Abstract: A scanner for scanning a dental site comprises a base, a detector mounted to the base, and an optical element to redirect light reflected off of the dental site towards the detector along a detection axis in a first direction. Two or more flexures couple the optical element to the base, wherein the two or more flexures maintain an alignment of the optical element to the detector with changes in temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental mirror suction device (10) for suctioning liquids and particles from an oral cavity of a patient, with a tubular hollow base body (12) having an inner surface (14), an outer surface (16), a longitudinal axis (X-X), a connection opening (18) for a hose, and a suction opening (20). The inner surface (14) has a mirror-coated surface (24) which is viewable through the suction opening (20) and which is arranged such that the oral cavity is viewable at least in some portions. The mirror suction device (10) is configured as a disposable mirror suction device.

Abstract: A dental suction mirror for suctioning liquids and particles from an oral cavity of a patient includes a tubular hollow main body having an inner surface, an outer surface, a longitudinal axis, and a connection opening for a tube and a suction opening. The inner surface has a mirrored surface that can be observed through the suction opening, with the mirrored surface being arranged in such a manner that the oral cavity can be observed at least in some regions via said mirrored surface. The hollow base body has a central wall along its longitudinal axis, which divides the hollow space at least in some regions into a first hollow channel and a second hollow channel.

Abstract: The combination cheek retractor/mouth mirror attachment for a dental tool is a single unit that has three main portions. The attachment includes a main body portion (cheek retractor), a mirror portion, and a connector portion for attaching a dental tool, such as a probe or dental explorer. The main body portion is an arcuate body defining a border or frame having parallel arcuate upper and lower arms, the ends of the arms being joined by short, parallel legs, the corners being rounded. The mirror portion is an arcuate, single-face plane mirror fixed within the frame of the cheek retractor by gluing, welding, or the like. The connector portion is a split ring annular collar or band extending from the cheek retractor and having parallel tabs with aligned holes receiving a fastener for clamping the attachment to the neck of a dental tool, such as an explorer or probe.

Abstract: A stable dental mirror assembly that is used by dentists during the treatment of patients is described. The mirror is fixed on a rubber dam frame that is placed in the patient's mouth during treatment. The dental mirror includes a handle on which the mirror slides. The handle includes an elbow curve. In further aspects, a method for using a dental mirror assembly and a dental mirror assembly kit are described. The dental mirror may be moved through 360 degrees and does not need to be held, thus freeing the dentist's hands. Additionally, the dental mirror assembly provides a stable visual field and allows easy movement and adjustment of the mirror.

Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder 10 for securing an x-ray sensor 1 to a holder using suction created between the sensor and a backing plate 3 of the sensor holder. The dental x-ray sensor holder generally includes a bite block 2 with a first end and a second end, a backing plate 3 affixed to or formed contiguously with the second end of the bite block, and an opening 17 to a cavity 20 in the holder, wherein said cavity 20 leads an evacuation chamber 14 for creating a vacuum between the holder and an X-ray sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments integrate a camera into an intraoral mirror. Integrating a camera into an intraoral mirror provides an efficient way to record and display what is visible to the healthcare provider in the mirror.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments integrate a camera into an intraoral mirror. Integrating a camera into an intraoral mirror provides an efficient way to record and display what is visible to the healthcare provider in the mirror.

Abstract: A dental retractor for preventing a patient's teeth from contact with an inner portion of a patient's mouth and tongue. The retractor includes three members. A first plate like member is constructed and dimensioned to fit between a patient's teeth and the inner side of the patient's cheek. A second plate like member is constructed and dimensioned to fit between the patient's same teeth and the patient's tongue. A third rod-shaped member connects the first and second members and is integral therewith and connected to a central portion thereof with mirrors. A mirror surface on one of the first and second members facing the teeth is provided. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first member fits between the upper and lower teeth on both sides of the mouth and includes a mirror for inspecting essentially all of a patient's teeth.

Abstract: The inventive retractor includes two half-moon shaped trays at each side located on the sides of the mouth covering the lips and opening the mouth to reveal the teeth from the front. The trays are interconnected by a strap-like member spacing the upper and lower teeth from one another by a slight amount. The angulation between the trays and the strap-like member is devised to improve the patient's comfort level and to better facilitate alignment of the retractor with typical human oral anatomy. Each of the inventive trays has a handle so that the retractor may easily be gripped for insertion into the mouth and removal therefrom.

Abstract: A dental retractor for preventing a patient's teeth from contact with an inner portion of a patient's mouth and tongue. The retractor includes three members. A first plate like member is constructed and dimensioned to fit between a patient's teeth and the inner side of the patient's cheek. A second plate like member is constructed and dimensioned to fit between the patient's same teeth and the patient's tongue. A third rod-shaped member connects the first and second members and is integral therewith and connected to a central portion thereof with mirrors. A mirror surface on one of the first and second members facing the teeth is provided. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first member fits between the upper and lower teeth on both sides of the mouth and includes a mirror for inspecting essentially all of a patient's teeth.

Abstract: Dental mirrors which are self-cleaning are described. The dental mirror may include an interchangeable tip with a cleaning nozzle configured to direct a fluid such as water and/or air across a surface of a mirror. The dental mirror may also include a valve which can be rotated to adjust a flow of fluid to the cleaning nozzle.

Abstract: A tissue retractor, for use by dental practitioners, in order to provide clear viewage of a large sector of the oral cavity. The retractor includes a unibody construction in one embodiment, which is intended for attachment to any of the numerous standard dental instrument handles, with two oblong mirrors connected by a bridge, which is static in some embodiments and retractably dynamic in some embodiments. The retractor pulls oral tissue away from the field of work and allows a dental practitioner without the assistance of a Dental assistant to have easy access to the oral workspace and eliminates the need to continually maneuver mirrored tools during procedures.

Abstract: A dental charting system having a control device configured to be held by a user or which is mounted to another device held by a user and the control device including one or more movement sensors for sensing movement of the control device in space and generating representative movement signals. A gesture processing module is provided to receive and process the movement signals to detect the occurrence of a gesture event from a set of predetermined gesture events, and which generates representative gesture control signals. A dental charting application program is also provided and runs on a host device and which provides a graphic user interface on a display associated with the host device for interacting with the application program, the application program being configured to receive and process the gesture control signals to enable interaction with the graphic user interface by the user via hand gesture movements of the control device.

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

Abstract: A dental retractor tool and method for retracting the tongue and/or cheek away from the teeth in an oral cavity is provided. The dental retractor has a shape and configuration that allows for retraction of both the tongue and cheek simultaneously while allowing a dental professional to maintain ergonomically improved posture. The dental retractor can include a neck having a U-shaped bend adapted to fit around a distal portion of a patient's tooth. The dental retractor can be located opposite another dental tool, such as a dental examination mirror, to eliminate the need for excessive instruments during a dental procedure.

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. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. In another quadrant embodiment a bite extension extends out of an opposing side of the patent's mouth and facilitates holding the patient's mouth open. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: A portable three-dimensional intra-oral imaging system is comprised of a processor, a housing encasing the processor, an imaging sensor extensibly coupled to the housing for capturing images, and a touchscreen display to display the images acquired by the imaging sensor. An arm is coupled to the housing and supports the touchscreen display, wherein the arm is configurable to be retracted and protracted to allow placement of the touchscreen display within a range of heights. A handle of the housing is provided for portability.

Abstract: A device for reducing pain having an elongated shaft for grasping with a hand. The elongated shaft has a blunt end member. The blunt end member is shaped to allow a practitioner to apply force from the blunt end member onto a target tissue before using a syringe and needle to inject a fluid (e.g. anesthesia) into the tissue. There is a bore (hole) in the blunt end member, through which the needle is passed and subsequently, pushed into the tissue for injection of the fluid.

Abstract: A hand-held device, particularly for dental purposes, comprising a dispenser for dispensing a pasty filling material as well a device for emitting a radiation that causes the filling material to cure.

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 system and method are provided in which a laminar flow of pressurized gas from a curved slit in a chamber is directed across a surface to propel a laminar flow of a liquid, below the laminar flow gas, across the surface to prevent surface contamination or remove contaminants from the surface. In a particular application, the system and method are employed in a self-cleaning dental mirror tool including a dental mirror attached to a handle, wherein the gas is air, the liquid is water, and the surface is the reflective surface of the dental mirror.

Abstract: A device for recording images of three-dimensional objects (10), in particular teeth, has a light source (22) and a camera (32) for recording images of the object (10), whereby in the beam path of the light source (22), at least one transparent vehicle (36, 37) is arranged with a pattern that is projected onto the object (10). The vehicle (36, 37) has sections that are offset with respect to one another in the direction of the beam path. As an alternative or in addition, at least two vehicles (36, 37) can be offset with respect to one another in the direction of the beam path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for teeth whitening is disclosed that utilized a reflective cheek retractor. The retractor has reflective properties and is flexible enough to be inserted and removed from a patient's mouth. The advantage of the reflective retractor is that the back of the teeth receives better exposure to a light source that activates the teeth whitening substance. A light source or multiple light sources may be disposed on the reflective adaptor to enhance the teeth whitening procedure. The procedure may also be observed using the reflective retractor as an internal mirror for viewing the back of the teeth.

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. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: A light mirror includes a mirror attached to a handle. The mirror is arranged at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the handle. A light source inside the handle directs light from a light source through a light waveguide adjacent to the light source. The light waveguide is internally reflective to reflect substantially all of the light from the light waveguide. Optionally, the light mirror includes an annular air flow substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis to cool the handle and the light source as well as keep a reflective surface of the mirror free of debris, water, restorative materials, tooth structure, and aluminum oxide powder.

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. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. In another quadrant embodiment a bite extension extends out of an opposing side of the patent's mouth and facilitates holding the patient's mouth open. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: A dental mirror tool having a body comprises a manifold disposed on the tool body proximate the mirror, a plurality of output ports disposed in an outlet side of the manifold and disposed to emit streams of light and fluid and air or suction toward a predetermined target, and a selection system for selecting the light, fluid, or air or suction emitted toward the predetermined target. In another aspect, a method for directing streams of light, fluid, air, or suction toward a target during a dental procedure, comprising the steps of attaching a manifold having output orifices for light, fluids, air, or suction to a body of the tool; connecting the orifices to sources of light, fluid, air, or suction; and controlling a substance emitted from the orifices to be directed toward the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide for a lamp for dentistry procedures. The light guide provides an optical channel between a light source and a dental substrate. The light guide may be a one-patient use light guide including a recording medium to record the time used. The light guide further provides protection for a patient's soft tissues during treatment.

Abstract: Described are a handpiece, a coupling, and a device with a laser source and handpiece for emitting a laser beam for dental treatment. In order to avoid damage to the healthy tooth tissue, an improved determination of the tooth temperature by measurement of at least part of the heat radiation emitted from the treatment area using a temperature sensor, preferably an infra-red sensor, is carried out. Upon reaching or exceeding a temperature threshold, the emission of the laser beam to the treatment area is interrupted or the power output of the laser source reduced or the user made aware of the violation of the threshold value using an acoustic or visual signal. The temperature sensor can be located, e.g., on the handpiece or on the coupling, such as on the coupling tube.

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 tongue isolator equipped with lighting comprises a handgrip and an expanding portion which includes a connecting member and a first expanding wall and a second expanding wall that are connected to two sides of the connecting member to jointly form a U-shape with an opening facing forward. The handgrip has a front end connected to the first expanding wall. The first and second expanding walls are formed in an arched shape to mate the curvature of gum. The first and second expanding walls spaced from each other have an upper distance greater than a lower distance. The first and second expanding walls further have respectively a mirror located at an inner side and an outer side with. Each mirror contains at least one lighting element. The isolator thus can be coupled on a patient's teeth to separate the tongue and cheek and illuminate each tooth surface.

Abstract: An intraoral tool cleaning system and method of use of the system, enabling a user to clean debris and fog from an intraoral mirror with a one-handed motion and limited cross-contamination between patients. In one embodiment, the system includes a disposable sponge adapted to remove particles from a mirror surface of the intraoral mirror by abrading the mirror surface, a housing that contains the sponge, and a base that secures the housing to a surface. In another embodiment, the system includes a disposable sponge, a disposable base that secures the sponge to a surface on an appendage of the user, and a fastener that adheres the sponge to the base.

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. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: The invention is a device for use as a prop to hold the mouth open which consists essentially of a bite block with an elongated portion that is deflected and to provide a physiologically shaped elongated portion extends along the buccal border of the tongue to form a tongue depressor and light reflector as the bite block is held in position. The retaining arm, tongue guiding hole and the flange retain the patient's tongue in the bottom cavity of the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A system and method are provided in which a laminar flow of pressurized gas from a curved slit in a chamber is directed across a surface to propel a laminar flow of a liquid, below the laminar flow gas, across the surface to prevent surface contamination or remove contaminants from the surface. In a particular application, the system and method are employed in a self-cleaning dental mirror tool including a dental mirror attached to a handle, wherein the gas is air, the liquid is water, and the surface is the reflective surface of the dental 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: An intraoral camera system is disclosed, which includes a dental mirror having a aperture for transmitting light therethrough, the aperture being provided in the center or any other part of the mirror by removing a reflective material therefrom. A CCD camera is secured on a back surface of the dental mirror in such a manner that the aperture coincides with its incident portion coincides with aperture in the dental mirror. A hand mirror shaped monitor is also provided for displaying image data received from the CCD camera via cable or radio, and a server is also provided that is capable of storing and outputting the image data any time onto the monitor, wherein even though a patient is laid down on a chair in a horizontal position, the patient or a third party can utilize the hand mirror shaped monitor to view an image which is very close to the image that a dentist views through reflection from the dental mirror having said CCD camera built therein.

Abstract: A reflecting-type optical inspection apparatus is disclosed including: a holding portion configured for detachably holding an external device having a reflective surface; a connecting portion engaged with the holding portion; and a digital image sensing module engaged with the connecting portion for sensing light reflected from the reflective surface of the external device.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an optical mirror element to be used in combination with a light source. Light from a light source contained within the mirror element shank provides illumination 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 conventional lamp, a light emitting diode, or a light pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical suction device (10) for sucking up liquids and particles, said device comprising a hollow base body (12) having a longitudinal axis X-X, an outer surface (16), an inner surface (14), and a suction opening (20). Part of said base body has a reflecting surface (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for optical 3 D measurement, comprising a first beam deflector for deflecting an illuminating beam onto a measurement object and for deflecting the observation beam which is radiated back by the measurement object, wherein the first beam deflector can move along a path distance S.

Abstract: A dental instrument according to various embodiments of the invention includes: (1) an elongate handle that has a first end and a second end, (2) a mirror attached adjacent the first end of the handle, and (3) a needle guide adjacent the second end of the handle. The needle guide includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion, and the needle guide is adapted to receive an end portion of a hypodermic needle adjacent the inlet portion and to physically guide the end portion of the hypodermic needle from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. According to one embodiment, the needle guide comprises a tunnel that extends through at least a portion of the elongate handle, hi another embodiment, the needle guide comprises a groove that extends adjacent an exterior surface of the elongate handle.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental evacuation tool for being placed in fluid communication with a dental vacuum. The tool comprises a suction head and an elongated tubular handle. The suction head includes a mirror surface, first and second upward-facing intake orifices adjacent the mirror surface, and an exit fluid pathway that is in fluid communication with the first and second upward-facing intake orifices. The elongated tubular handle includes a first end adapted to be in fluid communication with the vacuum and a second end in fluid communication with the exit fluid pathway. The first and second upward-facing intake orifices are positioned generally opposite each other about the mirror surface, are generally centered about a line that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, and open in generally the same direction faced by the mirror.

Abstract: A dental scope including a stretchable rod, a fog-repellent reflection mirror group and a light module is disclosed. The fog repellent mirror group has a first fog-repellent reflection mirror connected to a distal end of the stretchable rod, and a second fog-repellent reflection mirror connected to a primal end of the stretchable rod. The light module has a spot light source, a battery and a switch disposed on the stretchable rod. The spot light source is employed to illuminate an interior of user's mouth.

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

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a dental instrument is provided. A pair of arm members are provided, which is in one embodiment a pair of exam mirrors. Each arm member includes a tissue retaining surface which can be the mirror. The arm members are pivotally connected such that, in use, the tissue retaining surfaces contact tissue in a mouth of a patient.

Abstract: An intraoral data input tool for use during dental examination of a patient comprises a discoid head attached to a handle. The discoid head includes a data input device which is responsive to force applied by a stylus, and may also include a mirror. The input device may be a set of push buttons or a touch sensitive display. The intraoral input device is configured to allow a dental examiner to input data while the input device is positioned in the patient's mouth. The data input device is linked to a computer system either by an electrical connector and cable or a wireless communication device. A display may be included in the discoid head; the display may be used for confirmation of input examination data.

Abstract: A self cleaning dental mirror having air orifices and water orifices integrated into the handle to clean the reflective surface. An air valve and a water valve are positioned within the handle and are operated by depressing appropriately positioned pushbuttons. The reflective surface itself is removable from the handle and replaceable. Alignment provisions between the reflective surface and handle insure that the reflective surface is properly positioned relative to the handle so that the air orifice and water orifice are directed at the reflective surface. A quick disconnect allows the self cleaning dental mirror to be readily connected and disconnected to air and water supply lines. The self cleaning dental mirror and all of its components are autoclavible.