Abstract: Polymerization apparatus for dental technology, having a housing; a partition wall disposed in the housing so as to form a polymerization space where polymerization is carried out; a rotating table, which is arranged on a lower side of the polymerization space and on which the dental prosthesis is disposed directly or via other members; and a plurality of LED light sources which irradiate a light for the curing to a polymerization region, which is formed on the upper side of the rotating table and where the dental prosthesis can be disposed, wherein at least one of the plurality of LED light sources is disposed such that a light axis thereof is inclined obliquely upward to be directed toward the polymerization region.

Abstract: An electro-orthodontic appliance is provided that helps accelerate orthodontic tooth movement through the application of a controlled electrical current to gum and teeth, thus stimulating osteogenesis.

Abstract: A bite plate allowing for contact with occlusal and facial and/or lingual maxillary and mandibular teeth is coupled to an extraoral housing containing a rechargeable battery coupled to a vibrator coupled to a processor coupled to data and charging port or ports. The housing is at least water resistant, and a hatch allows access to the data and charging port or ports only. The device is fitted with a very smooth and quiet vibrator, with minimal variance on operating specifications.

Abstract: A palatal t-bar for preventing movement of selected teeth during corrective movement of other teeth through the use of an orthodontic appliance such as orthodontic braces. The t-bar comprises an elongate stem having an anchorage end arranged for affixation to the palatal bone of a patient by means of a temporary bone anchorage device, e.g., a miniscrew implant, and a free end extending in an anterior direction from the anchorage end. The stem is shaped to conform to the palatal surface of the patient. A cross-bar extends laterally from the free end of the stem and is arranged to engage one or more selected maxillary anterior teeth to retain the teeth non-mobile and non-rotational during corrective movement of other teeth utilizing an orthodontic appliance such as orthodontic braces.

Abstract: Anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions comprise an effective amount of a selenium compound. Kits containing apparatus and/or compositions are disclosed, along with methods of producing and using said anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions.

Abstract: A bone augmentation device includes at least one axial member defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of transverse members. Each transverse member extends from a first end, or removably connected to the at least one axial member to a second end configured for fixation with bone. The transverse members are spaced apart and disposed along the longitudinal axis. The at least one axial member and the transverse members are disposed in a configuration to define a bone graft cavity. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic gripping device having a body made of a superelastic metal alloy, cold worked titanium beta III, or solution heat treated and aged titanium beta III. The body has first and second, spaced apart arm portions connected to each other. Each arm portion includes a jaw portion having an inner, arch wire-gripping, surface. The inner gripping surfaces are disposed opposite one another in spaced relation with a station defined therebetween for receiving the arch wire. At least a portion of the station is sized smaller than the arch wire. The arm portions are resiliently deflectable outwardly away from each other to admit the arch wire into the station. Once seated in the station, the arch wire is tightly held by inner gripping surfaces so as to resist displacement of the gripping device relative to the arch wire.

Abstract: An Orthodontic teeth positioning appliance comprising an anterior positioning component, a posterior component and a resilient means connecting the anterior and posterior components. The anterior positioning component is configured to be in contact with, in order to push against, the lingual faces of a plurality of anterior teeth, when worn by the user and the posterior component is configured to be anchored to at least one posterior tooth, when worn by the user in order that the resilient means urges apart the anterior positioning component from the posterior component. The appliance is preferably removable by the user.

Abstract: A method and workstation for evaluation of an orthodontic treatment plan for a patient. The workstation is based on a computing platform having a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient including image data (3D image data and/or 2D image data). The workstation further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools by which the user can create a proposed treatment plan (proposed position of the teeth at the end of treatment) in three dimensions. The workstation also provides tools for evaluation of the proposed treatment plan.

Abstract: An orthodontics assisting system includes index members which indicate respective reference positions of a pre-correction dentition model and a post-correction predictive dentition model; an arranging device for arranging the index members; an image data generating device for generating image data by imaging the pre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictive dentition model; a screen display for screen-displaying a pre-correction dentition image an a post-correction predictive dentition image respectively based on the image data, a position adjusting device for adjusting mutual display positions of the pre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictive dentition image; and a tooth position adjusting device for adjusting the display position of a teeth image.

Abstract: Modeling a complete tooth of a patient to facilitate dental and/or orthodontic treatment includes generating a first set of digital data representing a clinical crown; generating a second set of digital data representing a plurality of digital tooth models of a particular tooth type each having a first parameterization; processing the second set of digital data to obtain a third set of digital data representing an average tooth model of the particular tooth type having a second parameterization which is less than the first parameterization; fitting the third set of digital data to the first set of digital data to create a set of digital data representing an interim tooth model; and morphing the set of digital data representing the interim tooth model to substantially mimic the anatomical shape of the clinical crown of the first set of digital data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic appliance and wearing the orthodontic appliance can change the occlusion so as to solve the problem of conventional orthodontic appliance that might take long treatment duration. Through providing the orthodontic appliance to children with deciduous tooth, the permanent first molar can protrude from current position and move toward the neutral zone with better balance. Also, the present invention is invisible so as to concern user's feeling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying an orthodontic adhesive on a tooth structure, the method including selectively staining a surface including the orthodontic adhesive or the tooth structure. Methods of bonding and debonding an orthodontic appliance to and from a tooth structure are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating a peak of a mesiobuccal cusp of a maxillary first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. In addition, an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating relevant points on the mandibular first molar are received for both the patient's right and left sides. Side scores are generated for the patient's right and left sides based on the indicated points. A final occlusion score for the patient is displayed. The final occlusion score is based on the side score for the right side and the side score for the left side.

Abstract: A improved vibrating dental plate that allows accelerative forces in addition to vibrating forces to assist in remodeling is provided.

Abstract: The present application describes, inter alia, methods, devices, and systems for modeling and fabricating corrective appliances and methods of treating cleft palate using same.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method and system are provided for scanning, and for facilitating scanning of, an intraoral cavity. The target parts of the intraoral cavity that it is desired to have scanned are identified, and the spatial relationships between a scanning device and the target parts of the intraoral cavity suitable for enabling said target parts to be scanned by said scanning device, are also identified or otherwise determined. These relationships are then displayed, and the displayed relationships are used as a guide for scanning the intraoral cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mandibular positioning apparatus that uses elastic bands to pull the lower jaw forward including a set of plastic retention hooks, one on the right and one on the left of an upper plastic base, and a lower plastic base conforming to lower teeth with a vertical displacement on the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthodontic or dental appliances with a substrate, at least certain regions of which are provided with a coating containing titanium dioxide and/or titanium nitride, as well as a coating formulation and a method of applying the coating formulation to the orthodontic or dental appliances.

Abstract: The invention relates to oral appliances configured to maintain users upper airway unobstructed, facilitating improved breathing and elimination of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. This invention covers mechanical and pneumatic means of maintaining users airway open. A smart container for appliances is also disclosed to be used in conjunction with any oral appliance as a system for wirelessly recording patient biofeedback, treatment compliance and live monitoring of the users medical condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system for securing intraoral objects and related oral structures during a dental procedure, the system includes a predetermined length of wire having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a first sleeve defining a cavity for slidably engaging the first end portion of the wire therein wherein the engagement of the first sleeve to the wire enhances the strength of the wire without reducing the malleability thereof and increases the safety of a dental professional and patient during the dental procedure. The system may further include a second sleeve having a cavity for slidably engaging the second end portion of the wire therein.

Abstract: An index member for indicating a reference position of a pre-correction dentition model having a dentition shape before orthodontics or a post-correction predictive dentition model having a predictive dentition shape after orthodontics, includes a plate-like body, and a projection provided on the plate-like body.

Abstract: An orthodontics assisting system includes index members which indicate respective reference positions of a pre-correction dentition model and a post-correction predictive dentition model; an arranging device for arranging the index members; an image data generating unit for generating image data by imaging the pre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictive dentition model; a screen display for screen-displaying a pre-correction dentition image and a post-correction predictive dentition image respectively based on the image data; a position adjusting unit for adjusting mutual display positions of the pre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictive dentition image; and a tooth position adjusting unit for adjusting the display position of a teeth image.

Abstract: A dental color system having primary and mixed colors with assigned coordinates in the CIElab color space, in which the colors of natural teeth are essentially located on coordinates within an ellipsoid-shaped space, which is assigned a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchoring device for regulating teeth and/or jaw, having an anchoring element (1) comprising a shank (2) for arranging in a jaw bone or a tooth, and a head (3), whereon a cap (10) for arranging at least one jaw orthopedic and/or dental aid is releasably disposed, wherein the cap is constructed, in at least two parts, of a fastening element (12) for releasably fastening the cap in the head, and a mounting element (11) for mounting at least one jaw orthopedic and/or dental aid, and wherein the mounting element is freely displaceable relative to the fastening element in at least one degree of freedom of motion at least within certain limits.

Abstract: A cap (14) for an orthodontic implant (12) generally comprises a body (16) and a receiving member (20) coupled to the body. The body includes an opening (32) and a cavity (18) configured to receive a portion of the orthodontic implant (12), with the opening (32) being non-circular. The receiving member (20) is configured to retain a portion of an orthodontic component so that when the orthodontic implant (12) is received in the cavity of the body, forces may be transmitted between the orthodontic component and the orthodontic implant (12) via the cap (14).

Abstract: Indirect bonding trays for orthodontic treatment are made from a model of the patient's dental arch that is manufactured using digital data and rapid prototyping processes. The model includes one or more guides for orienting an orthodontic appliance in a desired position on a model tooth of the dental arch model. A holder is connected to the archwire slot of the appliance and is brought into contact with the guide in order to move the appliance to its intended position for subsequent manufacture of the indirect bonding tray.

Abstract: An orthodontic implant structure including: an upper structure body having an insertion hole; a pair of bolts each having a head thread portion, a hexagonal locking portion, an engaging ring, and an embedding thread portion; and a base plate in which are formed a first locking hole and a second locking hole that lock with the hexagonal locking portions and having a projecting thread portion. Both bolts are embedded in bone, the first locking hole is locked on the hexagonal locking portion and a first nut is screwed onto the head thread portion, and the insertion hole is fitted over the projecting thread portion and a second nut is screwed onto the projecting thread portion.

Abstract: A tooth bonding pad (22) is configured for orthodontic applications and includes a main body (26) and a ligating structure (24) adjacent to the main body. The ligating structure includes a channel (48) that is configured to receive a corrective device (16) therein and to restrict the corrective device from movement relative to the tooth bonding pad. The ligating structure may, for example, be crimpable or it may take the form of a self-ligating structure. The channel (48) may be substantially closed and may include a cover (80) configured to be coupled to other portions of the ligating structure (53) to thereby partially define the channel. The channel (48) may define a longitudinal axis such that the ligating structure (24) is configured to restrict movement of the corrective device (16) in a direction along the axis. Alternatively or additionally, the ligating structure (53) may be configured to restrict movement of the corrective device (16) in a direction transverse to the axis.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an electronic model image representing teeth of a patient; determining a desired bracket arrangement for one or more brackets on the teeth; designing an electronic model image of an alignment device based in part on the desired bracket arrangement; and fabricating the alignment device based on the electronic model image of the alignment device. The desired bracket arrangement includes a surface location, a tip orientation, and a torque orientation of each bracket. The alignment device defines at least one slot through which a bracket can be placed at a surface location and an orientation indicator to indicate a desired tip orientation and a desired torque orientation of each bracket.

Abstract: A system for implanting a temporary anchorage device in a jaw bone of a patient makes use of a digital representation of at least a portion of the patient's dental arch, including teeth and corresponding roots, in order to select a temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant site that does not interfere with a tooth root. A surgical guide relates the information from the digital representation to an actual location in the patient's jaw bone. The surgical guide is formed to fit over at least a portion of the occlusal, buccal, labial, and/or lingual surfaces of the dental arch proximate to the selected TAD implant site and includes a physical and/or visual marker that indicates the selected TAD implant site.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed invention is directed to anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions comprising an effective amount of a selenium compound, kits containing same, and methods of producing and using said anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions.

Abstract: Orthodontic forces dependent on bone density measurements are determined by measuring bone density data in a scan of at least a portion of the teeth and jaw to produce a visual map of bone density is a selected area of the jaw. A two or three dimensional image of at least a portion of the jaw and teeth in the selected area of the jaw is generated. The bone density image is mapped into the two or three dimensional image. The attachment points on selected teeth, selected positions in the jaw, and/or selected orthodontic appliances to be connected to the teeth or jaw is determined. A force to be applied to the determined attachment points to move at least one tooth a predetermined distance and direction in the jaw taking into account the bone density through which the at least one tooth must move is calculated.

Abstract: Remineralizing dental cements contain source(s) of calcium and phosphate ions, adhesive resin monomers, reinforcing base resin monomers, and catalysts able to initiate the polymerization of the adhesive and reinforcing base resin monomers. Such dental cements can be used as orthodontic cements, crown and bridge cements, adhesives, sealants, cavity liners, and protective coatings. The release of calcium and phosphate ions and, optionally, fluoride ions, protects tooth structure from demineralization, a precursor of tooth decay.

Abstract: Computer-based techniques are described that use orthodontic prescription templates to assist an orthodontic practitioner in creating a patient-specific orthodontic prescription. In particular, an orthodontic practitioner may retrieve a stored electronic orthodontic prescription template. The practitioner may then generate an orthodontic prescription that is specific to a patient's teeth by modifying one or more bracket attributes of the template within orthodontic modeling software. Subsequently, the practitioner may communicate the patient-specific orthodontic prescription to a manufacturing facility that constructs an indirect bonding tray for use in physically placing brackets on the patient's teeth.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transduction cyclic force system for moving and/or repositioning teeth.

Abstract: Method and system for establishing an initial position of a tooth, determining a target position of the tooth in a treatment plan, calculating a movement vector associated with the tooth movement from the initial position to the target position, determining a plurality of components corresponding to the movement vector, and determining a corresponding one or more positions of a respective one or more attachment devices relative to a surface plane of the tooth such that the one or more attachment devices engages with a dental appliance are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a titanium-nickel alloy improved in corrosion resistance due to the reduced Ni content in the surface layer. Since a film (modified layer) extremely reduced in Ni concentration compared to the interior can be formed on the surface of a titanium-nickel alloy, by applying electrolysis treatment in a properly controlled electrolytic solution, the corrosion resistance of the alloy is improved. Specific examples of the electrolytic solution may include a mixture of glycerol, lactic acid and water (H2O).

Abstract: A digital orthodontic treatment planning system provides a practitioner with digital representations of at least a part of a tooth of a patient and at least part of a coupling matrix within a three-dimensional environment. By interacting with the system, orthodontic practitioners are able to visualize a coupling matrix that results from a specific orthodontic appliance position relative to a tooth of the patient's dental arch. The digital representation of the coupling matrix represents a substance, such as a cured adhesive, that connects an orthodontic appliance to a tooth of a patient. The system determines a thickness of at least a portion of the coupling matrix. In one embodiment, the system indicates the total thickness via a thickness map, such as a color-coded thickness map. In another embodiment, the system indicates a deviation from a baseline thickness via a thickness map.

Abstract: A method of preparing a surface of a tooth for attachment of an orthodontic device on a lingual surface of a tooth includes the step that a material mass is applied on the tooth to fill out one or more irregularities on the inside of the tooth. Thereafter the material mass is allowed to become hard and is shaped to achieve a preferably flat attachment surface for an orthodontic bracket or similar device.

Abstract: An orthodontic elastic band which is dyed with a semi-persistent food-based dye such that the distinction between unused and used elastic bands is evident upon inspection is used in conjunction with a compartmented container, such as a weekly pill box. The compartmented container is used to store used orthodontic elastic bands as they are removed and replaced, before and after meals, respectively, throughout the day. Verification of the rigor with which a predefined orthodontic regimen involving replaceable elastic bands is determined based upon the inspection and count of the number of used elastic bands which have been stored in the compartment associated with each day. Missing, used elastic bands are indicative in a lapse in the prescribed elastic band regimen.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray places orthodontic appliances in precise, predetermined positions on the teeth of a patient. The indirect bonding tray includes a first matrix material that extends over a set of appliances and a second matrix material that extends over the first matrix material. The indirect bonding tray also includes at least one occlusal stop member that is connected to the second matrix material for firm, relatively hard contact with the occlusal tips of the patient's teeth when the tray is received in place over the patient's dental arch.

Abstract: Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion, craniofacial anomalies, bony defects, and dentofacial deformities through accelerated bone remodeling as caused by the delivery non-static forces; reducing pain and discomfort in patients; and improving tissue integrity long-term results as to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The methods and apparatus include a mechanism for data capture and analysis related to patient compliance and usage behavior, as well as for establishing the invention as a component of the clinical office workflow to increase efficiency and productivity.

Abstract: Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion, craniofacial anomalies, bony defects, and dentofacial deformities through accelerated bone remodeling as caused by the delivery non-static forces; reducing pain and discomfort in patients; and improving tissue integrity long-term results as to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The methods and apparatus include a mechanism for data capture and analysis related to patient compliance and usage behavior, as well as for establishing the invention as a component of the clinical office workflow to increase efficiency and productivity.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for tracking teeth movement correction. One method embodiment includes using a set of positioning appliances shaped to move teeth through a number of successive stages of arrangements of an expected teeth arrangement model where each stage corresponds to a particular positioning appliance, mapping a current teeth position based upon positions of a number of physical markers attached to a number of physical teeth, comparing the positions of the number of physical markers with a corresponding number of virtual markers positioned on a number of virtual teeth of a stage in the expected teeth arrangement model, determining whether midcourse correction is needed.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, systems and methods for representation, modeling and/or application of pontic geometry of teeth to facilitate orthodontic treatment are provided. Such systems and methods for representation, modeling and application of pontic geometry of teeth can automatically facilitate a changeable and stage-dependent pontic geometry that provides various advantages over conventional methods for providing pontics. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a system and method for representation, modeling and/or application of pontic geometry automatically detects for the potential location for one or more pontics, i.e., for spaces between the teeth of a patient. Once a desired location for a pontic is automatically determined, an original pontic geometry is automatically generated. Thereafter, stage dependent pontic geometries are automatically generated and positioned during the stages of treatment if pontic is desirable.

Abstract: A moisture resistant pressure sensitive adhesive for orthodontic application. Specifically, in accordance with one embodiment, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition comprises a polymer base, and at least one bio-compatible hydrophobic tackifier. The PSA composition is structured such that the PSA composition is suitable for use in an oral environment.

Abstract: Micro-regional force application improves the control of the orthodontic movement of teeth in all six degrees of freedom. Micro regional force application utilizes an elastic repositioning appliance, a tooth positioner, a polymeric shell, or preprogrammed series of polymeric shells. The key components of the invention are the envelope of freedom, the force applicators, force couplers, counterpart coupling, vector modifiers, seating guides, decouplers, and forced balance points. Further, computerized finite element analysis determines the center of resistance and the center of rotation for each tooth to be moved. The present invention gently rotates and translates one or more teeth to a desired straight position within a treatment plan.

Abstract: Packages for dispensing dental appliances of the type used in corrective orthodontic treatments, methods of using such packages, and methods of manufacturing such packages. The package generally includes a holder and drawers containing the dental appliances that are removable from the package. The characteristics of the dental appliances positioned in each individual drawer are appropriate for application to different quadrants of the patient's teeth. The drawers of the package may be color coded with regions on a setup card so that the dental appliances, while remaining positioned in the drawers, may be organized among the regions according to the intended quadrants for bracket application. Other color coding schemes are possible involving the drawers, the brackets held by the drawers, the setup card, and the brackets themselves.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method and system are provided for scanning, and for facilitating scanning of, an intraoral cavity. The target parts of the intraoral cavity that it is desired to have scanned are identified, and the spatial relationships between a scanning device and the target parts of the intraoral cavity suitable for enabling said target parts to be scanned by said scanning device, are also identified or otherwise determined. These relationships are then displayed, and the displayed relationships are used as a guide for scanning the intraoral cavity.