Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a substance to a target region in vapor form are provided. A fluid is placed within an interaction zone, where the interaction zone is a volume that extends into the target region or that is adjacent to the target region. A fiber optic tip is placed within the interaction zone. The fiber optic tip contains the substance that is transparent to a first wavelength of energy and that substantially absorbs a second wavelength of energy. A vapor bubble is created within the interaction zone by exposing the fluid to electromagnetic radiation at the first wavelength, where the radiation at the first wavelength is substantially absorbed by the fluid. The substance is released in vapor form into the vapor bubble by exposing the substance to electromagnetic radiation at the second wavelength. The fiber optic tip emits the radiation at the first and second wavelengths.

Abstract: Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a shell having a number of cavities to receive one or more teeth, each cavity having an inner surface. Fewer than all cavities are scaled-up in size by a first selected percentage over one or more dimensions of a corresponding tooth surface to provide a uniform space between the cavity inner surface and the corresponding tooth surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of delivering local anesthetic after dental extraction surgery. The present invention relates to packing the tooth socket with a tinned release local anesthetic which is coordinated with an initial local anesthetic and which lasts up to 5 days. The socket can be surgically sealed or the implant can act as the sealing means.

Abstract: Non-cytotoxic compositions for tooth whitening are disclosed. Methods of their use are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides electrochemical dispensing apparatus and methods. According to the principles of the invention, a microelectronic electrochemical dispenser is used to cause the release of one or more selected chemical substance from a stored chemical compound. The release is controlled using a timer or sensor apparatus in a controlling device, preferably an ASIC.

Abstract: Device for taking three-dimensional and temporal optical imprints in color, including a three-dimensional dental imaging device that does not employ structured light projection. The device includes a stereo camera having at least two CCD or CMOS color sensors in preset positions, an optical system of fixed and preset focal length, an LED lighting system, and an electronic system located behind or near the sensor, controlling the latter but also the LEDs illuminating the imprint capture region. The system includes a central processing unit and a card for controlling said LEDs. The sensors are distributed over all or part of a dental arch, being placed in a sort of optical impression tray allowing a complete image of the arch to be captured in a single exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing or eliminating loss of minerals from the enamel and dental hypersensitivity against temperature changes, in particular when caused by the bleaching of teeth with products containing hydrogen peroxide or other oxidizing agents. After the bleaching process the teeth are treated with a calcium hydroxide containing solution, and subsequently the teeth are treated with a fluoride solution.

Abstract: A method of polishing a tooth surface without mechanical abrasion is provided. Kits and compositions are also provided.

Abstract: An intra-oral imaging system includes a handheld intra-oral camera in wireless communication with a remote computing device. The computing device includes a display unit and is linked to databases containing historical data for the teeth of a subject. A dentist actuates a touch-sensitive button to prompt capture of images of the subject's teeth, which are wirelessly transmitted to the computing device and graphically displayed. The images generally represent an arrangement and conditions for the teeth. Program modules are executable to identify a current condition of one or more teeth, and to select a prerecorded visual demonstration of a dental procedure from a database based on the identified current condition. Alternatively, the program modules may extrapolate using the current and historical data to predict a future condition and recommend procedures or otherwise alert the subject to potential future procedures. Visual demonstration of the procedures is provided on the display unit.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for guiding a dental treatment tool. The system comprises a guidance device inserted into the mouth and an analyzer unit receiving tool location information from the device and providing an image indicating the location of the tool in relation to the jaw. The guidance device provides a platform to which any type of dental tool can be attached and supports the tool, allowing it to be moved in any direction. The system tracks the motion of the tool and displays its location and orientation relative to a three dimensional coordinate system whose origin is located on part of the device. Prior to the procedure the practitioner designs a surgery or treatment path, which is displayed on top of an image of a region in the mouth. An image of the tool showing its instantaneous location and orientation is displayed as an overlay.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for imaging an oral cavity of a subject include a bracket comprising a mouthpiece and a camera mount. The mouthpiece has upper and lower bite guides disposed on a posterior side and separated by an opening through the mouthpiece. The bite guides are spaced apart so a subject biting on the guides opens the oral cavity to inspection through the opening. The mount is disposed on an anterior side of the mouthpiece; and has a flange to engage and slide along the opening and an optical path for light to pass through the mount and mouthpiece. A clip on an anterior side of the mount is configured to removeably hold a camera to record light passing through the optical path from the posterior side of the mount. In one embodiment, the camera is a programmable cell phone with digital camera.

Abstract: A fluoride treated medical implant, such as a dental component, is provided, the medical implant comprising fluorinated metal oxide on the substrate surface. A method for the preparation of such treated implants is also provided, the method involving exposure of the medical implant to a fluorine-containing reagent. A dental structure is also provided, which includes a first dental component comprising a fluorinated metal oxide layer on its surface, a silane coupling agent, a dental cement, and a second dental component having a surface bonded to the dental cement. An additional dental structure, which includes a first dental component comprising a fluorinated metal oxide layer on its surface, a dental cement, and a second dental component having a surface bonded to the dental cement is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.

Abstract: Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable compositions comprising substantially spherical bioactive glass particles.

Abstract: An intraoral camera comprising: an imaging section for obtaining image data from a patient in a dental chair; a transmitter comprising a transmitter configured for both wired and wireless transmission of the obtained image data to a computer; and a power section including a cable that obtains power from the dental chair or a battery module within the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles for use in the treatment of periodontal disease has a discharge chamber with a controlled flow of water, the water flowing through a plasma gap formed by electrodes, the electrodes having a pulsed voltage applied to create a plasma discharge, the pulse duration chosen to maximize the generation of nanoparticles from the electrodes which are in the range of 10 nm to 50 nm. The discharge chamber flow rate and pulse duration is controlled to maintain a particular temperature differential across the plasma gap to additionally optimize the nanoparticles population for the desired 10 nm to 20 nm size range having negative surface electric charge. The nanoparticles thereby formed may thereafter be applied to a subject in need thereof as an irrigation treatment, or as a paste applied directly to a region of periodontal disease.

Abstract: A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms.

Abstract: An occlusion evaluation apparatus capable of evaluating a masticatory ability depending on an occlusal geometry of teeth without actually used by a human subject, reads three dimensional data of geometries of maxillary molar teeth 1, 2, 3, 4 and mandibular molar teeth 5, 6, 7, 8, and specifies a geometry of a fluxion space Va defined by a plane Sa which includes two adjacent contact points Pa between the maxillary molar teeth 1, 2, 3, 4 and mandibular molar teeth 5, 6, 7, 8 and which is perpendicular to the occlusal plane, the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary molar teeth 1, 2, 3, 4, and the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular molar teeth 5, 6, 7, 8.

Abstract: An expansion device includes an inflatable balloon moveable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration configured to pass through soft tissue between two adjacent teeth of a patient when in the unexpanded configuration. The an expansion device also includes an inflation tube having one end connected to the inflatable balloon and another end serving as an entry port for an inflation fluid. The inflatable balloon has a triangular shape when in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A method, device and system for modifying the gingival margin of a patient is disclosed. A method includes obtaining an electronic model of the dentition of a patient, determining an incision path along the gingival surface based on the electronic model, generating and fabricating a guide arrangement to assist in cutting the gingival surface of the patient, mounting the guide arrangement to the dentition of the patient, and cutting the gingival surface of the patient with the assistance of the guide arrangement. A guide arrangement includes a mounting portion and a template portion coupled to the mounting portion along the gingival surface of the guide arrangement and positioned to provide a desired incision path. A system includes a three dimensional scanner, a computer system and a fabricating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining surface topology of a portion of a three-dimensional structure is provided, that includes a probing member, an illumination unit, a light focusing optics, a translation mechanism, a detector and a processor.

Abstract: A system for a dental superstructure to be attached to an implant using a digital model description of a shape of the superstructure, the superstructure including first and second elements. The system comprises a computing device arranged to (a) analyze a recorded real clinical situation or shaped clinical situation of an implant axis and insertion axis, (b) compute a shape of the dental superstructure based at least in part on the determined implant axis, (c) generate digital data representing the shape of the superstructure, and (d) separate the computed shape into first digital data representing a shape of the first element to be connected to the implant and second digital data representing a shape of the second element to be connected to the first element, the shape of the first element being optimized, at least in part, based on a tilt angle between the determined implant axis and insertion axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental curable composition exhibiting both excellent light diffusion and excellent transparency, and having high mechanical strength and surface smoothness and gloss after polishing as a cured product as well as good handling properties as a paste. The present invention is a dental curable composition including: a polymerizable monomer (A) having a refractive index of 1.52 to 1.58 after polymerization; inorganic particles (B) having a refractive index of 1.43 to 1.50; and inorganic particles (C) having a refractive index of 1.52 to 1.58. The inorganic particles (B) are aggregates of inorganic fine particles having an average primary particle size of 2 to 50 nm, and the content of the inorganic particles (B) is 0.1 to 10% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental, particularly a remineralizing composition, effective for pain sensitive teeth, such as toothpaste, tooth powder, mouth wash, chewing gum, dental formulations or the like, comprising spherical dental particles having a particle size between 0.1 and 2 ?m made of silica gel in an one-part combination, comprising at least one combination agent selected from at least a phosphate, a oxide, a further oxygen-containing compound, a hydroxide, hydrogen carbonate or carbonate of the metals of groups II and III of the periodic system, as well as zinc or tin, wherein the dental particles are present in an amount such that the SiO2 amount resulting from the silica gel is less than 1 wt. %.

Abstract: A device for reducing pain having an elongated shaft for grasping with a hand. The elongated shaft has a blunt end member. The blunt end member is shaped to allow a practitioner to apply force from the blunt end member onto a target tissue before using a syringe and needle to inject a fluid (e.g. anesthesia) into the tissue. There is a bore (hole) in the blunt end member, through which the needle is passed and subsequently, pushed into the tissue for injection of the fluid.

Abstract: Substituted saccharide compounds, dental compositions comprising substituted saccharide compounds, and methods of using dental compositions are described. In one embodiment, the substituted saccharide amide compound comprises a hydrophobic group and at least one free-radically polymerizable group with the proviso that the hydrophobic group is not bonded to the ethylenically unsaturated carbon atom of the free-radically polymerizable group. The hydrophobic group is typically bonded to a nitrogen atom of a saccharide amine residue or a carbonyl moiety of saccharide amide residue.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. In one embodiment, the well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. In another embodiment a hydrophilic material is added. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In another embodiment the cap is filled with a dilatant material. In another embodiment, the cap is filled with an impregnated compressible porous material. In yet another embodiment, the cap is pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a curable composition to be prepared by mixing a base paste and a catalyst paste, the base paste comprising (A) a hardenable compound comprising at least two aziridine moieties, and (B) a metal containing component containing anions and/or ligands, the metal containing component being present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 5 wt.-%, the metal being selected from Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Ag and combinations thereof, the anions or ligands being selected from oxide, hydroxyl, (hydro)carbonate, sulphate, nitrate, halide, lactate, benzoate, wolframate, linear or branched aliphatic carboxylic acid anions, ligands having not more than two coordinating moieties and combinations thereof, the catalyst paste comprising (C) a Lewis acid, the composition optionally further comprising (D) a retarder, (E) filler and (F) additive(s).

Abstract: A system for driving an electric handpiece in response to a pneumatic control signal may provide for fast interchange of handpieces, self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speed control. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dental treatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and a conversion kit may facilitate such conversion. The system may provide not only for controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electric drive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it may also provide for coupling cooling air and treatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece. Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, including coupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with a simple press and twist action using quick connection structure.

Abstract: Provided are dental articles, and methods of making articles, having an aesthetic inorganic coating based on zirconia at least partially stabilized with yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, or magnesium oxide. Stabilized zirconia coatings were found to provide a smooth, low friction surface having high abrasion resistance. These coatings are particularly applicable to orthodontic appliances. While virgin stabilized zirconia coatings can often have an undesirable color cast, it was discovered that this color cast can be substantially eliminated by heat treating the coated appliance in an oxygenated environment. The combination of depositing a stabilized zirconia coating and subsequently heat treating to decolorize the coating provides a surprisingly robust, stable, low-friction coating that is also aesthetic.

Abstract: A kit and method for creating a 3-dimensional toy includes a battery powered light, a container filled with a light curable polymer and one or more molds into which the light curable polymer is inserted. Optimal the kit may also include one or more sheets of transparent material to which the light curable polymer does not adhere and coloring which can be added to the light curable polymer. The method of forming a the 3-dimensional toy involves obtaining a mold, dispensing a light curable polymer into the mold; and then curing the polymer by applying light in the visible or near visible range to the polymer via a battery powered light.

Abstract: Methods and compositions including an aqueous liquid that includes an acid-sensitive dye are disclosed for use in dental and orthodontic procedures. The aqueous liquid can be useful for providing a visible color change to indicate contact with acidic materials including, for example, etching compositions, self-etching adhesives, and self-adhesive compositions.

Abstract: A device for quickly stopping a medical or dental drilling tool comprising 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 hollow outer 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.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a kit of parts comprising part A and part B, part A comprising a polymerizable component having an acid group in the molecule, an initiator, part B comprising an activator, and a film former with a molecular weight of at least 1000. The present disclosure also relates to a composition obtainable by mixing the components contained in the kit of parts and to a process for producing the kit of parts comprising the steps of bringing the components contained in part B of the kit in contact with a surface, drying the surface to form a film.

Abstract: A method for forming a tooth positioner for repositioning at least one tooth of a patient includes providing a dental arch cast of a patient, separating at least one tooth from the dental arch cast, fixing a pin in a stump part of the at least one separated tooth, and in any non-separated teeth, reconstructing the dental arch cast of the patient by aligning the separated teeth to correspond to the alignment in the patient's mouth and holding the pins in a material that may be softened by heat, heating an area to soften an area, applying force to the pin fixed in the at least one tooth to be repositioned to move it in a desired direction to obtain a realigned arch, and forming a tooth positioner corresponding to the realigned arch. The tooth positioner is used by having the patient wear it for a period of time.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods and devices for designing dental components, such as physical models of a patient's anatomy, crowns and bridges. An operator of a prosthetic designing system can receive information, such as from a scanner, which provides information on the topology of the patient's dentition. The operator can use this information to design a custom prosthetic to fit the patient. Part of the designing process involves using a finish line defined for a preparation as a segmentation line for a physical die corresponding to the preparation, and using a path of draw line as an insertion axis line for a dental prosthetic.

Abstract: A method for the delivery of an oral care active agent comprising the following step: applying an active agent(s) between a target oral biological barrier and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the biological barrier.

Abstract: An appliance fabricated to improve the appearance of a patient's smile includes a plurality of simulated teeth. The interior surfaces of each of the teeth closely fits and conforms to the surface of a patient's real teeth while the outer surfaces of each of the simulated teeth has an ideal surface configuration. The dental appliance provides the patient with the appearance of a perfect set of teeth and an ideal smile without a need to alter the dental structure of the patient's teeth.

Abstract: One embodiments of the present subject matter include a method that includes fixing a top pantograph to a patient via clutches to the top teeth of the patient, fixing a bottom pantograph to a patient via clutches to the bottom teeth of the patient, optically monitoring the bite of the patient by monitoring the relation of the top pantograph to the bottom pantograph during a bite cycle, storing data relating to the actual bite storing patient data including a three-dimensional model including a top teeth model and a bottom teeth model, storing a digital top pantograph model associated with the top pantograph, storing a digital bottom pantograph model associated with the bottom pantograph, digitally pairing the bite data, the top pantograph model and the bottom pantograph model to the patient data, and digitally modeling the bite.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring mandibular position is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first slide operable to adjustably couple to a second slide, such that the second slide is operable to travel in a direction substantially parallel to a long axis of the first slide, and an indicator configured to indicate a location of the second slide relative to the first slide in the direction substantially parallel to the long axis of the first slide. The apparatus further includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the first slide and the second slide, the adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the distance between the first slide and the second slide in a direction substantially orthogonal to the long axis of the first slide.

Abstract: Methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases, disorders or injuries are provided. In particular, methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases of the gingival (gums) and bone are provided. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (herein referred to as PCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing and displaying an oral health status of a tooth or an entire dentition based on a measurement with a diagnostic device. Diagnostic data pertaining to a selected tooth, tooth surface, section of tooth surface or numbers of teeth in a mouth is recorded from an oral health diagnostic device, optionally along with an image of the particular tooth or tooth surface examined. The diagnostic data is processed and compared with reference data to determine an oral health status of the tooth. The oral health status of the tooth is then displayed on an odontogram shown in a user interface. The user interface may also provide reports comparing changes in the measured data and/or images along with the therapies used, thereby enabling the measurement and tracking of outcomes from various therapies over time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions that can rapidly evolve oxygen and/or activated oxygen generally including an oxidizing agent (e.g., a peroxide) and an activating agent that has an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm (e.g., Eosin B, Eosin Y, or Erythrosine B). Methods of employing these compositions to whiten teeth, and methods of making these compositions and kits that include some or part of the composition ingredients, are also described.

Abstract: The device performs reference point indentation without a reference probe. The indentation distance is measured relative to the instrument which remains substantially stationary during the impact process, which occurs on the order of one millisecond. In one embodiment, an impact motion with a peak force of order 28N creates an indentation in bone with a depth of approximately 150 ?m during which the instrument case moves less than 1 ?m. Thus the error in measuring indentation depth due to the motion of the case is less than 1%, making a reference probe unnecessary. Further, this “error” is consistent and can be corrected. In one embodiment, the device measures the fracture resistance of hard tissues by actually creating microscopic fractures in the hard tissues in a measured way. It creates these microscopic fractures by impacting the sample with a sharpened probe. The indentation distance in the sample is correlated with fracture resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impression device and a method for three-dimensional acquisition of intraoral structures as well as a corresponding scanning device. The impression device of the invention comprises an impression sleeve, which has an open and a closed end, and at least one marker which is three-dimensional and disposed on the outside of the impression sleeve.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting irregular bone defects during dental implant osseointegration process. The system comprises a detecting abutment, an ultrasonic driver, a signal receiving and analyzing device. When dental detection is performed, the detecting abutment is disposed on a substrate holder of a dental implant. The ultrasonic driver configures the piezoelectric transducers disposed on the detecting abutment to produce ultrasonic wave and transmits the ultrasonic wave to the contact surface between the dental implant and the alveolus bone. The piezoelectric transducers can receive the reflected wave caused by the each portion of the contact surface reflecting the ultrasonic wave and transform the reflected wave into time domain voltage signal. The signal receiving and analyzing device receives the time domain voltage signal to determine the depth, the severity and the location of the irregular bone defects of the contact surface.

Abstract: A method of oral health risk assessment is provided in which diagnostic data from an oral health detection device and patient risk factor data is processed to provide a integrated risk measure relating to a patient's dental health. The patient risk factor data preferably includes risk factor data such as pathological risk factors, protective risk factors, historical factors, self care factors, behavioral factors, and extrinsic factors. The integrated risk assessment and patient data is preferably provided to a remote server for access by various authorized stakeholders.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for mixing a first injectable liquid pharmaceutical composition and a second injectable composition within an injection device, said injection device including: ·a generally cylindrical shell in which a cartridge is lodged or a generally cylindrical barrel, ·at one first end of the generally cylindrical barrel or the generally cylindrical shell, a plunger, the plunger being mounted on the barrel or shell, ·at a second end opposite the first end of the generally cylindrical barrel or the generally cylindrical shell, is provided a needle assembly support member, on which may be mounted a needle assembly, said needle assembly comprising means to be mounted on the needle support member, and further comprising: -at least one hollow cannula for transportation of liquid from the barrel or cartridge to the body of the patient; -and at least one hub surrounding part of the cannula and attached to cannula; said hub possibly including a hollow part; characterized in that the first inje

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-component dental elastomeric impression material with dimensional stability and storage durability based on addition curing silicone, wherein one component comprises a polymerization catalyst, containing or composed of a) at least one polydimethylsiloxane comprising polyatomic cross-linkable groups, preferably unsaturated cross-linkable groups, b) at least one polyaklysiloxane with Si-H functionalities, c) at least one catalyst for the reaction of a polydimethysiloxane, comprising polyatomic cross-linkable groups, with a polydimethylsiloxane comprising Si—H functionalities d) one or more fillers, e) a combination of release agents, comprising i) at least one alkyl-substituted polydimethylsiloxane, in which the alkyl chain is linear or branched, and/or at least a polydimethylsiloxane, in which the alkyl chain is linear or branched, and partially or completely halogenated, preferably fluorinated, and ii) at least one paraffin, and further relates to a dental mold, use, a dent