Abstract: A face shield device for protecting the wearer's eyes and face from debris, bacteria, and the like includes an arcuate transparent face shielding panel and a support for holding the face shielding panel in front of and spaced outwardly away from the wearer's face. The support is attached to the face shielding panel and lays on the wearer's chest. In one embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's neck by a flexible band which fits around the wearer's neck. In another embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's shoulders by shoulder engaging hook members. The face shield device may also include means to protect the wearer from ultra-violet radiation or other types of radiation harmful to the face and eyes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use of materials in dental restoration, more specifically to the combined use of ethylenediaminotetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hypochlorite to prepare a mechanically prepared tooth for crown replacement or for filling a cavity.

Abstract: A method and device for use in combination with a dental x-ray film for reducing the pain, discomfort or tissue trauma associated with the emplacement of such a film into the oral cavity of a patient, the device comprising a tubular member formed of a soft, resilient nontoxic material, the member having an axially extending slot which extends radially into the member, the slot adapted to receive an edge of a dental x-ray film therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an intra-oral dental bandage membrane and/or therapeutic membrane containing therapeutic agent. Actinic light is used to polymerize the membrane composition material to fix the composition in position locked with rigid dental structure such as teeth. The polymerizable substance is manipulated and shaped in a fluid state and then set, as shaped very rapidly in situ. Also disclosed is a new treatment membrane that in a preferred form is a non-symetrical oligomer that is a urethane polyacrylate.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for generating a condensed beam of light having a limited degree of scatter, or deviation, comprising light collimating means for providing a source of collimating light and light condensing means operatively connected to the collimating means, such as a truncated cone with a reflective inner surface, the condensing means providing a light beam output having a light divergence limited to about 30.degree. or less. The low divergence beam generating apparatus might be incorporated into larger dental apparatus which can be operator manipulated to provide different modes of light output, which modes include the condensed beam with and without a bandpass of visible wavelengths.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis applicator having an elongated flat handle and a flexible adhesive strip for retaining a dental prosthesis is provided. The handle includes along one end thereof an opaque element which is suitable for covering a substantial portion of the dental prosthesis held by the adhesive strip when the strip is flexed 180 degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of dental instruments having their surfaces formed with abrasive coatings which are used for both cutting and polishing functions. In each of the instruments disclosed herein, the abrasive surface consists of a plurality of regions with each region having a distinct degree of coarseness or fineness different from the degree of abrasion of which other regions consist. In some of the instruments, the finer abrasiveness is on the end of the instrument whereas the coarser region is away therefrom, whereas in other instruments the coarser region is at the end. Other embodiments are disclosed which have alternating regions of coarseness and fineness. In some of the instruments, the interfaces between the regions define distinct changes in abrasiveness whereas in other instruments, these interfaces define gradual changes in abrasiveness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing light curable substances, such as substances used for various dental applications. The dispenser includes a body defining a dispensing formation, the body and dispensing formation being designed to cooperate with a closure, such as a lid, for closing-off the dispensing formation and thereby isolating light curable substances contained in the dispensing formation from light. A charging opening may also be defined by the body, that leads into the dispensing formation and permits charging of light curable substance into the formation by means of a syringe, or the like, in which these substances are generally contained.

Abstract: A method of producing personal identifying indicia for attaching to a person's body involves preparing a photohalide indicia on a plastic film which is then cut and polished. The method is especially useful to produce photo microdots which may be bonded to a wearer's teeth or other part of the body. The polished edge of the microdot has a smooth enlarged toroidal shape and aids in encapsulating the microdot in a bonding agent to adhere the microdot to a tooth.

Abstract: A hand held device for providing local irradiation with visible or invisible light to defined processing points of tooth fillings for hardening tooth fillings during dental treatment includes a housing containing a light source for emitting visible or invisible light, a light conductor optically coupled to the light source which transmits visible or invisible light to the processing points, a fan for cooling the light source and a rechargeable battery and means for counting the times the light source is activated.

Abstract: A method and a device for mixing dental impression materials comprising a motor-driven rotatable turntable with two mixing plates which are successively and detachably secured thereon. The components of thick and thin viscosity, elastomeric dental impression materials are homogeneously mixed together, respectively, on each of the plates as those plates are independently rotated on the turntable.

Abstract: A solution for conditioning tooth or bone matter for filling, containing an acid and an amphoteric amino compound, the solution having a pH from 0.1 to 3.5.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for saving an exarticulated tooth. The tooth is grasped by its crown, so as not to harm the periodontal membrane. In one embodiment, the tooth is placed in a net which is attached to a basket. The net and basket are immersed in a modified saline solution which preserves the cells of the periodontal membrane. The solution is held in a container which accommodates the net and basket. The container is closed, and the tooth and patient are taken to a dentist. The dentist removes the lid of the container, and lays the lid on a table or other surface, so that the sponge faces upward. The dentist then lifts the basket, with the tooth, out of the solution, and inverts the net so that the tooth falls out onto the sponge. The dentist then grasps the tooth with a forceps and reimplants it in the patient's mouth. In other embodiments, the net is omitted, and is replaced by padding in the container which protecgts the tooth.

Abstract: A terminal for a light conductor for uniform illumination of a rectangular field in medical and, especially, dental applications has a transparent, cylindrical lens body in a mount with its axis perpendicular to the axis of a socket for receiving the light exit end of the light conductor. The side of the cylindrical lens body facing the socket has a trough-shaped recess of symmetric cross section. The width of the trough-shaped recess continuously expands from the bottom to the margin of the trough-shaped recess, the bottom being perpendicular to the axis of the socket and perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical lens body.

Abstract: A recess is drilled into the buccal face of a tooth of a human subject, and a microdot having identifying information thereon is placed at the bottom of said recess whereafter the recess is filled with a transparent bonding material. When identification of the subject is desired, the microdot is photographed through the transparent filler material to provide a photographic print which contains the identifying information. The camera employed includes a fixture extending forwardly of the lens for accurately locating the camera lens relative to the microdot, the camera having a fixed focus lens whose focal length corresponds to the distance between the lens and the buccal face of the tooth plus the depth of the recess containing the microdot. A special technique, and an associated calibration instrument, are used for drilling the recess in the subject's tooth to a precise depth to assure that a sharp image of the microdot is obtained when the microdot is photographed by the fixed focus camera.

Abstract: A dental impression tray constructed from an optically transmissive material prepared with appropriately positioned recesses to direct light towards a U-shaped channel formed in the body of the tray. The channel is dimensioned to receive a portion of a patient's teeth. The recesses are formed in the outermost surfaces of the dental tray sides. In particular, multiple, spaced-apart recesses are formed in the outermost surfaces of the tray sides to deflect light into the channel area, which may have deposited therein a light polymerizable or curable material. Light is introduced into the tray through at least a first light portal which is integrally formed in a side of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the positioning and fixation by gluing of pieces.According to the invention, the piece adapted to be connected to a support, for example a prosthesis, particularly dental prosthesis (3), comprises an opaque region (7) associated with a rear translucent region (8) and corresponding to that part coming opposite the receiving support wall; the gluing interface (12) is constituted by a photopolymerizable resin; an optical fiber (9) passing through the opaque region (7) makes it possible to illuminate the interface (12) through the translucent part (8), ensuring photopolymerization of the adhesion resin constituting the interface and to ensure gluing of the two pieces.

Abstract: Kit for use in restructuring a tooth by attaching a crown replacement on an endodontically treated tooth. A plugger is provided to heat and remove gutta percha, a burr to prepare a site consisting of a bore and counterbore, and at least one drill for final preparation of the bore. A post is provided corresponding in size to the drill and a chelating agent for flushing the site. An organic flushing agent is provided for flushing the site, as well as a cementing agent consisting of an unfilled resin and catalyst for application to the site within which the post is seated. A spiral apparatus is provided for the said application of the cementing medium in the prepared site and a composite resin is provided to fabricate a core and a crown form around the post.

Abstract: A dental breath freshening device for rendering the mouth cavity pleasantly tasteful and freshening the breath. The device is adapted to be secured to a natural tooth and includes a long-lasting, soluble aromatic mint which is activated by saliva flow thereover in order to freshen the breath of the user for an extended period of time.

Abstract: The selection of a dental anchor for insertion into a jaw bone of a patient is achieved utilizing a transparent transfer sheet carrying on a first side thereof a plurality of removable pictorial representations of dental anchors of different sizes. The transfer sheet is superimposed over an X-ray to position different ones of the pictorial representations over a site of the X-ray where a dental implant is to be installed. When a pictorial representation of desired size has been selected, a second side of the transfer sheet opposite the selected pictorial representation is rubbed in order to transfer the selected pictorial representation onto the X-ray. Each of the pictorial representations includes indicia indicative of a dimension of the associated anchor. The pictorial representations are magnified in size relative to the X-ray to provide a factor of safety.

Abstract: This is a shield made principally of a single sheet of filtering plastic, shaped in a convenient paddle configuration. The dimension of the filter-paddle is sufficient to block all direct and reflected light from the tooth of the patient that would possibly be seen by any personnel in the operatory. A portion of the paddle is provided with a magnifier which may be employed by the physician for closer inspection of the tooth being operated on. Additionally, a relatively thin intensity-filtering material is applied to the back of the light paddle so that the intensity of the filtered light is reduced for the increased comfort and protection of the physician.

Abstract: A method of and means for tooth restoration is disclosed wherein an inclusion, in the form of a preformed body (11) utilized in the creation of a contact point with an adjacent tooth, the body, which body has a profiled knuckle-forming surface thereto, being positioned in the tooth cavity and being held in pressure contact with a matrix band while the cavity is filled with composite resin so as at least partially to embed the body therein, as the resin is cured or set, the arrangement being such that, on setting or curing of the resin, the body is maintained in position in pressure contact with the matrix band.

Abstract: A draping apparatus for covering dental and medical equipment and appendages extending therefrom such as water hoses, electric cords and the like. The apparatus includes an elongated sleeve and a ring-like element mounted on one end of the sleeve, the ring-like element being sufficiently rigid to define the periphery of the opening to the sleeve to permit an operator to grasp the same and pull the ring and sleeve over the instrument and appendages. Preferably, the apparatus is packaged in an enclosure attached to the ring-like element and adapted to be severed therefrom so that one end of the sleeve can be held in one hand of the operator and the other end to which the ring-like element is attached can be pulled over the instrument and its appendage.

Abstract: The sheet-like dental die, with the anatomical characteristics of the profile of a certain type of tooth, made of a material permeable to light and to UV rays and which does not bind to hardenable filling synthetic materials by radiation, is deposited according to the configuration and utilization about the tooth to be filled from the tongue or vestibule side and the two even lobes (1) are pressed against each other on the opposite side by means of a dentist pincer while the filling is irradiated to allow its polymerization or at least its introduction.

Abstract: A face shield device for protecting the wearer's eyes and face from debris, bacteria, and the like includes a transparent face shielding panel and a support for holding the face shielding panel in front of and spaced outwardly away from the wearer's face. The support is attached to the face shielding panel and lays on the wearer's chest. In one embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's neck by a flexible band which fits around the wearer's neck. In another embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's shoulders by shoulder engaging hook members. The face shield device may also include means to protect the wearer from ultra-violet radiation or other types of radiation harmful to the face and eyes.

Abstract: The subject invention is a device for use in composite resin dental restoration and a method for overcoming the difficulty of establishing sufficient separation to provide firm and properly located interproximal contact. This invention creates an easy, predictable method for establishing proper interproximal contact pressure and anatomical form. The wedge is used in a method which establishes predicatable interproximal static contour relationships with matrix systems, providing the necessary additional interproximal separation and reducing the thickness of the composite resin to be cured by light catalysis to insure more complete curing in the deeper recesses in the cavity preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display receptacle for deciduous teeth in which transparent compartments for individual teeth are arranged in upper and lower arcuate rows along the facing rims of hingedly connected housing members. Each compartment opens to receive a particular tooth as it is lost by a child and is thereafter retained releasably closed. The main housing members are selectively spring biased to open or closed positions.

Abstract: A dental fastening device is disclosed for fastening a wax substructure of a subsequently fabricated dental bridge adjacent to a first and second dental die during the fabrication and shaping of the wax coping or substructure. The substructure includes a pontic portion disposed between a first and a second abutment portion. The fastening device inhibits relative movement between the pontic and abutment portions during solidification and shrinkage of the substructure. The fastening device comprises a first elongate tie down member having a first and a second end. The first end of the first tie down member is anchored to the lingual face of a cast adjacent to the first die and the second end of the first tie down member is anchored to the buccal face of the cast adjacent to the first die. The first tie down member extends from the lingual face of the cast over the occlusal surface of the first abutment portion and around the buccal face of the cast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for saving an exarticulated tooth. The tooth is grasped by its crown, so as not to harm the periodontal membrane. The tooth is then placed in a net which is attached to a basket. The net and basket are immersed in a modified saline solution which preserves the cells of the periodontal membrane. The solution is held in a container which accommodates the net and basket. The lid of the container has a sponge attached to its interior surface. The container is closed, and the tooth and patient are taken to a dentist. The dentist removes the container lid, and lays the lid on a table or other surface, so that the sponge faces upward. The dentist then lifts the basket, with the tooth, out of the solution, and inverts the net so that the tooth falls out onto the sponge. The dentist grasps the tooth with a forceps and reimplants it in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Stents are disclosed for use in surgical augmentation of tissue at body sites such as the alveolar ridge, by the use of an implant material, i.e., hydroxylapatite (HA) for example. The stents are used for surgical positioning and shaping of the implant material and for post operative maintenance thereof. The stents are constructed of a transparent substance, molded to a model of specific desired tissue morphology and adjacent tissues. In use, a stent is positioned to define a confining open sided cavity corresponding to the specific predetermined tissue morphology. Implant material is injected or placed beneath the soft tissue over which the stent is positioned, to expand the tissue to occupy entirely the inside of the stent cavity, this step facilitated by observation through the transparent stent walls.

Abstract: A system for protecting oral tissue or retaining an object at a location in the mouth, consisting of a body of polymeric material extending from a tooth and over the tissue or location and a retaining means which attaches the material to the tooth. The object might be a medication delivery device, and, in particular, a medicated strip which can be inserted into a periodontal pocket. The retaining means might be a fixture tied to or adhesively bonded to the tooth, or the material might be directly adhesively bonded to the tooth. The polymeric material would be specially formulated to suit this application.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraoral dispensing apparatus for rendering the breath of a person aromatically pleasant. A vesicle is disposed about and in contact with the gingiva or dental gums and contains a supply of breath deodorizing or sweetening solution, which may include medications. A valve is provided for selectively dispensing solution as desired by the user, and is activated by finger pressure on the outside of the cheek. The dispensing valve operates only selectively to release solution to avoid flavor contamination of food when eating. Filling means are provided to recharge the vesicle. An alternative model is adaptable for use with dentures and can comprise a vesicle formed from a single layer of material attached about its periphery on the gingival surface of the denture. Other alternatives include combination of the foregoing with a bite opener, temporo-mandibular joint syndrome corrector, herbst appliance, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus which can be used for exposing a light-curable dental composition to a curing light to harden the composition while the composition is applied to teeth so that the exposure of dentists' or technicians' eyes to such light is minimized. The apparatus has an opaque cylindrical receptacle which is open at its top and bottom. The bottom opening allows the receptacle to pick up and discharge the dental composition. The working end of an elongated plunger, having a clear plastic core and an opaque surface coating, extends through the top opening of the receptacle, and the other end of the plunger is connected to a source of curing light. The working end of the plunger can irradiate the dental composition within the receptacle with the curing light and can also be moved within the receptacle to force the irradiated dental composition outward of the bottom opening in the receptacle onto a tooth.

Abstract: A light delivery device and resin curing method to facilitate access to and improved curing of composite material applied, for example, to posterior teeth cavity preparations. The light delivery or photocuring device basically comprises a fibre optic wand having a slender rod shaped or needle like fibre optic tip or end cap. Improved photocuring may be effected with the light transmitting fibre optic tip being placed and/or oscillated juxtaposition with the light curable resin deposited within a tooth cavity.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a class II dental filling of a light-hardening filling material in a drilled-out tooth surrounded by a matrix band, the drilled-out tooth is filled with a light-hardening filling material in which the lower part of a light-transmitting adapter having a recess and attached to a light conductor, is pushed down into a filling material so that light is spread in the deeper parts of the filling, while at the same time the lower part of the adapter is pressed against the point of contact of the adjacent tooth while the filling is hardened so that satisfactory approximal contact is obtained.A light-transmitting adapter comprises an upper part having a recess for receiving a light conductor and a conical lower part adapted to conduct light-hardening filling material down into a drilled-out tooth.

Abstract: A hand-mounted light shield for dentists is disclosed which provides eye protection against harmful light-curing guns used in resin bonding. A substantially circular finger disc is provided with finger ring element for attachment to the hand. The finger mounting ring permits the filter to be maintained in a ready-to-use position while permitting the free use of both hands.

Abstract: A method for bleaching stained teeth by applying a concentrated solution of peroxide to the stained teeth and focusing a beam of light at the teeth with the beam containing the combination of ultraviolet and infrared energy for activating the peroxide solution.

Abstract: A light shield for protecting dental bonding materials comprises a light filtering coverplate, a stand, and an electronic timer. This device is to be used in a dental operatory to prevent premature curing of the restorative materials after mixing as they await handling and use.

Abstract: The invention discloses a protective light shield to reduce the harmful effects of resin-curing lights used in dentistry. This is a shield made principally of a single sheet of filtering plastic, shaped in a convenient paddle configuration. The dimension of the filter-paddle is sufficient to block all direct and reflected light from the tooth of the patient that would possibly be seen by any personnel in the operatory. A portion of the paddle is provided with a magnifier which may be employed by the physician for closer inspection of the tooth being operated on. Additionally, a relatively thin intensity-filtering material is applied to the back of the light paddle so that the intensity of the filtered light is reduced for the increased comfort and protection of the physician.

Abstract: The equipment makes it possible to cause the polymerization of resin by light, starting from the approximal-apical zone (8') of the tooth, i.e., at the base of the filling. It comprises a wedge (1) transparent to the rays used for polymerization of the resin inserted in the approximal zone (i.e., between teeth), a wedge shaped to refract or reflect the concentrated light provided it by a lighting device equipped with a cap with a converging lens, in the axial direction, deflecting it and emitting it in the lateral direction (9'), so as to illuminate the filling resin with greater intensity at its base (8'), avoiding fissures (15) between the filling and base of the tooth, which would occur if the illumination were performed, as is now done (at 14) starting from the occlusal (masticatory) part of the tooth.

Abstract: Padding for a radiographic film packet may be formed of a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate and supplied as a portion of the film packet or as a pad for attachment to an existing film packet. The pad extends along an edge surface on the film packet to relieve discomfort and to facilitate positioning of the pad and film packet within the patient's mouth for accurate exposure to X-rays. The side of the packet opposite the pad is allowed to remain unpadded for the following reasons; to avoid increasing the overall packet dimensions, to facilitate relatively free access to the film contents of the packet, and to enable the film packet to fit into film holders that are currently used for film placement. The padded film packet is especially useful in periapical films where it is especially desirable to expose root areas and adjacent tissues.

Abstract: A light shield device shields radiation used for curing composites during dental restoration. The device is configured to include a clamping section with variable clamping diameters and a tapered shielding section. The device is formed with a material that allows a tight frictional engagement with a curing light gun.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoration of teeth using light curable restoratives while assuring interproximal contact between the restored tooth and an adjacent tooth. The apparatus is in the form of a triangle-like block defining two arms converging at a common point and which are of a different length. The longer of the two arms is provided with a camming surface on the end thereof opposite from the common pointed edge whereas the shorter of the two arms is provided with an abutment surface on the end thereof opposite from the common pointed edge. A tooth cavitation opening through a vertical tooth surface about which a matrix band has been tightened is filled by alternate deposition and curing of successive layers of the light curable restorative to a level at or below the plane of the maximum circumference of the tooth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identification of persons using dental data is disclosed. A unique but simple bite wafer is inserted between the lower and upper jaws of a person and biting pressure is exerted on the wafer. The registrations made on the bite wafer are geometrically evaluated. The geometric data is permanently recorded for future use when identifications and/or comparisons are to be made. The recorded data is different for each person which enables the identification and comparisons.

Abstract: A device and method for applying and retaining a unique data carrier to a tooth surface of an individual. The data carrier comprises a thin sheet of material having a data format unique to the individual. This data carrier is attached to the surface of the individual's tooth and is adapted for detection by a reader which can be operated by a third person. All phases of installation and detection of the carrier involve passive, noninvasive techniques which can be applied without regard to age and can be maintained as part of a permanent identification system. The system further comprises a central data bank which becomes a verification source for identifying information carried at the individual's tooth surface.

Abstract: A dental impression tray and method of using it to form in a light-polymerizable impression material an impression of a portion of dental anatomy in an oral cavity, the tray being formed of transparent substantially rigid material, preferably clear plastic, and molded into a channel-like shape defined by walls capable of having visible actinic light applied to the walls of the tray for transmission along and through the walls, and substantially all the exterior surfaces of the walls having light reflecting metal foil or the equivalent applied thereto for the dual purpose of preventing unintentional light exposure to material in the tray and subsequently providing a light reflecting surface operable to reflect light into the impression material.

Abstract: A system for protecting oral tissue or retaining material at a location within the mouth, consisting of a fixture which is fastened to a tooth and a body of polymeric material cured to the fixture and extending over the tissue or location.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for functionally balancing the structure of a human mouth. With the method and apparatus of the invention, a pressure equalizing member is utilized wherein an occlusal surface of the posterior teeth of one jaw or denture are covered by a layer of a moldable substance that quickly cures to a hardened shape retaining form. The patient in whose mouth the moldable substance has been placed chews against the resistance offered by the pressure equilizing member so as to engrave the patient's chewing pattern on the opposed occlusal surface of the soft moldable layer. The pressure equalizing member is then removed from the patient's denture and a gap in the occlusal surface is filled with a moldable substance which after hardening overcomes prior art deficiencies to which the invention relates.

Abstract: A dental handpiece especially for transmitting intense light for use in polymerizing dental materials in situ has a readily removable opaque shield of deformable material affixed to the end thereof to preclude the light from spreading and to prevent inadvertent contact of the handpiece tip with the subjacent area.

Abstract: Message identifying information in available microdot format is applied to a tooth preparation of a prescribed depth, where it can be easily coated over with a clear composite, yet still readable by appropriate scanning devices.