Abstract: An equine dental speculum maintenance system utilizing rotatable and replaceable wear components in order to extend the useful life of an equine dental speculum. Both the toothed rack and the pawl are rotatable and replaceable.

Abstract: A bite block system for maintaining the mouth of the patient in an open position during a dental procedure. In one embodiment, the bite block includes a plastically deformable material on at least a surface thereof for making an impression of the patient's teeth. Such customized bite blocks provide greater safety and comfort. In another aspect, a tongue suppressing bite block system includes a bite block and a tongue suppressor adjustably attached thereto so that the tongue depressor can be adjusted horizontally or vertically relative to the bite block to account for variations in the size of patient's mouths, teeth and tongues. In another aspect of the invention, an anatomical tongue depressor is provided for use with a bite block. The anatomical tongue depressor wraps around the side and underneath the tongue in order to cradle it in a more comfortable and secure fashion when in use with a bite block.

Abstract: Device for pushing away an oriclosure arranged around a dental element. When filling dental elements, it is important that adjacent dental elements should c me into contact with one another at a defined location. To this end, the invention proposes a tool for pushing the enclosure arranged around the dental element onto the adjacent dental element during the filling operation. In the vicinity of the free end, this tool is provided with a thickened section which has to push away an enclosure of this type. This thickened section is provided with a recess in the vicinity of the free end, approximately in the centre. This recess forms an elevation in the filling material, and in this way shrinkage stresses can be guided ut of the centre of the filling material towards the outside, resulting in a shrinkage-free filling.

Abstract: A device is used for forming holes and inserting sleeves in a unit incorporated in a dental bridge or a template for forming holes in bone. The unit comprises a shell and, arranged in the latter, a matrix material which is viscous at least in an initial forming stage and which gives the unit resiliency properties or is resilient as a function of one or more actions. The device comprises a perforating part (7) by means of which the shell and the substance can be penetrated and can be pushed aside counter to the effect of the resiliency in order to form holes or recesses. Arranged behind or under (over) the perforating part there is a sleeve-supporting portion by means of which a sleeve (5) assumes a position in the hole or recess and exposes its outside to said pushed-aside and resilient shell and substance or agent. The perforating part and the sleeve are arranged to prevent any substantial leakage of the substance or agent during the penetration and the sleeve application.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a patient's mouth in an open position during a medical procedure is provided. The device includes a cylindrical body configured to be received in the patient's mouth. A flange extending from an edge of the body is configured to engage the face of the patient, and preferably, the device includes a retainer for retaining the body in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for maintaining the mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure. The apparatus includes a bite block that is inserted into the patient's mouth between the upper and lower teeth on either side of a patient's mouth. Disposed in operable relation to the bite block is a tongue suppressor for confinement of the patient's tongue within a desired location, such as the bottom cavity, of the patient's mouth. The tongue suppressor includes a retention arm that extends across the tongue laterally away from the bite block. The bite block includes features, such as a plurality of slots or paired recesses, that allow for a portion of the tongue suppressor, such as the retention arm, retention prongs or an adjustment peg to be selectively inserted and retracted relative to the bite block to provide for lateral adjustment of the tongue suppressor relative to the bite block.

Abstract: An intra-oral article that is user-customized from a contoured, thermoplastic pre-form stretches and reconfigures cheek skin, thereby diminishing the appearance of cheek lines, wrinkles, folds, and depressions. After heating a pre-form to its softening point, it is pressed against the buccal surface of the gums and teeth in a posterior quadrant of the maxilla or mandible. The pre-form is removed from the mouth after hardening, which yields a customized impression on the interior surface of the pre-form. The customized article can subsequently be applied and removed as desired by the user.

Abstract: A bite block system for maintaining the mouth of the patient in an open position during a dental procedure. In one embodiment, the bite block includes a plastically deformable material on at least a surface thereof for making an impression of the patient's teeth. Such customized bite blocks provide greater safety and comfort. In another aspect, a tongue suppressing bite block system includes a bite block and a tongue suppressor adjustably attached thereto so that the tongue suppressor can be adjusted horizontally or vertically relative to the bite block to account for variations in the size of patient's mouths, teeth and tongues. In another aspect of the invention, an anatomical tongue suppressor is provided for use with a bite block. The anatomical tongue suppressor wraps around the side and underneath the tongue in order to cradle it in a more comfortable and secure fashion when in use with a bite block.

Abstract: An absorbent core is contained within a generally wedge shaped shell. The core is constructed of cotton or other known absorbent material. The shell is constructed of a material which is rigid enough to hold a mouth of a patient in an open position when the bite block is inserted within the mouth, for example, foamed polystyrene. The shell has a first side and a second side, which are generally triangular shaped and opposite each other. The shell further includes a third side and a fourth side, which are generally rectangular, and which each span between the first and second sides of the shell. Each of the third and fourth sides include alternating peaks and valleys, for providing a gripping surface for the teeth of the patient. The first and second sides each contain an elongated side aperture therein. The core spans completely between the first and second sides at the side apertures. An end aperture is provided at the apex of the shell. The core spans completely to the end aperture.

Abstract: An intra-oral cavity device for preventing contact between upper and lower teeth of an anesthetized patient. The device includes an elongate pillow that when gripped between the teeth of a patient, prevents contact between the teeth and/or gums and thereby prevents damage to the teeth and/or gums. The pillow may be made of a fibrous, porous and/or absorbent material. The device is adapted for single use and thus disposal after use by a patient. A method of the use of performing surgery using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: A cosmetic coating composition comprising acrylic acid type copolymers, pyrrolidone type copolymers, and an alcohol solvent, a remover for dental coating composition comprising an alcohol solvent and a gelling agent and containing said alcohol solvent in an amount of not less than 20 mass % based on the total mass of the remover, and a intraoral lip supporter for fixing lips to gums. Further, a method for applying a coating composition characterized by applying a coating composition containing a white powdered pigment as a primer coating, and then overcoating a coating composition containing a chromatic color type pigment or microfine leaves, and a method for applying a coating composition with using said supporter.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A device and method for distracting a temporomandibular joint and/or repositioning a dislocated disc in a patient. The device comprises upper and lower elongated members that are releasably coupled together by an arrangement that allows pivoting and sliding relative movement. Each member includes a handle at one end and an opposite distal tip configured for engaging teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The lower member includes a clamp for adjustably securing the patient's mandible to the lower member. The device may also include an auxiliary, height adjustable fulcrum located forwardly of the coupling between the members. The auxiliary fulcrum permits the operator to obtain a more advantageous lever, which is useful for freeing a locked jaw in a patient suffering from intra-articular adhesions. The distal tips and/or receptacles mounted on the distal tips may be detachable from a base portion of the device to enhance adaptability of the device to different size patients and anatomies.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for maintaining the mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure. The apparatus includes a bite block that is inserted into the patient's mouth between the upper and lower teeth on either side of a patient's mouth. Disposed in operable relation to the bite block is a tongue suppressor for confinement of the patient's tongue within a desired location, such as the bottom cavity, of the patient's mouth. The tongue suppressor includes a retention arm that extends across the tongue laterally away from the bite block. The bite block includes features, such as a plurality of slots or paired recesses, that allow for a portion of the tongue suppressor, such as the retention arm, retention prongs or an adjustment peg to be selectively inserted and retracted relative to the bite block to provide for lateral adjustment of the tongue suppressor relative to the bite block.

Abstract: A bite block system for maintaining the mouth of the patient in an open position during a dental procedure. In one embodiment, the bite block includes a plastically deformable material on at least a surface thereof for making an impression of the patient's teeth. Such customized bite blocks provide greater safety and comfort. In another aspect, a tongue suppressing bite block system includes a bite block and a tongue suppressor adjustably attached thereto so that the tongue suppressor can be adjusted horizontally or vertically relative to the bite block to account for variations in the size of patient's mouths, teeth and tongues. In another aspect of the invention, an anatomical tongue suppressor is provided for use with a bite block. The anatomical tongue suppressor wraps around the side and underneath the tongue in order to cradle it in a more comfortable and secure fashion when in use with a bite block.

Abstract: A method of forming a surgical splint to receive a patient's dentition and thereby align the upper jaw and the lower jaw during surgery includes generating a CT computer model of bone structure, generating a digital dental computer model of the patient's dentition, and then combining the CT computer model and the digital dental computer model to form a composite computer model. The composite computer model may be displayed, and at least one of the upper jaw and lower jaw repositioned relative to the patient's skull and the composite computer model to form a planned position computer model. Using this desired position computer model, a computer model surgical splint of the patient's dentition may be formed, which is then input into a fabrication machine to form a surgical splint. The method also includes forming and displaying the composite computer model. A workstation includes a CT machine, a digital scanner, a computer, an input command mechanism, a display, and a fabricating machine.

Abstract: An absorbent core is contained within a generally wedge shaped shell. The core is constructed of cotton or other known absorbent material. The shell is constructed of a material which is rigid enough to hold a mouth of a patient in an open position when the bite block is inserted within the mouth, for example, foamed polystyrene. The shell has a first side and a second side, which are generally triangular shaped and opposite each other. The shell further includes a third side and a fourth side, which are generally rectangular, and which each span between the first and second sides of the shell. Each of the third and fourth sides include alternating peaks and valleys, for providing a gripping surface for the teeth of the patient. The first and second sides each contain an elongated side aperture therein. The core spans completely between the first and second sides at the side apertures. An end aperture is provided at the apex of the shell. The core spans completely to the end aperture.

Abstract: A suction tool embodying the invention includes a tubular suction tip having a first end intended to be connected to a vacuum source and having a second end connected to a paddle like structure intended to be inserted into an oral cavity. The paddle like structure facilitates retraction of the tongue, cheeks or lips within, and about, the oral cavity while providing desired suction to remove saliva and other foreign bodies from the oral cavity and enabling a dentist to work on teeth without the danger of causing injury to the retracted tongue, cheek or lips. In one embodiment, the paddle like structure has two opposing surfaces, one surface having a large orifice for facing the work area and enabling the flow of debris into the suction tip while the other surface has no openings and is designed to face (i.e., retract) the tongue and other soft tissue.

Abstract: An oral cavity spreading apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of mouth corner hooks capable of being inserted into the oral cavity to spread the corners of the mouth, wing portions protruding individually outward from the mouth corner hooks and capable of spreading the inner part of the oral cavity, and a substantially U-shaped spring arm portion connecting the mouth corner hooks. The mouth corner hooks are adapted to be pressed toward each other against the urging force of the spring arm portion so that the respective end portions of the mouth corner hooks engage each other and the wing portions are steadily rotated inward and toward each other around the point of engagement between the end portions as a pivot as the mouth corner hooks are inserted into the oral cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intrabuccal stretcher having essentially a supporting bar and a pushing part formed at each distal end of the supporting bar; the pushing parts having such a thickness and such a roundish shape as are suitable for pushing internal sides of buccae; the supporting bar being bent symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis; the pushing parts being extended outward from the distal ends of the supporting bar; wherein the pushing par-n are inserted into an oral cavity with the supporting bar remaining partly outside the oral cavity to push and simulate internal sides of the buccae.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: An oral cavity spreading apparatus according to the present invention comprises a pair of mouth corner hooks capable of being inserted into the oral cavity to spread the corners of the mouth, wing portions protruding individually outward from the mouth corner hooks and capable of spreading the inner part of the oral cavity, and a substantially U-shaped spring arm portion connecting the mouth corner hooks, the mouth corner hooks being adapted to be pressed toward each other against the urging force of the spring arm portion so that the respective end portions of the mouth corner hooks engage each other and the wing portions are steadily rotated inward and toward each other around the point of engagement between the end portions as a pivot as the mouth corner hooks are inserted into the oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illumiinating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical proceduire. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block with the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A lighted dental prop is disclosed comprising a wedge shaped bite block and a light source. The bite block utilizes reflected fiberoptic light or an internal light source to provide broad illumination to the mouth.

Abstract: A dental separator and matrix stabilizing device (40) for applying pressure against adjacent teeth (68, 70) to temporarily force the teeth apart from one another for dental and orthodontic procedures. The device (40) includes a spring yoke (42), opposing tines (46), and engagement structures (44). The opposing tines (46) are adapted for wedging between interdental surfaces of the adjacent teeth (68, 70). The engagement structures (44) are adapted for receiving a spreading instrument (58). The opposing tines (46) engage the profile of a tooth along a zone of contact. The device is adapted be used in combination with a plurality of like devices (40, 40′).

Abstract: A dental device (10) includes a tongue-retracting surface (14) and a throat dam (15, 16) adapted to be positioned in the mouth of a patient. Integral lip-retracting surfaces (17) and a grip portion (18) are connected to the tongue-retracting surface (14) and throat dam (15, 16) by a prop portion (12) which preferably have angled biting surfaces (19) adapted to be engaged by the teeth of the patient. An expandable throat barrier net (23) may be attached to a portion of the throat dam (15). An evacuation system (30) may be provided to remove fluids from the mouth. The biting surfaces (19) may be provided with a pad (21) or a thermoplastic material (22) for the comfort of the patient. A reflective material (27) may be attached to the tongue-retracting surface (14) and a fiber optic rod (28) may be carried by the tongue-retracting surface (14) to assist in illuminating the oral cavity of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A tongue positioning device is disclosed for positioning the tongue within a user's mouth. The device includes a tongue positioning mouthpiece that includes a mouthpiece body with a center hole therein. A flange portion extends around the periphery of the mouthpiece body that forms an acoustic seal with the teeth and lips of a patient during use. A pair of bite blocks protrude from the mouthpiece body on opposing lateral sides of the center hole. A tongue bridge is fixedly secured to the bite blocks via a pair of downwardly extending arms. The tongue bridge includes a platform area where a patient's tongue is placed under when the mouthpiece is used. A cylindrical portion extends from the mouthpiece body in a direction away from the flange. An optional filter is removable from the cylindrical portion and acts as a protective barrier for viruses, bacteria, microbes, and other pathogens. The filter includes a removable filter body containing a filter media.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for maintaining the mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure. The apparatus having a bite block that is inserted into the patient's mouth between the upper and lower molars on either side of a patient's mouth. Disposed in operable relation to the bite block is a tongue suppressor for retaining the tongue of a patient in the bottom cavity of the mouth. The tongue suppressor having a retaining arm that extends across the tongue away from the bite block. Opposite the bite block on the retaining arm is a flange that extends downward toward the bottom of the mouth. The retaining arm and the flange retain the patient's tongue in the bottom cavity of the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A bite block for facilitating a dentist's access to a patient's mouth includes an open-ended, U-shaped body having a pair of arms extending from a bight portion, thereby defining a void 40 that is bounded in part by the arms and the bite portion, whereby when the bite block is positioned between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth the dentist will have access to the patient's mouth through the void.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for preventing grinding of the upper and lower teeth of a person wearing braces. The apparatus provides a bite guard adapted to prevent grinding of the teeth of a person wearing braces, the bite guard comprising a U-shaped base having a first surface, a second surface, a U-shaped inner side, and a U-shaped outer side, and a width at least as wide as the person's teeth, and a plurality of flexible hooks attached to the outer side and projecting at a first selected angle relative to a direction normal to the first surface. The method provides a way for preventing dental grinding of occlusal surfaces of a patient wearing braces, the method comprising positioning a bite guard between the occlusal surfaces of the patient's upper and lower teeth, and attaching the insert to the patient's braces on the upper or lower teeth.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental device for insertion in a patient's mouth generally between the patient's upper and lower teeth for cooperating and positioning the mandible and the maxilla in centric relation. The dental device includes a centric bite assembly including a bite portion which is insertable between the patient's upper and lower anterior teeth. The bite portion is constructed of pliable materials and is sized and shaped to maintain the patient's upper and lower posterior teeth spaced a distance apart as the patient bites down on the bite portion. The pliable materials result in the bite portion being partially collapsed as the patient bites down on the bite portion and permit relative movement of the upper and lower anterior teeth for cooperating in positioning the mandible and the maxilla in centric relation as a result of the patient's muscle contraction and relaxation as the patient bites down on the bite assembly while not causing a ramping effect.

Abstract: An essentially a U-shaped oral isolation device having a tongue arm, a buccal arm, and a hinge section is provided. The device is an essentially hollow member having an upper suction chamber and a lower suction chamber within the hollows of the oral isolation device. Each chamber further comprising suction inlet apertures through which saliva, fluid, aerosol mist, and debris can be evacuated from the operative site, and a suction outlet chamber through which the collected saliva, fluid, and debris are removed from the device. A U-shaped hinge member joins the buccal arm and the tongue arm. It has position memory which permits the user to squeeze the arm members toward one another for placement in the mouth and upon release, the arm members exert opposing positional influence against the tongue and cheek. Also provided is a method of use for the device in which the tongue arm and buccal arms are forced toward one another.

Abstract: A speculum (200) for large animals (100) includes an elongated member (20) that extends into the animal's mouth and terminates in a pliable mouthpiece (18) that rests between the animal's molars (110) and (120), or (130) and (140). An outer portion (20) that extends alongside the animal's cheek terminates in a handle (30) which may be held by hand or attached to a halter (52).

Abstract: Dental device acting as a variable-height mouth opener, a saliva ejector and an oral dam including a casing having a shape reproducing the shape of the dental arches and able to maintain the patient's mouth open once inserted into it in contact with the dental arches, and a saliva discharge opening communicating with a tube for removing the saliva by suction applied to the other end of the tube. The size of the device casing in the mastication direction can be varied from a minimum to a maximum, for example, by pivotally mounting a projecting element to the casing.

Abstract: In a pulling apparatus for correcting a jaw on a skull, for instance for the elimination of a supraclusion, cross bite or cleft palate, a basic member is provided with elements for attachment to the jaw and is movable in the correcting direction (x1). The basic member is to be movable also in a direction deviating from the correcting direction (x1).

Abstract: A device for distracting a temporomandibular joint and repositioning an antetiorly dislocated disc in a patient comprises upper and lower elongated members coupled together by a pivotal, slidable and releasable coupling. This versatile coupling is accomplished by providing the upper member with a longitudinally extending cavity and the lower member with a roller configured for translation within the cavity. Each member includes a handle at one end and an opposite distal tip configured for engaging posterior teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The lower member includes a clamp for adjustably securing the patient's mandible to the lower member. A method of using the device comprises positioning the device in the patient's mouth so that the distal tips are seated on upper and lower posterior teeth of the patent, squeezing the handles together to distract the joint, and sliding the lower member anteriorly (toward the opening of the mouth) relative to the upper member.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making impressions of at least a portion of a patient's upper and lower posterior teeth with the patient's mandible and maxilla positioned in a centric relation, relieving muscle trismus and pain caused by muscles, diagnosing temporal mandibular joint problems in a patient, and positioning a patient's mandible and maxilla in a centric relation using a dental device sized and shaped so as to be inserted into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An improved retractor apparatus for conducting orthodontic procedures in a dry field, the retractor including a first arm portion for extending along the outer surface of a patient's cheek that can be grasped by the orthodontist performing the procedure; a second lower lip depressor portion concavely formed for pressing against the lower lip as the orthodontist grasps the handle portion, a third cheek retractor portion extending from the bridge (lip retractor) portion into the mouth of the patient and formed in a biconvex fashion to curve along the inner surface of the cheek of the patient; an upper lip retractor portion that retracts and elevates the upper lip as the apparatus is manipulated by the dentist, a bridge member situated at the confluence of the first arm, (handle) portion, the second arm (lower lip depressor) portion, the third arm (cheek retractor) portion and the fourth arm (upper lip retractor) portion.

Abstract: A jaw retention device operative for use by a dental patient to urge the patient's lower jaw into an open position thereby relieving stress on the jaw muscles during dental procedures. The device includes a hand held object connected by an elongated flexible member to a mouth piece. The mouth piece is preferably constructed of a plastic material having sufficient flexibility to permit the mouth piece to bend and release from the lower teeth when the flexible member is subjected to a selected threshold tension.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A dental device for insertion in a patient's mouth generally between the patient's upper and lower teeth for cooperating and positioning the mandible and the maxilla in centric relation. The dental device includes a centric bite assembly including a bite portion which is insertable between the patient's upper and lower anterior teeth and an impression support assembly connected to and extending a predetermined perpendicular distance away from the centric bite assembly. The dental device also may be used for relieving muscle trismus and pain caused by muscles and diagnosing temporal mandibular joint problems by having the patient bite down on the bite portion tending to position the mandibular and the maxilla in centric relation.

Abstract: A dental appliance is made up of an elongated body having a substantially longitudinal axis with opposite end portions making up substantially flat surfaces extending laterally the axis for being engaged by teeth or endentulous areas of the upper and lower jaws of a patient. A circular opening is provided with in this middle region of the elongated body to allow the tube of a saliva and debris ejector to be positioned slidably therein, and within the mouth of a patient when the apparatus is being used. The elongated body is narrower between the flat surfaces of the bite pads for maximizing the visual field of a mouth to the person performing a dental procedure. The elongated body is deformable to ensure stable engagement between the teeth or endentulous region of the upper and lower jaws of a patient and the corresponding flat surface making up the bite pads of the elongated body.

Abstract: The dental device includes a buccal member and a lingual member disposable on one side of a patient's mouth for isolating the buccal and lingual sides of the patient's mandibular teeth, respectively. The buccal member is generally curved to follow an outer contour of the patient's mandibular arch for deflecting the patient's cheek from the buccal side of the mandibular teeth. The lingual member is configured to corral a side of the patient's tongue and has a neck portion in a region where the lingual member attaches to the buccal member, the neck portion being configured to rest on the patient's mandibular teeth. The distal ends of the buccal and lingual members are spaced apart to permit independent movement therebetween. In one embodiment, the device includes a prop stem releasably attachable to the patient's maxillary teeth for propping open the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental instrument (10) has a handle (12) having a handle front (12F) and a handle rear (12R). The handle (12) further has a handle grip (12A). The dental instrument (10) further has a probe (14) which is securely attached to and extending frontwardly from the handle front (12F). The probe (14) functions to measure periodontal pockets. The probe (14) has a probe first shaft (14A) which is securely connected at a rear distal end to a front distal end of the handle front (12F). The probe first shaft (14A) is in an approximately parallel configuration to a longitudinal axis of the handle (12). The probe (14) further has a probe second shaft (14B) which is securely connected at a rear distal end at an upward obtuse angle to a front distal end of the probe first shaft (14A). The probe (14) still further has a probe point (14C) which is securely connected at a rear distal end at an approximate perpendicular downward angle to a front distal end of the probe second shaft (14B).

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices and methods which are useful in treating an oral cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, a nozzle is provided which is adapted for attachment to a hand piece of a dental tool. The nozzle comprises an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end is adapted for attachment to the hand piece while the distal end is flared to facilitate manipulation of a body part.

Abstract: This invention relates to tongue deflectors which attach to saliva ejectors. The tongue deflector of this invention is formed of a flattened body with sufficient height to extend from the floor of the mouth to the top of tooth surfaces, so that the body may extend along the inner sides of the teeth to separate contact between the tongue and at least some of the teeth. A plurality of slotted cuts are provided through the body of the device to form a plurality of straps which may be pulled or pushed away from the body. The saliva ejector stem is passed through the strap so the saliva ejector tip nests in the tongue deflector body, and the tongue deflector attaches to the saliva ejector tip.

Abstract: A dental appliance includes a circular ring member and two laterally extending rigid arm members which have bite pads on the ends thereof. The circular ring member includes an opening therethrough sized to slidably mount a saliva ejector. The arm members and the ring member are dimensioned to minimize the obstruction of the field of view of the mouth of a dental professional.

Abstract: A hygiene implement handle formed of a compressible material includes an aperture for receiving a hygiene implement. Alternatively, a mouth prop handle apparatus has a handle and mouth prop formed integrally to one another of a compressible material. A rigid core is positioned within the compressible material. A mouth prop having a wedge shape can also be formed of the compressible material. The compressible material can be a foam material. The mouth prop handle and hygiene implement handle are disposable and can be advantageously used for special needs patients.

Abstract: A lock device for holding "open" position of a person's mandible (lower) jaw bone, for facilitating medical treatments such as emergency intubation and other procedures, dental work, etc., particularly on a patient who is either unconscious or for some other reason is not cooperative.A pair of force lugs, carried on support-beam members, are for imposing a force oppositely against a person's mandible teeth set and upper or skull (maxilla) teeth set. The beam members are pivotally interconnected; and have an extension arm outwardly and rearwardly extending from the outer end, being a retroflex member which in use of the device extends generally horizontally and rearwardly along the person's cheek, providing ease of manual grasping and other advantages.