Abstract: An illuminated energy device includes a handle, an optical waveguide coupled to the handle, and an energy tip such as an electrode coupled to the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is preferably adjustably coupled to the optical waveguide, and adjustment of the optical waveguide moves a distal end of the optical waveguide closer to or further away from a target such as tissue in a surgical field.

Abstract: A mouth mirror apparatus includes a carrier seat that has first and second receiving spaces and multiple outlet passages embedded in a surrounding wall and intercommunicating the first and second receiving spaces. The mouth mirror apparatus further includes a handle grip cooperating with the carrier seat to define an air inlet passage that communicates with the second receiving space, a mirror body rotatably disposed in the first receiving space, and an impeller connected to the mirror body and driven by air which flows from the air inlet passage. Through combination of the mirror body, the impeller, and the arrangement of the air outlet passages, the mouth mirror apparatus can direct air current to render different functions.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable dental mirror tool combined with a disposable suction means, enabling simultaneously viewing the patient's mouth and cleaning liquids and debris formed during dental procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a diagnostic probe is configured for performing diagnostic measurements and/or therapeutic interventions and for measuring the local surface profile of a local surface region an object. Various example embodiments are described in which the surface profile of the local surface region, when compared to the surface profile of an extended surface region, is employed to provide guidance for positioning and/or orienting the probe when performing a diagnostic measurement. The surface profile within the local surface region may be employed to generate feedback for repeating a previous diagnostic measurement, such that the repeat measurement is performed at the previous location on the object. In other embodiments, surface profile detection is employed to control the positional and/or orientational probe alignment during an iterative tissue removal method in which successive tissue layers are removed when the presence of a pathology is confirmed via a diagnostic measurement.

Abstract: The ear-mounted dental mirror support includes two arms, each having a hooked end configured to wrap around the back of an ear. The arms are connected to a cross-member at the end opposite the hook. A multi-rod adjustment member is pivotally attached to the cross-member. A mirror is pivotally attached to the free end of the adjustment member. The device is designed to be secured to a patient's ears by the arms with the cross-member resting on the patient's chin. The mirror can be adjusted to reflect different portions of the patient's mouth to help a person applying treatment visualize the treatment zone. The arms and cross-member may include projections to assist in securing a dental dam in place around the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental mirror permits the mirror face to be flipped from a first angle to a second angle relative to the handle, while the tool is still in the patient's mouth. Mirror and handle connect at a pivot point that is spaced away from the handle's distal end. The neck of the mirror has a detent nub that mates with recesses in the neck of the handle for positioning and holding the mirror in place relative to the handle. The mirror can be shifted from one position to another by pushing or pulling the mirror against the patient's cheek while the mirror is still in the patient's mouth, as the nub slides from one recess to another. In one embodiment the mirror is flipped from a position 145 degrees relative to the handle to 90 degrees relative to the handle. Stops are incorporated to limit angular travel at either position.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a rod-shaped grasp portion at a base end thereof, a functional portion used in medical practice at a front end thereof, and a shape-memory portion including a rod-shaped shape-memory alloy provided between the grasp portion and the functional portion. The grasp portion includes a holding portion having a space in which one end of the shape-memory portion is inserted from the longitudinal direction. The instrument has a gap between an outer surface of the shape-memory portion and an inner surface of the holding portion, and in bending the shape-memory portion, the shape-memory portion is capable of deforming within the range of the gap. Then, by bending, the outer surface of the shape-memory portion comes into contact with an inner edge portion of an opening of the holding portion, and thereby restricts deformation of the shape-memory portion beyond the predetermined range.

Abstract: A mouth mirror apparatus is adapted to be connected to a suction device and includes a mounting frame, an elongated handle, and a mirror member. The mirror member is rotatably mounted on a major wall of the mounting frame and can be driven to rotate when the suction device is actuated. When the mirror member rotates, a centrifugal force is generated to fling off water drops and/or debris on a reflecting surface of the mirror member.

Abstract: The present invention describes a dual sided dental instrument for use in intraoral photography. Each side of the dental instrument forms a different surface providing the user the capability to use a single device for differing functions. In a preferred embodiment, the dual sided dental instrument for use in intraoral photography preferably contains a first surface having reflective materials. Use of reflective materials provides a mechanism for the dentist or dental hygienist to photograph the inner portions of the patient's upper or lower teeth. The opposing side contains a surface which is adapted to provide background for intraoral images.

Abstract: A device for covering dental mirrors to prevent contact of metal surfaces of a dental mirror from coming in to contact with a persons mouth while in use without covering the mirror portion of the mouth mirror.

Abstract: A full HD transmission oral cavity photographic apparatus comprises a photographic portion and a grip portion. The photographic portion includes an image sensor to capture a full HD image and a light source. The grip portion includes a control circuit electrically connected to the image sensor and a transmission interface electrically connected to the control circuit. The transmission interface includes a Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer transmission module which can transmit the full HD image via Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer transmission to a display device for displaying.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional curing light that can cure a light curable material, such as a dental restoration, from 3 directions at once.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device captures images of an object of interest, e.g., patient teeth or associated anatomy, by projecting the light source as a first series of frames, and a second series of frames. The first series of frames projects first pattern data, and the second series of frames projects second data. The second series of frames are interleaved between frames in the first series of frames. The frames in the first series are partially-illuminated and are used to capture data for a 3D model. The frames in the second series are preferably fully-illuminated and are used to generate a live preview of the object. By displaying the live preview frames in juxtaposition to the 3D model, the operator is provided with visual feedback of the object.

Abstract: A dental instrument having a first member with an axial passage engageable with a removable second member. Rotationally engageable dental tools engageable at a first end of the first member, are fixed in a radial position around their axle by the distal end of the second member engaged within the axial passage. The dental instrument allows for the tools to be from a kit featuring a plurality of different tools, each of which is engageable to the axle, and rotatably adjustable for holding in a fixed position by the second member.

Abstract: The present invention describes a dual sided dental instrument for use in intraoral photography. Each side of the dental instrument forms a different surface providing the user the capability to use a single device for differing functions. In a preferred embodiment, the dual sided dental instrument for use in intraoral photography preferably contains a first surface having reflective materials. Use of reflective materials provides a mechanism for the dentist or dental hygienist to photograph the inner portions of the patient's upper or lower teeth. The opposing side contains a surface which is adapted to provide background for intraoral images.

Abstract: The present invention features an anti-rotation instrument system which could be used in all health professions including medical, dental, and any other specialties. The system includes an anti-rotation instrument device featuring a main handle, a first removable hand grip and a first instrumental tip. The first removable hand grip is attached to a first female screw cavity located on the main handle. One end of the instrumental tip passes through a channel located within first hand grip with an anti-rotation key located on the instrumental tip securely residing within a dent located on a distal end of the first removable hand grip having threading located on an end of the instrumental tip that is subsequently screwed into a first female screw cavity of the main handle such that the first hand grip is tightly sandwiched between the first instrumental tip and main body.

Abstract: A dental tissue treatment apparatus and associated methods includes a feedback-controlled beam guidance system for directing treatment to a defined area of dental tissue.

Abstract: An OCT measuring mechanism for acquiring the optical coherence tomography information and a surface shape measuring mechanism for acquiring the three-dimensional shape information share a display device, a control device, a light source, a scanning mirror, a light transmission/receiving path and an entering/exiting opening. The scanning mirror, the light transmission/receiving path, the entering/exiting opening are included in a handpiece operable to make a diagnosis on a diagnostic target site.

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: A light irradiation device for dental implants, which is capable of reliably performing a required ultraviolet ray irradiation treatment to screw type dental implants, is provided. The light irradiation device for dental implants irradiates screw type dental implants with ultraviolet rays wherein each of the screw type implants has a screw part comprising a spiral protrusion. The light irradiation device comprises a casing, a stage that is provided within the casing, in which the plurality of dental implants are disposed and held so as to be aligned in one direction, and an ultraviolet ray irradiation lamp that is disposed within the casing, wherein the entire surface of the protrusion that forms the screw part of each of the plurality of dental implants held on the stage is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet ray irradiation lamp.

Abstract: An occlusion evaluation apparatus capable of evaluating a masticatory ability depending on an occlusal geometry of teeth without actually used by a human subject, reads three dimensional data of geometries of maxillary molar teeth 1, 2, 3, 4 and mandibular molar teeth 5, 6, 7, 8, and specifies a geometry of a fluxion space Va defined by a plane Sa which includes two adjacent contact points Pa between the maxillary molar teeth 1, 2, 3, 4 and mandibular molar teeth 5, 6, 7, 8 and which is perpendicular to the occlusal plane, the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary molar teeth 1, 2, 3, 4, and the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular molar teeth 5, 6, 7, 8.

Abstract: Device for taking three-dimensional and temporal optical imprints in color, including a three-dimensional dental imaging device that does not employ structured light projection. The device includes a stereo camera having at least two CCD or CMOS color sensors in preset positions, an optical system of fixed and preset focal length, an LED lighting system, and an electronic system located behind or near the sensor, controlling the latter but also the LEDs illuminating the imprint capture region. The system includes a central processing unit and a card for controlling said LEDs. The sensors are distributed over all or part of a dental arch, being placed in a sort of optical impression tray allowing a complete image of the arch to be captured in a single exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation device that includes a housing, a light-emitting unit and a light-absorbing unit which is provided with an inlet opening and a reflector element. The reflector element extends across the entire distance between the light-emitting unit and the inlet opening of the light-absorbing unit.

Abstract: A device for covering dental mirrors to prevent contact of metal surfaces of a dental mirror from coming in to contact with a persons mouth while in use without covering the mirror portion of the mouth mirror.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. The bite block also holds or retracts the tongue and cheeks away from a work area in the mouth. The wings protect the cheeks as well as provide improved visibility within the mouth. Additionally, moisture control within the mouth is improved. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: A dental tool may include a head that may include a working portion and a neck. The neck may include a first end and a second end, and the working portion may extend from the first end. A handle may include a clamp and a socket. The socket may be configured to receive the second end of the neck. The second end may pivot within the socket to move the working portion and the neck relative to the handle. The clamp is may be adapted to selectively fix the second end relative to the handle.

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 (122) from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image (120) from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter (18) 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 (68), wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens (22) in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor (68), and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter (15) in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to an accessory for use by a dental professional. The accessory includes a mirror and a connector. The connector has a connector body having a first end and a second end. The connector includes an eyewear mount at the first end and a mirror mount at the second end. The eyewear mount is configured to mount to eyewear. The connector is adjustable to position and hold the mirror in a plurality of orientations in which the mirror faces generally forwardly of the dental professional.

Abstract: A dental suction mirror with a plurality of suction ports on the periphery of the reflective surface spaced apart substantially about a forward half of the mirror with the ports directed across the reflective surface. The mirror also includes a plurality of lower suction holes directed out of the cavity downward from a bottom of the mirror. The reflective surface of the mirror is replaceable.

Abstract: A device for observation of the oral cavity having a mirror arrangement with at least one mirror element assigned to a certain observation zone in the oral cavity area and a positioning structure for positioning the mirror arrangement in the oral cavity in a reproducible manner.

Abstract: A clinical root canal therapy instrument equipped with illumination comprises a handgrip and a therapy element. The handgrip includes a hollow lighting section which has a coupling portion fastened to the therapy element. The therapy element can be a root canal oral mirror. The lighting section holds at least one lighting element connected to a power source and includes at least one aperture on the wall thereof to emit light. The therapy element has one end formed a pushing portion to isolate a patient's tongue or cheek. The handgrip and the root canal oral mirror form an obtuse angle therebetween. The pushing portion includes at least one light penetrating element on an outer wall thereof. Thus the instrument of the invention can function as an independent flashlight or be fastened to the root canal oral mirror to provide illumination to aid a dentist to inspect or treat the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dental mirror having an elongate handle and a mirror angularly disposed from one end of said handle. The mirror has an outer perimeter of at least two straight sides—which provides expanded surface area—which meet at a corner having a radius such that the corner retracts the cheek of a dental patient when the mirror is disposed in a viewing position in proximity to the outer side of the gums or teeth.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning a digital image for detecting the representation of an object, such as a face, and for reducing memory requirements of the computer system performing the image scan. One example method includes identifying an original image and downsamples the original image in an x-dimension and in a y-dimension to obtain a downsampled image that requires less storage space than the original digital image. A first scan is performed of the downsampled image to detect the representation of an object within the downsampled image. Then, the original digital image is divided into at least two image blocks, where each image block contains a portion of the original digital image. A second scan is then performed of each of the image blocks to detect the representation of the object within the image blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illuminating device that includes a light source and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is configured to adapt the light source thereon and is capable of being accommodated within a user's mouth. The mouthpiece includes a switch and a power source. The switch is electrically connected to the light source. The power source is electrically connected to the switch and the light source and is capable of providing electrical power to the light source for illumination. Upon receipt of the mouthpiece within the user's mouth and application of pressure on the switch by the user's teeth, the light source is illuminated.

Abstract: A dental oral mirror has a handgrip with a holding end and a gripping end, and a mirror frame connecting to the holding end. The handgrip and the mirror frame form a selected angle between them. The mirror frame has two opposite holding sides to hold respectively a mirror so that more light reflective angles are provided for dentists during treatment of patients and usability improves. The invention also can reduce wrist turning of the dentists during treatment and protect the wrist and neck of the dentists, and reduce professional injury that might otherwise occur.

Abstract: In a handpiece for applying laser radiation to a predetermined area (4), in particular of the human body, in particular in the area of teeth, wherein a laser beam (3) is guided in a beam path (1) from an inlet to an outlet (2), the handpiece (R) is intended to be surrounded by a protective jacket (7) at least in the area of the outlet (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a tooth having a light source with a first spectral range and a second spectral range. A polarizing beamsplitter (18) 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 (68), wherein the first and second polarization states are orthogonal. A first lens (22) in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth, through the polarizing beamsplitter (18), toward the sensor (68), and obtains image data from the redirected portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter (15) in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range. Control logic enables the sensor to obtain either the reflectance image or the fluorescence image.

Abstract: A dental implement including a housing, a light source, and an air supply.

Abstract: A medical inspection device. A housing includes a transparent plate. A circuit board is disposed in the housing. At least one light-emitting element is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The light-emitting element is opposite to the transparent plate. Light from the light-emitting element is output to the exterior of the housing through the transparent plate. An image sensor is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The image sensor is opposite to the transparent plate. An image in the exterior of the housing is received by the image sensor through the transparent plate and converted into an image signal thereby. A grip is detachably connected to the housing. A signal transmission line is detachably connected to the circuit board and fit in the grip and extends to the exterior of the grip, outputting the image signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an illuminator. A handle has first and second ends. A first light source is attached to the handle the first end. The first light source is powered by an external power source via a wire running through or along the handle. Another embodiment includes a bite block, a holder embedded in the bite block, and a light source attached to the holder to illuminate an operation field. The light source is powered by a power source. Another embodiment includes an absorbent pad and an illuminator having a light source attached to the absorbent pad to generate light when powered by a power source. Another embodiment includes first and second biting pads and a pillar between the first and second biting pads having a length adjusted according to distance between upper and lower teeth.

Abstract: Sanitary dental mirror made of stainless steel or high-grade aluminum heated dental mirror powered by disposable AAA batteries and sealed with O-Rings. The heated mirror surface doesn't require constant rubbing on smocks and/or napkins to remove moisture vapor that collects due to the temperature differential between the metal mirror and the inside of the patient's mouth. This makes the instrument much more sanitary than mirrors currently in use.

Abstract: A dental mirror includes a mirror assembly and a handle having an interior cavity. The handle further includes a non-circular aperture proximate one end, which communicates with the interior cavity. A push-arm extends through the aperture toward the mirror assembly and has a non-circular shape. The push-arm also has a wiper support, and a sponge is secured within the wiper support. The push-arm is selectively movable to carry the sponge over the mirror assembly, and the aperture prevents relative rotation of the push-arm.

Abstract: A mouth camera device has a camera and a mouth mirror. The camera has a handle, a lens, a photo sensor assembly, a PCB assembly and a computer output port. The computer output port is connected to a computer. The mouth mirror is mounted detachably in the handle. The camera may catch and transmit static or dynamic images to the computer so a diagnostician and a patient may clearly and easily watch a condition inside the patient's mouth cavity. Diagnosing the mouth cavity is convenient and timesaving.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light directing and amplifying device for attachment to a dental curing device used in light cure bonding orthodontic brackets to teeth wherein an internal mirror directs the light 90 degrees from the light source, directly under the back side of the bracket, thus directly curing the light cure adhesive enhancing the cure and rate of cure.

Abstract: A multi-functional dental instrument has a base handle and a first attachment. The base handle has first and second base ends opposite to each other. The base handle comprises a power connector to connect to a power source and a first base connector at the first base end. The first attachment is coupled to the first base connector at the first base end. The first attachment is powered by the power source to perform a first dental task at a working area. Another embodiment includes a bite block, a holder embedded in the bite block, and a light source attached to the holder to illuminate an operation field. The light source is powered by a power source. Another embodiment includes an absorbent pad and an illuminator having a light source attached to the absorbent pad to generate light when powered by a power source.

Abstract: An intraoral dental instrument includes an elongate handle or body and a mirror that is releasably attachable to a distal end thereof. An LED housing disposed in the handle proximate a light entrance surface of the mirror includes a housing body sized to retain at least one LED and a reflector attached to a distal end of the housing body. The reflector has an inwardly tapered cavity covering a LED lens envelope for focusing illumination from the at least one LED onto a portion of the light entrance surface of the mirror.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror assembly (14) by placing a beveled mirror (18) within a carrier (19) prior to inserting the carrier into a mirror handle head (23). The mirror handle head (23) is inserted into a mold position (27) and a molten thermoplastic resin is introduced into the mold. A series of mirror retaining clips (20) formed integrally with the carrier (19) maintain the mirror (18) in a precise location during the molding process and permit resin to overlay the mirror bevel (35) without reaching the mirror surface (22). The mirror handle (15) may be customized during manufacture to include a ribbed, soft grip region (16, 17) by forming a handle core (36) that includes a recessed region defined by shoulders (43, 44). A central region of the core (36) includes voids that define characters or symbols (38, 39, 40, and 41) that are filled with a thermoplastic material during a molding process (4).

Abstract: A direct view rigid video-endoscope (11) supported by an articulated and compensated arm (2), equipped with a grip (3) crossed by an air flow (92) originating from a generator (93) upstream of the device. The air flow (92) comes out of small holes (8) made in the distal end (28) of the grip (3), at the base of an optical tube (10).

Abstract: Dental articles including at least one optical surface formed of a multilayer optical film including layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material are disclosed. The multilayer optical films included in the dental articles is preferably post-formed into desired non-planar shapes in manners that result in some deformation of the optical stack of the multilayer optical films. A variety of dental implements can be constructed with multilayer optical film including dental mirrors, light guides for use in connection with photo-curing dental materials, and matrix bands for use in molding photo-curing dental restoratives.

Abstract: Dental articles including at least one optical surface formed of a multilayer optical film including layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material are disclosed. The multilayer optical films included in the dental articles is preferably post-formed into desired non-planar shapes in manners that result in some deformation of the optical stack of the multilayer optical films. A variety of dental implements can be constructed with multilayer optical film including dental mirrors, light guides for use in connection with photo-curing dental materials, and matrix bands for use in molding photo-curing dental restoratives.