Abstract: An image navigation integrated dental implant system includes a control unit for storing and transmitting data streams, a scan module electrically connected to the control unit for scanning and taking the pictures of the soft tissue and hard tissue of the parenchyma of the oral cavity of a patient and the related external skin color and transmitting the obtained data to the control unit, a design module electrically connected to the control unit for receiving the oral cavity data from the control unit and using the data to design a oral cavity simulation diagram, and a navigator module electrically connected to the control unit for receiving the oral cavity data and photographing the oral cavity and then providing a picture to guide the dentist to perform the dental implant surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for triaging patients according to radiation exposure operates by measuring electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of fingernails, toenails, and/or teeth. A coil structure allows in vivo measurement of tooth enamel or fingernail keratin with reduced coupling to underlying tissue.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with various configurations of apertures, refocusing facilities, and the like to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.

Abstract: A light guide type pain reliever includes a handle including a barrel accommodating a battery, a rear end cap and a front end cap respectively capped on two opposite ends of the barrel, a pushbutton mounted in the rear end cap and a switching connector mounted in the rear end cap and electrically connected to the battery and drivable by the pushbutton to switching on/off the battery, a holder shell connected to the front end cap and electrically coupled to the battery and having electrically connected thereto a vibrator and a light-emitting device, an adapter connected to the holder shell, and a light guide plate connected to adapter guiding out light rays emitted by the light-emitting device.

Abstract: An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A hand held dental instrument for curing light-curable compounds including a housing with a handle portion and a barrel portion configured for being manipulated for positioning a tip end of the barrel portion proximate to a curing site. A plurality of solid state, light-emitting elements are mounted in a collective array to collectively form a beam of light. The array of elements is operable for collectively emitting a beam of light having wavelengths within a band of wavelengths and at a power to cure a dental compound. The array of elements is positioned proximate to the tip end of the barrel portion and the emitted light beam from the array illuminating a curing site. A radiation focusing device is positioned proximate the array of elements at the tip end of the barrel portion to focus the beam of light before it illuminates the curing site.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a molar media mount for positioning a media display device in unoscured view and direct line of sight of a patient. In some embodiments, the molar media mount comprises a first end that attaches to a mounting arm of a medical device and a second end that attaches to and holds the media display device. In some embodiments, the second end comprises a ball joint for setting an angle of the media display device that corresponds to the direct line of sight. In some embodiments, the molar media mount comprises a set of articulating points that position a media display screen in a direct line of sight of a person in an examination seat In some embodiments, the medical device is a dental light. In some embodiments, the media display device attaches to the dental light.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for identifying carious lesions using a detectable fluorescent probe that binds to the lesion and an optical device. The detectable probe includes a molecule, a stain, a marker, and a dye capable of binding to a caries in the enamel layer of a tooth. The detectable probe is a fluorescent composition, or a bioluminescent composition, that emits a characteristic wavelength of light following illumination at an excitation wavelength.

Abstract: A dental drill head, constituted of a head housing, a wind wheel, and bearings, the head housing being constituted of a head housing cover and a head housing cavity, and the wind wheel being constituted of a wind wheel shaft and wind wheel blades. An anti-suck-back device is configured between the head housing cover and a wind wheel shaft end part to which the wind wheel shaft corresponds. The present invention, which adopts the aforementioned technical scheme, firstly makes it possible to reduce the intake in of contaminants when suck-back is taking place as the impeller is braked; and secondly, while there is still a positive pressure inside the head, the rubber head covering uses elastic force to brake the impeller and completely prevents the intake of contaminants. Moreover, the structure is simple and costs are low.

Abstract: An instrument for curing light-curable compounds curable in the mouth of a patient, including a housing including a handle portion and a barrel portion removably secured with respect to the handle portion. A plurality of solid state, light-emitting semiconductor junction elements form an array on a substrate, and collectively emit light having wavelengths within a narrow band of wavelengths suitable for curing a compound. The array of light-emitting elements are positioned proximate to the distal end of the barrel portion, and an elongated heat-conducting element extends from the distal end of the barrel portion toward the proximal end for conducting heat away from the array. A generally clear layer extends on the substrate and over the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor junction elements, and a non-imaging optical focusing device is positioned at the distal end of the barrel portion to collimate the emitted light.

Abstract: A light device includes a body and a tip structure configured to be removably coupled with the housing. The tip includes a light engine that is operable for emitting light positioned at a distal end of the tip. A power supply circuit is positioned in the housing and coupled to the light engine. The power supply circuit is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. A non-imaging element is coupled with the light engine at the distal end.

Abstract: A patient module for use in a medical setting is provided. The patient module includes a patient seating assembly and at least one of a medical instrument for use in providing treatment to a patient. At least one member having an articulated joint is provided. The member has a first end configured for engagement with a structure and a second end configured for engagement with a light for illuminating a treatment area of the patient. A display screen is carried by the light for displaying images for viewing by the patient. The display screen may be integrally formed with the light within a housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a color mapping for a dental object. The method includes generating a transformation matrix according to a set of spectral reflectance data for a statistically valid sampling of teeth. Illumination is directed toward the dental object over at least a first, a second, and a third wavelength band, one wavelength band at a time. For each of a plurality of pixels in an imaging array, an image data value is obtained, corresponding to each of the at least first, second, and third wavelength bands. The transformation matrix is applied to form the color mapping by generating a set of visual color values for each of the plurality of pixels according to the obtained image data values and according to image data values obtained from a reference object at the at least first, second, and third wavelength bands. The color mapping can be stored in an electronic memory.

Abstract: A dental therapy apparatus which enables a dental therapy more surely and less invasively is provided. A dental therapy apparatus (10A) comprises a laser light source (11) emitting laser light (L) having a wavelength within a wavelength region of 5.7 to 6.6 ?m; a controller (12) pulse-driving the laser light source and controlling at least one of pulse width and repetition frequency of pulsed laser light emitted from the laser light source; and an irradiation optical system for irradiating a tooth (20) including a carious part (21) with the light emitted from the laser light source. In this dental therapy apparatus, the controller controls at least one of the pulse width and repetition frequency of the pulsed light, so as to selectively cut the carious part (21).

Abstract: An intra-oral camera (10) includes an imaging system (12), an imaging sensor (16) and an image stabilization apparatus (14) comprising a liquid lens (36), lens driver elements (38), a microprocessor (34) and a motion sensor (32). The motion sensor (32) provides a motion signal indicating camera movement. The adjustable liquid lens (36) has an interface between first and second immiscible liquids and is actuable to change refraction with respect to a first axis in response to a first adjustment signal at a first pair of electrodes and with respect to a second axis in response to a second adjustment signal at a second pair of electrodes. The microprocessor (34) is responsive to stored instructions for obtaining the motion signal from the motion sensor (32) and in communication with lens driver elements (38) for providing the first and second adjustment signals to the adjustable liquid lens (36).

Abstract: An arm construction of an intra-oral x-ray device according to the present invention comprises at least two elongated support arms (55, 56, 55?, 56?) jointed to each other, into connection with a substantially first end of the first support arm (55) of which is arranged a radiation source (4) and in which the jointing between the support arms is implemented such that the successive support arms (55, 56, 55?, 56?) connect to each other from sides (68, 69) of the support arms facing each other.

Abstract: An arm construction of an intra-oral x-ray device according to the present invention comprises at least two elongated support arms (55, 56, 55?, 56?) jointed to each other, into connection with a substantially first end of the first support arm (55) of which is arranged a radiation source (4) and in which at least one of the support arms (55, 56) comprises a cover which is arranged to comprise a structure openable or detachable in the longitudinal direction of the support arm, which structure is substantially of the length of the support arm or covers at least a significant portion of the length of the support arm.

Abstract: A scan body element to be inserted in a dental implant or implant analog for scanning with, or in, an optical scanning system. The scan body element has a polymer or a ceramic top part (TP) with at least one geometric feature (S1) recognizable in the scanning. A metallic lower part (LP) is shaped to fit to a dental implant or an analog, and fixed to the top part (TP), e.g. by press fitting. A central part (CP) is arranged inside the lower part (LP), and comprises a threaded portion, and a recess (R) for receiving a screw driver through a hole in the top part (SDO), thus allowing the threaded portion to be turned relative to the lower part (LP) to fasten the scan body element to the implant or the analog. The central part (CP) may be interlocked between the lower part (LP) and the top part (TP) and thus the scan body element constitutes one single element for normal use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motion analysis system for measuring the relative function of one anatomical structure to another based on optical fiducial markers tracked in a series of images and in turn data, where the components of hard and soft tissue are used in analysis and where the image data can be compared in a time series such that probabilities of involvement with various tissues can be correlated to the image data. The system measures displacement at various positions and can relate the data to various muscle and other soft tissue variations within the constraints of the anatomy and physiology including motion in three dimensional space, including rotations and translations and functions including velocity and acceleration.

Abstract: A matrix ring comprising a ring body and a pair of opposing tips mounted to the ends of the ring body. Each of the tips may be movably coupled to the ring body about an axis of rotation. Optionally, or alternatively, the tips may be removably mounted to the ring body. For example, the ring body may include a pair of opposed spaced apart ends each with a tine mounted at each end. Further, at least a portion of the matrix ring may be formed from a bulk amorphous alloy.

Abstract: The appliance according to the invention for dermatological or cosmetic treatment of a patient comprises a base body (19; 6c19; 59), which has a radiation source (11; 6c11; 21; 41; 61) for emitting light in a wavelength range between 350 nm and 1000 nm. An intermediate piece (15; 6c15, 6c22, 6c23, 6c25; 25; 35; 45; 55; 550, 551; 650) sitting on the base body (19; 6c19; 59) conveys the light from the radiation source (11; 6c11; 21; 41; 61) in the direction of a body region (214) of the patient to be treated. An attachment element (15; 6c15, 6c22, 6c23, 6c25; 25; 35; 45; 55; 550, 551; 650) secured detachably on the light output end of the intermediate piece (15; 6c15, 6c22, 6c23, 6c25; 25; 35; 45; 55; 550, 551; 650) is brought into direct contact with the body region (214) to be treated, in order thereby to introduce a dermatologically or cosmetically active substance (213), during irradiation with the emitted light, into the body region (214) to be treated.

Abstract: A guide element is constructed for arrangement on a device for the penetrating extension of a blind hole created in hard tissue, in particular in the jawbone, wherein the device includes a hollow body that forms a pressure chamber and that has a distal working opening and an inlet opening opposite the working opening. The guide element can be inserted into the inlet opening with a tight fit and the inlet opening can be closed by the guide element, the guide element has a through-hole, through which a shaft of a working tool, for example, of a milling tool, can be guided and inserted into the hollow body, and the guide element has a connection for a working medium for applying an internal pressure in the pressure chamber or in the hollow body.

Abstract: A dental curing light system is configured to include a dental curing light (100) having a device body (102) with a proximal handle portion (106) and a distal head portion (104). One or more light sources (120) for generating light are disposed on or within the device body (102). Generated light is emitted from the distal head portion (104) and includes wavelengths greater than about 420 nm and wavelengths less than 420 nm. A separate head attachment member or device (160) is coupleable over the distal head (110) of the device body (102) so as to receive substantially all light emitted from the distal head portion (104) of the device body (102).

Abstract: A dental illumination system includes an adjustable self-supporting frame and a lamp head coupled to the frame. The lamp head includes a housing and a spacer having formations that is adapted to removably mechanically couple the lamp head to a reference device, again having formations, for facilitating illumination of a tooth by a light source contained within the lamp head. The spacer and lamp head may be formed integrally. If formed separately, both the lamp head and the spacer may include formations.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental insert having at least one light source. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. A second transducer is disposed substantially proximate to the connecting body for generating a voltage signal in response to movement of a portion of the connecting body according to the ultrasonic vibrations. A magnetic material including a source of a magnetic field is present in close proximity to the insert. At least one light source substantially proximate to the tip is connected to and receives the voltage signal from the second transducer to generate light. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental suction apparatus for suctioning fluids and debris from the mouth cavity of a patient during a treatment. The apparatus has a hollow base body with a longitudinal axis X-X that includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a suction port. A mirrored surface is disposed on the inner surface of the suction port so that at least parts of the mouth cavity can be viewed through the suction port.

Abstract: To create a digital surface model of an intra-oral anatomy, a recess or a hole in an impression material having a predetermined shape and size is scanned. The scanning results and information on the predetermined shape and size are used for determining a threshold value representing interface between the impression material and another material. The threshold value is then used in generating the digital surface model from CT scanning data of an impression of an intra-oral anatomy on said impression material.

Abstract: A wand having a housing is coupled to an intra-oral imaging system. The wand comprises a first device and a second device coupled to the housing. The first device is an intra-oral imaging device for capturing images of a patient's teeth, and the second device provides an additional function.

Abstract: A process of whitening a tooth provided by the invention includes the steps of providing a delivery device for mechanical dispensing of a predetermined amount of a whitening composition to an applicator tip; dispensing the amount of whitening composition to the applicator tip; applying the amount of whitening composition disposed on the applicator tip to the tooth to be whitened; and allowing the whitening composition to remain in contact with the tooth for a period of time sufficient to whiten the tooth. Optionally, the process further includes the step of exposing the whitening composition to light. A gum or candy for tooth bleaching is detailed along with methods of use. A device adapted to dispense an amount of a dental whitening composition optionally includes a light source for activating the whitener.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor, wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor, and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range.

Abstract: There is provided a dental apparatus including a light source for emitting a light to irradiate at least one of a tooth, a gum, a plaque and a calculus of an oral cavity, a light detector for detecting fluorescence from the oral cavity emitted to the light irradiated from the light source, and a control unit for outputting first data for visualizing a temporal change in a fluorescence intensity based on the fluorescence detected by the light detector. Also, there is provided a calculation method including irradiating an excited light, detecting a fluorescence intensity, and calculating a temporal change in the fluorescence intensity in a depth direction.

Abstract: A system for dental tissue treatment includes a system for directing a laser beam to an area of dental tissue to be treated, and a fluid-delivery system for directing and controlling a flow of a fluid. The fluid is directed to at least a portion of the area to be treated and the fluid flow is controlled to substantially prevent both a change in laser energy absorption by the dental tissue and attenuation of treatment efficiency due to fluid interference with the laser beam. The fluid present in at least a portion of the area to be treated may prevent or reduce the likelihood of melting of enamel in that area.

Abstract: A dental apparatus includes a light irradiation unit for emitting a light to irradiate an oral cavity, an image capturing unit for image-capturing the oral cavity light irradiated by the light irradiation unit, and an output unit for outputting data for highlighting and displaying at least one of a plaque site and a calculus site on an image of the oral cavity based on an image captured result by the image capturing unit.

Abstract: An imaging device is coupled to a wand having an optical source that generates light at a metrology wavelength, wherein the wand is included in an intra-oral imaging system. The imaging device comprises a spectral filter that transmits the light of the metrology wavelength and blocks light of other wavelengths. The imaging device also comprises a lens coupled to the spectral filter. Additionally, the imaging device further comprises a sensor, wherein the light of the metrology wavelength is incident on the sensor after being transmitted through the lens and the spectral filter, and wherein the sensor converts the light of the metrology wavelength that is incident on the sensor, into electrical signals to generate intra-oral imagery.

Abstract: A system for dental tissue treatment includes a system for directing a laser beam to an area of dental tissue to be treated, and a fluid-delivery system for directing and controlling a flow of a fluid. The fluid is directed to at least a portion of the area to be treated and the fluid flow is controlled to substantially prevent both a change in laser energy absorption by the dental tissue and attenuation of treatment efficiency due to fluid interference with the laser beam. The fluid present in at least a portion of the area to be treated may prevent or reduce the likelihood of melting of enamel in that area.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for supporting dental implantation surgery, a three-dimensional CT image of jaws of an object is acquired. A reference site of the jaws and an implantation position of a gum in the jaws are set in the three-dimensional CT image. The implant is implanted at the implantation position. A three-dimensional optical image of an inside of an oral cavity of the object is then produced. The reference site is positionally set in the three-dimensional optical image through recognition of a shape of the reference site in the three-dimensional optical image. A surgical tool is positionally controlled to the implantation position in the oral cavity, based on i) a relationship between the position of the reference site and the implantation position of the gum in the three-dimensional CT image and ii) the position of the reference site in the three-dimensional optical image.

Abstract: A mouthpiece that adjusts manually to accommodate a broad range of different size sets of upper and lower teeth in the mouth and yet seals the treatment area from oxygen exposure. The mouthpiece includes light emitting diodes and heat generating resistors all arranged in an array. A series of parallel texture bands are provides to guide and direct the light from the LEDs to diffuse generally evenly onto teeth to be treated. The seal arises from an inner surface of the mouthpiece titling inwardly so that a seal bead seals in the vicinity of the gum above the teeth to be treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular dental reinforcement preform formed by a cord made from woven fibres. The cord is impregnated and filled by a polymerizable resin and is able, by isostatic crushing, to take the shape of a strip without breaking of the woven fibres constituting the cord, the polymerizable resin being able to creep through the cord to form two lateral parts. The invention also relates to a production method of a dental contention strip from such a tubular reinforcement preform.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor, wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor, and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to rigidly connect the imaging elements such as camera(s) and the monitor on a single arm, or a single arm element, which maintains the proper relationship between the camera and the monitor while simultaneously allowing the monitor height to be at the ideal viewing height for the dentist. While the imaging elements of the invention are rigidly connected on a single arm or arm element, there is provision for changing the tilt, on a horizontal axis, of the monitor, as well as its height, to accommodate differences in height among dentists. This rigid connection of the invention assures that the image of the operative site will always be presented in the most understandable frame of reference for the dentist.

Abstract: A hand held dental instrument for curing light-curable compounds comprises a housing and an array of solid state, light emitting junctions or dies for generating light having wavelengths within a narrow band of wavelengths (e.g. 400-500 nm). Preferably, a peak wavelength of 470 nm is generated. The device further comprises an optical fiber light pipe for capturing the light and transmitting a beam of the light to a work surface containing a light-curable compound. An optical lens or lenses may be used for focusing the light into the light pipe.

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

Abstract: A method of whitening teeth comprises the steps of contacting a stained tooth surface with an organic metal-ligand complex and an oxidizing compound, and exposing the stained tooth surface to actinic radiation.

Abstract: A photo-curing device includes a light source for initiating the curing of a photo-curable material. The light source has light-emitting diodes, each emitting light in a determined wavelength range, the wavelength ranges of the LEDs overlapping partially so as to cover a continuous wavelength range that is broader than the wavelength range of each LED. An activation device is provided for selectively activating each LED.

Abstract: A method of providing an accurate three-dimensional scan of a dental arch area is disclosed. The arch area has two segments and a connecting area between the two segments. The connecting area has homogeneous features. A connecting-geometry tool with at least one definable feature is affixed to the arch area. The definable feature overlays at least part of the connecting area. The arch area is scanned to produce a scanned dataset of the arch area. The definable feature of the connecting-geometry tool on the connection area is determined based on the scanned dataset. The dimensions of the arch area are determined based on the data relating to the definable features from the scanned dataset.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

Abstract: Dental imaging systems include an optical scanner that scans one or more interrogation beams across a portion of at least one tooth to produce a dentally modulated light flux associated with light scattering, absorption, or other interaction of the interrogation beam and a tooth interior. The dentally modulated light flux is detected and processed to produce picture information associated with the tooth. Interrogation wavelengths between 800 nm and 1800 nm can be used to provide images suitable for diagnosis and assessment of demineralization or other defects. Interrogation beams at one or more wavelengths can be used. Multiple detectors can be situated to receive dentally modulated light fluxes at different wavelengths or dentally modulated light fluxes with different directions or different locations. Markers at or on a tooth can be used to for depth determination. Index matching to the tooth can improve image quality.

Abstract: A method for operating an imaging system, and a system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium, that operate in accordance with the method. The method includes providing field-of-view (FoV) information, and automatically selecting at least one recording sequence based on at least one of a particular diagnostic application of interest and the FoV information.

Abstract: A non-contact type dental shade matching device is provided, comprising a camera body for capturing image of one or more target teeth; an opaque intra-oral compartment snugly adapted for a human mouth; an opaque cover shield body connected between the camera body and the intra-oral compartment; one or more holders for holding one or more shade tabs; and a color matching module being operably connected to the camera body to receive the captured images containing color and translucency information of the target tooth and/or shade tab information, and then to process the images based on a content-based algorithm for automatic shade matching between the target tooth and the shade tabs for each of the captured images, so as to achieve an optimal dental prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and provides an intra-oral scanner for a digital impression. The intra-oral scanner has a window for limiting an acquisition range. The intra-oral scanner sequentially includes, along a light path, a three-color LED light source module, a microlens array sheet, a collimator lens group, a gray coding grating plate, an optical deflector, a projection lens group, a first reflector, a second reflector and a third reflector positioned in parallel with each other with their reflective surfaces opposing to each other, and a camera. The intra-oral scanner can perform a scan directly in the human oral cavity and obtain the digital impression of three-dimensional topography of the tooth and soft tissue in real-time, thereby meeting the requirements of dentists and dental technicians to quickly and accurately obtain the oral impressions.