Abstract: An implant material includes a base material, and a silicon-containing carbon thin film formed on a surface of the base material. The carbon thin film contains a C—C component in which carbon atoms are bonded, and a SiC component in which carbon and silicon atoms are bonded, and a ratio of the SiC component is 0.06 or higher.

Abstract: The invention is an open-ended dental ring with varying height used in the preparation of a tooth for a restorative procedure. The ring is used in conjunction with a shield to ensure the shield between a tooth to be restored and an adjacent tooth. The result is a close contact being formed between the two teeth after restoration and improved flexibility recall after repeated use.

Abstract: In a tooth whitening method, a whitening composition is applied to at least one tooth. The whitening composition is maintained on the at least one tooth for a first time period. After the first time period, a light radiation is directed toward the at least one tooth for a second time period. The first time period has a duration greater than 50% of a total duration of the first and second time periods. The whitening composition is removed from the at least one tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a tooth having a light source with a first spectral range and a second spectral range. A polarizing beamsplitter (18) light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor (68), wherein the first and second polarization states are orthogonal. A first lens (22) in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth, through the polarizing beamsplitter (18), toward the sensor (68), and obtains image data from the redirected portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter (15) in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range. Control logic enables the sensor to obtain either the reflectance image or the fluorescence image.

Abstract: Non-invasive reference device to be temporarily fixed on a tooth. The reference device is made of biocompatible, radiopaque material and allows the determination of anatomical structures in a jaw.

Abstract: A method for imaging the surface of a tooth, the method executed at least in part on a computer records a first set of images of the tooth, wherein each image in the first set of images is illuminated according to a pattern oriented in a first direction. A second set of images of the tooth are recorded, wherein each image in the second set of images is illuminated according to a pattern oriented in a second direction that is shifted more than 10 degrees with respect to the first direction. A first contour image is reconstructed according to the recorded first set of images and a second contour image according to the recorded second set of images. A residual image is formed as a combination of the first and second contour images. The residual image is analyzed and surface conditions of the tooth reported.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a dental implant having a proximal implant end and a lateral external surface. The implant is shaped so as to define a lumen therethrough having a lateral opening through the lateral external surface. The apparatus further includes an applicator, which is removably coupled to the proximal implant end. The applicator includes a delivery tube having a distal tube end that is removably coupled to the implant such that the delivery tube is in fluid communication with the lumen via the lateral opening. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for maxillo-mandibular fixation. For example, according to one representative embodiment, an apparatus for maxillo-mandibular fixation includes a plurality of connectors, a fixation belt, and a release. The connectors include one or more anchors configured to attach to bone and a fixation belt attachment. The fixation belt includes a plurality of fasteners each fastener attachable to a fixation belt attachment and a flexible mesh disposed between the plurality of fasteners. The release is disposed on the fixation belt and has an engaged position restricting movement between the plurality of fasteners and a disengaged position allowing movement between the plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selecting an area (2; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 82) of a dental restoration body (1;71), which is depicted in a 3D representation. At least portions of the area limit are provided in the form of dental-specific lines (5, 6, 8). The aim of the invention is to carry out a dental construction of a restoration body with the aid of a CAD system, whereby certain areas of the restoration body can be selected and construction tools are provided for machining the selected area in a 3D representation. To this end, the area (2; 22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 82), which is to be machined with a construction tool, can be determined by selecting dental-specific lines (5, 6, 8) or dental-specific points (7.1 7.4) or a preparation edge (4). The method is used for assigning area limits to the selected area, said area limits being provided, at least in part, in the form of dental-specific lines (5, 6, 8).

Abstract: A direct resin veneer (2) for creating a veneer on a tooth surface comprising a thin planar expanse of an uncured restorative material, or direct resin veneer (4). The veneer (4) has a generally tooth configuration that is generously sized to permit adequate coverage for any tooth. Adhered to at least one side of the restorative material is a flexible pliant non-sticky planar sheath (6). The sheath (6) material has a curved gingival arch contour (10) for gum line alignment and various tab-like protrusions that permit placement upon a tooth. An inferior peeling tab (12) allows for sheath to be separated from the resin veneer (4) subsequent to tooth surface placement. And the lateral grasping tabs (16) permit delivery to a tooth's surface.

Abstract: A decorative dental tip is provided for a dental syringe. The decorative dental tip includes a molded, outer surface portraying an object selected to alleviate an anxiety of a patient. The dental tip further includes a molded, inner lumen in fluid communication with a dental syringe.

Abstract: A method for forming an enhanced image (60) of a tooth (20) making use of the tooth (20) fluorescence and/or reflectance effects, employs a morphological image processing technique, and reduces susceptibility to overall intensity variations in the image (60).

Abstract: The tunneling method for dental block grafting is surgical method for increasing the thickness of the soft tissue of the mouth prior to performing block grafting procedures for dental implants. The method includes cutting a pair of incisions in the mucosa. A tunnel is formed through the mucosa which extends between, and connects, the pair of incisions. The tunnel is then extended coronally to undermine tissue covering the recipient site. An acellular dermal matrix is then sutured to an exposed end of a dental implement pulled through the tunnel to position the acellular dermal matrix within the tunnel. The acellular dermal matrix is then positioned over the recipient site using a periosteal elevator, and the acellular dermal matrix is fixed coronally by suspension sutures. The pair of incisions are closed with interrupted sutures, and a block graft is fixed to the recipient site by a pair of titanium screws.

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

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying an orthodontic adhesive on a tooth structure, the method including selectively staining a surface including the orthodontic adhesive or the tooth structure. Methods of bonding and debonding an orthodontic appliance to and from a tooth structure are also provided.

Abstract: System and method for automatic construction of the tooth's axes in terms of three orthogonal unit vectors are disclosed. Three dimensional data for a tooth is used to automatically construct the tooth's axes. System and methods for automatic construction of the axes for different types of teeth such as incisors, canines, premolars, and molars are disclosed.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis or template (10) simulates the front surfaces of a patient's teeth and is positioned to overlay over a patient's natural teeth (40) to provide an indication of what a dental porcelain overlay may look like once applied to the patient's teeth. A matching temporary veneer overlay (110) with simulated matching teeth sized and shaped to the template is constructed to be installed over the patient's prepared teeth.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for planning and/or delivering an oral or facial endosseous implantation in a patient are described. In certain embodiments, systems according to the invention include a processing module; a bone imaging module that communicates bone data about the patient to the processing module; a surface imaging module that communicates surface data about the patient to the processing module; and the processing module processes the bone data and the surface data into an output that includes three-dimensional (3-D) representation data indicative of at least one of an oral structure and a facial structure of the patient. In certain embodiments, a system includes a fabrication module that produces a physical model based on the 3-D representation data and indicating a planned location of an endosseous implant. In certain embodiments, a system includes a surgical module that guides implantation of an endosseous implant based on the 3-D representation data.

Abstract: A computerized method for coloring a porcelain tooth includes a color difference comparison step, a first computer aided process, and a second computer aided process, for precisely controlling the color of the porcelain tooth. Each parameter is obtained from data comparison. The first computer aided process forms a first layer on the surface of the porcelain tooth and then and the second computer aided process forms a second layer on the first layer by way of computer aided manufacturing (CAM) according to the color difference comparison step. Because of CAM, the method does not require an experienced operator. Therefore, it may reduce labor cost, human error, and ceramic powder consumption. The method may thus save cost, improve production efficiency, and shorten delivery time of the porcelain tooth product.

Abstract: A dental wrench device to loosen and extract teeth, comprising a handle with a fixed tapered jaw. A moveable jaw is also coupled to the handle. The tapered jaw is positioned along the root of a tooth selected to be extracted. The moveable jaw has a blunt contoured shape configured to grasp the gum and bone on the opposite side of the selected tooth at a level below the crown of the tooth. The device is applied and tightened around the selected tooth by turning a thumbscrew, or other jaw movement interface, that moves the moveable jaw end closer to the fixed tapered jaw end until the tooth is tightly gripped by the device. Once the wrench is locked into position, force may then be applied to extract the tooth. The device may also incorporate an optional force feedback gauge to warn the operator when excessive force is being applied.

Abstract: A dental color measurement tool disposed opposite an opening portion for capturing light from an artificial tooth to undergo color measurement with a color measurement device includes at least one pair of guide posts having an engaging portion corresponding to an engaging portion on the color measurement device side, and an abutment post disposed between the pair of guide posts and having a pointed convex shape to which the artificial tooth can be mounted. The abutment post has a color measurement reference surface in a color measurement light axis direction as the vicinity of a focus position of the color measurement device in a photographing state. When performing color measurement photographing, the artificial tooth is mounted to the abutment post to position the front thereof at the color measurement reference surface. Thus, the artificial tooth can be stably retained at a suitable position with respect to the color measurement device.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a hole in a jaw bone at a drill site. The method can comprise forming an initial hole in soft tissue of the jaw bone, advancing a first portion of the drill through the soft tissue and into a bone portion of the jaw bone to form a guidance hole in the bone portion of the jaw bone, advancing the drill until a second portion of the drill contacts the soft tissue to form an enlarged hole in the soft tissue, and further advancing the drill until the second portion of the drill contacts the bone portion of the jaw bone to form a countersink hole in the bone portion. The countersink hole can be formed to have a flat bottom that is immediately adjacent to an inclined surface thereof.

Abstract: A device for retracting gingival tissue away from a tooth or plurality of teeth prepared to receive a dental prosthesis comprising a retraction/impression material associated with a custom impression coping to be packed into a sulcus associated with the prepared tooth, and coincidentally obtaining an impression of said tooth or teeth. The device is preferably compressible, deformably rigid, extensile and non-elastic and will not stick to the gingiva or tooth structure thereby allowing for atraumatic removal. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intra-oral whitening device that has a mouthpiece in which is embedded a flexible circuit board and arrays of spaced apart lamps. The mouthpiece has a curvature. The lamps may be light emitting diodes that generate electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the white and blue light spectrum and the infrared and ultraviolet light spectrum. The arrays are positioned to expose the facial and lingual sides of the teeth for whitening when the mouthpiece is positioned to fit upper and lower rows of teeth to be whitened within accommodating recesses. The flexible circuit board is flexed to exhibit a curvature that follows a curvature of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: Orthodontic adhesives are claimed which use polymeric filler particles with defined particle size characteristics. The particle size characteristics are controlled such that these adhesives provide comparable mechanical retention and cohesive strength of conventional orthodontic adhesives when used to bond orthodontic appliances to teeth. Because polymeric fillers are generally softer than inorganic fillers, these adhesives are easier to remove from the tooth than conventional adhesives after debonding an orthodontic appliance. Embodiments of the invention include both self-curing and two-part adhesives, packaged adhesive-coated orthodontic appliances, and methods for removing a cured adhesive from a tooth surface.

Abstract: A new three-dimensional modelling system for dental surfaces has presently been discovered. The modelling system may include a light source and a camera. Once a three-dimensional model is produced, it can be used, for example, to assess the performance of tooth cleaning products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for the production of a dental shaped body, wherein the blank has a corpus (2) of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped part to be fabricated is carved by means of a tool (4) by removal of material. The blank has coding means (1) formed on part of the surface (6) of the blank corpus (2), which coding means (1) has at least one structure (8, 9) for identification of the blank. The coding means (1) consists of a plurality of panels (5.1) at the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2) and a plurality of panels (5.2, 5.3) incorporating a flat structure (8, 9) at a level (h1, h2) which is distinguishable from at least the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2). The invention further relates to a method for identifying a blank with the aid of coding means (1).

Abstract: A method of forming an optical fibre tip, the method including, roughening at least part of an end portion of the optical fibre; and, etching the roughed end portion to thereby form an optical fibre tip.

Abstract: A heated mouthpiece includes an upper trough and optionally a lower trough for interfacing with teeth of a user and a heat retention mass that is thermally and physically interfaced to the trough(s). External heat is provided to the heat retention mass from, for example, by immersion in hot water or the mouthpiece is heated in a microwave oven. An oral compound such as a teeth whitening compound is set in the trough(s) and the mouthpiece is inserted into the user's mouth, the trough(s) surround the teeth. Heat from the heat retention mass conducts to the trough(s) while the mouthpiece section is in use within the mouth thereby activating the oral compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying a dental retraction cord. The device comprises a cannula for dispensing a dental substance, and comprises a dental retraction cord disposed within the cannula so that the dental retraction cord is entrained by the dental substance dispensed through the cannula. The invention may help to facilitate a gingival retraction procedure in dentistry.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.

Abstract: In a method for operating a laser system for bleaching teeth, a water-containing bleaching agent applied onto teeth is heated by a laser beam, wherein the laser beam has a wavelength in a range of 2.6 ?m, inclusive, to 3.1 ?m, inclusive, or in a range of 9.0 ?m, inclusive, to 11.0 ?m, inclusive. The laser system is operated in pulse mode with individual pulses of the laser beam, wherein the individual pulses each have a fluence that is below a vaporization threshold fluence of the bleaching agent.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a dental mold. The method generally includes: (a) scanning an existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional first digital model of the existing dental structure, (b) modifying the first digital model of the existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional second digital model of a planned dental structure; (c) generating a three-dimensional third digital model corresponding to a negative of the second digital model; (d) digitally sectioning the third digital model into at least one buccal model portion and at least one lingual model portion of the third digital model; and (e) creating a dental mold comprising at least one buccal mold portion and at least one lingual mold portion based on the sectioned third digital model.

Abstract: A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.

Abstract: A method comprises creating a predetermined pattern of treatment microzones in oral tissue affected by a condition, applying energy of predetermined characteristics to the soft tissue through a tip being limited by at least one dimensional feature of the oral tissue. The application of energy to the oral tissue after creating the predetermined pattern of treatment microzones in the oral soft tissue is terminated. A type of the energy and the characteristics of the predetermined pattern of treatment microzones are defined by the condition in the soft tissue. The condition in the oral tissue can be a gingival recession, gingivitis, periodontal disease, xerostomia, black triangle disease, and interdental/interimplant papilla deficiencies. The oral tissue can be oral soft tissue, such as oral mucosa soft tissue or a gingival soft tissue.

Abstract: A dental device (10) for temporarily filling a toothless gap (50) following extraction of a tooth. The dental device is arranged so as to be located in a space between two adjacent teeth (30, 40) bordering, on each opposed side, the toothless gap. The dental device comprises a central block (11) and two arms (12, 13) located on opposite sides of the central block (11). The two arms (12, 13) are extendible between a retracted position and an extended position. Each arm carries, at a free end thereof, at least one support (14, 15) adapted for resting respectively on a surface of the adjacent teeth when the arms are in the extended position. The central block includes an adjusting mechanism (19) for moving the two arms into the extended position, and a lock (20, 21, 22) locks the adjusting mechanism when the arms are in the extended position.

Abstract: Dental compositions and biphenyl di(meth)acrylate monomers are described. The dental compositions comprise at least one biphenyl di(meth)acrylate monomer comprising two aromatic rings connected with a C—C bond wherein the rings each comprise a substituent comprising a urethane moiety and a (meth)acrylate end group.

Abstract: A dental slurry is used with a digital camera to create a three dimensional model of target teeth. The dental slurry includes granular particles suspended in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier. The slurry is used to cover target teeth with a large number of particles. Overlapping digital images are taken of the target teeth and provided to a computer. An algorithm is used to find a correspondence for each feature in the overlapping digital images by error analysis. Once enough correspondences are found, the algorithm creates a three dimensional electronic model from the plurality of two dimensional images based on a best fit error analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental composition comprising a) carbosilane containing component (A) comprising at least 1 Si-Aryl bond, at least 1 silicon atom, at least 2 Si—H functional moieties, no Si-Oxygen bond, b) unsaturated component (131), and/or epoxy component (132), c) initiator (C), d) optionally filler (D) and e) optionally component (E) selected from modifiers, dyes, pigments, thixotropic agents, flow improvers, polymeric thickeners, surfactants, odorous substances, diluting agent(s) and flavorings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model includes digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions, interpolating the meshes of points to produce interpolated surfaces to represent the boundaries of the two physical tooth models, wherein the interpolated surfaces representing the boundaries of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes specifying a straight line running through the overlapping portion and intersecting the two interpolated surfaces representing the boundaries of the two physical tooth models and calculating the length of the straight line in the overlapping portion to quantify the interference between the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools and which subsequently can be converted into lithium silicate products showing high strength.

Abstract: A teeth whitening system includes a head unit adapted to be worn on a user's head, a light housing supported by the head unit proximate to the user's mouth, the light housing including a light source, and a mouth piece including a tray portion adapted to surround the user's teeth. At least one of the light housing or the mouth piece includes a receptacle, and the other of the light housing or the mouth piece includes a plug portion adapted to engage in the receptacle. The present application also provides an apparatus for whitening teeth, a mouth piece for use in whitening teeth, and a method of whitening teeth.

Abstract: An improved dental laser system has been developed to cut enamel quickly and precisely, without detrimental residual energy, to provide a replacement for conventional high speed rotary burrs and commercially available dental laser systems.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a tongue retractor and fluid/particle barrier for use in medical procedures performed in and around a patient's mouth. In one embodiment of the present invention, a kidney-shaped tongue retractor and fluid/particle barrier, with an insertion end and a handling end, is inserted into the mouth of a patient. The insertion end of the tongue retractor and fluid/particle barrier is specifically positioned to isolate and protect the patient's tongue from the medical procedure and to protect the patient from inhaling or swallowing fluids and scattered debris.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing a substance onto a substrate, such as a tooth treatment compound onto teeth, includes a vial including a pair of thin members forming a cavity therebetween in which the substance is arranged and a conduit defining an internal dispensing channel communicating with the cavity, an applicator tip arranged in connection with the conduit and including projections adapted to contact the substrate, and a cap including a cavity. The cap removably attaches to the vial and when attached, covers the applicator tip and seals the internal channel. When the cap is detached from the vial and the thin members are squeezed toward one another, the substance in the cavity is urged out of the cavity into and through the internal channel in the conduit and onto the projections to enable it to be brought into contact with the substrate.

Abstract: Methods for making dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, fillings, and other restorations are provided. The methods involve using a two-phase light curing (TPLC) material. Preferably, the TPLC material used to form the dental restoration comprises a blend of polymerizable compounds; photopolymerization systems (a) and (b), and particulate filler materials (a) and (b). In a first light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of greater than 420 nm is used to activate system (a). In a second light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of less than 420 nm is used to activate system (b). The two step light-curing method is efficient and allows the dentist to make restorations having high mechanical strength and pleasing aesthetics.

Abstract: Described are a handpiece, a coupling, and a device with a laser source and handpiece for emitting a laser beam for dental treatment. In order to avoid damage to the healthy tooth tissue, an improved determination of the tooth temperature by measurement of at least part of the heat radiation emitted from the treatment area using a temperature sensor, preferably an infra-red sensor, is carried out. Upon reaching or exceeding a temperature threshold, the emission of the laser beam to the treatment area is interrupted or the power output of the laser source reduced or the user made aware of the violation of the threshold value using an acoustic or visual signal. The temperature sensor can be located, e.g., on the handpiece or on the coupling, such as on the coupling tube.

Abstract: A dental instrument and method for imaging the three-dimensional topography of one or more teeth in the oral cavity of an individual is provided. The instrument includes a probe insertable into the oral cavity to receive the image of these surfaces which can then be processed. Combined with the probe is an auxiliary which projects an air stream toward the surface to be imaged by the probe and acts to evaporate and remove from these surfaces a liquid film coating formed by saliva and other fluids present in the oral cavity, to render these surfaces dry and to enhance their reflectivity and in doing so, provide clearer images.

Abstract: The present invention is a number of methods and devices for tooth rejuvenation and hard tissue modification comprising applying a layer of a peroxide-free composition to a tooth surface. The applied composition comprises an aqueous solution of one or more edible acids. The composition has a pH selected from the range of about 0.5 to 5. After the treatment the composition is removed from the tooth surface. In various embodiments of the invention the pH of the composition can range between about 0.5 and 3, a narrower range being between 1 and 1.75. Hard tissue rejuvenation comprises forming a post-treatment layer having a composition which is different from that of the hard tissue by selectively heating a porous layer on the hard tissue.