Abstract: A method for for comparing between an orthodontic element's actual position on the surface of a tooth and a proper position comprise monitoring the element, the tooth or both once the element and the tooth are proximal to one another by an image acquisition unit which transmits an image to a screen that displays the image and displaying information on the screen regarding proper position of the element in a manner allowing to compare between the actual and the proper position is disclosed. Further disclosed is a system and device for positioning of an orthodontic element or a marking device having a marking member for marking a position for subsequent placement of an orthodontic element on a surface of a tooth.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for integrating anatomical information from a plurality of sources of information.

Abstract: A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined three-dimensional positions on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object at the predetermined 3D position on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth.

Abstract: A dental tool for installation of orthodontic brackets is provided which has an adjustable gripping mechanism for gripping the orthodontic bracket and a centering mechanism for centering the bracket on the tooth. The tool is adjustable to fit a wide variety of orthodontic brackets and the tool is further adjustable to enable the bracket to be installed at the proper mesial-distal, occlusal/incisal-gingival position on teeth of a wide variety of sizes and lengths, posterior and anterior teeth.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth by receiving a digital data set of meshes representing the teeth; creating a parametric representation of the digital data set; and displaying the computer model of the teeth using the parametric representation. The model can be modified or transmitted for viewing or for fabricating dental appliances.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method generates a computer model of one or more teeth by receiving as input a digital data set of meshes representing the teeth; selecting a curved coordinate system with mappings to and from a 3D space; and generating a function in the curved coordinate system to represent each tooth.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for integrating anatomical information from a plurality of sources of information. The system receives two or more three dimensional (3D) anatomical maps sharing a common plane specified by three or more marker points common to the two or more maps; and aligns the two or more 3D anatomical maps using the marker points.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for providing a dental diagnosis and/or a dental appliance to a user by examining a portion of a mouth of the user. To this end, the apparatus, system and method may evaluate images whether digital, still, video, digital x-ray or the like, of the portion of the mouth to determine if a medical condition may be cured and/or corrected by a dental appliance stored within a machine and capable of being dispensed from the machine. In addition, the system may provide a wafer or tray which the user may position in his mouth to make an impression. The wafer or tray, or an image of the wafer or tray, may then be sent to an individual and/or a central processing unit. Also, a user may position a film within his mouth and transmit the film or an image of the film to an individual and/or a central processing unit.

Abstract: The fragrant orthodontic appliance, the method of forming the same include mixing a powdered polymeric component, a liquid monomeric component, applying the components to a mold, and cold curing the orthodontic appliance. Both the powdered and the liquid components contain a selected fragrant oil. Suspension polymerization process is utilized to encapsulate the fragrance in the powdered polymeric component.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for providing a dental diagnosis and/or a dental appliance to a user by examining a portion of a mouth of the user. To this end, the apparatus, system and method evaluate images whether digital, still, video, digital x-ray or the like, of the portion of the mouth to determine if a medical condition may be cured and/or corrected by a dental appliance stored within a machine and capable of being dispensed from the machine. The apparatus, system and method may evaluate the condition of a user from images of a single tooth. Moreover, evaluation of the images may be performed by the central processing unit of the apparatus or by an outside source, by having the images transmitted via, for example, the internet, electronic mail, telephony, satellite, or other means, to another computer or individual. The user may also take images of his mouth while positioning a ruler or other measuring device adjacent to the mouth.

Abstract: A system for repositioning teeth includes a plurality of individual appliances. The system can be esthetically enhanced with one or more dental decorations attached to the surface of each appliance.

Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic article having a non-linear shape includes a mold configured to receive a partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article and to form the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article into a spirally wound shape. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mold and configured to rotate the mold such that the fiber-reinforced plastic article is taken up on the mold. An energy source is operatively associated with the mold and positioned so that the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article is cured in a spirally wound shape as the article is taken up on the longitudinally extending mold. The pultrusion apparatus allows for continuously shaping a non-linear fiber-reinforced plastic article, obviating the need for any of the work to be done by hand, which may be labor intensive, not as highly reproducible, and potentially contaminating.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth by receiving a digital data set of meshes representing the teeth; creating a parametric representation of the digital data set; and displaying the computer model of the teeth using the parametric representation. The model can be modified or transmitted for viewing or for fabricating dental appliances.

Abstract: The protective element includes a flexible, cotton flannel base portion and a wax portion which impregnates the base portion to produce a combination article, wherein the wax portion is formulated so that the combination article is sufficiently flexible to prevent the wax portion from cracking away from the base portion at room temperature, and further such that the flexibility of the article increases sufficiently when the article is warmed by placement in the mouth to permit conforming application of the article to the dental appliance, and further such that the article remains in place against the dental appliance during use.

Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques such as fused deposition modeling and three-dimensional printing are used to create a shell used in the manufacture of a dental restoration. Three-dimensional printing comprises ink-jet printing a binder into selected areas of sequentially deposited layers of powder. Each layer is created by spreading a thin layer of powder over the surface of a powder bed. Instructions for each layer may be derived directly from a CAD representation of the restoration. The area to be printed is obtained by computing the area of intersection between the desired plane and the CAD representation of the object. All the layers required for an aesthetically sound shell can be deposited concurrently slice after slice and sintered/cured simultaneously.

Abstract: Fabrication of metal medical instruments and devices from a shape memory alloy which provides greater flexibility in design and avoids the need for substantial cold working of the alloy which is required in other methods. The new process provides a ductile alloy for ease of forming and a unique heat treatment which renders the fabricated orthodontic and medical components highly elastic, with a high resistance to kinking and with good corrosion resistance. In addition, this new process produces orthodontic and medical components useful over the temperature range of from −20 to +40 degrees C.

Abstract: A dental article coated with a friction-reducing coating and methods for coating dental articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the dental device first is coated with an adhesion layer, followed by application of a friction-reducing coating. The friction-reducing coating is selected to create a hard, inert, friction-reducing layer on the device. The presence of the continuous outer coating of on the device reduces adhesive wear and friction on the device, and significantly improves its frictional properties.

Abstract: A method of brazing a first component of an orthodontic appliance to a second component of the orthodontic appliance, comprising the step of brazing the first component to the second component using a brazing medium comprising a boron-free brazing alloy that includes at least about 50 weight percent nickel. The brazing alloy of the present invention can also comprise chromium, and/or other elements such as silicon, phosphorous, and/or the like. The method provides strong, corrosion resistant joints with a good color match with stainless steel appliance components.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-metallic compositions that are useful to repair, restore, adhere to, or protect, the surface of a tooth and that harden in the mouth to form substantially permanent features therein or to adhere fixtures to the surface of a tooth in a substantially permanent manner. The compositions comprise an amount of an essential oil effective to alter the sensory properties, i.e. the taste, a smell, of the composition and that desirably imparts a pleasant taste and/or order. The essential oil further advantageously provides the composition, once hardened in the mouth, with a surface more hydrophobic than a corresponding conventional composition, thereby inhibiting the deposition or formation of bacterial plaque. Also provided are a method of using the compositions to repair or seal hard dental tissue, as well as a method to adhere one or more dental or orthodontic fixtures to hard dental tissue.

Abstract: An orthodontic force measuring apparatus includes a dental replica which includes a first tooth replica and a second tooth replica. The first tooth replica is moveable relative to the second tooth replica. The apparatus also includes an orthodontic appliance secured to both the first tooth replica and the second tooth replica of the dental replica. The apparatus further includes a force measuring device operatively coupled to the first tooth replica. The force measuring device is configured so as to measure force exerted on the first tooth replica by the orthodontic appliance. A method of measuring orthodontic force is also disclosed.

Abstract: A charger/dispenser for orthodontic O-ring ligator structure including a body, friction retaining structure formed in the body for retaining, frictionally and releasably such a ligator structure in a condition with each ligator in the ligator structure having a substantially fully exposed annular face, and hemostat-jaw guide structure formed in the body effective to guide the gripping beaks in the jaw of a hemostat into a limit-defined removing position relative to such a ligator wherein a jaw can fully grip the ligator without occluding the open center therein.

Abstract: A dental patient hand held vibrating device having a interdental mouthpiece portion for insertion into the mouth for gripping between the teeth of the dental patient encountering discomfort resulting from the adjustment of their orthodontic appliances. The hand held device comprises a housing containing a battery and a switch for selectively operating a motor with an off center weight attached to the motor rotating shaft for creating a high frequency vibration that vibrates the entire device. The vibration is transferred from the body of the device to the interdental mouthpiece held between the teeth of the patient. The vibrating interdental mouthpiece reestablishes an adequate blood supply to the teeth and surrounding periodontal structures so as to substantially eliminate the discomfort encountered by a patient that has had their orthodontic appliance adjusted.

Abstract: A mouth shield system configured to protect the lips and tongue of a user from an installed orthodontic appliance, dental work, or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a strip formed from a light material such as, for example, mesh gauze, impregnated and surrounded by a plastic material such as, for example, dental wax or the like, the strip laminated on one outer side with a cover of, for example, cling wrap or the like. The strip is of an adequate width to envelope the raised portion of a dental appliance or other dental work, and of sufficient length preferably to cover the length of the appliance or dental work. In use, the user cuts the strip to the desired length so as to envelop the bracket and/or wire of the appliance, applying pressure to the strip and manipulating same so that it wraps about the exterior of the brackets, so as to allow the malleable properties of the strip to engage the brackets and retain the strip to same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing orthodontic conditions of an individual. The apparatus includes an outer case and a user interface disposed on the outer case for communicating with the individual. The apparatus further has diagnostic hardware including at least one digital camera carried within the case adapted to take a plurality of video images of the teeth and mouth of the individual. The apparatus further has electronic circuitry which is preprogrammed with statistical data for comparison to actual data collected by the diagnostic hardware and transmitted to the electronic circuitry. The circuitry is further adapted to diagnose whether the individual has correctable orthodontic conditions. The apparatus is further adapted to dispense instructions to the individual for receiving proper corrective orthodontic care. The method of the invention includes providing an apparatus adapted to take various digital images of the individual's teeth and mouth.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a temporary implant for use as an anchor in the mouth, as well as to a method of attaching the temporary implant to the maxillary or mandibular bone. The temporary implant includes an implant adapted to be temporarily affixed in a buccal, labial, lingual or palatal bone surface of the maxillary jawbone, or buccal, labial or lingual bone surface of the mandibular jawbone. In one embodiment, the implant includes a longitudinal threaded cylindrical bore for releasably attaching various orthodontic appliances to the implant.

Abstract: A medical marking device and method of use are disclosed. The marking device is formed at least partially of soapstone, and the method includes the use of the marking device on prosthetics disposed in or to be used in a human body. Between uses, the soapstone marking device is sterilized by placing it in an autoclave with other medical instruments. Unlike prior marking devices, the soapstone actually increases in strength as it is sterilized.

Abstract: A flavored orthodontic elastic band has a substantially solid inner elastic band member for providing good tension characteristics, and a porous coating layer carrying a flavoring substance that is released upon exposure to saliva, for a predetermined time corresponding to the effective life of the elastic band member for exerting operative tension in an orthodontic fitting. The solid inner band is formed either in a general ring configuration, a series of interconnected rings configuration, or an elongated string configuration, or other configurations suitable for orthodontic application. The solid inner band is formed from natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, and blends thereof. The inner band member substantially determines the elasticity of the band, and is not flavored. The porous coating is applied over at least part of the solid core and can also include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, and blends thereof.

Abstract: An orthodontic shield comprising a strip of plastic material having a predetermined color and having predetermined length, width, and thickness dimensions. The strip of plastic material is heated sufficiently to render it malleable to the touch, and the strip of plastic material is then engaged with an orthodontic appliance and the adjacent tooth surfaces of a patient to conform the strip of plastic material to the configuration of the orthodontic appliance and the adjacent tooth surfaces. The strip of plastic material is allowed to cool within the mouth of the patient, whereby the orthodontic shield is retained in the mouth of the patient during daily activities such as diction and eating, but is readily removable therefrom for cleaning, etc.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance debonder for minimizing the time and effort on the part of the clinician in removing bondable orthodontic appliances, i.e. those having a plastic body secured to the crowns of the teeth by an orthodontic bonding agent. In accordance with the invention, a screw is incorporated in the plastic body of the appliance, in particular in the occlusal portion thereof. The screw is oriented substantially vertically when the patient's head is in an upright position and preferably is positioned over the first molar. A thin layer of plastic occlusal to the screw maintains the integrity of the seal between the plastic body and the tooth. This thin layer of plastic is compromised when the screw is activated, such as being turned or rotated by an Allen wrench type tool, thus breaking the bond or seal between the plastic body and the tooth. The appliance lifts up in a manner similar to a car being lifted up by a screw type jack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for marking orthodontic products. The method includes the steps of coupling the orthodontic product with the anode of a power source, placing an electrolyte in electrical contact with the cathode of the power source, and selectively exposing portions of the orthodontic product to be marked to the electrolyte. The apparatus includes a hand marker connected to the cathode of a power source. A sponge pad soaked with an electrolyte is attached to the hand marker. A workplate provided for holding the orthodontic product is coupled to the anode of the power source. A stencil is also provided to enable selective portions of the orthodontic product to be exposed to the electrolyte and thereby be marked.

Abstract: Shaped bodies of transparent, polycrystalline alumina are produced in a green body is formed in a first step using pure, fine-grained alumina wherein, in the given circumstances, the green body is freed from the auxiliary agents used int he production by burning-out in a second step, wherein pretreat is carried out as a subsequent third step, and wherein the compaction to transparent, polycrystalline alumina takes place in a fourth step, in order to render the method more economical, it is suggested that the pretreatment be carried out in such a way as to produce a closed surface on the shaped body and that pressure from all sides at elevated temperature be used to compact the shaped body in the fourth step.

Abstract: A decorative mouth brace, i.e. orthodontic construction, in which the tooth-repositioning wires in spanning relation between brackets are adorned with decorative objects, such as charms or the like, to enhance the heretofore unsightly appearance of this object.

Abstract: In order to so improve a metallic orthodontic aid having an optically visible marking area that the marking is easy to apply and is also visible up to a definable number of recycling process cycles, it is proposed that the marking area be a surface of an additionally produced layer with a remelt structure.

Abstract: The invention described facilitates accurate placement of orthodontic brackets on a patient's mal-occluded teeth. An indexed dental cast of the patient's mal-occlusion is produced by the present apparatus. In process steps for indexing the crown model, various adjustment devices hold a selected mal-occluded crown model of the cast in an "ideal" or corrected position in space. The cast is thus positioned and held while a drill is used to form index holes in the cast material. The index holes record the "ideal" position of the selected crown model even though the crown model remains in its original mal-occluded position in the cast. Positioning of a bracket against the selected crown model is accomplished by a bracket holder and adapter using the index. The holder receives the bracket while the adapter is positioned, using probes inserted into the index holes. The holder may be moved to a selected tip angle and bracket placement height through adjustments on the adapter.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance corrects a habit of inserting a habit instrument, such as a thumb, within a mouth. A wire frame of the appliance has two distal ends which are doubled over and each received within a respective lingual sheath carried on a maxillary molar. Two first portions of the wire member extend anteriorly from each distal end, and each has a U-shaped loop for adjusting the position of the appliance within the mouth. Two second portions each extend anteriorly from a respective first portion, and curve downwardly through a gap formed by an overjet condition between the upper and lower incisors. A guard portion is coupled to the two curved portions and has two circular loops formed within the wire member. The two circular loops are located anteriorly with respect to the lower incisors and posteriorly with respect to the labial vestibule when the mouth is closed, and deter the insertion of a thumb (or other habit instrument) upon opening and subsequent closure of the mouth.

Abstract: A new esthetic bracket protector is formed of a silicone material and can be placed over the orthodontic bracket to achieve the esthetic purpose. The protector is round-shaped, is hollow in the interior and has a covering. There is a hole in each side for the main wire to pass through and there is a slit from each hole to the base of the covering. In this manner, the protector may be easily pressed over the bracket and wire. It covers the bracket, prevents mucosal ulceration and caries and provides an esthetic appearance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an orthodontic archform and forming an archwire. The method includes setting up separated model teeth in a setup fixture to mutually locate the brackets relative to the model teeth, with the teeth supported on a setup plate structure. The model teeth are transferred on the setup plate structures to an alignment fixture and positioned in a curved archform. An archwire forming fixture is substituted for the teeth on the alignment fixture, an archwire is clamped in an archwire slot in this assembly, and then heat treated. Insulative shaping pins are positioned along the archwire to add compound curves or loops.

Abstract: The fragranced orthodontic appliance and method of making the same utilizes a fragranced "cold cure" acrylic. The method comprises the steps of combining fragrancing oils in a predetermined ratio with a monomer liquid. The monomer is then combined in a conventional manner with a polymer to form a hard acrylic orthodontic appliance. The appliance includes a hard cold cure acrylic base member which is formed from a suitable powdered polymeric component and a liquid monomeric component, the liquid monomeric component containing a selected fragrancing oil therein. The method comprises the steps of admixing an effective amount of fragrancing oil with a liquid monomeric component and then admixing the resulting mixture with an effective amount of a powdered polymeric component to form an acrylic base member. Hardware is then embedded in the acrylic base member.

Abstract: The invention described facilitates accurate placement of orthodontic brackets on a patient's mal-occluded teeth. An indexed dental cast of the patient's mal-occlusion is produced by the present apparatus. In process steps for indexing the crown model, various adjustment devices hold a selected mal-occluded crown model of the cast in an "ideal" or corrected position in space. The cast is thus positioned and held while a drill is used to form index holes in the cast material. The index holes record the "ideal" position of the selected crown model even though the crown model remains in its original mal-occluded position in the cast. Positioning of a bracket against the selected crown model is accomplished by a bracket holder and adapter using the index. The holder receives the bracket while the adapter is positioned, using probes inserted into the index holes. The holder may be moved to a selected tip angle and bracket placement height through adjustments on the adapter.

Abstract: Dispensing device for dispensing orthodontic O-rings wherein the O-rings are individually dispensed and are easily accessible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an orthodontic archform and forming an archwire. The method includes setting up separated model teeth in a setup fixture to mutually locate the brackets relative to the model teeth, with the teeth supported on a setup plate structure. The model teeth are transferred on the setup plate structures to an alignment fixture and positioned in a curved archform. An archwire forming fixture is substituted for the teeth on the alignment fixture; an archwire is clamped in an archwire slot in this assembly, and then heat treated.

Abstract: A case for holding and dispensing small components such as orthodontic O-rings. Most of the component is fictionally or otherwise retained within the case, and only a small component portion extends from the case to be accessible to and grasped by the tips of a plier-like extraction tool. The case prevents the tool tips from closing over the entire component which would require component repositioning before placement.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately placing orthodontic brackets on the lingual or labial surface of a model of a patient's maloccluded teeth in conjunction with an indirect bonding procedure or the like. A model support incorporates an immovable base forming a spherical surface segment which receives a complimentary spherical surface segment of a movable model platform thus providing for rotation of the platform in all planes of space about a centroid region. The maloccluded model is placed on the movable platform with a selected tooth thereof located at the central region of a sphere of which the spherical surface segments form a part. A tooth orienting template is releasably supported in fixed relation to the base structure and is selected according to the centrally positioned tooth of the model. The optimum position of the selected tooth relative to an optimum dental arch at the labial surface thereof is identified for bracket attachment to the labial surface.

Abstract: A tooth articulator for use in correcting tooth occlusal disharmony or interference, the articulator keeping the mouth hygienic irrespective of a long period of use in the mouth by utilizing the antibiotic power of the cobalt coating wholly or partly covering the surface of the base material of the articulator.

Abstract: The mouth and cheek protector is designed for use by persons undergoing orthodontal or orthognathic procedures requiring braces on the teeth. The protector consists of a thin strip of sponge-like cellular material formed to fit into the mouth and lie between the braces and the line of joinder between the gum and inner cheek. The cells of the sponge-like material have a generally uniform diameter of from 1/64th to 1/32nd of an inch. The major portion of the strip is approximately 1/8th of an inch thick with its opposite ends tapered to a thickness of 1/16th of an inch. One edge of the strip is straight and the opposite ends of the other edge are curved. The height of the strip is approximately 3/8ths of an inch and its length varies from one to two inches. In use, the curved edge of one or more of the strips rests against the braces and the straight edge lies close to and parallel with the line of joinder between the gum and inner cheek.

Abstract: A generally semi-elliptical shaped wafer of a light weight material having upper and lower surfaces that may be pressure gripped between the bracket supporting teeth of an orthodontic patient, with the material being one that permanently deforms when substantial pressure is applied thereto, and as a result each wafer when subjected to such gripping having impressions formed therein that record the relative positions of the brackets and the teeth associated therewith. By using the wafers successively on patient visits to an orthodontist, a permanent record is maintained of the progress being made in straightening and aligning the teeth of each patient, or other corrective orthodontic work. In addition, the impressions of the brackets on the wafer indicate to the orthodontist the extent to which the arch wire must be bent or deformed to exert a desired force on the teeth for further corrective procedures.

Abstract: An oral-seal-forming pressure-applying orthodontic screen seatable within a person's mouth adjacent labial gum structure in the upper and lower arches. A rim portion defines a working screen area, and supports an elastomeric web portion which spans the screen area. The web portion is stretchable to act against protruding teeth with a tooth-position-correcting force when the screen is seated within a mouth.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to orthodontic apparatus for applying an array of brackets to a cast matrix of teeth. The apparatus is particularly useful in the practice of a novel method invented by applicant which is also disclosed herein.The apparatus essentially comprises a pair of first and second supports mounted relative to each other for rectilinear movement, a plurality of grippers for holding and supporting an arch wire in a plane substantially parallel with the direction of rectilinear movement, and means for adjustably mounting said grippers to adjust the spacing therebetween and position the grippers relative to said first and second supports, whereby a cast matrix of teeth can be positioned on said second support in juxtaposed relation to a plurality of brackets mounted on an arch wire supported by said grippers and moved simultaneously into and out of precise contact with the brackets.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for fitting a fracture wire around a tooth as part of an interdental arch wiring technique. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wire is U-shaped and the ends of a loop of dental floss are secured to respectively opposite end portions of the wire. Portions of the dental floss loop adjacent the ends of the wire are inserted downwardly into the respective interdental spaces on opposite sides of the tooth in question and the dental floss is then used to lead the wire into those spaces and to a position in which the bight of the wire embraces the tooth.

Abstract: An improved adjustable attachment for a labial arch retainer. The retainer is of the type having a palatal section configured to conform to the roof of the mouth of a patient, a pair of extension wires extending anterially from the palatal section, an attachment hook provided at the terminal end of each extension wire, and a resilient synthetic band adapted to exert pressure against the teeth of the patient. The adjustable attachment is connected between the resilient band and the attachment hook in a manner which permits the length of the resilient band to be varied thereby permitting adjustment of the pressure exerted against the teeth of the patient.