Abstract: An ergonomic non-obstructive illuminated examination mirror for dentistry, medicine and surgery, without the need of fiber optics, includes a slim line elongated member having a wire connection passage, a weighted first proximal end with a battery chamber and a second distal end. A removable disposable non-fogging angled reflective mirror head is coupled to the second end of the elongated member. Light to the mirror is provided by a low heat emitting light source attached to the second end of the rod directed toward the angled reflective head. The power source is connected to the low heat light source by one or more conductive wires within the wire passage and a switch, thereby forming a circuit with the power source and the light source, which is activated by a switch connected to the conductive wire connection.

Abstract: A dental mirror comprised of a stem 5 to grasp, a head 4 tto mount a mirror, and a magnified mirror 3 that enlarges the reflected image. The magnified mirror 3 is inserted in the head 4 of a stem 5. The mirror could be magnified to any power and be placed in a stem of any design. The preferred embodiment of the magnified dental mirror would use the highest power magnification on the mirror that could focus at short range, and a stem with ridges to provide a no slip grip and ease in maneuvering the mirror around the mouth.

Abstract: Described are dental implements useful for inspecting tooth surfaces for abnormalities such as caries or plaque. Preferred implements of the invention include light emitting diodes mounted on an implement body having a mirror for insertion into a user's mouth. Such implements also have on-board batteries mounted in chambers in the implement handle, and a switch for energizing and de-energizing the LED with the battery. Also described are methods for examining tooth surfaces for abnormal conditions indicative of plaque involving illuminating surfaces with radiation at a wavelength in the range of 390-450 nm wherein the radiation is effective to cause detectable fluorescence emissions from bacterial metabolites known to be associated with plaque-containing surfaces, and detecting the emissions.

Abstract: A dental mirror having a planar surface encircled by a beveled perimeter. The mirror rotatively mounted upon a spherical support ball, whereby the dentist can continually maintain the correct angle of incidence to capture and reflect light beams from a light source. The planar surface continually being capable of pivoting in relationship to the pressure by the dentist to provide the smallest angle of incidence of reflecting light beams, which is vital to securing the greatest amount of illumination to the surgical area and also in avoiding unwanted distortion of any images in the work area.

Abstract: A dental mirror configured so that it is easier and more comfortable to manipulate than prior art mirrors. The dental mirror includes a handle which is attached to the mirror section with an s-shaped gooseneck so that the handle is offset upwardly. Additionally, grooves on the bottom and a finger rest on top at the distal end of the handle may be provided to further enhance it manipulatability.

Abstract: A dental mirror stem in which a shaft abuts against, and is contiguous with a side surface of a substantially circular disc provided with a reflective surface in forming the dental mirror stem with only the shaft supporting the disc as the reflective surface for the mirror, thereby eliminating the frame of prior dental mirror stems in which a glass surface was inserted, to eliminate a channel where tooth particle debris, blood, virus and other contaminants are captured and collected during dental drilling.

Abstract: An illuminated examination mirror having a neck and angled head with a mirror that is at least partially encircled by light emitting surfaces which direct light to a common point above the surface of the mirror, thereby concentrating the available light for examination. The illuminated examination mirror may be manufactured as a head assembly which may be connected or integrated into a source of illumination, such as a battery powered or fixed illumination source.

Abstract: A dental mirror instrument with a reflecting surface comprising a metallized film or other reflecting material covered by a protective mask with at least one integral removal tab. Individual mirror/mask assemblies are cut from a multi-layer laminate which includes a release layer on the bottom which is adhesively attached to a thin, reflecting film, which is in turn attached to a protective mask layer. The cutting process creates a shaped reflecting surface covered by a protective mask that is congruent with the reflecting surface except for one or more small tabs projecting beyond the reflecting surface which are part of the protective mask and by which the protective mask may be easily removed.

Abstract: A reflective device is provided. The reflective device includes a reflective layer and a first region which reflects light to form an image that simulates a change in tooth color of at least a portion of a viewer's tooth.

Abstract: A dental mirror comprising a handle, a mirror, a tubular member inside the handle, a light source inside the tubular member, a light transmitting element coupled to the light source, a thermally conductive fluid conduit coiled around the tubular member, a fluid discharge manifold, a manifold support member for supporting the manifold adjacent to the mirror, a first connector attached to one end of the handle, a second connector attached to the first connector, and a combined electric/air supply line coupled to the second connector. The supply line couples electrical energy and compressed air to the handle via the connectors. The compressed air is coupled to the fluid conduit to aid in cooling the handle while the light source is energized. The air, having been warmed during the cooling process, is then channeled to the mirror to clean and defog the mirror.

Abstract: A dental mirror having a planar surface encircled by a beveled perimeter. The mirror rotatively mounted upon a spherical support ball, whereby the dentist can continually maintain the correct angle of incidence to capture and reflect light beams from a light source. The planar surface continually being capable of pivoting in relationship to the pressure by the dentist to provide the smallest angle of incidence of reflecting light beams, which is vital to securing the greatest amount of illumination to the surgical area and also in avoiding unwanted distortion of any images in the work area.

Abstract: A dental mirror stem in which a shaft abuts against, and is contiguous with a side surface of a substantially circular disc provided with a reflective surface in forming the dental mirror stem with only the shaft supporting the disc as the reflective surface for the mirror, thereby eliminating the frame of prior dental mirror stems in which a glass surface was inserted, to eliminate a channel where tooth particle debris, blood, virus and other contaminants are captured and collected during dental drilling.

Abstract: An illuminated examination mirror having a neck and angled head with a mirror that is at least partially encircled by light emitting surfaces which direct light to a common point above the surface of the mirror, thereby concentrating the available light for examination. The illuminated examination mirror may be manufactured as a head assembly which may be connected or integrated into a source of illumination, such as a battery powered or fixed illumination source.

Abstract: A lighted dental prop is disclosed comprising a wedge shaped bite block and a light source. The bite block utilizes reflected fiberoptic light or an internal light source to provide broad illumination to the mouth.

Abstract: A dental instrument in the form of a dental mirror has a removable and disposable transparent cover positioned on the reflective surface of the mirror. The removable transparent cover is preferably formed of flexible plastic. In one embodiment, the protective cover has an adhesive coating for adhering the cover to the reflective surface of the mirror. In another embodiment, the transparent cover adheres to the reflective surface by static cling. In a preferred aspect of one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of transparent covers are provided on a laminate or strip that may be folded or rolled for easy-storage in a container or dispenser.

Abstract: A self-cleaning dentist's mirror is disclosed which includes a hollow handle having a housing at one end and a mirror rotatably supported in the housing on a spindle. Turbine blades are attached to the bottom of the mirror, and the handle is connected to a suction device that draws air into the housing past the edges of the mirror and the turbine blades to rotate the mirror and remove water and other foreign substances from the mirror surface.

Abstract: A disposable dental mirror and methods of making same. The mirror includes a long, thin, flat blade that provides both a handle and a mirror mount and has a reflective surface applied to one end thereof. The blade is made of a material which need not be sterilizable, such as wood or plastic. In a one embodiment, the reflective surface is made of a metallized film directly applied to one surface of the blade. In an alternate embodiment, a thin, flat piece of a rigid material is located between the blade and the reflective film to ensure flatness of the reflecting surface, thereby reducing distortion.

Abstract: A laryngeal mirror arrangement comprises a palm-grippable housing that supports a thin elongate shank. A mirror is pivotably mounted at the end of the shank and controlled to pivot by movement of a finger trigger. A hand torch slidably fits into a cylindrical hollow formed in the housing to focus a beam of light onto the mirror for use in a larynx inspection.

Abstract: An autoclavable, abrasion resistant dental mirror comprises a holder and a mirror element mounted in the holder. The mirror element comprises a sapphire body, an optically reflective aluminum layer on the rear surface of the sapphire body, and a protective layer on the reflective layer.

Abstract: A mirror assembly adaptable for use in conjunction with a microscope comprises a sapphire substrate having an outer surface for forming a damage-resistant first surface, and an inner surface with a layer of reflective material adhered to the inner surface of the sapphire substrate for providing a reflective second surface to produce a mirror optical image. The sapphire substrate provides support and protection for the reflective material layer and reflective second surface, whereby a bright, single, mirror optical image is provided for microscopic magnification.

Abstract: A hand held dental mirror having a mirrored surface dental head and an extending handle wherein a wiper assembly is moved to slide over the mirrored surface by an external thumb member in the handle. The wiper assembly has a wiper arm on which is mounted a removable mirrored surface engaging wiper blade. Springs in the head maintain the replaceable wiper blade in a lowered position until a user moves the handle's exposed thumb member to overcome the action of the biasing springs and move the wiper to clean its mirrored head surface.

Abstract: A casing seals to the edge of a mirror blank to form an autoclavable unit. An electrically energizable heater element is enclosed within the unit. The element is connected to a plug which extends from the casing and is adapted to engage a socket when the unit nests in a recess in a rack. A transformer is connected to the socket such that the heater is energized to preheat the unit while in the rack. Removal of the unit from the rack disconnects the electric supply, permitting the preheated unit to used without danger of shock. Several units may be preheated simultaneously on a single rack.

Abstract: A dental examination mirror is provided. The dental examination mirror includes an examination unit having a planar base wall and a side wall projecting upwardly and outwardly from the base wall. The side wall includes an edge remote from the base wall. A mirror wall is sealingly secured to the edge of the side wall and is substantially parallel to the base wall. The surface of the mirror wall facing away from the base wall are reflective to permit observation of regions in an intraoral cavity. At least portions of the mirror wall enable transmission of light. A light source and a heat source are disposed in the examination unit between the base wall and mirror wall. Light from the light source will be transmitted through at least portions of the mirror wall to illuminate at least portions of the intraoral cavity without shining light toward the eyes of the dentist or patient. The heat source in the examination unit prevents fogging of the mirror.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary dental mirror for diagnosing and observing a diseased part of a mouth which can prevent an undesired foggy mirror surface. A dental mirror used for diagnosing and observing a diseased part of a patient's mouth is provided with a stem portion, a distal end portion, a mirror attached on one surface of the distal end portion, and a holding member having a concave-shaped filling canister. The dental mirror furthermore comprises a certain type of substance which is filled in the concave-shaped filling canister and stores heat generated by an absorbing reaction with moisture, a lid which has a plurality of small through-holes and opens/closes an opening portion of the concave-shaped filling canister, and a sealing film which is temporarily adhered on the outer surface of the lid.

Abstract: A portable self-cleaning mirror having a disposable housing within which is located the rotatable reflective surface. A removably attachable reusable motor is combined to provide power to rotate the reflective surface/mirror. The reflective surface is rotated beneath a wiper blade attachment bar with a wiper blade that bisects the reflective surface along a diameter. In one embodiment, the wiper blade is formed in an inverted "Y" shape so that the two branches of the "Y" contact the reflective surface and clean the surface with a leading and trailing contact motion. Additionally, the attachment bar is formed in a sinuous non-linear shape so that a more effective cleansing of the reflective surface is accomplished.

Abstract: A spacer comprises a handle (2) which is extended according to a certain angle by a spatula-shaped flat part (3). A removable cap (4) made of hard, transparent plastic material, containing an electric bulb (5) and electric contacts (6), is plugged in the extremity of the spatula (3). The electric supply of the bulb (4), by operation of a switch (9), is provided by means of batteries (8) housed inside the handle (2). The cap (4) and the spatula (3) are housed into a sleeve (20) made of flexible transparent plastic material, and disposable after use. The apparatus is particularly usable for lowering and holding the tongue and as optical inspection instrument for dentists.

Abstract: A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diagnosis device easily incorporates into the handle of a dental mirror or the like. Marks indicating distances critical to the evaluation of TMJ articulation are engraved or otherwise permanently made upon the handle of a dental instrument, particularly an angled dental mirror. By resting or setting the butt end of the handle against the incisal edge of either mandibular or maxillary teeth, a dental practitioner can easily gauge proper TMJ functioning and alignment as the patient slowly opens the mouth. Any misalignment is indicated by the relative motion of the opposing jaw portion with respect to the handle side which is generally perpendicular to the butt end. Generally, a mark can be engraved or otherwise made at forty-five millimeters to indicate generally the proper range of TMJ articulation. Likewise, collateral marks can be made sixty millimeters, fifty-two millimeters, thirty-eight millimeters, and twenty-five millimeters.

Abstract: A dental mirror apparatus for use by a dentist to observe portions of the oral cavity obstructed from direct view comprises a mirror attached to the distal end of a stem. The proximal end of the stem is connected to a clip or ring for engaging the dentist's finger to permit finger manipulation of the mirror in the patient's mouth. The dental apparatus may include a telescoping stem and various joint configurations to permit adjustment of the position of the mirror relative to the dentist's finger or the proximal end of the stem. In one embodiment, a light source is attached thereto to assist in viewing of the oral cavity.

Abstract: An ambient air cooled high intensity light emitting instrument in which the lamp is contained in a heat sink mounted within the housing. The housing contains a plurality of vent holes which circumscribe the heat sink. As heat from the light is conducted along the heat sink when the instrument is in use, the heat emanates into the chamber surrounding the heat sink, and rises through the vent holes to the surrounding atmosphere, generating a thermal current which replaces the departing hot air with cooler air from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A dental mirror has an airflow bore extending therethrough. There is an airflow aperture proximate the mirror surface to prevent fogging and debris buildup. The airflow is provided and controlled by the standard compressed air outlet available in most dental offices. The mirror section and handle section are threadably engaged to one another to allow for disassembly prior to sterilization between procedures.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable attached alongside or extending through the handle of a dental mirror to provide a source of illumination to the mirror. An end of the fiber optic cable is projected towards the mirror. Such end is either flat, shaped as a lens or having a lens attached thereto.

Abstract: A dental mirror including means for providing suction and rinsing service to the mouth cavity and the like including a substantially annular inlet port formed at the edge of the mirror housing interconnecting longitudinal passages formed in the dental mirror handle and a self-locking swivel coupling connecting the proximal end of the dental mirror handle and a hose or tube connected to a liquid or air and vacuum remotely mounted source. In one embodiment the area of the inlet port progressively increases and in another embodiment the upper and lower plates of the mirror housing are supported by aerodynamically clean struts and the mirror may form the upper plate.

Abstract: A precision hand mirror for use in endodontic examinations for viewing the interior of small cavities. The mirror is suitable for use with a microscope but is not limited to such use. The materials and method of fabrication make this mirror suitable for heating in an autoclave at temperatures up to 450.degree. C. A tungsten-carbide mirror blank is polished to reduce surface roughness to less than five percent of the wavelength of visible light, thereby removing all distortion from microscopic examination at any magnification. The tightly-packed crystalline structure of the C-2 tungsten-carbide material used in the mirror is highly resistent to physical distortion and corrosion problems normally resulting from repeated autoclave heating and exposure to bodily fluids during endodontic examinations.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for releasably and adjustably mounting a mirror to a dental suction tip. The attachment includes a collar that will spring clip to the suction tip along the length dimension thereof and will permit both axial and rotational positioning of the attachment on the suction tip. A stud shaft extends from the collar to a first ball joint at one end of an extension arm. The other end of the extension arm includes a second ball joint which is connected to a mirror by a short stub shaft. The stub shaft is mounted to a marginal edge portion of a mirror backing which is crimped over the peripheral edge of the mirror plate. The mirror can be selectively positioned about the pivot points of the ball joints and suction tip to selectively orient the mirror in relation to the suction tip, and to afford a holder, a reflected view of a desired area within a dental patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental mirror includes a handle with an enclosure head on the end. The enclosure has a cover which is partially mirrored and partially transparent, a light source within it, and a concave reflector around the light source to reflect light through the transparent portion of the cover, the reflected light converging in front of the mirror. Heat from the light source keeps the mirror free of fogging.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a mirror to be used in combination with a light source. Light is transmitted from the light source through the body of a light conductive shank to a shank heel and face, from which illumination is provided in front of and behind the mirror head. In this way, for example, the invention can be used in dentistry both for illuminated, indirect vision in the mouth and as an illuminated cheek or tongue retractor.The invention can be used in combination with any suitable light source including, but not limited to, a portable pen light type light source (which is maneuverable and easily transportable) or a conventional fiber optic lighting system.

Abstract: An orthodontic mirror which is particularly useful for applying and aligning banding brackets to the teeth of the upper arch. The orthodontic mirror includes a handle having an elongated major axis and a mirror element attached to the handle at an obtuse angle. The mirror is generally rectangular and planar and extends in a plane at an obtuse angle with respect to the handle. The mirror element has a length which is substantially as great as a combined width of at least two teeth to which the brackets are to be applied and aligned and a width dimension of approximately one half of the length.

Abstract: An improved dental mouth mirror has an oval mirrored surface to increase the number of teeth which can be viewed and improve illumination of the mouth and the retraction of oral tissues, but avoids the concomitant obstruction inherent in larger, conventional round dental mouth mirrors. The major axis of the oval mirrored surface is inclined by approximately 75.degree. from the longitudinal axis of the mirror handle to allow adjustment of the field of vision by merely rotating the hand of the operator to change the angle of the mirror handle, thereby obviating the need for axial movement of the mirror handle. The mirrored surface is provided with spaced parallel reference lines for aligning a first reference line with a first tooth surface and comparing a second reference line with a second tooth surface so as to determine parallelism of said first and second tooth surfaces.

Abstract: A dental instrument to prevent accidentally swallowing a filler, etc. has a circumferential wall for drop prevention mounted on the periphery of a receiving plate. A grip is attached to the receiving plate or circumferential wall. The dental instrument is inserted in the mouth of the patient to catch the prosthetic appliance, filler, etc. coming off during a dental treatment, preventing the prosthetic appliance, filler, etc. from dropping into the trachea or gullet.

Abstract: A heated dental mirror is disclosed which includes in combination a handle portion and separable reflecting portion. The handle portion includes a hollow, cylindrical body within which are positioned a two cell electrically rechargeable battery. The body includes a first phone jack to facilitate recharging of the battery by employing a battery recharging stand. An electrical circuit is provided in the handle portion which includes an LED and a second phone jack wherein electrical energy from the battery will simultaneously energize both the LED and the second phone jack. The separable reflecting portion is removably connectable at the second phone jack to facilitate sterilization of the reflecting portion when desired. The reflecting portion includes a pair of first and second reflecting surfaces, one of which surfaces is positioned to receive and reflect illumination from the LED.

Abstract: A mirror particularly for dental care. The mounting (3) is securely mounted in a non-removable manner to the handle (2) or to an intermediate sleeve interposed between the mounting (3) and the handle (2) and the glass or reflective insert (4) is mounted removably on the mounting (3). The mounting comprises at the level of the inner ring (5) a groove while the edge of the glass (4) comprises a rounded edge. The branches (6, 7) may comprise one or several bends (14, 15), so that all angles are possible relative to the plane of the glass or reflective insert (4) which permits best visibility to the user.

Abstract: A dental mirror is modified to provide an orange filter to block ultraviolet or blue light from a light source frequently used to cure plastic tooth filling materials. Various filter means are disclosed. Thus the glass of a dentist's hand held mirror may be colored orange or amber and the front surface may be a two-way mirror. Second, the clear glass of the mirror may be backed by a transparent plastic colored orange or amber, the front surface being a two-way mirror. Third, a bottomless mirror may be coated on its back surface with a chemical deposit which absorbs ultraviolet and blue light. These are some of several alternatives described. The mirror may be used in the same manner as conventional mirrors. When the dentist illuminates the ultraviolet lamp to cure plastic fillings, the filter is interposed between the light source and the eyes, preventing damage to the retinas which might otherwise occur.

Abstract: An improved dental mirror or instrument of the type including an elongated handle and a disc-like mirror mounted in a frame at one end of the handle. A concave clear plastic shell is sealed relative to the mirror surface to substantially reduce, if not completely eliminate, condensation. The concave exterior surface, which is dome-like in configuration, may be comfortably and conveniently wiped on the inside cheek of the patient to assist in maintaining the surface clear and clean, and to assist in removal of debris from the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A device is provided for a user to self-diagnose areas of the human body when those areas are treated with a disclosing material which is invisible to the naked eye, but which fluoresces when subjected to appropriately filtered light. In particular the device provides mirror and light-filtering portions such that the user may diagnose areas of his or her oral cavity when treated with and differentiated by the disclosing fluorescent material.

Abstract: The tooth transilluminating light holder secures a lighting device to a tooth so that its light emitting end is perpendicular to the buccal (cheek) and lingual (tongue) surfaces of the tooth to be viewed. The tooth transilluminating light holder is supported at the tooth by a dental dam clamp to which it is affixed. Light provided to the surface of a tooth causes it to transilluminate, giving ample light within a drilled out tooth to accomplish endodontic (root canal) procedures. High intensity light is conducted along fiberoptic lines. These lines are inserted into the tooth transilluminating light holder and adjusted in and out to obtain proper proximity to the tooth's surface. This provides the desired transillumination within the tooth being viewed.

Abstract: A self-temperature regulating hermetically sealed dental mirror includes a mirror encasement comprised of an inverted metal cup that contains electronic heating and temperature control components secured in its interior cavity by a heat conductive resin base potting material. The external surface of the closed end of the cup is a light reflective surface that functions as a mirror. The open end of the inverted cup is imbedded in a plastic base that is molded around and sealed to the sides of the cup in such a manner that the potting material and electronic components are completely sealed and not exposed to the exterior. A molded handle extends radially outwardly from the base, and electric wire leads for conducting electricity to the heating components are positioned longitudinally through the handle. A male jack plug is molded into the distal end of the handle for connecting the wire leads to a power source.

Abstract: Dental mirror apparatus includes two reflective surfaces, at least one of which is a front surface mirror and the reflective surfaces are changeable from one surface to the other, and an endodontic tool is built onto the handle of the mirror. The mirror element includes a plurality of attachment elements for securing the mirror element to the handle, and means for draining moisture from the dental mirror surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting interproximal cavities and the like. A high intensity light from an incandescent lamp is transmitted through an optical fiber bundle and is projected onto a tooth. Light passing around or through said tooth is detected by a second optical fiber bundle and is transmitted to a viewer where it is projected through a lense system onto an opaque screen where an image of the tooth can be viewed and any defects therein can be detected.

Abstract: A dental mouth mirror is disclosed herein comprising a substantially flat plate means having a mirrored upper surface. An arcuate indentation is formed in the posterior edge of the plate means and posterior lobe portions appear at opposite ends of the arcuate indentation. The anterior edge portion of the plate means is comprised of an outwardly extending arcuate portion. Arcuate indentations are formed in the opposite side edges of the plate means forming anterior lobe portions at the ends of the anterior edge portion.

Abstract: A self-cleaning mirror comprising a rotor having a shaft, a disc on an end of the shaft, constituting the outer end of the shaft, presenting a reflective surface at its outer face, and a plurality of vanes extending laterally with respect to the shaft. The rotor is mounted for rotation within a housing having an open end with the reflective surface of the rotor being disposed adjacent the open end of the housing. An inlet port directs fluid under pressure from a source thereof against the vanes at an angle causing the rotor to rotate, whereby the rotor expels, by centrifugal force, water or other flowable material which may come into contact with its reflective surface thereby keeping it clean.