Abstract: For the manufacture of a denture, or artifical teeth, the prepared tooth stump is reproduced as a working model, and the substitute piece, suitably conformed to the working model, is shaped by hand. In order to facilitate the dentist's work, and at the same time attain great accuracy, it is provided that reproduction of the tooth stump is accomplished electro-optically in such a manner that surface-information signals corresponding to the tooth stump are generated and are converted in an electronic computer into electrical and/or magnetic control signals with the aid of which a milling machine automatically mills the working model out of a block of material; and/or that the positive substitute piece is milled by the milling machine from a block of material in accordance with control signals which are derived from surface-information signals which are electro-optically derived from the hand-shaped substitute or replacement model.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for preventing tooth decay by use of laser beams and to a method of preventing tooth decay by use of such a device. According to the invention, high-speed repetition pulses projected from Q-switched continuous excitation Nd:YAG laser is irradiated upon teeth through a glass beam guide, whereby treatment of the teeth is reduced in time, is safe, effective and is readily useable for use by general practice.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting especially so-called handpieces in a dentist's equipment. The improved apparatus comprises a vessel which is fillable with a suitable liquid or liquid mixture. Said vessel encompasses a rotatably disposed shaft extending through a channel serving as an outlet for the liquid or liquid mixture. There are further means for temporary driving connection with the shaft of the handpiece intended for cleaning and a source for producing a force which, firstly, serves to cause the liquid or liquid mixture, preferably under rotation, to flow out through the channel and then pass through the handpiece, and, secondly, imparts a rotary motion to the shaft, which via a driving connection is transmitted to all of the moving transmission parts of the handpiece.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for use in dental hygiene is disclosed. The device provides a leader, to which there is attached a thicker "mop" which can be comprised of a plurality of individual string members. The string members can be abrasive to enhance cleaning action. The several string members which form the "mop" would preferably have some absorbent quality in order to retain a desired therapeutic aid such as fluoride or the like. The strings could be alternatively fluoride impregnated. In use, the leader is first passed between gaps in the teeth until the "mop" portion contacts the gap. Sliding action of the abrasive mop between the teeth removes undesirable plaque and massages the gums. In the method of the present invention, individual thread members are added to the leader so that as many strings are placed between the teeth as possible without causing discomfort and the space between the teeth can be filled.

Abstract: A method and means for removing firmly affixed, binding, stuck or cemented dental restorations and appliances, which includes a substance which when held under compressive force forms strong adhesive properties between opposing surfaces sufficient to remove firmly affixed, binding, stuck or cemented dental restorations and appliances. The substance forms a strong temporary adhesive bond due to its strong adhesive properties developed under compression between the surface of the restoration or appliance to be removed and the instrumentality performing the removal, this being achieved with no tools or mechanical devices. The instrumentality, for example, comprises the jaws of the patient which are used to apply compressing force and a forceful rapid jerking reverse removal pressure to the restoration or appliance by the muscular force of the patient's jaw opening.