Abstract: A handpiece assembly for laser treating a target surface and a laser system are disclosed. A handpiece assembly for laser treating a target surface includes a cable connector that is detachably coupled to a power supply and control module. The cable connector is configured to receive power and control signals from the power supply and control module. The handpiece assembly includes a laser module configured to receive the power and control signals from the cable connector and to generate electromagnetic energy based on the received power and control signals. The laser module is a replaceable module that is detachably coupled to the cable connector and a handpiece. The replaceable module allows a particular laser module to be removed from the handpiece assembly and replaced with another laser module. The handpiece assembly further includes the handpiece configured to receive the electromagnetic energy from the laser module and to direct the electromagnetic energy to the target surface.

Abstract: A digital dental tray system is described including a dental tray shaped to at least partially surround a plurality of teeth and a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging elements attached to the dental tray. Each of the 3D optical imaging elements comprises a structured light projector to project a light pattern onto one or more teeth of the plurality of teeth and a camera to capture an image of the one or more teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting dental caries and an X-ray imaging apparatus and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for detecting dental caries and an X-ray imaging apparatus that can automatically detect occurrence and the degree of progress of caries by processing dental X-ray images.

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 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 quantifying caries, executed at least in part on data processing hardware, the method comprising generating a digital image of a tooth, the image comprising intensity values for a region of pixels corresponding to the tooth, gum, and background; extracting a lesion area from sound tooth regions by identifying tooth regions, extracting suspicious lesion areas, and removing false positives; identifying an adjacent sound region that is adjacent to the extracted lesion area; reconstructing intensity values for tooth tissue within the lesion area according to values in the adjacent sound region; and quantifying the condition of the caries using the reconstructed intensity values and intensity values from the lesion area.

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: The present invention contemplates induction of immunological tolerance thereby providing permanent allograft acceptance. This method obviates the need for a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive agents which can increase the risk of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Immunological tolerance is thought to be mediated by regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) with immunosuppressive capabilities. A therapeutically relevant platform comprising artificial constructs are contemplated comprising numerous soluble and surface bound Treg cell stimulating factors that may induce tolerance following allograft transplantation. Such artificial constructs, being the size of a cell, have surface bound monoclonal antibodies specific to regulatory T-cell surface moieties and encapsulated soluble regulatory T-cell modulating factors.

Abstract: A method of automatically producing or reproducing a customized AGP (Anterior Guidance Package) equipped splint for a patient with or without a severe malocclusion is provided. The method of automatically producing or reproducing an AGP equipped splint according to current invention comprises of combining Virtual Articulation, CAD (Computer Aided Design)-CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) method with AGP and special retentive piece technology. The method of the current invention enables a patient with or without a severe malocclusion to receive his/her customized AGP equipped splint or a replacement thereof automatically without visiting the dentist again and again.

Abstract: A non-custom dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer that is flexible so as to conform to a plurality of differently-sized and shaped dental arches during use. The moisture-resistant barrier layer comprised of wax, paraffin wax and/or polyolefin. The dental treatment device also includes a substantially solid dental treatment composition adapted so as to be initially substantially dry to the touch and so as to become sticky and adhesive to dental tissue when moistened. The substantially solid dental treatment composition includes at least one tissue adhesion agent and at least one active agent, such as a dental bleaching agent.

Abstract: A method for providing procedure guide information using a surgical guide for a dental implant, including: causing a computed tomography image and an oral scan image of a patient to acquire a combined three-dimensional image; selecting a fixture corresponding to a preset implant placement position, preparing the surgical guide in which at least one guide hole configured to guide drilling of a hole used to place the fixture is formed, and causing information about the placement of the fixture and information about drilling guidance to be calculated and prepared as information about a procedure report; outputting the procedure report; and delivering the output procedure report according to information about delivery of the surgical guide.

Abstract: An oromucosally absorbable liquid composition for administration to a human patient comprises one liquid containing a pH-sensitive pharmaceutically active together with one or more optional suitable pharmaceutical excipients in a first compartment; and a second liquid at pH greater than 5 containing a buffer or alkaline components together with one or more optional suitable pharmaceutical excipients in a second distinct compartment; the first and second compartments maintaining separation of the first and second liquids during storage and allowing for mixing of the two liquids to form an oromucosally absorbable composition at the point of use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a dental splint for stabilizing mobile or unstable teeth or firmly rooted teeth to prevent orthodontic relapse. The fabricating of the dental splint includes the steps of: a patient's dental arch to determine if lingual reduction is required, creating a representative model of the patient's dental arch, manipulating the representative model to select a group of teeth to be included in the dental splint and to define the height and length of a one-piece extracoronal component customized to the dentition of a patient; fabricating the one-piece extracoronal component, dry fitting the fabricated one-piece extracoronal component to confirm proper fit, and adhering the fabricated one-piece extracoronal component to the mobile or unstable teeth, wherein the one-piece extracoronal component adheres to the lingual aspect of the teeth and appears substantially non-visible facially.

Abstract: An electro-orthodontic appliance is provided that helps accelerate orthodontic tooth movement through the application of a controlled electrical current to gum and teeth, thus stimulating osteogenesis.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated, pre-programmed or custom-made guidance package is provided. The Anterior Guidance Package (AGP) of current invention is comprised of one maxillary guidance component and one mandibular guidance component produced in many shapes and sizes. Those components are attached to a maxillary retention piece and a mandibular retention piece, respectively when the mandible is at a point defined by an operator to provide ideal anterior guidance for the mandible, or to provide specialized guidance for a damaged stomatognathic system. In contrast to all current bruxism or Tempor-mandibular disorders (TMD) appliances, the AGP according to current invention provides a wide range of features and options including three-dimensional control, superior mechanical advantage and preferable vertical dimension at rest.

Abstract: A multi-film delivery system for a multi-component tooth whitening, desensitization and remineralization composition is disclosed which comprises a first orally dissolvable film made of a liquid-soluble or liquid dispersible polymer system containing a peroxide activation compound or complex and desensitizing agents and/or remineralizing agents and/or anti-inflammatory agents, and a separate second undissolvable film containing a tooth whitening peroxide compound, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, stabilizers and thickeners, and/or desensitizing agents and/or remineralizing agents and/or anti-inflammatory agents, which, when applied together on teeth surfaces, the peroxide activation compound/complex on the first film activates the peroxide compound on the second film, and accelerates the release of active bleaching radicals for accelerated whitening action. The first and second films are maintained separate from one another until application.

Abstract: A dental whitening system has a removable heating component that includes a heating plate having a heat generator. A positioning element, such as a dental tray, is used to position the removable heating component inside the person's lips, over and proximate to the person's teeth, so that heat from the heating plate is directed to the person's teeth.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a dental bleaching device including a dental bleaching composition and a barrier layer. The bleaching composition includes a dental bleaching agent, a generally linear high molecular weight polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and/or polyethylene oxide (PEO) tissue adhesion agent that imparts adhesiveness, a rheology-modifying agent such as fumed silica or fumed alumina that reduces or eliminates stringiness otherwise caused by the high molecular weight PVP and/or PEO, and a carrier. The barrier layer may comprise a dental tray or strip. Dental treatment devices including a barrier layer and a quantity of the dental bleaching composition positioned adjacent to the barrier layer.

Abstract: A displacement sensor includes a light source unit configured to apply light with different plural wavelengths in a direction oblique to a measurement region of a planar measured object, a spectroscope configured to measure spectral distribution of light reflected by the measurement region, a feature amount extracting module configured to extract a feature amount of the spectral distribution, and a displacement calculating module configured to calculate displacement of the measurement region based on the extracted feature amount and a relation between displacement and a feature amount acquired previously.

Abstract: Described is a method of forming a mineralized material by co-culturing epithelial cell, such as ameloblast, and mesenchymal cell, such as osteoblast or odontoblast, in a mineral-stimulating medium. Also described is a matrix seeded with epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells and infused with a mineral-stimulating medium capable of forming a mineralized material in the matrix. Methods of manufacturing such compositions and methods of treating mineralization-related conditions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibrating orthodontic device (1) to be used as an adjuvant for the treatment of correcting malocclusions, the capture comprising vibrating devices (5 and 6) that promote teeth vibration, improving movement of teeth, reducing pain and the time of treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for validating a drilling template for producing an implant-borne tooth replacement before performing an implant drilling. The drilling template produced is placed on dental structures of a jaw area that is to be provided with the tooth replacement. A measuring element is inserted into the drill guide of the drilling template, wherein the measuring element and at least one partial region of the dental structures not covered by the drilling template is measured using an optical three-dimensional measuring method.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for designing a restored smile are provided. One method includes receiving scan data of a patient's teeth, developing a digital model of the patient's teeth via a computing device, where the model represents the patient's teeth based upon the scan data, creating a dental treatment plan to restore one or more teeth from an initial condition to a successive condition, and wherein a final condition of the one or more is based on the one or more teeth having at least one planned additional restorative tooth structure provided therewith.

Abstract: A resin MMF/reimplantation kit is provided with a dental arch bar that includes an elongated pliable splint and a plurality of attachment members. The pliable splint includes an interiorly facing side surface and an exteriorly facing side surface. The pliable splint includes a curable component that cures from a moldable state to a rigid state in less than one minute upon being activated. The attachment members can be ether partially embedded in the pliable splint or can be separate from the pliable splint until after the pliable splint is attached to the patient's teeth.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatuses and methods for implanting dental implants in a patient's mouth that ensure that the implants are in the proper rotational position and depth. In one aspect, the invention includes a surgical guide with a guide tube having an indexing mechanism that mates with a corresponding indexing mechanism on a flange of an implant mount when the mount is used to screw an implant into a patient's mouth. This mating signals that the dental implant is in the proper rotational position and depth.

Abstract: A method of designing a dental restoration component. A set of design dimensional constraints is defined which must be satisfied for the dental restoration component. A set of design parameters for the dental restoration component also is defined. Using at least in part a penalty function, a value is assigned to each of said design parameters for the dental restoration component, consistent with the constraints for said component, said penalty function taking into account at least more than one of said design parameters and which signals a constraint being reached when the value of any of said parameters violates a constraint.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, methods and kits for accelerating the rate of whitening of teeth using an oxidizing agent, a photocatalytic agent, and a portable lightsource.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for determining surface topography of a three-dimensional structure. The apparatus can include a probe and an illumination unit configured to output a plurality of light beams. In many embodiments, the apparatus includes a light focusing assembly. The light focusing assembly can receive and focus each of a plurality of light beams to a respective external focal point. The light focusing assembly can be configured to overlap the plurality of light beams within a focus changing assembly in order to move the external focal points along a direction of propagation of the light beams. The apparatus can include a detector having an array of sensing elements configured to measure a characteristic of each of a plurality of light beams returning from the illuminated spots and a processor coupled to the detector and configured to generate data representative of topography of the structure based on the measured characteristic.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a size of an object in an image is provided. A tissue model may be provided. Points in an image may be selected. A distance or estimated distance of the points from an imaging device may be determined based on the tissue model. A geometrical relation associating the point, distances and an object may be derived. A size parameter of the object may be calculated based on the geometrical relation. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An image guidance system for tracking a surgical instrument during a surgical procedure. The image guidance system includes a plurality of cameras adapted to be located external to a surgical area for capturing images of optically visible patterns. A processing system receives and processes the images to recognize the patterns and triangulate the locations and orientations of each pattern relative to a camera. The processing system uses a reference dataset which defines a reference coordinate system based on alignment to a portion of the oral anatomy. The processing system determines the location and orientation of the tracked instrument based on the reference dataset.

Abstract: An ablation procedure. The ablation procedure may be applied to tooth buds 120 and result in tooth agenesis. The ablation procedure may be applied to lesions or tumors. A tooth bud ablation system for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis. A method for volume scanning both hard tissues and soft tissues of a patient. A method for manufacturing or fabricating a custom surgical stent 110. A custom surgical stent 110 for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis, the custom surgical stent 110 for use with an ablation probe tip 108 having a center of ablation 130a.

Abstract: A vestibular electronic orthodontic appliance expediter constituted of a lingual sub-member and a buccal sub-member, the lingual sub-member arranged to fit a lingual contour of a gum of a patient, the buccal sub-member arranged to fit a buccal contour of a gum of the patient; a control circuitry; a power supply; a plurality of lingual electrodes, each associated with a particular tooth socket; and a plurality of buccal electrodes, each associated with a particular tooth socket. Either a first or a second type current is generated between lingual and buccal electrodes responsive to the control circuitry. Biochemical molecules involved in bone remodeling, augmented by the electric currents, may be applied to the expediter as a layer of gel containing those molecules on the expediter surface facing the gum tissue. Temperature control enhances the gel effects. pH measurement, as indicators of the cellular response to the combined treatment is further provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring spectra and other optical characteristics such as colors, translucence, gloss, and other characteristics of objects and materials such as skin. Instruments and methods for measuring spectra and other optical characteristics of skin or other translucent or opaque objects utilize an abridged spectrophotometer and improved calibration/normalization methods. Improved linearization methods also are provided, as are improved classifier-based algorithms. User control is provided via a graphical user interface. Product or product formulations to match the measured skin or other object or to transform the skin or other object are provided to lighten, darken, make more uniform and the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a powder composition for air polishing the surface of hard dental tissue comprising a powder of water-soluble organic particles as component A, a powder of inorganic anti-caking agent(s) particles as component B and a powder of antihypersensitive acting particles as component C, the mean particle size of component A being in a range from about 15 to about 500 ?m, the mean particle size of component C being in a range from about 0.5 to about 10 ?m. The invention is also directed to a kit of parts comprising the powder composition and its use.

Abstract: A method for mapping a sensor pixel array to an illumination pixel array according to a surface forms a group mapping by assigning each pixel to a corresponding group, each group with p adjacent pixels on the illumination array and each ordered set having k groups, by projecting and recording a sequence of group index images. Each group index image has, in at least two of the groups, no illuminated pixels and in fewer than (k?1) groups, from 2 to (p?1) adjacent illuminated pixels. The sequence of group index images uses pixels from each of the k groups. At least p multiline images are projected and recorded, wherein each multiline image projects a line within each group. Lines in the multiline images are correlated according to the group mapping and the correlation stored in memory. Integers k and p are greater than or equal to 3.

Abstract: Methods for treating systemic disease in oral biofilms having a facultative anaerobic bacteria pathogen present including providing a periodontal medicament delivery tray having a seal against a patient's adjacent gums containing the oral biofilms with the systemic disease, said seal formed so as to have no contact with teeth, applying to the gingival tissue (sulcus or periodontal pocket) a biofilm penetrating antimicrobial agent, removing the imbedded anaerobic bacteria from the gingival tissue following at least one applying of the antimicrobial agent to the gingival tissue; repeatedly administering colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel to the gingival tissue following the removing of imbedded anaerobic bacteria; and following each administering cleaning the gingival tissue with a cleaning agent directly following the administering of the colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel for modifying the environment from anaerobic to aerobic.

Abstract: A dental tray with a hydrophobic tooth whitening formulation where the tooth whitening formulation is substantially non-water soluble, and a method of using this dental tray to whiten the teeth. The tooth whitening formulation is primarily comprised of a hydrophobic polymer and a peroxide or a peroxide yielding compound. Preferably the hydrophobic polymer is the condensation product of a silicone resin and an organosiloxane. The dental tray is formed to encompass the front and the rear surfaces of the teeth. The dental tray is comprised of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The teeth whitening formulation is placed into the dental tray and the tray placed against the teeth to be whitened. This is for a sufficient period of time to at least partially whiten teeth. This can be a period of time from about 0.5 hour to 2 hours or more.

Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for collecting and measuring light from external light sources. In general, the devices of the invention feature a light diffusing element, e.g., as a component of a light collector, connected by a light conducting conduit, e.g., a fiber optic cable, to a light measuring device, e.g., a spectrometer. This light diffusing element allows, e.g., for substantially uniform light diffusion across its surface and thus accurate measurements, while permitting the total footprint of the device to remain relatively small and portable. This light diffusing element also allows flexibility in scaling of the device to permit use in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting demineralization of a surface of a tooth, comprising a) contacting the tooth of a subject with an orally acceptable, binding composition comprising a binding agent that binds to a demineralized surface of the tooth; b) removing unbound binding compound; c) contacting the tooth with an orally acceptable, detector composition comprising a probe compound that reacts with the binding agent to form a visually detectable reaction product; and d) detecting formation of the reaction product as an indication of the presence or extent of surface demineralization of the tooth. Systems, kits, and compositions for practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that can be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

Abstract: A method for mapping a sensor pixel array to an illumination pixel array according to a surface forms a group map by assigning each pixel on the sensor array to a corresponding group of an ordered set of groups, each group defined by a set of p adjacent pixels on the illumination pixel array by projecting and recording at least n projected images from a first set of n binary patterns, with transitions between pixels in each of the n binary patterns only at group boundaries. At least m images from a second set of m binary patterns are projected and recorded, with one or more transitions between pixels in each of the m binary pattern offset from group boundaries. At least p multiline images are projected and recorded. Lines in the recorded multiline images are correlated with lines in the multiline images according to the group map.

Abstract: Dental bleaching compositions include a dental bleaching agent, a generally linear high molecular weight (e.g., greater than about 500,000) polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and/or polyethylene oxide (PEO) tissue adhesion agent included in amount that imparts a high level of adhesiveness, a rheology-modifying agent such as fumed silica or fumed alumina that reduces or eliminates stringiness otherwise caused by the high molecular weight PVP and/or PEO, and a solvent or carrier. Dental bleaching compositions may include carboxypolymethylene instead of or in addition to PVP and/or PEO, wherein the fumed silica or fumed alumina increases long-term rheological stability even in the presence of a high concentration of dental bleaching agent. Dental treatment devices including a barrier layer and a quantity of the dental bleaching composition positioned adjacent to the barrier layer.

Abstract: A mouthguard assembly is provided. The mouthguard assembly includes a generally curved mouthguard for insertion into a user's mouth having an outer portion and inner portion, a channel formed within the outer or inner portion of the mouthguard, and an attachment means housed within the channel. The user can extend the attachment means out of the channel to temporarily attach the mouthguard assembly to clothing or apparatus of the user for storage of the mouthguard when it is not used.

Abstract: A cranial implant designed to fill a cranial defect of the skull of a mammal or a human, wherein the cranial implant is made of biocompatible ceramic and includes an implant body having a shape and size substantially matching the shape and size of the cranial defect to be filled, wherein the implant body includes an outer face facing outside the skull and an inner face facing inside the skull when the implant disposed on the skull, characterized in that the implant includes one or more reinforcing members protruding from the inner face of the implant body. A method of manufacturing the cranial implant is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cryopreserving the pulp of a non-exfoliated deciduous tooth, comprising a step of making with a laser a hole into the tooth removed from its physiological seat on the tooth neck. After making the hole, the tooth is contacted with a cryopreserving agent and then cryofrozen. An object of the invention further consists in mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the pulp of a cryopreserved tooth according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth. The oral appliance contains an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or the entire interior surface of the oral appliance. The interior surface of the oral cavity is formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and is configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament to strategic areas in need of treatment. In some embodiments, computer, network and computer readable storage media are provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a dental tool. The dental tool comprises a hollow tool body having a light source disposed in one end thereof. The dental tool also comprises a hollow tube disposed within the hollow tool body, the hollow tube having a first end disposed adjacent the light source and an opposite second end connectable to a source of pressurized air. The dental tool further comprises at least one vent hole formed in the hollow tool body distal from the light source such that air emitted from the first end of the hollow tube absorbs heat from the light source and the heated air is discharged from the hollow tool body through the vent hole. A method of using the dental tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition useful as a dentifrice comprising a surfactant agent consisting essentially of monoalkyl and dialkyl phosphate esters, wherein the ratio of monoesters to diesters is greater than 1, and optionally an abrasive agent consisting essentially of siliceous materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical imaging method and device enabling display and 3D measurement of tridimensional objects, whereby at least two individual images are captured one after the other and the effective amount of radiation energy for the image conversion is controlled or regulated differently for these individual images. By employing adjustable optical means for the illumination of the object or in the optical path for the imaging of the object on the image converter it is possible to acquire a larger amount of visual information on the object observed than that which is available in an individual image due to the limitations imposed by the design of the converter used. The invention relates to processes and design forms of the device enabling recording units to be designed, using simply and generally commercial components, which are able to display and measure larger objects despite a reduced field of vision imposed by the design.

Abstract: In dentistry very often soft tissue has to be cut. It has become customary to cut soft tissue, in particular gum or gingiva, or to disinfect pockets in the gingiva that exist at the neck of teeth with the help of laser light. The same applies to a disinfection of the channel in the root of teeth (endodontic treatment). Prior art concepts of cutting soft tissue rely on the use of red or infrared diode lasers and lead to an excessive heating the tissue and damaging of surrounding tissue. We suggest a device for treatment comprising a laser diode with a wavelength of 445±15 nm, in particular 445±10 nm, for providing the laser light. The use of e.g. 445 nm for cutting soft tissues has numerous advantages.

Abstract: A method for oral health treatment of a subject using a composition having an anti-oxidant enzyme, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered to the subjection in conjunction with teeth whitening, oral surgery, oral pathology treatment, endodontic therapy, periodontal therapy, dental restoration, preventative tooth cleaning, or subsequent to a pro-oxidant.