Abstract: The invention features a dispenser tip filter assembly for dispensing fluid compositions, especially dental compositions, containing solid particles. The assembly includes a dispenser tip comprising a filter housing chamber and an exit orifice, and a filter unit positioned within the filter housing chamber in front of the exit orifice. The filter unit has one or more slots with a width less than the diameter of the exit orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colouring solution for dental ceramic framework comprising a solvent, a colouring agent comprising metal ions, and a complexing agent, wherein the amount of complexing agent is sufficient to dissolve the colouring agent in the solvent. The invention also relates to a process for colouring dental ceramic framework and dental ceramic framework coloured with the colouring solution.

Abstract: A dental anchor apparatus comprises a one or two part endosseous implant securable in a patient's mouth and a retention member which is releasably engageable with the implant. The implant has an abutment head at one end and a threaded post projecting from the head and designed for threaded engagement in the jaw bone, the head having an outer locating surface portion. The retention member is generally cup-shaped with a first end and a peripheral skirt extending from the first end to form a cavity, the skirt having an inner locating surface which is engaged over the outer locating surface portion of the head. The head may also have a socket in which a post extending from an inner end of the retention member engages as the parts are moved into releasable snap engagement.

Abstract: Abstract A bionic dental implant. The bionic dental implant includes a main root (1), a basal platform (2) and a platform bolt (3). The said main root (1) includes a fixing root part (11), a neck part (12) located on the upper end of the fixing root part (11), and a mounting channel (13) located inside the main root (1). An aperture (21) is provided inside the basal platform (2). The platform bolt (3) communicates with the aperture (21) to make the basal platform (2) to be fixed on the main root (1). The said main root (1) also includes at least one subsidiary root (4). The main root (1) has the same number of inclined holes (14) as the subsidiary root the said inclined holes (14) form a sharp angle with respect to the mounting channel (13) and communicates with it. The upper ends of the said subsidiary roots (4) are fixed inside the inclined holes (14) of the main root.

Abstract: An anchorage unit (41, 44) fits to a dental implant (5). A dental attachment (31, 32) for mounting to the anchorage unit comprises a first attachment part (31) and a second attachment part (32). The attachment parts (31, 32) define an aperture (24) for accommodating a portion (44) of the anchorage unit with a boundary wall of the aperture (24) on each of the attachment parts serving, in use, as a jaw for clamping against the portion of the anchorage unit. The aperture is of greater size than the portion of the anchorage unit to allow adjustment of the position of the attachment with respect to the anchorage unit. In another embodiment, a two-part anchoring assembly defines a pair of jaws for, in use, receiving and clamping against a portion of a dental attachment. The apparatus is particularly relevant when an attachment must be placed on more than one implant simultaneously.

Abstract: A device and system for use in procedures associated with the intra-oral cavity, the device having a probe member and a handpiece for holding the elongate probe member, the probe member having an elongate distal portion capable of being manipulated in the intra-oral cavity, the probe member comprising: at least one treatment channel having a distal opening in the elongate distal portion, the at least one treatment channel being configured for enabling operation of a suitable tool via the distal opening; at least one illumination channel comprising a first light guide having a first proximal end configured for optical coupling to a light source system, and a second distal end in the distal portion for illuminating regions of interest during operation of the device; at least one light collection channel configured for optical coupling to an imaging system and for collecting and transmitting light reflected from the regions of interest during operation of the device.

Abstract: A dental implement including a housing, a light source, and an air supply.

Abstract: An antimicrobial light treatment is provided as preventative maintenance for or treatment of periodontal diseases. The light treatment may be administered to a patient with an applicator (41) that is similar in shape to a periodontal probe. The antimicrobial light energy may be applied at the time a dentist or clinician takes periodontal probe measurements. An applicator is provided for delivery of the antimicrobial light treatment. The applicator may include, for example, an ergonomic handpiece (42) and a probe (47). A light source (34), such as a laser source, may be attached to the handpiece (42). The probe (47) includes a tip (52) that is designed to deliver light energy from the light source (34) to the periodontium of a patient, for example to the gingival sulcus of a patient. The tip (52) is designed to disperse light energy in a broad pattern so that a large portion of the gingival sulcus may be treated.

Abstract: Dental articles are produced using relatively low sintering temperatures to achieve high density dental articles exhibiting strengths equal to and greater than about 700 MPa. Ceramic powders comprised of nanoparticulate crystallites are used to manufacture dental articles. The ceramic powders may include sintering agents, binders and other similar additives to aid in the processing of the ceramic powder into a dental article. The ceramic powders may be processed into dental articles using various methods including, but not limited to, injection molding, gel-casting, slip casting, or electroforming, hand, cad/camming and other various rapid prototyping methods. The ceramic powder may be formed into a suspension, pellet, feedstock material or a pre-sintered blank prior to forming into the dental article.

Abstract: Precipitated silica materials are provided for utilization as abrasives or thickeners within dentifrice formulations that simultaneously effectuate tubule blocking within tooth dentin to reduce dentin sensitivity. Such precipitated silica materials have sufficiently small particle sizes and exhibit certain ionic charge levels by, for example, adjusting the zeta potential properties of the precipitated silica materials through treatment with certain metals to permit effective static attraction and eventual accumulation within dentin tubules when applied to teeth from a dentifrice formulation.

Abstract: There are provided a system and a method for assisting a user in preparing a dental implant surgery which includes a prosthesis installation. The system and the method provide a dental implant surgery plan for the user and generate a list of all items required for the dental implant surgery. The items of the list comprise a dental surgical guide, at least one implant and components for at least one prosthesis. The system and the method use a record of suppliers for the items of the list and, for each item of the list, propose to the user a supplier selected among the suppliers of the record. The system and method then allow the user to order all items of the list, which are shipped to the user for the surgery.

Abstract: A barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration that is made of silver, gold, or gold alloy includes a substrate having texture including protrusions with a predetermined shape, a polymer layer formed by coating an upper surface of the substrate with polymer solution, and a bio-ceramic layer formed by coating a lower surface of the substrate. It is possible for the barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration to secure biocompatibility, exclusion and sealing of cells, space maintenance, connectivity with tissues, and easiness of using the barrier membrane which are required for guided bone/tissue regeneration (GBR/GTR).

Abstract: A patient-controlled device for inhibiting intraoperative dental pain is disclosed. The device includes a removable tooth clamp, an actuator unit, and a control box. The actuator defines unit includes a vibratory actuator and a coupling device for coupling the vibratory actuator to the tooth clamp. The control box is electrically connected to the vibratory actuator and includes at least one controller. In this regard, the removable tooth clamp is configured to be attached to at least one tooth of a patient, and upon final assembly, the controller initiates oscillation of the tooth clamp via the vibratory actuator and vibrates the tooth/teeth to inhibit intraoperative dental pain.

Abstract: A first cell mass substantially containing only either one of mesenchymal cells or epithelial cells and a second cell mass substantially containing only the other one of the cells are positioned in contact with each other inside a support carrier which can maintain a condition of cell contact; and cultured to obtain a tooth having a specific cell placement. Preferably, after the culturing, the support carrier having both cell masses is cultured with kidney cells.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a texture on a surface of a hard material. Spatial patterns, such as an array of microbeams, are delivered to the tissue through the handpiece. The plurality of microbeams illuminate and ablate the hard material simultaneously. Each of the microbeams has of a sufficient fluence and pulse width to ablate the surface of the hard material and form the texture. Alternatively, one microbeam of a sufficient fluence and pulse width to ablate the surface of the hard material and form the texture is scanned over the surface either manually or in an automatic fashion.

Abstract: A dental training system and method of use. The dental training system includes a haptic device configured to retain a dental tool and a computer having a processor and in communication with a display device and the haptic device. A software application is configured to display a mouth model on said display device, transform movements of said dental tool via said haptic device into corresponding visual movements of a brush icon on said display relative to said mouth model, evaluate the movements of the dental tool via said haptic device, and provide feedback to a user regarding the evaluation of the movements of the dental tool via the haptic device. The feedback being provided during and/or after a dental training session. The evaluation may utilize a comparison of a brush/floss session with stored brush/floss routines or acceptable data ranges. The haptic device may also be configured to respond to instructions from the computer to teach a user proper dental techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aesthetic dental restoration having a layered structure, which dental restoration has the appearance of a natural tooth. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preparing such dental restorations. Particularly, the invention is based on the control of interaction between opalescence and fluorescence.

Abstract: Methods, systems, algorithms, and uses for dentition scores having clinical applicability for an individual patient are described herein. The scores increase as a condition worsens and decrease with treatment. The score can be used to communicate the status of a patient's dentitions to the patient, to an insurer, or to another health care professional.

Abstract: A method of reversibly whitening teeth in the presence of water which comprises allowing a tooth whitening component to infiltrate into the enamel surface layer toward the inside and remain therein so as to make the enamel cloudy and white by altering its optical properties without causing any chemical reactions, thereby whiten the thus treated teeth compared with untreated ones.

Abstract: A method for the reconstruction of missing, broken and/or abraded teeth by means of face analysis. In order to determine the shapes and sizes of the teeth, the face of a patient, for whom the teeth are intended, is measured by means of one or more image-type pictures. The respective tooth size and tooth shape is determined proportionally from the obtained values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for whitening teeth which allow the user to undergo dental bleaching with the mouth closed and without protruding instruments, trays or electrical wires and the like. The apparatus includes a support structure and a dental whitening composition in contact with the support structure. A light source is included in the apparatus, disposed on or in the support structure so that light emitted from the source contacts on the dental whitening composition. The apparatus has a volume ranging between 0.5-450 cm3 permitting the apparatus to fit entirely within the mouth of a user during treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for irradiating an object, in particular for light-curing a dental object by means of a first radiation, the apparatus comprising at least one radiation source for emitting the first radiation, the apparatus further comprising at least one radiation sensor for measuring at least a second radiation, and the apparatus further comprising a housing. The second radiation is the first radiation reelected by the object.

Abstract: A drilling assembly is provided for drilling a hole into a zygoma of a patient. The assembly can comprise a template, an extension unit, a drill guide unit, and first and second drills. The template can be configured for orientation within a patient's mouth and can comprise a guide sleeve having a longitudinal axis extending towards the zygoma when fitted on the patient. The extension unit can include a central bore and be slideably received within the guide sleeve. The drill guide unit can also include a central bore of a different diameter than that of the extension unit. The first drill can be slideably received within the central bore of the guide sleeve. The second drill can have an outer diameter different than that of the first drill and can be configured to be slideably received with the central bore of the drill guide unit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes a step of presenting an indication of a health profile of a person based on information obtained from an oral care implement. Also, a method includes displaying an indication of a history of the health profile of a a person based on second information previously received from the oral care implement.

Abstract: The present application provides dental compositions, and methods of making and using dental compositions that include a calcium and phosphorus releasing glass. Such dental compositions can be useful for delivering ions to the oral environment.

Abstract: Implant removal tool (1) which allows removing an implant (5) from a patient's bone (6). The implant removal tool (1) comprises a head (2), to which a torque-providing system is attached, and a threaded body (4) preferably with a decreasing diameter. The threaded body (4) preferably has a thread to the left and is intended to be threaded into the hole (7) of the implant (5). The extraction of the implant (5) is relatively simple to carry out, removing the implant (5) in an almost clean manner and leaving a very small cavity (13) in the patient's bone (6). Therefore, the implant removal tool (1) according to the invention makes the removal of an implant (5) a far less traumatic procedure for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dental compositions that can be used as adhesives for bonding a dental material to a dental structure surface and/or as a dental restorative material. The dental composition is preferably applied to a dental structure surface under conditions effective to etch the dental structure surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a suprastructure (7) with artificial teeth (8) which is mounted on at least one implant (9,10) that is provided in the cavity of the mouth of a person and that has to be fixed to the bone of the lower jaw or the upper jaw (1), whereby a drill jig (3) is manufactured with at least one opening (4) for performing a boring (5) in the bone for mounting said implant (9,10), with the feature that the position of said opening (4) in the drill jig (3) and the position of the latter is determined in relation to at least one reference organ (2) that is fixed to said bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for designing dental articulator inserts from 3d dental data (4d datasets). These 4d datasets may be used directly to provide a jaw motion model suitable for enhanced CAD or, they may be used to derive mathematical expressions that are then used to design dental articulator inserts. The methods of the invention are based on acquiring time-based 3d data representing the upper and lower teeth. Each datum in the 4d dataset may therefore contain an accurate record of the relationship between the upper and lower arch in three dimensions.

Abstract: The subject invention provides single use periodontal probes. In preferred embodiments as described herein the probes of the subject invention can be used with a recording apparatus for simultaneously measuring and recording the depth of the periodontal pocket (gingival sulcus) and more particularly, to a unit employing a periodontal depth probe operably connected to a recording device, capable of producing a permanent visual record of the measured pocket depth. In further embodiments, the probes of the subject invention can be used to deliver and/or collect materials for prevention, treatment and/or diagnosis of periodontal conditions.

Abstract: A dental appliance comprising at least two plies of thermoformable material, wherein a first ply of a first material, having a first set of characteristics properties, provides a first primary surface of the dental appliance and wherein a second ply of a material different from the first ply, having a second set of characteristic properties, provides an opposing second primary surface of the dental appliance.

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: Method and kit for producing a dental product The invention relates to a method and a kit for producing a dental product. The invention also relates to a device that allows the method according to the invention to be implemented. According to the invention, a thermoplastic material (4) of said kit is selectively heated through the supply of targeted (directed) energy more strongly than an impression tray (1) and/or an impression material (3).

Abstract: Treatment devices in the shape of a dental tray, strip or patch include a barrier layer and a protective adhesive composition. Treatment kits include one or more treatment devices and one or more treatment compositions that are initially separate from the treatment devices. The treatment compositions may be contained within a syringe (e.g., a unit dose syringe) for ease of delivery. The treatment composition is dispensed from the syringe onto the barrier layer and then placed over a person's teeth and/or gums. The protective adhesive composition, in combination with the barrier layer, at least partially confines the treatment composition to a desired location within the person's mouth during use. The barrier layer protects the treatment and protective adhesive compositions from saliva or moisture found in the person's mouth.

Abstract: A gingival attachment device associated with an endosseous implant, which comprises a cervically located component of a dental implant coated on a gingival facing surface thereof with a biocompatible and non-degradable polymeric scaffold, to which epithelial and connective tissue cells of the gingiva are attachable. The polymeric scaffold may be polyvinylpyrronidole mixed with butyl-methylmethacrylate, silk fibroin fibrous protein polymer mixed with chitosan or with derivatives of chitosan, and polyHEMA and may be coated on all gingival facing surfaces of the cervically located component.

Abstract: Interactive, computer based orthodontist treatment planning, appliance design and appliance manufacturing is described. A scanner is described which acquires images of the dentition which are converted to three-dimensional frames of data. The data from the several frames are registered to each other to provide a complete three-dimensional virtual model of the dentition. Individual tooth objects are obtained from the virtual model. A computer-interactive software program provides for treatment planning, diagnosis and appliance from the virtual tooth models. A desired occlusion for the patient is obtained from the treatment planning software. The virtual model of the desired occlusion and the virtual model of the original dentition provide a base of information for custom manufacture of an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: A flexible dental impression tray for use with a curable matrix-forming material and a related method for fabricating temporary dental prostheses. The temporary matrix tray is configured to provide a moderate degree of flexibility and easy customization to a particular patient's dentition. Use of transparent material for the tray and the matrix material allow better visualization by the practitioner.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets and appliances, and methods of making and using orthodontic brackets. The orthodontic bracket may include a molded identification marking including at least one alphanumeric character disposed on a visible surface. A kit of self-ligating orthodontic brackets may be provided that includes individual brackets of different archwire slot widths for attachment to anterior and posterior teeth during a corrective orthodontic treatment. An appliance or auxiliary may be provided that includes a spring-loaded latch operative to secure the appliance to an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a dental implant for supporting a coronal component. In at least one embodiment, the implant includes a fixture part forming an apical bone contact part of the implant, an abutment part forming a coronal component support part of the implant, and an abutment screw, wherein said abutment part is arranged to, in an assembled state of said dental implant, be fixed to the fixture part by the abutment screw, and wherein a coronal end portion of the abutment screw is arranged to, in the assembled state, be positioned coronally of a coronal end portion of the abutment part. At least one embodiment of the present invention also relates to abutment structures and methods for implanting a dental implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surgical guide and accompanying depth bur with a method for its use during sinus elevation surgery utilizing the Caldwell-Luc Osteotomy procedure. The surgical guide of the present invention provides accurate transfer of the parameters of the surgical osteotomy to be performed during sinus elevation surgery. It bridges the gap between the precise information obtained from the CT scan and the surgical field on which this surgical plan must be placed. This is accomplished by the use of the surgical guide which is constructed based on the information in the CT scan and the treatment plan prepared utilizing 3-D imaging software.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions useful for the treatment of periodontal disease exploiting optical and thermal emissions of near-infrared laser systems and fibers in order to target chromophore-stained biofilm while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Abstract: A highly precise implant implantation guide has been desired for safely and precisely performing a dental implant treatment. A method of producing an implant implantation guide according to the present invention includes the steps of: (1) preparing a guide block including an attachment portion and a processing portion; (2) acquiring CT image data of a patient with the guide block being worn by the patient; (3) determining an implant implantation position and an implant implantation direction through diagnosis based on the CT image data, and transforming information of the implantation position and the implantation direction thus determined into coordinate information based on a processing reference coordinate system; and (4) cutting the guide block through CAD/CAM so as to reflect the coordinate information obtained by the transformation.

Abstract: A bone cutting device having a cylindrical body that has cutting teeth on one end, a shaft extending from another end of the body for attachment to a drill, which shaft can provide cooling water to the body, and a drill extending beyond the cutting teeth for contacting the bone prior to the cutting teeth contacting the bone.

Abstract: A system for comparing dental X-ray images includes a positional displacement calculator calculating a positional displacement between dental X-ray test and reference images by using phase-only correlation, a positional displacement corrector correcting the positional displacement, a base point extractor defining, as a base image, any one of the dental X-ray test and reference images, and defining, as a corresponding image, the other one of the two dental images, and extracting base points from the base image, a corresponding point extractor extracting corresponding points, which correspond to the base points, from the corresponding image, a correspondence calculator calculating correspondence between the base points and the corresponding points, a nonlinear distortion corrector correcting a nonlinear distortion between the base image and the corresponding image, based on the correspondence, and a similarity calculator finding, by using phase-only correlation, a similarity between the base image and the corre

Abstract: A method for caries detection uses an image capture device (30, 32) to obtain fluorescence image data from the tooth (20) by illuminating the tooth to excite fluorescent emission. A first enhanced image of the tooth is then obtained by illuminating the tooth at a first incident angle, obtaining a back-scattered reflectance image data from the tooth tissue, and combining the back-scattered reflectance image data with the fluorescence image data. A second enhanced image of the tooth is then obtained by illuminating the tooth at a second incident angle, obtaining a back-scattered reflectance image data from the tooth tissue, and combining the back-scattered reflectance image data with the fluorescence image data. The first and second enhanced images are then analyzed to select and display the best-contrast image. This method provides high contrast images for carious regions (58) on all tooth surfaces.

Abstract: A manual driver for a dental implant drill or other dental implant tools and the method of use for preparing for dental implantation are provided. The manual driver includes a handle, an extension shank and a chuck having an axial channel configured to receive and interlock an implant drill, and a fastening screw transverse to the axial channel. The method of manual preparation for dental implantation using the manual driver has a high precision, and reduces the risk of bone cracking caused by vibration of motor-driven drilling. The manual drilling method provides better tactile sensation and drilling control to the dentist. Further, the method avoids drilling irrigation, allows collection of virgin bone tissue from the drills, and reintroduces the collected bone tissue in the receiving bore to promote bone regeneration after the implantation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods determine the health of oral objects by providing objective measurements using a detachable probe body. The detachable probe body may isolate reusable system components (including an electromagnetic signal detection, signal transmission, energy generation, and or energy transmitting components) from the oral cavity, optionally by encasing at least a portion of one or more of these components in a sheath or the like. A window of the probe body maintains sterile isolation and transmits electromagnetic energy to and/or signals from the oral object. Accuracy can be enhanced by a clamp or other structure for engaging a surface of the oral object so as to maintain a fixed alignment between the signal receiver and the oral object.

Abstract: An illuminating radiation beam is directed toward a potentially or actually carious structure (particularly a tooth). A detector detects acoustic oscillations set up in the structure resultant from the illuminating radiation and produces an output signal dependent upon the magnitude of the oscillations detected. Signals from the detector are processed to predict the presence or magnitude of carious infection of the structure.

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: A method for whitening a dental surface comprises nonsimultaneously applying a whitening composition to the surface, the whitening composition comprising at least one orally acceptable peroxy compound, and directing a volume of up to about 2.5 ml of an atomized activating composition on to the surface, wherein the activating composition comprises, in the volume so directed, a peroxy compound activating effective amount of at least one orally acceptable basifying agent, and wherein applying the whitening composition and directing the activating composition are separated by an interval not greater than a peroxy compound activating effective interval. The atomized composition can be directed on to the dental surface before or after application of the whitening composition.