Method Or Material For Testing, Treating, Restoring, Or Removing Natural Teeth Patents (Class 433/215)
  • Patent number: 8974228
    Abstract: A method of assessing the quality of periodontal tissue using a dental device having a flat laminar body with a visual indicator thereon. The visual indicator includes a color zone having a color. The method includes positioning the flat laminar body of the dental device under the periodontal tissue in a gap existing between a tooth and a portion of the periodontal tissue covering a neck portion of the tooth; observing the periodontal tissue underneath which the body has been positioned; and determining to what the degree the color of the color zone is apparent through the periodontal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Giulio Rasperini, Tiziano Testori
  • Publication number: 20150064654
    Abstract: A fluoride treated ceramic material is provided, the ceramic material comprising fluorinated metal oxide on its surface. A method for the preparation of such treated ceramics is also provided, the method involving exposure of the ceramic to a fluorine-containing reagent. The ceramic materials can be further functionalized so as to bond to functional ligands and/or resins. The ceramic materials can be, for example, ceramic medical implants or particulate ceramic, which can be incorporated within dental and/or orthopedic composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Piascik, Brian R. Stoner
  • Publication number: 20150064646
    Abstract: A cannula for evacuating irrigation fluid, saliva and/or blood for use in the dental field is formed of three interconnected tubular conduits and includes two hollow tube members one of which includes a first aperture formed on a buttressed plate parallel to the first tubular member, a second aperture being located on an upper part of the distal portion of the second tubular member allowing simplified placement and removal by engaging forceps in the apertures and use of the cannula with a first branch of the cannula inserted between the teeth and the tongue of a patient and the second branch of the cannula inserted between the teeth and the cheek of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jean Aymeric Bombin
  • Publication number: 20150064643
    Abstract: A visualization apparatus and a system for enhancing hand-eye coordination during a medical procedure are provided. The visualization apparatus includes an elongate support member, a head member, an operating head element, and a processor. The head member connected to the elongate support member at a predetermined angle includes an angled wall for mounting a reflector. The operating head element connected to an upper end of the head member mounts and supports an objective lens. The objective lens focuses light from an operating field to a reflector to create an image of the operating field. An eyepiece lens accommodated in the elongate support member or the head member magnifies the created image. The processor operatively communicating with an image receiver processes and transmits the magnified image to a viewer. The orientation of the magnified image on the viewer is similar to the orientation of the operating field, thereby enhancing hand-eye coordination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Hankookin, LLC
    Inventors: James Jiwen Chun, Andrew Youngho Chun, Angela Soyoung Chun, Jennifer Miseong Chun
  • Publication number: 20150064650
    Abstract: A dental spacer that is adjustable and attaches to a tooth. The dental spacer may include a ring with an inner surface and an outer surface. A screw may be secured to the ring to compress and expand the ring size. A spacer may be attached to the outer surface of the ring and may abut against an adjacent tooth. Therefore, the space between two teeth adjacent to a removed tooth may be preserved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Kenny Durandis
  • Publication number: 20150064645
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jennifer Jablow, Michael Mark Muehlemann
  • Publication number: 20150056568
    Abstract: Methods and devices for Live Biofilm Targeted Thermolysis (LBTT) are disclosed. The disclosed LBTT methods can be used for thermolysis and coagulation of the live periodontal Biofilm with incandescent light and a targeting agent as heat sink. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the incandescent light generated through the secondary quantum optical and thermal emissions from a carbonized near infrared diode laser delivery fiber, otherwise known as a “hot tip,” to an application region that includes live biofilm. With this novel targeted approach of exploiting the incandescent hot tip's radiant energy (i.e. its optical and thermal emissions), the physical nature of the targeted live biofilm in the periodontal pocket is changed from a mucinous liquid-gel, to a semi-solid coagulum, which then facilitates its removal from the effected pocket, with traditional mechanical SRP periodontal techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Eric BORNSTEIN
  • Patent number: 8961179
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mineralising demineralised and hypo-mineralised biological material such as tooth or bone. The apparatus has a probe electrode for receiving a mineralisation agent and a counter electrode. It is also provided with a controller to control the electrical signal provided to the probe such that the extent of mineralisation of the biological material is controlled by modulating or changing the electrical signal provided by the probe based upon the measured output of the circuit formed from the probe, counter electrode and biological material. The electrical output provides a measure of the extent of mineralisation of the biological material which is compared with data from a reference technique which gives 3D structural information on an area of interest in the biological material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: The University of Dundee, The University of Abertay, Dundee, The University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: Christopher Longbottom, Joseph Crayston, Nigel Berry Pitts, Dmitri Grinev, Iain Young
  • Publication number: 20150050617
    Abstract: Methods of extracting teeth involving contacting, prior to extraction, the tissue surrounding a tooth to be extracted with a composition providing an agent capable of destroying the periodontal ligament surrounding the tooth, such as, collagenase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Keren Marynka Kalmani, Evgeny Weinberg, Yosef Gafni
  • Patent number: 8956161
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating gingival tissue or oral biofilm includes 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; administering colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel to the gingival tissue following the removing of imbedded anaerobic bacteria; and cleaning the gingival tissue with a cleaning agent directly following the administering of the colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel for modifying the environment from anaerobic (diseased) to aerobic (healthy).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Duane C Keller
  • Patent number: 8956160
    Abstract: An oral care agent delivery device is provided which comprises a permanently deformable backing layer, an anchor layer overtop the backing layer, and an oral care layer overtop the anchor layer. The device is sized to fit over a plurality of teeth in an upper or lower dental arch of a subject. The oral care layer comprises at least one oral care agent and at least one hydrophilic polymer. The oral care layer is in contact with the anchor layer and forms an adhesive bond with the anchor layer; however, the oral care layer is minimally invested in the anchoring layer. When hydrated, the oral care layer has an adhesiveness relative to the surface of a user's teeth that is sufficient to retain the device on the user's teeth when placed thereon. The device can also have an oral care agent which is activated on hydration of the oral care layer, or an oral care layer which releases the oral care agent over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ranir, LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Willison, Joseph C. Townshend, Christopher D. Bryan, Emilie S. Beskar, Sreenivasu Mudumba, Adrian Faasse, Janet Lai
  • Patent number: 8951505
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, compositions and kits for mineralizing tissue, particularly dental tissue. The methods, compositions and kits may be used to strengthen and prevent weakening of the tissue. For example, the methods, compositions and kits may be used for treating and filling cavities in teeth caused by tooth decay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Georgia Health Sciences University Rsearch Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: David Henry Pashley, Franklin Chi-Meng Tay
  • Publication number: 20150037749
    Abstract: A closed system mouthpiece uses light and heat generation to activate a gel formulation to increase its volume. The gel formulation is coated into the mouthpiece, which is inserted into the user's mouth. Application of heat above a threshold temperature causes the gel to transform into foam and expand out of the mouthpiece and into the oral cavity. The mouthpiece creates a hermetic seal such that the foam expands out throughout the oral cavity into nooks and crannies that are normally difficult to access. Activation of a light source embedded within the mouthpiece enhances the bacteria killing properties of the foam material. The pH balance of the mouth is restored by the inventive method and apparatus to a neutral level in the range of 6.75 to 7.25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: JBL RADICAL INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Levine, Owen J. Murray, Elmar A. Dave
  • Publication number: 20150037752
    Abstract: A syringe for injecting solid, hard and rough granular material includes: a longitudinal injection chamber having constant section and an internal diameter of less than 4.5 mm, having a distal outlet mouth for the flow out of the material, whose surface is the same as the injection chamber, and a proximal mouth, in which granular material is inserted; a plunger sealedly mobile along the injection chamber, joined to a stem which enters the injection chamber through the proximal mouth, the plunger having: a transversal section which sealingly couples with the surface of the injection chamber, and having an operative surface, facing towards the distal mouth of the injection chamber; and a body projecting longitudinally internally of the injection chamber, fixed substantially axially to the operating surface of the plunger, having a diameter that is less than 70% of that of the injection chamber and a length greater than 6 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: C.G.M. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Corrado Saverio Parmigini
  • Patent number: 8944820
    Abstract: A dental restorative composite and a method of curing the composite are disclosed in which the composite includes a polymerizable organic resin, a radiation activated initiator having an activation wavelength, an inert filler; and luminescent crystals, wherein the luminescent crystals emit radiation at a predetermined wavelength matching the initiator activation wavelength when the luminescent crystals are irradiated with radiation having a wavelength longer than the activation wavelength, the luminescent crystals being up-converting particles that result in those particles emitting radiation at a wavelength that initiates curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Calvin Ostler, Hui Lu
  • Patent number: 8948482
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides computing device implemented methods, computing device readable media, and systems for motion compensation in a three dimensional scan. Motion compensation can include receiving three-dimensional (3D) scans of a dentition, estimating a motion trajectory from one scan to another, and calculating a corrected scan by compensating for the motion trajectory. Estimating the motion trajectory can include one or more of: registering a scan to another scan and determining whether an amount of movement between the scans is within a registration threshold; determining an optical flow based on local motion between consecutive two-dimensional (2D) images taken during the scan, estimating and improving a motion trajectory of a point in the scan using the optical flow; and estimating an amount of motion of a 3D scanner during the scan as a rigid body transformation based on input from a position tracking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Adi Levin
  • Patent number: 8944819
    Abstract: An oral care agent delivery device is provided which comprises a permanently deformable backing layer, an oral care layer, and a non-woven binding material with a first part that is substantially invested in the oral care layer and a second part that is substantially invested in the backing layer. The device is sized to fit over a plurality of teeth in an upper or lower dental arch of a subject. The oral care layer comprises at least one oral care agent and at least one hydrophilic polymer. When hydrated, the oral care layer has an adhesiveness relative to the surface of a user's teeth that is sufficient to retain the device on the user's teeth when placed thereon. The device can also have an oral care agent which is activated on hydration of the oral care layer, or an oral care layer which releases the oral care agent over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ranir, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian L. Faasse, Steven Richard Klemm, Glen Edward Groeneweg, Alan Gene Thelen
  • Publication number: 20150024341
    Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: HELMUT PAUSER, RÜDIGER HAMPE, CHRISTOPH SCHULTE, MICHAEL KNEE, ANDREAS MAURER
  • Publication number: 20150024346
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of oral surgery and, more particularly, to a minimally invasive method of extracting fractured root tips of teeth from the corresponding tooth socket. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of selecting a broken root tip removal instrument which comprises a finger grip coupled to a conical radial tip comprising a spiral cutting screw and then placing the fine point against an exposed surface of a broken root tip, subsequently applying a torque to the finger grip thereby causing the radial tip to screw into the broken root tip such that the root tip removal instrument securely anchors into the broken root tip, and finally applying a force to the finger grip thereby extracting the broken root tip from a root canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Christine Elizabeth Johnson
  • Patent number: 8936778
    Abstract: Composition and methods include a dental bleaching agent, potassium nitrate a fluoride salt for enhanced whitening and reduced tooth sensitivity. The potassium nitrate and fluoride salt both reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity that may otherwise be caused by the bleaching agent. For prolonged treatment of teeth, lower quantities of potassium nitrate (e.g., 0.5%) have actually been found to work better than larger quantities (e.g., 3%). The dental compositions may be applied directly to the person's teeth, or they may be loaded into a comfortable fitting, flexible, thin-walled dental tray and placed over the person's teeth. In that case, the dental compositions will include a tackifying agent, such as carboxypolymethylene, which assists the composition in retaining the dental tray over the person's teeth as a result of the adhesive properties of the dental composition rather than due to mechanical interlocking of the tray over the person's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8936470
    Abstract: A device for quickly stopping a medical or dental drilling tool includes a drilling tool having a body extending between a connection end and a working end and having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis of the drilling tool. The drilling tool has a hollow outer shell in which a probe is held that can be moved along the longitudinal axis so that a part of the probe can be moved out of the shell through an opening. The probe is designed as an elongated pin, and its first end facing the connection end is held in the interior of the shell. An electromagnetic sensor for detecting relative movement between the shell and the probe is arranged along the longitudinal extension of the body. The drilling tool has a channel for a treatment fluid extending along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Pruckner, Thomas Jindra, Georg Watzek, Ewald Unger
  • Patent number: 8936469
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a dental implant restoration system including an abutment for attaching a dental prosthesis within a patient's mouth. The abutment is a single unit structure fabricated of a ceramic material, multicolored throughout to match the color of the dental prosthesis, the surrounding dentition and the surrounding gingival tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Smith, Robert Ganley, Dmitri Brodkin, Armin Ospelt, Tobias Specht, Hans Peter Foser
  • Patent number: 8936467
    Abstract: Method for extracting an implant installed in a bone, which comprises the application of a torque on an extraction tool in order to thread it in the interior of the implant until the implant-bone connection is broken, with the specific feature that the torque is applied in phases. In each phase a torque that is increasingly greater than in the previous phase is applied and the application of torque is then eased. This method brings about a gradual and controlled deformation of the head of the implant, with the result that the extraction tool is inserted more deeply into the implant. As a result, higher breakage torques may be applied without damage being caused to the extraction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Biotechnology Institute, I Mas D, S.L.
    Inventor: Eduardo Anitua Aldecoa
  • Patent number: 8936463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to orthodontic positioning appliances that represent teeth in desired positions and related systems and methods. An appliance can include teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth. An appliance can include an outer component having a surface representing teeth in desired positions. An outer component can be integral with an appliance. An outer component can be separate and configured to couple with an appliance main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mason, Eric Kuo
  • Publication number: 20150017607
    Abstract: A method for removing dental material is disclosed. The method may include suspending, by a hydrated polymeric material, a quantity of abrasive media. The hydrated polymeric material and suspended abrasive media may then be pressurized. Accordingly, an abrasive stream may be formed by expelling, under pressure, the hydrated polymeric material and suspended abrasive media from a nozzle. The abrasive stream may be precisely applied to a tooth to abrade the enamel or dentin thereof as a drilling instrumentality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy D. Nelson, Daren N. Heaton
  • Patent number: 8932060
    Abstract: Dentinal tubules sealing method using dentinal tubules sealant that is to be applied to a dentin surface to fill solid particles into dentinal tubules, wherein the dentinal tubules sealant comprises a water-based dispersing agent in which solid particles are dispersed and which has a solid/liquid ratio of from 0.3 to 2.6, and the method comprises applying the dentinal tubules sealant to a dentin surface to fill solid particles into dentinal tubules, and then removing a solid component adhering to the dentin surface by scrubbing using water. Thus, pains, hyperesthesia, and so on are allowed to be suppressed because dentinal tubules will be filled and sealed with solid particles and a curable composition is allowed to exhibit improved adhesive properties to a dentin surface because solid components adhering to the dentin surface can be removed by scrubbing using water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.
    Inventors: Takuo Tsuruta, Shumei Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20150010881
    Abstract: A bone foundation guide comprising a bone foundation guide body contoured to guide a cutting implement to alter an exposed bone of a dental surgical site, the bone foundation guide body forming an encircled open surgical space that continuously connects a top and a bottom of the bone foundation guide body, the bottom is further contoured to affix to the exposed bone of the dental surgical site while the top is further adapted to support a dental implant surgical guide or in the alternative a cutting containment guard; and the cutting containment guard having a cutting channel for receiving the exposed bone when the cutting containment guard is combined with the bone foundation guide body, the combination forms a cutting slot for guiding a cutting edge of a cutting implement to alter the exposed bone from the dental implant surgical guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel R. Llop
  • Publication number: 20150010878
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Eric J. Seibel, Liang Zhang, Richard S. Johnston, Charles D. Melville, Leonard Nelson, Cameron M. Lee, Joel Berg
  • Publication number: 20150004561
    Abstract: A method includes planning a head scan of a subject via a console (716) of an imaging system (700), wherein the head scan scans both jaws of the subject, including metallic dental fillings of teeth of the subject, scanning the subject 108, including the metallic dental fillings of the teeth of the subject, via the imaging system, wherein the subject has a dental metal artifact reduction device (802) installed in their mouth during the scan, and generating projection data indicative of the scanned region of the head of the subject, including the metallic dental fillings of the teeth of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Koehler
  • Publication number: 20140377715
    Abstract: A contactless dental device for determining tooth colors includes illuminating means for illuminating with ambient illumination light a tooth to be examined. At least one color sensor for acquisition and spectral examination of light reflected by the tooth is inventively provided, wherein filtering means are associated with the color sensor for at least partial separation of a signal component originating from the illumination light from the signal component originating from the ambient light. Evaluating means for determining the tooth color based on the signal component originating from the illumination light are disposed downstream of the filtering means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Helmut Rauscher
  • Publication number: 20140377716
    Abstract: A dental measuring device for three-dimensional measurement of a patient's teeth having projection means with a projection unit 8 to project a measuring structure onto a tooth to be examined. The device also has a camera to capture a measuring structure projected onto the tooth. According to the present invention, the projection unit has at least one UV light source, wherein the power output from the UV light source is selected or can be selected such that light-curing dental materials can be cured by the effect of the UV light, in such a way that the device can be used or is used for curing light-curing dental materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Helmut Rauscher, Ulrich Partheymüller
  • Publication number: 20140370457
    Abstract: An apparatus including a transducer head and a motion transfer member, and a method for rupturing connective tissues that attach a tooth to an alveolar bone socket are provided. The transducer head generates and transfers vibrational and tapping movements to the motion transfer member. The motion transfer member, extending from the transducer head via a neck of a transducer assembly, includes a ball projection and a flexible member. The ball projection connected to a distal end of the neck transfers the generated vibrational and tapping movements received from the transducer head to the tooth. The flexible member housing and surrounding the ball projection contacts a tooth surface and generally conforms to a shape of the tooth to distribute the generated vibrational and tapping movements uniformly in multiple directions on the tooth to rupture the connective tissues and allow the tooth to be loosened and removed from the alveolar bone socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: James Jiwen Chun, Andrew Youngho Chun, Angela Soyoung Chun, Jennifer Miseong Chun
  • Publication number: 20140363784
    Abstract: A dental laser system for treatment of hard and/or soft tissue includes a main chamber housing optical and primary fluid supply subsystems, for directing a laser beam and fluid to a treatment area. A hand piece affixable to the main chamber, includes mating optical and secondary fluid supply subsystems. The hand piece can be rotatable or re-orientable about an optical axis within the hand piece. A lock can maintain a selectable angular orientation of the hand piece relative to the main chamber. A coupling can maintain a fluidic communication between the primary and secondary fluid supply subsystems even when the hand piece is rotated or re-oriented. A sensor and controller can sense a selected angular orientation of the hand piece and adjust the main optical subsystem according to the sensed angular orientation, to align the two optical subsystems. The laser may be controlled using a variable speed foot pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Nathan P. Monty, Charles H. Dresser, William H. Groves, JR., Leonid A. Bafitos, Jon R. Quillard
  • Patent number: 8905756
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Dentsply International Inc.
    Inventor: Dann Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8905759
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transporting a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into nanoporous mineralized tissue structures, such as teeth. The method may include contacting the nanoporous mineralized tissue structure with an ionic solution including the therapeutic or cosmetic substance; and simultaneously applying to the nanoporous mineralized tissue structure an electrical potential effective to transport the therapeutic or cosmetic substance into the nanopores of the nanoporous mineralized tissue structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Universidade Federal de Paraiba
    Inventors: Hiongyap Gan, Jongyoon Han, Frederico Barbosa de Sousa
  • Patent number: 8905760
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating and controlling oral periopathogens that have been found to be associated with systemic inflammation and/or disease in a periodontal pocket, inhibiting their entry into the host circulatory system, and decreasing the systemic effects. A bacterial community present in one or more oral treatment regions is determined. A periodontal medicament delivery tray is prepared for the patient with the delivery tray being configured with one or more application regions, each configured for applying a medicament to a different one of the oral treatment regions. The medicaments are applied to each oral treatment region, including placing each medicament into a different application region of the delivery tray. Each of the applied medicaments is applied as a function of a determined efficacy of the medicament against the bacterial community determined to be in the oral treatment region associated with the application region in which each medicament is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Duane C. Keller
  • Publication number: 20140356805
    Abstract: A blank for forming a radiographic guide is formed from a material substantially translucent to x-rays and has external surfaces. The blank encases portions of one or more radio-opaque features, wherein the one or more radio-opaque features are embedded within the blank and extend at least between the external surfaces of the blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: TROPHY
    Inventors: Charles Louis Marie Deville, Sylvie Marie Gisele Bothorel, Philippe Congy
  • Patent number: 8899984
    Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a dental surgical guide and a methodology of operating same, the dental surgical guide having a body with a set of walls, a top portion, and a bottom portion and at least one open-sided channel, the open-sided channel continuously connects an opening of the one of the set of walls to the top portion and the bottom portion; and at least one master grommet, the master grommet having a hollow grommet interior that continuously connects a side opening, a top aperture and a bottom aperture; wherein the open-sided master grommet is placed within a respective open-sided channel to allow a dental tooling head to be placed into the master grommet through the master grommet's side opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel R. Llop, Brad J. Hawley
  • Patent number: 8899978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing comprising matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Kitching, Rene Sterental, Eric Kuo, Maia Singer
  • Publication number: 20140342303
    Abstract: A laser induced thermo-acoustical system has a waveguide for propagating laser radiation to an absorbing layer of a tip. The tip has an absorbing layer serving to absorb the laser radiation propagating through the waveguide. The absorbing layer has such an absorption coefficient that upon absorbing the laser radiation the absorbing layer heats up to boil a quantity of a liquid when the tip is surrounded by the liquid. A laser induced thermo-acoustical method calls for providing a waveguide for propagating laser radiation to the absorbing layer of the tip to be at least partially absorbed by the absorbing layer and to boil a quantity of the liquid surrounding the tip and generating the stream of liquid. The laser induced thermo-acoustical streaming of the liquid is used, in particular, for the treatment of a root canal and periodontal pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Laser Abrasive Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory B. Altshuler, Andrei V. Belikov, Alexei V. Skrypnik
  • Publication number: 20140342318
    Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method discloses applying an anesthetic to at least a portion of a surface of an area in a patient's mouth affected by a gingiva pigmentation, and applying a pressurized fluid to the at least the portion of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Pranadent LLC
    Inventor: Rashad Riman
  • Patent number: 8888488
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
  • Patent number: 8888489
    Abstract: A tooth cleaning and whitening method applies a light transmitting oxidizing gel to the teeth, after which a hand-held LED light source with a light transmitting lens and a cup forming a chamber having an open end is moved over the teeth so that the cup distributes the gel while the teeth are exposed to light transmitted through the lens. This not only ensures intimate contact of the teeth with the gel, but also maintains a more or less constant spacing between the light source and the tooth surfaces for optimum results. A sealant is then applied to the gel-coated teeth, after which a dental prophylaxis is performed by cleaning and scaling the teeth at the gum line, gingival margins, and crevicular spaces while avoiding excessive disruption of the sealant composition. This simultaneous cleaning and whitening procedure reduces patient time at the dentist compared to separate cleaning and whitening procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Oraceutical LLC
    Inventor: R. Eric Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20140335473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium silicate glass ceramic, which contains at least 8.5 wt.-% transition metal oxide selected from the group consisting of oxides of yttrium, oxides of transition metals with an atomic number from 41 to 79 and mixtures of these oxides. The invention also relates to a corresponding lithium silicate glass, a process for the preparation of the glass ceramic and of the glass as well as their use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Christian Ritzberger, Wolfram Höland, Marcel Schweiger, Volker Rheinberger
  • Publication number: 20140335476
    Abstract: A method of treating a dental patient includes performing a dental procedure, conducting muscle response testing for indentifying a location for treatment, placing a magnetic device over the location identified during the muscle response testing, and aligning the magnetic device over the location for influencing energy flow in the patient. The magnetic device includes a set of four magnetic discs arranged in an array including two having negative magnetic poles lying in a first plane and two having positive magnetic poles lying in the first plane. The two magnetic discs having negative magnetic poles extend along a first diagonal line and the two magnetic discs having positive magnetic poles extend along a second diagonal line that crosses the first diagonal line. A housing for maintaining the magnetic discs in the array has an alignment marker for aligning the magnetic device on the dental patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Laurie A. Bechler, Joseph R. Mele
  • Publication number: 20140335469
    Abstract: An oral illumination apparatus configured for placement in a mouth. The oral illumination apparatus includes a housing configured to be coupled to a structure in the mouth. The housing including a processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the housing and configured to detect a characteristic from within the mouth, wherein the sensor provides a feedback signal indicative of the characteristic to the processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus includes a light source coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus further includes a power source coupled to the housing. The processing circuit is configured to control the light source in response to the feedback signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: EDWARD S. BOYDEN, ALISTAIR K. CHAN, RODERICK A. HYDE, JORDIN T. KARE, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140329192
    Abstract: A dental device is provided in which the dental device comprises electronic components for ornamental functionality as well as orthodontic functionality. The dental device comprises components for light, sound, and video display for patients with braces, or for recreational users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Lucie R. Kaskoun, Kenneth Kaskoun
  • Patent number: 8876530
    Abstract: Various tools and procedures are provided for implantation of an implant at a target site. The procedure can include performing an osteotomy at the target site; placing a guide sleeve into the osteotomy; inserting a coring tool into the guide sleeve; coring the target site up to a depth less than the depth of the osteotomy, the coring tool being configured to collect autogenous bone material from the target site during the coring of the target site; placing the implant at the implant site; and grafting the autogenous bone material into selected portions of the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nobel Biocare Services AG
    Inventors: Pedram Nouriam, Steven M. Hurson
  • Patent number: 8871235
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable compositions comprising substantially spherical bioactive glass particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Synergy Biomedical LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Borden
  • Patent number: 8870574
    Abstract: A method of creating a 3-D anatomic digital model for determining a desired location for placing at least one dental implant in a patient's mouth. The method comprises the act of obtaining a first dataset associated with hard tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of obtaining a second dataset associated with soft tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of combining the first dataset and the second dataset to create a detailed structure of hard tissue and soft tissue having variable dimensions over the hard tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin