Abstract: A dental trap is provided for use in a mouth cavity of a patient during a dental procedure. The dental trap may separate the patient's mouth cavity from the patient's throat to prevent an extracted tooth and/or a dental tool, such as a screw, in the mouth cavity from falling into the throat. The dental trap may also allow the patient to breathe through the dental trap.

Abstract: An intra-oral camera has a projector that is energizable to emit patterned illumination and an imaging sensor that is energizable to obtain image content. An inertial motion sensing element provides signals indicative of acceleration of the intra-oral imaging apparatus along at least one axis. A processor is in signal communication with the projector, the imaging sensor, and the inertial motion sensing element and is configured to initiate image acquisition according to signals obtained from the inertial motion sensing element.

Abstract: A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions.

Abstract: A dental illumination apparatus includes a lamp system mounted on a support structure. The lamp system includes a light source. A control system is provided for controlling the activation of the lamp system. A light guide shields soft tissues local to teeth of a subject from effects of ultraviolet radiation. The light guide includes a lamp attachment formation coupled to the lamp system, and a recording device in communication with the control system, the recording device including memory which stores the amount of time that the light source has been on since the beginning of a treatment procedure. A lip retractor, coupled to the light guide, is adapted to receive the lips of a patient.

Abstract: The invention describes the modification of polyamine-based materials to form polyguanidine compounds that are useful for their antimicrobial, anticaries, and muccoadhesive properties. The present invention also relates to methods for preventing or treating periodontal disease and caries which include delivering a therapeutically effective amount of an oral composition containing a polyguanidine compound into an oral cavity.

Abstract: A system for scanning a dental arch of a patient includes a reference element having a reference pattern thereon; a holding mechanism configured to hold the reference element in a fixed position inside the patient's oral cavity adjacent to and spaced from the dental arch, wherein the holding mechanism is configured to be installed on the patient without contacting an occlusal surface of the dental arch; and an intra-oral scanner configured to scan the dental arch and an adjacent portion of the reference element to obtain a scanned image comprising the scanned portion of the dental arch and the scanned adjacent portion of the reference pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental laser-emitting device capable of treating both soft tissue applications and hard tissue applications.

Abstract: A mounting method of dental cast is disclosed. The mounting method includes the steps of providing an articulator and a label module having at least a label and at least a reference object, generating a label coordinate information in accordance with the reference object and the label, providing a midface and mandible image information and generating a landmark coordinate information in accordance with a plurality of landmarks of the midface and mandible image information, generating a structure coordinate information in accordance with a plurality of structures of the articulator and the label, disposing a first dental cast connected with the label module on the articulator, and providing a detecting device to detect the label and adjust the position of the first dental cast in accordance with the midface and mandible image information, the label coordinate information, and the structure coordinate information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining medical instruments is disclosed. The apparatus includes a medical instrument tray having a substantially planar, rigid interior section, wherein the interior section has a plurality of holes formed therein. A flexible grommet sheet is positioned abutting a first side of the medical instrument tray, the flexible grommet sheet having a plurality of openings therein, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of openings are substantially axially aligned with the plurality of holes formed within the interior section. A substantially rigid back plate is removably attached to the medical instrument tray, wherein the flexible grommet sheet is positioned between the first side of the interior section and the back plate, and wherein the back plate has a plurality of holes positioned therein, wherein the plurality of holes are substantially axially aligned with the plurality of holes formed within the interior section.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering an active agent into an intraoral structure are disclosed. One embodiment of a method for implementing the subject matter described herein includes generating an electrical signal that includes a first frequency, a second frequency, and a third frequency, and supplying the electrical signal to an embedded circuit contained in an intraoral delivery tray, wherein the embedded circuit includes at least one electrode that includes projections positioned proximally to a surface of an intraoral structure. The method further includes providing the first frequency and the second frequency to the at least one electrode to generate an electrical field that electrically motivates the active agent suspended in a fluid medium contained in the intraoral delivery tray toward the intraoral structure via dielectrophoresis and providing the third frequency to the at least one electrode to increase the uptake of the active agent into intraoral structure via alternating current electroosmosis.

Abstract: A dental container (10) comprising means for containing liquid and solid powder dental materials initially in separated condition. The liquid is contained in a receptacle (22) having an inner wall (26) with a relatively thin weakened section (28). A plunger (30) is mounted in an open outer end (24) of the receptacle (22) initially. The receptacle (22) is inserted at a proximal end of an outer central body (12) whilst a separable nose portion (18) is mounted at a distal end of the outer central body (12). In use, the plunger 30 is used to rupture the wall (26) by hydraulic pressure or by means of a sharp projection (52) to cause the liquid to contact powder material held in a distal end of the outer central body (12) and the nose (18) for mixing to form a dental paste. The nose (18) is subsequently manually detached from the outer central body (12) so that the dental paste can be accessed for use.

Abstract: The invention encompasses non-aqueous dentifrice compositions containing a bioacceptable and bioactive glass with improved mouth-feel, foam, and product stability. More particularly, the invention encompasses non-aqueous compositions including combinations including carrageenan and/or carboxymethylcellulose gums, glycerin, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers, and a bioactive glass and methods of use the compositions in an oral care product, for example, a whitening tooth-paste, for hypersensitive teeth.

Abstract: A flexible containment device can comprise a textile material including at least one of a woven material, a braided material, a knit material, a felt material, and an electrospun material, wherein the textile material includes a plurality of biocompatible strengthening fibers configured to engage a bone graft material and configured to remain in a patient.

Abstract: A method for detecting indications of dental caries in an image of a tooth. The method comprises fitting a model to the image to identify a part of the image representing an outside edge of the tooth. Image variations are analyzed in an area of the image to detect said indications of dental caries, the area of the image representing a part of the tooth and being defined with reference to the fitted model. Data is then generated indicating the presence of dental caries based upon the analyzed image variations.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymerizable dental compositions comprising a dimer acid-derived monomer such as a dimer acid-derived di(meth)acrylate monomer.

Abstract: A polymeric material is curable from an uncured state to a cured state and includes at least one finely dispersed filler. The material has in the cured state, a translucency in the range of about 30% to about 100%, and shore A hardness according to DIN 53505:1984 in the range of about 20 to about 70 and a tensile strength according to DIN 53504:1994 in the range of about 1.5 MPa to about 4.5 MPa. The material has in the uncured state, a consistency according to DIN ISO 4823:2000 of type 0 to 3.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to health monitoring systems and, in certain embodiments, to take-home monitoring systems designed for oral appliance monitoring. Embodiments include a method for obtaining data from an oral appliance. The method comprises placing an oral appliance comprising embedded electronics in an oral cavity, wherein the embedded electronics collect data; transmitting the data to a reader, wherein the reader comprises a computer, tablet computer, smart device, reader box, relay transmitter, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The device includes a shim component constructed for use in the non-surgical treatment of interproximal carious dental lesions. A plunger may be provided for driving substances through a tube-like channel or bore in the shim component, or an electromagnetic energy-transmissive material may fill the channel, in either case for delivering to the site of the lesion a medium that is effective for directly or indirectly killing, or biologically damaging, the carious bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-colored shaped body having layers arranged on top of one another for producing dental restorations, a process for its production and its use for the manufacture of dental restorations.

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

Abstract: Dental curing systems, apparatuses, and methods may include a light source, a perforated plate, and a dental composite. The perforated plate may be positioned between the light source and the dental composite. The perforated plate may include a plurality of perforations that convert a first curing light beam from the light source into multiple curing light beams before reaching the dental composite. The multiple curing light beams come in contact with the dental composite to begin the curing process at certain locations on the dental composite. The perforated plate may then be removed, and a second curing light beam from the light source may be applied to the dental composite to complete the curing process.

Abstract: A method for making a guide channel includes providing an auxiliary jig comprising a coupling structure and a corresponding coupling structure of a drilling jig so that the auxiliary jig and the drilling jig are arranged in a defined spatial position. An auxiliary bore is drilled into the auxiliary jig. An auxiliary bore sleeve comprising a reference ring plane is inserted into the auxiliary bore predefined by a target depth. The auxiliary jig is placed on the drilling jig in the defined spatial position. A guide bore is drilled into the drilling jig. A guide sleeve is inserted into the guide bore using a positioning tool so as to form the guide channel. The guide sleeve comprises a depth stop for the drill stop. The guide sleeve is inserted to an insertion depth defined by the reference ring plane and the reference device. The auxiliary jig is removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a system for controlled oral drug delivery. The system comprising a removable device comprising a drug to be delivered, wherein the drug is delivered based on osmotic pressure generated in the removable device. Further, the system comprises a receptacle to hold the removable device in an oral cavity, and a base station configured to dock the removable device for determining information about one or more characteristics of the removable device.

Abstract: A natural anhydrous oral care composition with a limited number of naturally-derived, naturally processed, generally regarded as safe (GRAS) ingredients including an effective amount of a bioactive glass is described. The topical application of the composition to human teeth cleanses, remineralizes and reduces plaque build-up on teeth.

Abstract: A periodontal probe is provided for measuring a depth of a periodontal pocket using a touch sensor. The periodontal probe includes a handle with a probe tip for insertion into the periodontal pocket. The probe tip includes a touch sensitive reader located on or near an exterior surface thereof for measuring contact between the exterior surface of the probe tip and the tissue of the periodontal pocket. A touch sensor and a microcontroller are connected to the touch sensitive reader to measure the amount of contact between the touch sensitive reader and the tissue of the periodontal pocket, which corresponds to the depth of the periodontal pocket.

Abstract: Methods for controlling and/or regulating of a compressed-gas-operable medical or dental drive device and a control and/or regulating device for performing such methods are described. In one method according to a first embodiment, a rotor of the drive device is operated at an essentially constant rotational speed (n1) by adjusting the gas pressure and/or the flow rate of the compressed gas through a valve and the rotational speed is reduced on reaching a pressure value (p2) of the compressed gas which is lower than the maximum gas pressure (pmax) of the compressed gas. In the case of a method according to a second embodiment, the gas pressure of the compressed gas and the rotational speed of the rotor are altered on reaching a rotational speed limit value (n2, n3) of the rotor by adjusting the valve.

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.

Abstract: Herein are provided methods, systems, computer-readable media, techniques and processes for adjusting dental prostheses based on soft tissue. These include allowing an operator to define the surface of a dental prosthesis, such as an abutment, that is proximal to the patient's gum relative to a 3D scan of the patient's gums. The operator can define the offset of that surface as well as the limits of that surface.

Abstract: A method of cleaning teeth by providing a device for generating a chemical agent in situ on an as-needed basis via the application of an electrical potential across a pair of conductors in communication with an electrolyte. The chemical agents may include ozone, hydrogen peroxide, peroxide, chlorine and/or hypochlorite. The device may include a voltage source and a first set of electrodes for applying an electrical potential to the electrolyte. The device may also include a second set of electrodes disposed about an anode of the first set of electrodes. The first and second sets of anodes cooperate to produce ions, peroxides, ozone and/or other chemical agents via the application of electrical potential to the electrolyte.

Abstract: Methods for administration of a substantially non-cytotoxic chlorine dioxide composition to whiten a tooth surface are provided.

Abstract: A dental bur and method for removing a soft deposit from a tooth or an implant, the bur having a shank adapted to be connected to a rotary device. A head extends from the shank. The head has a material hardness adapted to remove soft deposits attached to the tooth but deflect against the tooth. Furthermore, the head is sized for insertion into a periodontal pocket adjacent to the tooth without surgery. Thus, the dental bur may be rotated against the tooth for removing the soft deposits but deflect and/or wear against the tooth for preventing damage to the tooth.

Abstract: A device for secondary caries detection characterized in that it contains a current generating block in its casing (6), advantageously equipped with the high linearity amplifiers, the current having the form of sinusoidally varying signal, advantageously with one frequency chosen from the range of frequencies from 200 Hz to 100 kHz and amplitude from 50 mV to 5 V; a block of preamplifiers (4), advantageously of high sensitivity and linearity with phase-sensitive detectors measuring components, advantageously with one frequency chosen from the range of frequencies from 200 Hz to 100 kHz as well as its multiples, advantageously integral in principle; microprocessor control unit (5), advantageously with a miniature keyboard and display unit, and at least one fixed electrode (2) placed on mucous membrane of the oral cavity and at least one moveable electrode to be mounted on a tooth (1).

Abstract: A system and method for modeling bite function. A top pantograph is fixed to a patient via clutches to the top teeth of the patient, a bottom pantograph is fixed to a patient via clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient and the actual bite of the patient is optically monitored by monitoring the relation of the top pantograph to the bottom pantograph during a bite cycle and storing a hinge axis. Data is stored relating to the actual bite and the top teeth are scanned to create a top teeth model while the bottom teeth are scanned to create a bottom teeth model. A digital representation of the top pantograph is digitally fitted to the top teeth, a digital representation of the bottom pantograph bottom pantograph is digitally fitted to the bottom teeth, and the relationship of the top teeth model and the bottom teeth model to the hinge axis is recorded.

Abstract: Short single chain peptides having affinity for a target surface often lack the binding durability required for certain commercial applications. One way to improve durability is to promote multivalent binding by linking together binding sequences using peptide linkers. However, the resulting single chain binding peptides often suffer from linker entropy. It has been discovered that the use of rigid peptide linkers when linking together multiple binding sequences enhances the binding affinity of the resulting single chain peptide.

Abstract: A method for dental restoration that includes disposing a flowable and curable tooth restoration composition into an open cavity of a stent that defines contours of a final design model of a patient's teeth and includes an interproximal contact that has been thinned along an interproximal contact zone but not separated, seating the stent on the patient's teeth such that the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition fills a space between at least one tooth to be restored and the stent, initiating curing of the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition in the stent such that the composition bonds to the at least one tooth to be restored and forms at least one restored tooth and removing the stent from the patient's teeth to expose the at least one restored tooth.

Abstract: Presently described are dental compositions comprising one or more fatty mono(meth)acrylates, methods of use, dental articles, and methods of making dental compositions. It has been found that a relatively low concentration of a fatty mono(meth)acrylate can improve the handling characteristics of a dental composition by reducing the tendency of the composition to stick to a dental instrument and/or by reducing the tendency of a dental composition to string when being manipulated by a dental instrument. In one embodiment, a hardenable dental composition is described comprising a polymerizable resin composition comprising at least one multifunctional ethylenically unsaturated monomer; 0.2 to 10 wt-% of one or more fatty mono(meth)acrylate monomers; and at least 50 wt-% of inorganic oxide filler.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of dental caries on the surface of a remaining tooth present underneath a crown are provided. Such an inventive concept involves the utilization of a proper electrically conductive pathway from the crown exterior to the tooth itself, allowing for impedance measurements to be undertaken to determine the degree of potential demineralization within the tooth and/or adhesive loss at the tooth/crown interface, all due to decay attributable to dental caries or like problems. A measuring electrode may be applied to a specific point on the target crown as well as on the adjacent gum, to measure impedance levels for any appreciable decreases which would indicate underlying tooth decay has been initiated. From that point, the dental professional may undertake proper therapeutic measures to treat such tooth locations in order to avoid far more expensive repairs, such as the implementation of bridges or implants.

Abstract: Embodiments for estimating a surface texture of a tooth are described herein. One method embodiment includes collecting a sequence of images utilizing multiple light conditions using an intra-oral imaging device and estimating the surface texture of the tooth based on the sequence of images.

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 retraction cord for use in a dental procedure for widening the gingival sulcus containing kaolin. The kaolin acts as a hemostatic agent and an absorber or hydrophilic agent to reduce bleeding and dry the gingival sulcus. A binder may be used to aid in retention of the kaolin on the fibers of the retraction cord. A lubricant or release agent may be used preventing blood clots from sticking to the retraction cord upon removal. Kaolin is affected and has no adverse side effects.

Abstract: Polymerization apparatus for dental technology, having a housing; a partition wall disposed in the housing so as to form a polymerization space where polymerization is carried out; a rotating table, which is arranged on a lower side of the polymerization space and on which the dental prosthesis is disposed directly or via other members; and a plurality of LED light sources which irradiate a light for the curing to a polymerization region, which is formed on the upper side of the rotating table and where the dental prosthesis can be disposed, wherein at least one of the plurality of LED light sources is disposed such that a light axis thereof is inclined obliquely upward to be directed toward the polymerization region.

Abstract: A dental tissue treatment apparatus and associated methods includes a feedback-controlled beam guidance system for directing treatment to a defined area of dental tissue.

Abstract: A guided tissue regeneration membrane has a top surface, a bottom surface and the two surfaces are characterized by the plurality of through conical holes. Each of the plurality of through holes has a base opening on the top surface and a tip opening on the bottom surface. The diameter of the base opening is larger than that of the tip opening The guided tissue regeneration membrane is placed between a hard tissue and a soft tissue of gums with the top surface thereof facing the hard tissue so as to hinder the soft tissue from rapidly growing. The tip openings are available for the soft tissue to supply nutrient to the hard tissue therethrough. The hard tissue can grow from the base openings, through the corresponding through holes and to the soft tissue to repair periodontal tissue. In order to achieve a better affinity for cell growth, the guided tissue membrane surface facing the bony surface is coated with a hydrophilic, bioactive and biocompatible nano scaled oxidation layer.

Abstract: A medicament delivery tray and method for treating periodontal disease include fitting of a tray about the teeth and gums wherein the tray includes a seal that creates a substantially airtight seal against the gum line and a substantially airtight treatment chamber about the enclosed teeth and gums, the tray further having a reinforcing skirt providing a biasing force to the seal wherein a positive pressure can be created in the treatment chamber for forcing a medicament into the gums about the enclosed teeth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for treating teeth associated with tooth structure removal and disinfection, in particular for endodontic procedures such as root canal tissue removal and decay treatment. Traditional methods involve the use of files, reamers, chemicals, drills, and burs, which have many disadvantages. The disclosed method and apparatus are based on the use of micro-tornado forces generated in a small working head attached to a dental hand piece and discharged from an extended cannula into a root canal orifice or a cavity to abrade, cut, and remove the content.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treating a periodontal defect adjacent to a tooth, the devices and methods use a barrier configured to reduce an amount of material from entering into the periodontal defect, the barrier having a first region configured to retain a portion of the barrier against at least a portion of the tooth and a second region configured to extend over at least a portion of the periodontal defect adjacent to the tooth so as to reduce the amount of material from entering into the periodontal defect. In some embodiments, the devices and methods provided can be removed from the healed periodontal defect without the need to cut into healed soft tissue.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit within a patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially encased within the housing. The emitter is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter. The electronic circuit is configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment. The apparatus and its use for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving oral tissue health are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of dental tissue has a first laser source optically connected to a first channel and the same first laser source optically connected to a second channel. The second laser source is optically connected to the first channel. That second laser source is designed to be pumped via the first channel by the diode laser to generate a power of radiation sufficient to cut hard dental tissue. The second channel is connected to a device for treatment of soft dental tissue and is designed to transmit radiation sufficient for treating soft dental tissue. The first laser source can be a diode laser designed to emit radiation of a wavelength selected from a range of 700 nm to 2700 nm. The second laser source can be a solid-state or fiber laser designed to emit a wavelength from a range of 2700 nm to 3000 nm.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental restoration for at least one section of a dental arch on the basis of digital overall data which are calculated in relation to individual data, which are based on three-dimensional optical individual measurements that are performed intra-orally of an area that contains at least one section of the dental arch. In order to ensure that the overall data, which have been received from individual measurements, represent the measured section of the dental arch and/or the dental arch in its entirety without any distortions, it is proposed that at least one area of the dental arch be measured together with a reference, which supplies three-dimensional information, and calculated from the individual data while considering the reference of the overall data.