot hole is formed so as to extend mesially-distally through the body of the orthodontic bracket (100). One or more shaping broaches are then pushed or pulled through the pilot hole so as to form a desired rectangularly-shaped arch wire hole (106) within the orthodontic bracket body (104). The area surrounding the labial web cover (112) is also machined to form first and second connecting web regions (114, 116) of reduced cross-sectional thickness on either side of the labial web cover (112). Manufacture by machining allows stronger more dense metals to be employed compared to manufacturing by metal injection molding.

Abstract: A custom orthodontic appliance comprised of brackets to be positioned on a patient's teeth, and an archwire, is customized to provide a desired torque to a tooth by selecting an angle for the slot of at least one bracket so as to provide a torque interaction between that bracket slot and the archwire. The torque interaction is computed to compensate for tooth tilt resulting from misalignment of the force vector applied by the archwire with the tooth center of resistance. The torque interaction is computed at the desired final position of the teeth, and may be computed to provide for an applied torque even where the tooth is positioned in the desired final tooth position to compensate for force diminution. Material properties of the archwire and the relative archwire slot geometry are evaluated to determine an archwire/slot angular offset in which torque is applied to the bracket.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.