Abstract: A protection assembly for a syringe, in dentistry in particular, that includes a syringe body, with the protection assembly being of the disposable type and including: a canula (10) in an elastically rigid material, including a base that is intended (16) to be fixed onto the syringe body, and a sheath (12) in a flexible material formed of two parallel plane walls (18A, 18B) intended to loosely cover the syringe body, the sheath being fixed onto the canula close to the base, and the fixation being of the irreversible type.

Abstract: A cationically curable composition for dental use containing a cationic polymerization initiator (I) and cationically polymerizable monomers (II), the cationically polymerizable monomers (II) containing an oxetane compound and an epoxy compound or an alkenyl ether compound at a ratio of amounts that satisfy the conditions expressed by the following formula, (a×A):(b×B)=91:9 to 45:55 wherein A is a mol number of the oxetane compound, “a” is an average number of the oxetane functional group contained in one molecule of the oxetane compound, B is a mol number of the epoxy compound or the alkenyl ether compound, and “b” is an average number of the epoxy functional group contained in one molecule of the epoxy compound or an average number of the alkenyl ether functional group contained in one molecule of the alkenyl ether compound.

Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.

Abstract: To fabricate a new denture from an existing denture, the existing denture for a patient is sensed. The existing denture corresponds to one or more of a mandibular edentulous ridge, maxillary edentulous ridge, and palate of the patient. In addition, a model is generated of the one or more of the mandibular edentulous ridge, maxillary edentulous ridge, and palate and a wax arch of teeth is modulated in response to a sensed arch of the existing denture. Furthermore, a wax up is generated corresponding to the existing denture by filling a gap between the wax arch and the model and the new denture is fabricated corresponding to the existing denture by investment casting the wax up.

Abstract: A positioning device for dental implant has a post and multiple guides. The post is cylindrical and has a diameter corresponding to a diameter of a hole in a dental model. The guides are mounted detachably on the post and are semi-tubular tabs and each has an inner concave, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter. The guides are mounted concentrically one another. A dentist can use the positioning device to precisely position a drill bit of a drilling device on an edentulous place of a patient's jaw bone and drills a bone cavity suitable for a dental implant. The drill bit can be easily inserted into the patient's mouth without opening excessively.

Abstract: A user-fabricated mouth guard wherein the user's teeth and gums are not directly exposed to the uncured mouth guard material. The uncured mouth guard material is pliant at room temperature and does not have to be heated to form and shape the mouth guard. The cured mouth guard can be pliant or rigid at room temperature. A kit and a method of forming the mouth guard are also disclosed.

Abstract: Templates are disclosed that permit an orthodontist to accurately place appliances such as bracket shims or brackets on a tooth or teeth at a desired position. The templates can be used for accurately locating the position of other dental or orthodontic procedures, such as varnishing, tooth etching and root canals. The templates are made from a flexible sheet of material adapted to be adhered directly to the surface of the tooth or teeth. The sheet of material is formed with the outline of the tooth or teeth or in the shape of the tooth to allow the template to be posited in a proper, reference position. The sheet of material is also formed with one or more marks indicating the location of the bracket on the tooth, for example one mark indicting the bracket base location and other marks indicating the orientation of the base and bracket slot.

Abstract: Visually simulated tooth braces include individual visual tooth brace indicia to simulate real functional braces commonly worn by children and adults alike to adjust human teeth. The visually simulated tooth braces allow for children to temporarily wear braces as many of their classmates, friends, and siblings do.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dental bracket and associated kit used to attach a medicament-releasing pellet on a tooth. The kit is designed to provide slow release of fluoride or other medicament over a desired period of time. The medicament release kit includes a medicament-releasing pellet and a dental bracket. The bracket comprises a base and a socket configured to receive and retain the pellet at least partially therein. The device may be installed by a dental practitioner and remain attached to a patient's tooth for a few months or up to 20 years. The medicament-releasing pellet, designed to slowly release small quantities of fluoride or another medicament, may be replaced, for example, every 6 months to 2 years. Replacement of the medicament-releasing pellet may be performed at home or at a dentist's office.

Abstract: An improved method for cleaning and sterilizing medical and dental instruments (16) employs the use of a banding device (10) to segregate and hold together medical or dental instruments (16) after use in a particular procedure. The banded instruments (16) are then cleaned and sterilized. This method essentially eliminates the time and effort formerly required when unsegregated instruments were mixed with other instruments for cleaning and sterilization and then stored according to the particular procedure for which they are intended and/or according to the intended particular user thereof.

Abstract: In a digital camera having a rectangular electronic display for framing pictures, a dental positioning grid comprising: a line pattern superimposed on the rectangular electronic display, the line pattern including a horizontally centered horizontal line extending substantially the width of the display, a short vertical line intersecting the horizontal line at its midpoint, and long left and right vertical lines intersecting the horizontal line at substantially ¼ of the display width distance respectively from the left and right sides of the display.

Abstract: A dental hygiene accessory for cleaning a dental scaler or similar dental instrument has a platform member with a multitude of bristles upstanding from a central area of the platform. An annular body of soft dental debris retaining material is carried by the platform and surrounds the bristles. The accessory also has a retainer extending downwardly from the platform and engageable with a hygienist's finger to retain the accessory thereon.

Abstract: A kit that may be used to place a dental bracket and a medicament-releasing pellet in the mouth of a patient, and methods for using such kits. The pellet is designed to provide slow release of fluoride or another medicament over a desired period of time. The kit includes a medicament-releasing pellet, a dental bracket, and a placement device. The dental bracket comprises a base and a socket. The bracket may be installed by a dental practitioner and may remain attached to the patient's tooth for up to 20 years. The placement device aids the dental practitioner in placing the bracket on a patient's tooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mill blank constructions to facilitate the manufacture of dental restorations. A given mill blank is formed in a shape (i.e. with a given geometry) that has been predetermined to reduce material waste when the mill blank is machined into the final part. A set of two or more blanks each having such characteristics comprise a smart blank “library.” In one embodiment, a smart blank library includes a sufficient number of unique blanks such that, when the geometry of the designed restoration is known, the smart blank with a highest yield can be selected for use in milling the restoration. The “yield” of a given smart blank represents the amount of material of the smart blank that is actually used in the final restoration. Automated processes for smart blank inventory management and smart blank selection are also described.

Abstract: A device for placing a slow-release supply in the oral cavity, typically in a tooth filling or dental prosthesis. The device includes a sleeve having an opening at least at one end and adapted to be inserted in a recess of the filling or prosthesis, and which is substantially cylindrical in shape. At the end which is to be place deepest within the filling or prosthesis, the sleeve has a diameter which is somewhat larger than the remainder of the sleeve in order to form a groove.

Abstract: Templates are disclosed that permit an orthodontist to accurately place appliances such as bracket shims or brackets on a tooth or teeth at a desired position. The templates can be used for accurately locating the position of other dental or orthodontic procedures, such as varnishing, tooth etching and root canals. The templates are made from a flexible sheet of material adapted to be adhered directly to the surface of the tooth or teeth. The sheet of material is formed with the outline of the tooth or teeth or in the shape of the tooth to allow the template to be posited in a proper, reference position. The sheet of material is also formed with one or more marks indicating the location of the bracket on the tooth, for example one mark indicting the bracket base location and other marks indicating the orientation of the base and bracket slot.

Abstract: A visible light photopolymerizable composition comprising a) an aryliodonium salt and b) a titanocene derivate. These compositions can be used together with an epoxide resin as a dental composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and silicone product for shaping a fibre product used in dentistry to reinforce a prosthetic appliance or a similar structure under construction to conform to the final location. The fibre product containing fibres and curable material is pressed by means of silicone material against the final location or a model thereof followed by curing the curable material present in the fibre product. The invention is characterized in that the silicone material is a polymerised, elastic and soft silicone material that has been shaped to a piece (10,11) corresponding to the size and shape of the fibre product to be shaped, and that when pressed, the silicone material adopts the shape of the final location or the model thereof.

Abstract: A polycrystalline translucent aluminum oxide ceramic material having an average grain size of no greater than 1.0 micron and a Contrast Ratio value of less than about 0.7. The material can be in the form of a dental mill blank, dental prosthesis or other dental article or non-dental article.

Abstract: A method is provided for scanning the surface of an object in which moisture such as saliva or water is present on the surface. The method includes the step of applying a saliva and water-resistant composition to the surface, wherein the composition is characterized in that it does not readily wash off the surface after application of the composition to the surface in the presence of saliva or water. The composition forms an opaque film on the surface. The method further includes the step of scanning the surface having the film with a scanner. Several formulations for the composition are disclosed. One includes a liquid alcohol base, such as dehydrated ethyl alcohol, a reflective pigment, and a binder for promoting good adhesion of the formulation to the surface of the object being scanned. A suitable binder for scanning teeth and other oral structures is a denture adhesive such as an off-the-shelf denture adhesive, in powder form, that is mixed with the pigment and the alcohol base.

Abstract: The bleaching compositions of discolored teeth comprise titanium dioxide initiating photocatalyst action with light irradiation, chemical compounds generating hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution and thickening agents. Further the bleaching methods of discolored teeth comprising applying the bleaching composition onto the surface area of the teeth and then initiating photocatalyst action by irradiating the applied surfaces area with light. Therefore, the present invention shows remarkable bleaching results due to easy application of the compositions onto discolored teeth and keeping the original activity of the photocatalyst without its deterioration.

Abstract: A light hardening device is provided for hardening a light hardenable mass applied for dental purposes that has a first light emitting diode for emitting light at a range of intensities corresponding to a set of wavelengths which at most only partially overlap a range of light sensitivities of a photo initiator comprised in the mass. The light hardening device also includes a second light emitting diode for emitting light at a range of intensities corresponding to a set of wavelengths which overlap the set of photo initiator light sensitivities to a relatively greater extent than the partial overlap of the range of first light emitting diode intensities with the range of photo initiator light sensitivities.

Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing a dental restoration after etching, includes a base component having an open top end and a tubular extension terminating in an open bottom end. A shield component includes an open bottom end which is sized to fit onto the base component and has a tapered profile to an open top end. Within the base and shield components is carried a platform having one or more holes therethrough to allow fluid to pass from the shield component to the base component. In operation, a dental restoration is placed within the shield component onto the platform. Suction is drawn on the bottom open end of the base component and rinsing fluid is sprayed into the top open end of the shield component onto the dental restoration. Fluid which passes through the platform is suctioned through the bottom open end of the base component.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable material is exposed to light to effect curing. A portion of the material is exposed to light in a conventional manner, while at least one other portion of the material is masked from direct exposure to the light by use of a mask (10) having at least one mask segment (11) which either completely or at least partially blocks the light. In this manner, the polymerization stress associated with the cured materials is limited or minimized due to extended molecular relaxation promoted by this controlled or hybrid curing technique. Also according to the invention, different segments (30, 31) of a material to be cured (22) are exposed to different wavelengths of light energy (21) or one such segment (30, 31) is exposed to light energy while another such segment is not.

Abstract: An apparatus emits radiation on curable adhesives to bond things together under different ambient conditions. An insulating housing has a cylindrical section and a disc-shaped section defining an interior. A plurality of batteries and an LED array are separated in the interior by an insulating spacer to prevent shorting of batteries. A switch relay in the interior connects power from the batteries to the LED array when a switching mechanism on the outside of the housing is displaced. This displacement closes the switch relay and connects power to the LED array that emits high-intensity radiation. A cover connected to the cylindrical-shaped section seals the interior from ambient and transmits the high-intensity radiation to cure an adhesive. A modular envelope of transparent disc, adhesive, and removable foil can be releasable connected to the housing to secure mounting structure to a surface.

Abstract: A locator or signaling device and a detector system for locating lost dentures includes a button or insert that can be mounted on the surface of an existing denture. An insert can also be implanted in a new denture. The internal signaling component is surrounded by a resin layer that can be used to bond the locator button to the existing denture and will also isolate the internal signaling component form the denture wearer's oral cavity. The internal signaling component is responsive to an electromagnetic field and emits a detectable signal when the denture is located with a specified interrogation zone or search area. Signaling components having magnetic characteristics that are altered by an incident variable electromagnetic field can be employed. The preferred location for the locator, locator strip, marker or button is on the interior lingual surface of the flange of a mandibular or lower denture.

Abstract: An apparatus emits radiation on curable adhesives to bond objects or surfaces together under a variety of ambient conditions. An insulating housing has a cylindrical section and a disc-shaped section defining an interior. A plurality of batteries and an LED array are separated in the interior by an insulating spacer to prevent shorting of the batteries. A switch relay in the interior connects power from the batteries to the LED array when a switching mechanism mounted on the outside of the housing is displaced. This displacement closes the switch relay and connects power to the LED array that emits high-intensity radiation. A cover connected to the cylindrical-shaped section seals the interior from ambient and transmits the high-intensity radiation to cure an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for curing a curable material within a dimensionally restricted space, wherein the curable material is configured to be cured by exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a grip, an elongate portion extending from the grip, and a curing element coupled with the elongate portion at a location spaced from the grip. The curing element is configured to produce electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength suitable for curing the composite material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to selection of individual patient archwires by examining the patients inner arch rather than the patients teeth. In particular, a method of archwire selection comprises (a) obtaining a representation of a patient's inner arch curve (a “PIAC”); (b) selecting an archwire shape based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (c) making an initial selection of an archwire size based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (d) selecting a final archwire size after considering something other than the PIAC representation; and (e) selecting an archwire to be used based on the selected archwire shape and selected final archwire size. Using the PIAC rather than the occlusal or labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth for archwire shape selection promotes shaping the teeth to the shape of the jaw bone and gives consistent facial esthetics plus better retention of the treatment correction.

Abstract: A chair-side patient communication system for use with a chair having at least one armrest, the system including a display screen and light mounted in association with the chair, a computer system coupled to the display screen; a controller mounted in the armrest of the chair for controlling the computer system to provide access to the information to be displayed on the display screen; and at least one speaker mounted in the headrest of the chair. The system enables a user in the chair to remain stationary while controlling the display of the information via the controller on the armrest of the chair.

Abstract: A reductant rinse including xylitol prevents buildup in ozone carrying lines in apparatus for the treatment of dental caries.

Abstract: The invention relates to dental materials which contain filler and a polymerizable matrix and are characterized in that they additionally have a component which contracts during thermal treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to two-component preparations comprising components (I) and (II), wherein at least one component comprises epoxy compounds and the preparations cure by cationic polymerization, initiated by Lewis and/or Brönsted acids, after mixing of the two components, the preparations comprising the Lewis and/or Brönsted acids in the form of precursor compounds which are suitable for the formation of Lewis and/or Brönsted acids.

Abstract: A dentist advisor system includes signaling apparatus by which a patient can non-verbally advise a dentist to interrupt or terminate a dental procedure being performed by the dentist positioned on one side of the patient, and a selected tactile surface selectively operatively associating the signaling apparatus with the hand of the patient on the side of the patient opposite the dentist. Thus the patient's associated selected hand is opposite the dentist during performance of the procedure, and thus use thereof does not interfere with the dentist.

Abstract: A dentist advisor system includes signaling apparatus by which a patient can non-verbally advise a dentist to interrupt or terminate a dental procedure being performed by the dentist positioned on one side of the patient, and a selected tactile surface selectively operatively associating the signaling apparatus with the hand of the patient on the side of the patient opposite the dentist. Thus the patient's associated selected hand is opposite the dentist during performance of the procedure, and thus use thereof does not interfere with the dentist.

Abstract: An artificial root system for gabions to control soil erosion has an anchor which has a nose cone threadable onto a threaded rod and deployable stainless steel blades. On deployment of one or more anchors on each of a series of rods, connectors are attached to the rods. These connectors have four couplers to receive the ends of threaded rods or bars, and a central coupler to receive one (passing through) or two (meeting) threaded rods or bars. Threaded cross bars or rods are attached to the connectors to form a framework to support geotextiles attached to the cross bars or rods to form a gabion, or gabion array. The gabions are then filled with suitable material, to repair, or replace eroded shoreline, river frontage, lake frontage, etc.

Abstract: A compact, hand held device for curing photosensitive dental compositions curable by way of irradiation with light of predetermined wavelength includes: a handle configured for gripping by a user; a light emitting diode head assembly secured to the handle including at least one light emitting diode constructed to emit light of the predetermined wavelength in response to an applied operating current, the light emitting diode having a characteristic maximum luminous power output; and a current supply coupled to the light emitting diode adapted for operating the light emitting diode at a luminous power output of at least about 85 percent of its characteristic maximum luminous power output.

Abstract: A dental mixing pad whose mixing surface side is constituted by a color having a low reflectance of a light having a wavelength of 470 nm±80 nm, is disclosed. It is preferred that the color having a low reflectance of a light having a wavelength of 470 nm±80 nm, which constitutes the mixing surface side of the dental mixing pad, is satisfied with at least one of the following requirements: that is, in a standard illuminant D65, L* is 80 or less, and C* is less than 20; L* is 80 or less, and h is 50°±80°; and L* is 30 or less, when expressed by an L*C*h color space.

Abstract: A self-cleaning system for delivering sanitized water to a workstation has a boiler which produces heat-sanitized water and steam. A diverter valve permits a fluid delivery line of the system to convey either sanitized water or steam to a workstation. The steam serves to sanitize the delivery line and workstation and removes biofilms therefrom.

Abstract: A sustained-release matrix for dental application includes either an anti-microbial agent or a colorant that is released from the matrix when the matrix contacts water. The preferred matrices include a water-soluble polymer and a water-insoluble support resin.

Abstract: A block member is selectively positioned on a dental impression tray with an outer engagement surface of the block member in engagement with the tray portion defining a lingual recess to block entry of plaster or other casting material into the lingual recess.

Abstract: Dental etching compositions are provided that have the capability of undergoing an increase in viscosity in response to an increase in temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also have the ability to reverse their viscosity in response to a decrease in temperature.

Abstract: A portable dental containment device for use in manipulating dental fixtures, including veneers, in-lays, partials, dentures and other prosthodontics, the device including a transparent enclosure with hand-holes. The dental containment device provides a protected work space in which a dentist, dental assistant, technician, or the like, can manually adjust small fixtures using various hand tools without the risk of ejecting the fixtures, or parts thereof, onto the floor and other unsterile surfaces. The containment device may include autoclavable materials, attachment mechanisms for attaching the shield to a tray, counter top, or other surface, and a magnified viewing area.

Abstract: A light-filtering apparatus is provided for attachment to a dental lamp. The apparatus includes a filter that blocks out light having a 350 to 550 nanometer wavelength. A spring-loaded roller is configured to carry the filter. A second roller may also be provided. A window-like frame is attached to a center of rotation of either the spring-loaded roller or the second roller. A tab is attached to the filter and is configured to place the filter in front of the dental lamp when the tab is pulled by a user. Essentially, the apparatus functions in a manner similar to a window shade for alternately blocking out and allowing light to shine on either a composite resin or another light-curable material that is being placed in a dental patient's mouth.

Abstract: A reservoir system for delivering an active agent into an oral cavity over an extended delivery period includes a pair of rigid plastic containers, which each have a hollow interior space for containing the active agent and at least one opening for dispensing the active agent, and a flexible plastic appliance for securing the containers within the oral cavity at a desired location. The containers are located within chambers formed in opposite sides of the appliance. The container includes a molded plastic body having a size and shape suitable for comfortably retaining the container within the oral cavity for the extended delivery time. The body is generally oval and cabochon-shaped to comfortably fit in the vestibule between the teeth/gums and cheek of the patient and has a plurality of dimples for selectively forming venting and dispensing holes at desired locations. The appliance is custom molded to closely fit the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the detection of carious activity of a carious lesion in a tooth, comprising a light source for illuminating the tooth, and a detection device for the registration of the fluorescence radiation of the tooth. A drying device is provided for a controlled drying of the tooth. The detection device is equipped to register changes in time of the tooth's fluorescence radiation.

Abstract: A new and useful apparatus for cleaning and storing dental appliances and similar articles. This apparatus incorporates a container filled with a liquid dentifrice together with an elongated structure to suspend a dental appliance in the dentifrice. The dental appliance can easily be stored in and removed from the apparatus without undue mess or inconvenience to the user.

Abstract: Dental jewelry includes a surface-covering jewelry piece, the body of which is designed to lie principally in a plane parallel with the tooth surface and is designed to be affixed to said surface by a layer of fixing composite. On its backside, which is designed to be turned toward the surface of the tooth, the jewelry piece has a recess which, along the piece's circumference of said backside, defines a continual supporting edge upon which the jewelry piece rests against the tooth surface.

Abstract: Dosing mechanism to feed germicide or disinfectant into a water supplied supply device in order to provide disinfected water for consumers. Said dosing mechanism comprises a disinfectant storage tank (12), pathway for water flow (20) leading to at least one junction point (30), a remote-controlled feeder (22) enabling germicide to be added, a control device (52) working together with a flow metro which detects flow volume of water supplied and transmitting it as a signal to the control device (52) which actuates the feeder (22) according to a predefinable concentration of germicide in water. The storage tank (12) is pressurized with compressed air and the feeder is designed as a proportional valve (22) which can be actuated by the control device.

Abstract: A light shield for a dental composite curing gun which can be easily snapped on and off of a probe of the gun is provided. The shield includes a tinted, transparent main body which absorbs certain components of light reflected from a tooth surface being restored, thereby enabling the operator to have a complete field of vision, while protecting the operator from harmful and distracting reflections. The snap-on attachment mechanism includes first and second deformable legs having a receiving notch formed therebetween, such that the shield can be pushed on to and pulled from the probe by deforming the legs. The entire shield and snap-on connection mechanism are manufactured from a unitary piece of material which can be completely sterilized.