Abstract: Electrochemical method for treating teeth: applying metal salt solution to teeth, applying ionizable substance to the teeth, and applying current flow to the teeth so as to ionize the ionizable substance. Electrochemical device for dental treatment: applicator for applying a substance to teeth, having a first end and a second end, a first electrode attached to first end of applicator, second electrode attached to second end of applicator, wherein first electrode and second electrode are configured for current flow through applicator, and an ionizable substance for placement within applicator, wherein ionizable substance is configured for ionization upon application of current flow through the substance. Electrochemical teeth whitening method: applying metal salt solution to teeth, applying an oxidizing agent to teeth exposed to metal salt solution, and applying current flow to the teeth so as to activate and reduce the oxidizing agent for effecting whitening of the teeth.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for creating a mold of a patient's teeth to which are installed orthodontic appliances with a support assembly bonded to a tooth. The appliances may include a corresponding corrective assembly with a wire engaging portion removably coupled to the support assembly. The systems and methods may include removing a corrective assembly from a support assembly, applying unset molding compound to the patient's teeth and corresponding support assemblies, setting the molding compound into a mold, and nondeformably removing the mold from the patient's mouth. The support assemblies may include a marker portion to indicate the position of the wire engaging portion of a corrective assembly that may be removed prior to making a mold and/or installed after making the mold. Marker assemblies adapted to removably engage a support assembly, and including such a marker portion, may be temporarily coupled to support assemblies prior to making a mold.

Abstract: Impression post for a dental implant, having a sleeve-shaped impression cap (4) with a coupling section (16) configured to be connected to the dental implant (20), and a substantially cylindrical recess (6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the impression cap (4) and an attachment element (8) engaging through the recess (6) for attaching the impression cap (4) on the dental implant (20). The impression cap (4) has an inner sleeve (10) and an outer sleeve (12) radially surrounding said inner sleeve on the outside, which outer sleeve is detachably connected to the inner sleeve (10), and the coupling section (16) is at least partly an element of the inner sleeve (10).

Abstract: A tooth implant is done by first fitting to teeth adjacent an edentulous site of a jawbone a temporary bridge and providing in the bridge a guide tube oriented in alignment with a location on the site where an implant pin is to be seated. Then, with the bridge in place and using the tube as a guide, a pilot bore is drilled in the jawbone at the location, and then the implant pin is fitted into the drilled bore and the tube is plugged. The bridge with the plugged tube in place at the site during an osseointegration period after which the bridge is removed and replaced with a prosthesis anchored to the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tooth prosthesis, for insertion in a jawbone, including an implant and an abutment on top of the implant. The method includes: defining a shape of the prosthesis and its location in the jawbone by using first data from a first CT scan image of the jawbone and second data from a second image of a gypsum cast, correlating first and second data by extracting from the first data first position reference data of a first reference in the first image, and from the second data second position reference data of a second reference in the second image, the second reference being identical to the first reference; performing a geometric transformation on the second data and/or the first data to have a coincidence of the second image with the first image and to combine the first and second data into composite scan data.

Abstract: Novel prosthetic teeth constructed using moldable, micro-filled composite resin, and a novel method for making and bonding the same onto implants in a patient's mouth. The teeth are prepared and seated in the patient's mouth using materials and methods that are known and widely available. The present invention may be applied to any situation in which one or more replacement teeth are required, including full-arch replacement for upper and/or lower teeth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creation of anatomically correct physical models for an individual patient are provided. More specifically, the embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for design and manufacture of a modified bone model including an accurate soft tissue model. Medical image acquisition processes are used to capture data representative of an anatomy and a scan prosthesis. A modified bone model with supports is designed and fabricated. The modified bone model and scan prosthesis (or copy thereof) is then used to generate the soft tissue model.

Abstract: A method for creating three-dimensional data of a position of an outer periphery at the occlusal surface side of a keeper includes steps of placing a keeper analog 2 having a reference plane 2a in same shape as and in parallel to a surface Ka at the occlusal surface side of a keeper K to be embedded projectingly on an abutment model 1, three-dimensionally measuring an outside shape of the abutment model 1 having the keeper analog 2, acquiring a normal vector 2aa and an outer periphery 2ab of the reference plane 2a based on the measured three-dimensional data, moving the outer periphery 2ab to a position 3 at the abutment model 1 side by a height 2b of the keeper analog 2 from the reference plane 2a along the normal vector 2aa and acquiring three-dimensional data of the outer periphery Kb based on the position 3.

Abstract: An impression device includes an impression taking-cap (6) designed for adapting on an implant (1) or the like along one prosthetic bearing surface formed by a mount (2) and an annular peripheral shoulder (4). The impression taking-cap (6) includes an annular bearing surface (1) bearing on the annular peripheral shoulder (4) when placed in the mouth. The impression taking-cap (6) is maintained in this position by a retaining peg (13) extending axially from the bottom surface (8) in an inner chamber (9) and capable of axial engagement by friction in a retaining female geometry (2b) provided at the end of the mount (2). It is thus possible to insure an axial fixation of the impression taking-cap (6) on the implant (1) or the like and thus a very reliable impression taking of the annular peripheral shoulder (4), which results in the peripheral tightness of the prosthesis on the implant (1).

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic detection of dental features, such as cusps, ridges, and grooves, are disclosed. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented system and method for automatic detection of dental features for an occlusal surface of a patient's tooth comprises receiving three dimensional data for the tooth's occlusal surface, projecting the three dimensional data into a two dimensional plane, forming a height map from the projected three dimensional data, and detecting a set of points from the height map.

Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multicomponent automixable putty impression material, its components, mixtures of the components and a method for obtaining impressions with the multicomponent automixable putty impression material.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices designed to be used in conjunction with continuous positive airway pressure devices in order to improve the performance of the positive airway pressure in treating a disorder in breathing during sleep. In one embodiment, connection points on each side of both a maxillary and mandibular bite form are connected in order to maintain a space between the teeth substantially equal to the maximum intercuspal distance or space. Used with available continuous positive airway pressure devices, the invention can substantially improve obstructive sleep apnea or similar treatments with lower failure or patient non-compliance rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable composition comprising prepolymer (A) having the formula: (L-C(?O)—O—)nP wherein L is a group represented by the following formula ?with the N,N? bridging unit being part of a heterocyclic quasi-aromatic ringsystem, optionally containing O, N or S, preferably an azolide, P is a prepolymer backbone having a molecular weight (Mn) of at least 500, n is at least 2, and crosslinker (B) comprising at least 3 nucleophilic groups. The curable composition can be used for coating, sealing, moulding, adhering, making impressions, especially in the dental field.

Abstract: Provided are impression trays having one or more breakaway segments that allow for convenient removal of a portion of the tray, while maintaining the overall dimensions of the tray. Also provided are methods making impressions that include removing at least one breakaway segment of the provided trays. Also provided are impression trays having novel handles and trays having novel slots for the extrusion of excess impression material and retention. Further provided are kits and systems that include such impression trays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a registering system for the transfer of a jaw model in relation to a hinge axis, for example, in an articulator, and to a connection device for connecting a lower jaw adapter (1) to a measuring carrier (4), and a bite carrier (3) for producing a bite key. The invention is characterised in that the transfer of the mandibular joint geometry, especially the exact position of the hinge axis of the patient, can be carried out in a state of assembly or an articulator using only a hinge axis determination relative to the lower jaw of the patient. The transfer of the facial arc required until now in prior art is rendered superfluous by the invention. Moreover, the possibilities of use of the transfer in relation to the hinge axis are extended, modularised and simultaneously simplified and accelerated. Sources of error are eliminated, and the expenditure on equipment and costs of the transfer of the model can be critically reduced.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rapid prototype overmold for locating a dental implant analog in a modified stone model for use in creating a tooth prosthesis is provided. An impression of a mouth having a first installation site that has a dental implant and a gingival healing abutment with at least one informational marker installed is taken. A stone model based on the impression is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the installation site on a CAD program using data from the scan is created. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information about the location of the dental implant. Abutment dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image and the at least one informational marker is developed. Overmold rapid prototype dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image is developed. The overmold rapid prototype adapted to fit over the modified stone model is fabricated.

Abstract: A kit (1) to make an individual impression tray for dental use comprising essentially a standard model (20) reproducing a dental arch (24), a semifinished product of thermoformable material, for example a plate member (30), and a container (10) for a heat exchange liquid. The first step that is carried out by the dentist (60) to obtain the individual impression tray (100) provides the insertion of the model (20) in the container (10). Then, next to dental arch of the model (20) a plate member (30) is arranged and hereafter a certain amount of a liquid is put (15), for example water, in the container (10) up to covering plate member (30). The liquid (15) is then heated by a source of thermal power, for example a microwave oven (40) stopping heating when the temperature of the liquid (15) achieves a value T* higher than the temperature for softening the thermoformable material of the plate member (30).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the production of a dental product, whereby the impression of a negative mold of at least one tooth or one tooth stump is created with an impression material, and this negative mold is scanned. By using the scan results, the dental product is then mechanically produced.

Abstract: An extension piece (2) for a dental implant (1) has a head part (20) which serves as a basis for a retention element (7). The extension piece (2) can be screwed in the dental implant (1) with a threaded stem (29). The extension piece (2) is provided with a reference surface (24) via which the position of the extension piece (2) in the circumferential direction can be transferred to a transfer aid (4) having a transfer surface (42) shaped to complement the reference surface (24). The position of the extension piece (2) is transferred via the transfer aid (4) into an impression (93). The extension piece (2) is then provided with a manipulation implant (5) and is repositioned in the impression (93). From this, a working model (M) is formed in which the desired shape of the extension piece (2) can be defined. The extension piece (2) which has been machined to the desired shape is then screwed into the implant (1) with the same torque as is used for taking the impression.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dental framework or mathematical model thereof comprises creating a replica of a patient's mouth or a framework to be inserted into the patient's mouth, electronically scanning the replica or framework, electronically determining a surface model of a dental framework and manufacturing the framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparations based on polymerizable polyether materials and a fluidity improver and to the use thereof in producing dental materials, especially impression materials.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a scanning system for capturing highly detailed digital dental models. These models may be used within a dentist's office for a wide array of dental functions including quality control, restoration design, and fitting. These models may also, or instead, be transmitted to dental laboratories that may, alone or in collaboration with the originating dentist or other dental professionals, transform the digital model into a physical realization of a dental hardware item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multicomponent automixable putty impression material, its components, mixtures of the components and a method for obtaining impressions with the multicomponent automixable putty impression material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining an accurate three-dimensional model of a dental impression, said method comprising the steps of, scanning at least a part of an upper jaw impression and/or a lower jaw impression, obtaining an impression scan, evaluating the quality of the impression scan, and use the impression scan to obtain a three-dimensional model, thereby obtaining an accurate three-dimensional model of the dental impression.

Abstract: A method for designing an abutment tooth which mainly comprises the steps of: setting a reference abutment device with a feature on an analog of a mouth model; positioning a digital abutment with the same configuration as the reference abutment device on the analog to obtain the configuration data of the positioning of the digital abutment on the analog; optimally adjusting the digital abutment by using as a reference the configuration digital data without affecting the configuration of the digital abutment and the analog, thus finishing the design of the abutment.

Abstract: A method for positioning teeth is provided. The method includes receiving a dental impression kit at an address of the dental patient. The dental impression kit includes a first dental impression tray, a mixable dental impression material, and instructions for taking an impression of the patient's teeth. The method also includes the steps of mixing the mixable dental impression material to form a settable dental impression material, and then placing the settable dental impression material into the first dental impression tray. A dental impression of the patient is made at the address of the patient. The method then includes delivering the impression to a scanning company, and in return, receiving a first orthodontic aligner from the scanning company. A plurality of additional aligners may also be received for the purpose of moving the patient's teeth to a final desired position. Preferably, the processes take place without the intervention of a dental healthcare provider.

Abstract: Condensation-crosslinking two-component dental molding materials based on polyethers, which are particularly suitable for taking impressions, as well as mixtures that can be obtained from them, and their use. Such materials are used in dental medicine, for example for taking tooth impressions, for bite registration, or for lining dental prostheses. The material contains the following: at least one alkoxysilyl-functional polyether a), at least one reinforcing filler b1) having a BET surface of at least 50 m2/g or at least one non-reinforcing filler b2) having a BET surface of less than 50 m2/g, water c), if applicable, at least one condensation catalyst d), and a hydroxylsilyl-functional polyether e).

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and a device for the determination of the centric position of a human set of teeth with improved precision. This is needed for the adjustment of an articulator in the production of dentures. For this purpose a plurality of successive bite movements or displacement movements of the lower jaw are recorded in form of electronic signal data and evaluated for the determination of the centric position.

Abstract: Condensation-crosslinking two-component dental molding materials based on polyethers are particularly suitable for taking impressions. Such materials are used in dental medicine, for example for taking tooth impressions, for bite registration, or for lining dental prostheses. The molding material is made of the following: a) at least one hydroxylsilyl-functional polyether; b) at least one alkoxysilane b1) or one polysilicic acid ester b2); c) at least one reinforcing filler c1) having a BET surface of at least 50 m2/g or at least one non-reinforcing filler c2) having a BET surface of less than 50 m2/g, d) water, if necessary; and e) at least one condensation catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tooth prosthesis, for insertion in a jawbone, including an implant and an abutment on top of the implant. The method includes: defining a shape of the prosthesis and its location in the jawbone by using first data from a first CT scan image of the jawbone and second data from a second image of a gypsum cast, correlating first and second data by extracting from the first data first position reference data of a first reference in the first image, and from the second data second position reference data of a second reference in the second image, the second reference being identical to the first reference; performing a geometric transformation on the second data and/or the first data to have a coincidence of the second image with the first image and to combine the first and second data into composite scan data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermochromic material for dental impression, capable of reversibly changing colour depending on the temperature at which said material is found, a method for its preparation and the use thereof. Said material includes a bicomponent silicone composition in combination with at least a thermochromic pigment.

Abstract: A subject-matter of the invention is an impression material with at least one compound with at least two alkenyl groups as component (a), at least one compound with at least one chelating group as component (b), at least one organohydropolysiloxane as component (c), at least one hydrosilylation catalyst as component (d) and at least one compound with a chelatable metal atom as component (e), the chelating group of the component (b) exhibiting no reactive groups which can react with the component (c) and/or the component (d). The invention achieves a long storage stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device which is used to determine the end of the processing time of hardenable materials, especially dental moulding materials, comprising a display unit and a sensor unit which detects a modification of at least one of the rheological properties of the material.

Abstract: A method to create a digital model of a patient's teeth includes taking an impression of the patient's teeth using a radiopaque dental tray; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a dental tray containing a radiopaque agent; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a radiographic source; and generating the digital model with scanned data.

Abstract: A dental bite impression wafer that also captures the user's saliva and cheek cells. The wafer is made from a thermoplastic material that softens when warmed and that defines opposed posterior edges. The wafer carries one or more structures such as posts that are adapted to capture and retain the user's saliva and cheek cells.

Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.

Abstract: To fabricate a new denture from an existing denture, the existing denture for a patient is sensed. The existing denture corresponds to one or more of a mandibular edentulous ridge, maxillary edentulous ridge, and palate of the patient. In addition, a model is generated of the one or more of the mandibular edentulous ridge, maxillary edentulous ridge, and palate and a wax arch of teeth is modulated in response to a sensed arch of the existing denture. Furthermore, a wax up is generated corresponding to the existing denture by filling a gap between the wax arch and the model and the new denture is fabricated corresponding to the existing denture by investment casting the wax up.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic detection of dental features, such as cusps, ridges, and grooves, are disclosed. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented system and method for automatic detection of dental features for an occlusal surface of a patient's tooth comprises receiving three dimensional data for the tooth's occlusal surface, projecting the three dimensional data into a two dimensional plane, forming a height map from the projected three dimensional data, and detecting a set of points from the height map.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental impression tray comprising a base and at least two walls defining said base. At least one of these walls is at least partially formed by hollow bodies made of flexible material. Said hollow bodies can be filled in order to form, when taut, the desired shape for using the mould tray. In order to provide sufficient longitudinal stability for the impression tray, at least one of the walls is fitted with a rigid longitudinal rib. Said wall can also be rigid in its entirety. The hollow bodies which are to be filled can be fitted with openings. The moulding material filling the hollow bodies can flow from said openings into the moulding region of the dental impression tray. The base is flexible.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for creating a mold of a patient's teeth to which are installed orthodontic appliances with a support assembly bonded to a tooth. The appliances may include a corresponding corrective assembly with a wire engaging portion removably coupled to the support assembly. The systems and methods may include removing a corrective assembly from a support assembly, applying unset molding compound to the patient's teeth and corresponding support assemblies, setting the molding compound into a mold, and nondeformably removing the mold from the patient's mouth. The support assemblies may include a marker portion to indicate the position of the wire engaging portion of a corrective assembly that may be removed prior to making a mold and/or installed after making the mold. Marker assemblies adapted to removably engage a support assembly, and including such a marker portion, may be temporarily coupled to support assemblies prior to making a mold.

Abstract: A method and article for providing identification means, comprising taking an impression of teeth with a thermoplastic wafer of special configuration such that the wafer receives an impression which gives the size, shape and anatomy of each tooth from the occlusal surface to the gum line, and also provides information on tooth position and jaw relationship, to provide maximum information for identification. The wafer also acquires salivary components which, for an indeterminate amount of time, allows for DNA analysis testing or scent dog tracing. The wafer with the impression is then stored for use in case of need, preferably in a container which is sealed so that tampering with the contents can be detected.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. The dam having a peripheral wall defining a well. The peripheral wall may be either pervious or impervious to light rays and opened at least one end. The well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In one form of the invention, the structure of the dam enables the retraction material to mechanically bond or adhere to the internal surfaces of the dam, permitting the retraction material to be removed simultaneously with the removal of the tooth dam to leave behind a clean enlarged sulcus.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue (21) prior to the taking of an impression of a tooth (20) for making a crown or bridge which is attained by controlling any bleeding in the gingival sulcus area (21), and utilizing a dental dam (24; 124; 224) preferably formed of a sponge or foam like material to contain an astringent fortified silicone impression material (26) embedded about the prepared tooth (20), and using the patient's biting force to apply the necessary pressure onto the dam until the silicone impression material (26) sets and adheres to the dam to enhance easy removal of the set impression material from the tooth (20). The dam (24; 124; 224) is formed to accommodate either the posterior teeth or the anterior teeth. The dam has retainers (125A, 125B; 225A, 225B) formed therein for aiding in holding the silicone impression material.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue prior to the taking of an impression of a tooth for making a crown or bridge which is attained by controlling any bleeding in the gingival sulcus area, and utilizing a dental dam preferably formed of a sponge or foam like material to contain an astringent fortified silicone impression material embedded about the prepared tooth, and using the patient's biting force to apply the necessary pressure onto the dam until the silicone impression material sets and adheres to the dam to enhance easy removal of the set impression material from the tooth. The dam is formed to accommodate either the posterior teeth or the anterior teeth.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for allocating prosthetic installation work between at least three parties (A, B, C) a dental situation and fixture application are simulated on a computer screen by the first party. The second party produces first components in connection with the prosthetic installation with the aid of a recording and said simulation. Second components are supplied by the third party (C) and the prosthetic installation is assembled and fitted by the first party by means of said first and second components. The recording includes first and second readings of a loose prosthesis and a portion supporting the prosthetic insallation. The simulation includes collation of representations of the readings on a computer screen. Simulated fixture applications are constructed and a model is produced by one of said parties, or a fourth party. An assembly template guides hole-forming members in an actual substrate in directions which correspond to the directions of the fixtures.

Abstract: A method is presented for rapidly making and delivering directly to a consumer a full upper and/or lower denture on the basis of contemporaneous digital image information laser scanned from the person's oral cavity after all respective upper and/or lower teeth have been removed, the delivery of the denture occurring substantially contemporaneously with the creation of the contemporaneous digital image information and optionally including and based on archived digital image information laser scanned from the person's oral cavity before all respective upper and/or lower teeth have been removed and digitally stored.

Abstract: A method to create a digital model of a patient's teeth includes creating an impression of the patient's teeth; and scanning the impression using an X-ray source to generate the digital model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging a dental occlusal registration impression; developing a digital 3D surface contour model of the occlusal registration impression from the image data; electronically transferring the data representing the digital 3D surface contour model of the occlusal registration impression; fabricating a physical replicate of the occlusal registration impression; correlating features on upper and lower jaw dental models with features on the replicate occlusal registration impression model; and determining occlusal alignment of the upper and lower jaw dental models using the replicate occlusal registration impression model.

Abstract: A tooth whitening appliance includes an applicator having a soft moldable core covered by a plastic film membrane. The contours of buccal surfaces of target teeth to be whitened are impressed into the applicator by applying lateral pressure. A layer of tooth whitening preparation is deposited on the impressions formed in the applicator and the applicator is repositioned against the buccal tooth surfaces for the administration of the tooth whitening preparation. The applicator core is soft and moldable preferably at or below body temperature. The membranes support the applicator in reduced thickness impression areas. The applicator core may be optionally preloaded with tooth whitening preparation.