Abstract: Dental attachment placement apparatuses and related systems. An apparatus may include a body having attachments. The attachments, when worn at specified locations on the patient's dentition, may engage with one or more aligners to direct repositioning forces from the aligner(s) to the patient's dentition. The body of the apparatus may have contoured surfaces shaped in accordance with corresponding surfaces of the patient's teeth. The apparatus may also include supports extending from body and that support a corresponding attachment entirely within a corresponding aperture of the apparatus. The supports may include breakable regions to facilitate removal of the attachments from the body.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for handling dental restorations or dental appliances, including a device having an adhesive at one side of a flexible substrate which peels from a strip to connect to a dental appliance, the device further including an abrasive at an opposite side of the substrate, and in further aspects a tab section devoid of adhesive to accommodate easy grasp and lift of the device for removal from the dental appliance, and in further aspects a string attached to the tab.

Abstract: An impression taker captures an impression of preparation cut in abutment teeth. The impression taker includes; a rigid body supporting a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first longitudinal end configured to take an impression of a preparation cut in a first abutment tooth, and the second arm has a second longitudinal end configured to take an impression in a second abutment tooth. In addition, a reinforcement combination supports a dental bridge and an elongate proximal bar supports a dental bridge. The impression taker and the reinforcement bar combination can be used to produce a direct dental bridge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental mill blank that exhibits desirable resistance against wear in opposing teeth. The present invention relates to a dental mill blank comprising: an inorganic filler containing an inorganic filler (A) and an inorganic filler (B); and a polymer, the inorganic filler (A) partly forming an aggregate, and the dental mill blank satisfying the following formulae (I) to (III), 0.001?a<0.32??(I) 0.3?b?10??(II) 5?x?80??(III), where a is an average primary particle diameter of the inorganic filler (A) in micrometers, b is an average primary particle diameter of the inorganic filler (B) in micrometers, and x is an average particle diameter of the aggregate in micrometers. Preferably, the dental mill blank comprises an island component containing the aggregate, and a sea component containing the inorganic filler (A) and the inorganic filler (B).

Abstract: Injection mortar for anchoring a fastening element containing a chemical composition that can cure in a curing process, and means for initiating the curing process characterized in that the chemical composition cures when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, the means for initiating the curing process is formed by a radiation source for electromagnetic radiation, and the radiation source is placed within the anchoring zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for optical three-dimensional modeling that offers desirable shape accuracy in optical three-dimensional modeling, and that provides desirable transparency and mechanical characteristics upon being cured. The present invention relates to a composition for optical three-dimensional modeling comprising a polymerizable monomer (a), an ultraviolet-absorbing inorganic particle (b), and a photopolymerization initiator (c).

Abstract: A braided filamentary device, in one embodiment, includes a substantially flat morphology having a length, a width, and a height, and a pick count of at least about 50 picks per inch. The filamentary device is adapted to maintain its width while under a tension.

Abstract: A method for making ceramic fixed partial dentures comprising separating the as-sintered partial denture structure, rejoining the retainers and pontic with glass, which forms a strong joint between the retainers and pontic after sintering. This method may produce ceramic long-span fixed partial dentures with a better fit.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental mill blank, characterized in that the method includes contacting an inorganic filler molded article produced by subjecting an inorganic filler to press molding and a polymerizable monomer-containing composition, and allowing the polymerizable monomer to polymerize and cure. When the method of the present invention is used, a dental mill blank having a high inorganic powder content and excellent mechanical strength is obtained. In addition, the dental mill blank obtained is suitably used in the fabrication of a dental prosthesis having high mechanical strength and excellent gloss retention, by machining a mill blank using a CAD/CAM system.

Abstract: An adhesion promoter for endodontic sealant compositions for filling and sealing a root canal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a superior adhesive for oral adhering discs or troches. The adhesive is at least 80% acacia gum mixed with calcium carbonate so that, as the acacia gum is combined with water, it does not yield a pH lower than 5.5. The preferred ratio of acacia gum to calcium carbonate is within the range 15:1 to 50:1.

Abstract: A tooth implant comprises a tooth body sized to correspond to a tooth to be replaced and a layer of microscopic protrusions on an outer surface thereof. A method for preparing a dental implant comprising obtaining an model of the tooth to be replaced forming a tooth body corresponding to the model. The method further comprises applying a plurality of particles to at least a root portion of the tooth body and exposing the at least a root portion of the tooth body to a liquid ceramic so as to deposit a layer of cured liquid ceramic material on the at least a root portion of the tooth body.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic device and a method for its fabrication are disclosed. The method is applicable for metalloceramics or metalloplastics permanent dentures based on a light metal openwork frame strengthened by multiple layers of ceramic or plastic custom coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composite resin composition comprising (a) at least one polyreactive binder, (b) a first photopolymerization initiator having an absorption maximum at a wavelength of less than 400 nm, (c) a second photopolymerization initiator having an absorption maximum at a wavelength of at least 400 nm and (d) an absorber having an absorption maximum at a wavelength of less than 400 nm, for the stereolithographic production of a dental shaped part based on composite resin. The invention also relates to a process for the stereolithographic production of a dental shaped part and the use of the composite resin composition in this process.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to dental prostheses assemblies. Specifically, the disclosure relates to retrievable detent-retained dental prostheses assemblies, kits and methods of their use in the restoration and rehabilitation.

Abstract: Presently described are curable dental compositions comprising a polymerizable ionic liquid. The polymerizable ionic liquid comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated (e.g. free-radically polymerizable) groups. Various embodiments of curable dental compositions are described. In some embodiments, the polymerizable ionic liquid is a monofunctional polymerizable ionic liquid comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group. In other embodiments, the polymerizable ionic liquid is a multifunctional polymerizable ionic liquid comprising at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups. The curable dental compositions describe herein can be utilized as dental primers, dental adhesives, dental sealants, and dental composites. In many embodiments, the curable dental compositions further comprise an initiator such as a photoinitiator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material for biomedical applications, in particular dental applications, which possesses self-healing capacity and is able to incorporate a system for the release of active ingredients at the stage of application and use.

Abstract: A primer used for pre-treating the surfaces of a prosthetic, which exhibits a large adhering force at the time of adhering a prosthetic of metal oxide ceramics to an object to be joined by using an adhesive such as a dental cement, the large adhering force being maintained for extended periods of time even in a severe environment such as in an oral cavity. A primer composition for metal oxide ceramics includes (A) a polymerizable monomer component containing 5% by mass or more, preferably, 5% by mass to 80% by mass of an acidic group-containing polymerizable monomer as represented by a 11-methacryloyloxy-1,1-undecanedicarboxylic acid and a rest of a polymerizable monomer without acidic group, such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate; (B) polyvalent metal ions resulting from a titanium tetrabutoxide or the like; and (C) an organic solvent such as acetone or ethyl alcohol, wherein water is not substantially contained.

Abstract: Denture adhesive compositions having good hold and improved taste containing a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride. Compositions containing from about 25% to about 45%, by weight of the composition, of a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride containing a cationic salt function containing: i) from about 60% to about 72% cations selected from calcium, strontium, magnesium, or combinations thereof; ii) from 0% to about 10% sodium cations; iii) less than 1% zinc cations; and iv) from about 25% to about 40% of a free acid component; and further containing from about 15% to about 25%, by weight of the composition of a carboxymethyl cellulose having a molecular weight of from about 200,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons; and a carrier. Methods of improving the adhesion of dentures to the oral cavity by applying such compositions to dentures, the oral cavity, or both, and thereafter securing the denture to the ridge or palate of the oral cavity.

Abstract: Denture adhesive compositions having good hold and improved taste containing a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride. Compositions containing from about 25% to about 45%, by weight of the composition, of a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride containing a cationic salt function containing: i) from about 60% to about 72% cations selected from calcium, strontium, magnesium, or combinations thereof; ii) from 0% to about 10% sodium cations; iii) less than 1% zinc cations; and iv) from about 25% to about 40% of a free acid component; and further containing from about 15% to about 25%, by weight of the composition of a carboxymethyl cellulose having a molecular weight of from about 200,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons; and a carrier. Methods of improving the adhesion of dentures to the oral cavity by applying such compositions to dentures, the oral cavity, or both, and thereafter securing the denture to the ridge or palate of the oral cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a pontic in a pontic-housing pocket of one or more polymeric shell appliances having teeth-receiving cavities. Cavities in the polymeric shell appliances corresponding to the location of a missing or extracted tooth may include a pontic-housing pocket. The pocket may be filled with a composite resin or acrylic material that hardens and presents with a similar visual appearance to a tooth, thereby presenting the illusion that there is no missing tooth. The pontic-hardening pocket may have a single opening of sufficient size for receiving a syringe for injecting the pontic material. After the material hardens and the pontic is formed, it is locked into the pocket, as it cannot fit through the single opening. As the space of a missing tooth is widened or narrowed by the alignment treatment, successive shell appliances may have pontics of successively larger or smaller size.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a kit for cementation on dental implants comprising a) one or several predosed disposable packages containing a solid component (e.g. zinc oxide), b) a dropper bottle consisting of dropper insert and container, containing an acid component (e.g. phosphoric acid), the dropper bottle dropwise dispensing the acid upon pressure on the container, the dropper insert being characterized in that it dispenses an exactly defined amount of acid per drop.

Abstract: The abstract has been amended as follows: A method of dispensing a hardenable dental composition, which can form a temporary bond, comprising 1) providing multi-part hardenable dental composition comprising part (A) in the form of a paste comprising acid-reactive glass particles and a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, a monomer having at least one ethylenically 10 unsaturated group per monomer molecule, and a combination thereof; and part (B) comprising a water soluble polyacid and a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, a monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group per monomer molecule, and a combination thereof; and 2) extruding the composition through a static mixer in fluid communication with a first reservoir containing the part (A) and a second reservoir 20 containing the part (B); wherein a plunger is positioned in each reservoir for simultaneously forcing part (A) and part (B) into the static mixer.

Abstract: Described herein are all-natural compositions and methods of using them for removing denture adhesive from both the denture apparatus and the oral cavity. The compositions comprise acetic acid and water. The invention includes wipes premoistened with a composition of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a dental appliance for concealing a missing tooth that is easy and inexpensive to fabricate and does not require the patient to spend a lot of time in the dentist's chair or make multiple visits to the dentist's office to be fitted for the appliance. The device of the present invention is made of a dental restorative material and a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is clear in color, which makes it appear almost non-existent, flexible, and one solid piece. The restorative material in the dental appliance is similar to tooth structure because it is capable of expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A dental article includes yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic, and no more than about 0.15 wt. % of one or more coloring agents of one or more of: Pr, Tb, Cr, Nd, Co, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof, whereby the dental article is provided with a color corresponding to a natural tooth shade; and wherein the dental article has a flexural strength of at least about 800 MPa. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: A dental bridge and a dental device. The dental device may include a structural portion extending along an axis and connectable to at least one tooth. A truss portion may depend from the structural portion and be operable to support a pontic, the truss portion may define a plurality of slots extending from a peripheral surface. The structural portion may have a first surface oriented toward the occlusal surface and an opposite second surface, the structural portion defining a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings extending transverse to the axis and between the first surface and the second surface. The structural portion may define an angled surface leading into at least one of the plurality of openings. A plurality of projections may be formed on a first surface of the structural portion, each of the projections having a projection surface spaced beyond the first surface toward the occlusal surface.

Abstract: A palate-free upper denture comprising a denture base formed of an acrylic resin having (i) a lower portion bearing a plurality of downwardly protruding teeth; (ii) an upper portion defining an upper surface so shaped as to receive in retentive intimate engagement complementary peripheral gingiva portions of the upper mouth; and (iii) a lightweight metallic mesh embedded in said acrylic resin and usable in an amount to allow of satisfactory retention. The denture overcomes prior art drawbacks by allowing significant reduction in the amount of acrylic needed while providing sufficient structural integrity and acceptable upper denture retention.

Abstract: A method for attaching a metal structure to a dental coping having opposite sides in the preparation or repair of a dental restoration comprising the steps of: (1) forming a dental material composition comprising high-fusing temperature metal particles in a range of between 1-10 weight percent with the high-fusing temperature metal particles having at least 30% thereof selected from the platinum group of metals, low fusing temperature metal particles having a melting temperature below the melting temperature of the high-fusing particles with the low fusing temperature metal particles being present above at least about 90 weight percent of the total composition and being composed primarily of gold, and a small measure of borate fluxes in a range of between 0.1 to 2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dental temporary filling material and cement formulations comprising a hydrophobic matrix of a hydrophobic material in which an inorganic hardening material and fine, hydrophilic, water-insoluble solid particles are dispersed. The hydrophilic particles serve to conduct water into the hydrophobic matrix to increase the depth and degree of cure in the oral environment as compared to a similar or substantially identical formulation lacking said hydrophilic component.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adhesive strip, particularly an adhesive strip or bandage for use in periodontal treatments. The biocompatible adhesive strip comprises a flexible barrier with a biocompatible adhesive for use in an oral environment, wherein the adhesive is in a non-tacky state when dry and becomes adherent upon contact with liquids.

Abstract: Methods and systems for temporarily coating intra-oral devices (e.g., orthodontic brackets and/or wires) so as to reduce discomfort to soft tissues within a patient's mouth. One embodiment of such a system includes at least one orthodontic bracket or orthodontic arch wire and a two-part polymerizable temporary coating composition for use in coating selected surfaces of the brackets and/or wires. One silicone polymerizable two-part composition includes a vinyl siloxane component, a cross-linking component, and a catalyst activator initially divided between the two parts so that at least one of the components is kept separate from at least one other component (i.e., all three components are not initially commingled). Upon mixing of the first and second parts, the composition begins to polymerize.

Abstract: Denture adhesive compositions having good hold and improved taste containing a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride. Compositions containing from about 25% to about 45%, by weight of the composition, of a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride containing a cationic salt function containing: i) from about 60% to about 72% cations selected from calcium, strontium, magnesium, or combinations thereof; ii) from 0% to about 10% sodium cations; iii) less than 1% zinc cations; and iv) from about 25% to about 40% of a free acid component; and further containing from about 15% to about 25%, by weight of the composition of a carboxymethyl cellulose having a molecular weight of from about 200,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons; and a carrier. Methods of improving the adhesion of dentures to the oral cavity by applying such compositions to dentures, the oral cavity, or both, and thereafter securing the denture to the ridge or palate of the oral cavity.

Abstract: A method of placing a dental implant analog in a physical model for use in creating a dental prosthesis is provided. The physical model, which is usually based on an impression of the patient's mouth or a scan of the patient's mouth, is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the physical model is created and is used to develop the location of the dental implant. A robot then modifies the physical model to create an opening for the implant analog. The robot then places the implant analog within the opening at the location dictated by the three-dimensional computer model.

Abstract: A non-toxic water erodible denture adhesive incorporating a starch portion and a polysaccharide portion whereby a elastomeric paste of excellent bioadhesiveness and adhesion to smooth surfaces is obtained; and which is found to have excellent thin film forming properties and is water erodible facilitating easy removal from denture recesses as well as the intraoral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a denture adhesive article comprising: a) a safe and effective adhesive amount of a water soluble denture adhesive component; b) a safe and effective amount of a component selected from the group consisting of a water soluble plasticizer, a water soluble carrier, and mixtures thereof; wherein the article is bioerodible; and wherein the article has dry tack.

Abstract: Multilayer device comprising two outer layers of hydrophilic fibre-reinforced textile material between which an intermediate layer is interposed formed from a partly dehydrated aqueous gel comprising sodium alginate, glycerol and water substantially free of calcium and/or magnesium ions. This device is useful for forming adhesive pads for fixing dentures and for forming dermal adhesive bandages.

Abstract: A dental adhesive composition comprising (i) at least one non-acidic polymerizable monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group, (ii) optionally one or more acidic compounds, (iii) at least one photoinitiator, (iv) at least one solvent, and (v) about 0-40% by weight of one or more fillers; wherein the weight ratio of non-acidic polymerizable monomers/acidic compounds in the adhesive composition is more than about 4.5; the viscosity of the adhesive composition is less than about 350 centipoise (cP) at 25° C.; and the adhesive composition excluding solvent and filler has an acid number of less than about 0.75 mmol NaOH/g. The dental adhesive composition is used with a dental primer composition, which may be provided together in a kit.

Abstract: This method provides easy to use, non-irritating, comfortable, light, and reliable denture fixation that accurately copies the contours of the patient's gum line and holds dentures for 25-30 days.

Abstract: A dental bridge and a dental device. The dental device may include a structural portion extending along an axis and connectable to at least one tooth. A truss portion may depend from the structural portion and be operable to support a pontic, the truss portion may define a plurality of slots extending from a peripheral surface. The structural portion may have a first surface oriented toward the occlusal surface and an opposite second surface, the structural portion defining a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings extending transverse to the axis and between the first surface and the second surface. The structural portion may define an angled surface leading into at least one of the plurality of openings. A plurality of projections may be formed on a first surface of the structural portion, each of the projections having a projection surface spaced beyond the first surface toward the occlusal surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a denture adhesive liner in the form of an extruded film or sheet, comprising a denture adhesive effective amount of alginate; thermoplastic polymer; and plasticizer, wherein said composition is extrudable into a film that is capable of adhering to a wet mucous surface. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a denture adhesive liner comprising the steps of: preparing a composition of a denture adhesive effective amount of alginate; thermoplastic polymer; and plasticizer; and forming a denture adhesive liner from the composition.

Abstract: Two-part resin-reinforced cement compositions, kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time.

Abstract: There is provided a highly functional one-step light-curing dental adhesive composition i) based on a multifunctional prepolymer mixture of 2,2-bis-[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (“Bis-GMA”) and a multifunctional prepolymer formed by substitiuting hydrogen atoms of hydroxyl groups present in Bis-GMA molecules with methacrylate groups, in which the Bis-GMA is used as a base prepolymer of conventional dental adhesive compositions; and ii) comprising and acidic monomer for removing a portion of smear layer, which is allowed to be bonded without separate treatment of acid etchant, an adhesive monomer having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, a hydrophilic monomer which is allowed to be bonded in the present of moisture, an inorganic filler for improving mechanical properties, diluent, water for demineralization, a photoinitiation system and other additives.

Abstract: A prepreg containing fibers and a curable matrix, the prepreg having a core and a surface part encasing the core, where the matrix of the core and of the surface part are made of the same material and where the proportion of the matrix to the fibers is higher in the core than in the surface part. A composite obtainable from the prepreg as well as the use of the composite or prepreg are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oral prosthesis fitment system includes a wax sheet having at least one face coated with a contact or pressure sensitive adhesive. A water activated adhesive is overlaid on the contact or pressure sensitive adhesive and the sheet is contoured by modeling over and around contact surfaces of a denture plate, with the adhesive coated surface facing outward. The denture is then placed in the oral cavity and the water activated adhesive composition is either premoistened or moistened by saliva. Compressive force is then applied to assure a proper fit.

Abstract: A dental product formed by a process and a method of using a denture including providing a denture having an outer face, applying a readily flowable material to the face. The flowable material comprises volatile material and polymeric material. Volatilizing at least a portion of the volatile material from the flowable material to form a readily peelable water swellable solid film. The film is substantially insoluble in water. The film comprising at least 10% by weight of the polymeric material. The denture having an outer face. The film adheres to the face and film effectively not being covalently bonded to the face. The product and method are preferably carried out using an adhesive dispenser including a container, a pump and flowable adhesive. The flowable adhesive is enclosed by the container. The pump is supported by the container and the pump is connected through a conduit to the flowable adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising: (a) from about 15% to about 70% by weight of the composition of a denture adhesive component; (b) a safe and effective amount of a colorant selected from the group consisting of xanthene dyes, fluorescein dyes, free acids and salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and (c) a safe and effective amount of a non-aqueous denture adhesive carrier. The present invention further relates to a method of reducing, inhibiting and/or preventing, calculus, tartar, plaque, stain, and/or microbes in the oral cavity, by applying the above denture adhesive composition to the oral cavity of a denture wearer in need thereof. The present invention further relates to a method of providing improved antimicrobial effects in the oral cavity by applying the above denture adhesive composition to the oral cavity of a denture wearer in need thereof.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis adhesive sheet trimming method, for allowing a user to custom trim an untrimmed dental adhesive sheet to create a trimmed dental adhesive sheet which is custom sized to fit the user's dental prosthesis. The dental prosthesis has a ridge recess for accommodating the dental adhesive sheet. The overall outline of the dental prosthesis is traced, which is used to create a final outline which is uniformly eroded along its edges than the overall outline. To allow the user to easily trim the untrimmed dental adhesive sheets to fit the ridge recess, a die is created from the final outline which may be employed by the user to create trimmed dental adhesive sheets wherever needed for use to affix the dental prosthesis within the mouth.

Abstract: An artificial maxillary molar unit which enables a user to bite through food without a pain, and an alignment instrument which facilitates to make a denture using the artificial maxillary molar unit are provided. The denture is made by using an artificial maxillary molar unit 6. An artificial maxillary molar has an occlusal surface on which a ridge 8 having a sharp edge is aligning along a line corresponding to a ridge of a cusp on an occlusal surface of a natural maxillary molar. The ridge of the occlusal surface of the artificial maxillary molar has opposite sides each formed as a concave surface 9 having a gentle inclination from the occlusal surface toward a root. During the making of the denture, an alignment instrument having one surface on which an impression corresponding to the occlusal surface of the artificial maxillary molar unit 6 is provided.

Abstract: A cast orthodontic retainer system for reducing discomfort and improving durability. The cast orthodontic retainer system generally includes a palatal portion for positioning against the palate of a patient's mouth and a retention portion for extending across an anterior portion of the patient's teeth. The palatal portion of the present invention is fabricated of a cast metallic material, thus allowing for the palatal portion to be substantially thinner than the palatal portions of retainers in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the palatal portion of the present invention will be fabricated of a combination of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum (generally marketed under the trademark VITALLIUM). The palatal portion of the orthodontic retainer is preferably cast from the metallic material utilizing the “lost wax” technique of casting.