Abstract: Precisely aligned assemblies can be complex, time consuming, labor intensive, and expensive and a need exists for better alternatives. Systems and methods described herein yield high precision printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that contain pre-built alignment features to address this need. The work of precisely locating components on the PCBA to a final position in the overall assembly is already built in to the board. Locating features are used to precisely position one or more components, such as optical components, electro optical components, or mechanical components in assemblies. The locating features may be used to constrain the positions of those components, such as by kinematic coupling, solder wetting dynamics, semiconductor cleaving, dicing, photolithographic techniques for etching, constant contact force, and advanced adhesive technology to result in optical level positioning that significantly improves or eliminates assembly alignment challenges.

Abstract: A method for computer-assisted planning of a transplant surgery is provided.

Abstract: A dental appliance comprising at least two plies of thermoformable material, wherein a first ply of a first material, having a first set of characteristics properties, provides a first primary surface of the dental appliance and wherein a second ply of a material different from the first ply, having a second set of characteristic properties, provides an opposing second primary surface of the dental appliance.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a positioning jig for preparing a two or more of adjacent teeth for a dental prosthesis comprising a member with (i) three or more parallel bores in the member and (ii) one or more means to attach the member to a dental articulator. The invention is also directed to methods of use of the position jig such as to prepare a series of aligned holes in teeth or aligned holes mockup of a dental bridge for a prosthesis.

Abstract: A bone engaging dental implant surgical stent placement system comprising: a gingival depth impression pin, wherein the gingival depth impression pin is placed in a patient's bony ridge to establish a penetration site. An impression is then created of the patient's bony ridge by placing an impression material around the gingival depth impression pin and the patient's gingival tissue. A stent fabrication guide tube is then placed over the gingival depth impression pin, and a dental stone is poured into the impression to create a working model, with a penetration hole for placing a stent fabrication guide pin into the penetration hole. A baseplate matrix is then molded around the stent fabrication guide pin to create the stent, which positions a pilot drill guide tube to actively engage with the bony ridge and to act as a drill guide when making a pilot hole.

Abstract: An oral appliance includes a one-piece tray system that fits over the posterior teeth of the user and is custom-made or customized using lining material that conforms to the dentition of the wearer. The device may position the lower jaw in a slightly protruded position with respect to the upper jaw.

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

Abstract: A method for dental restoration that includes disposing a flowable and curable tooth restoration composition into an open cavity of a stent that defines contours of a final design model of a patient's teeth and includes an interproximal contact that has been thinned along an interproximal contact zone but not separated, seating the stent on the patient's teeth such that the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition fills a space between at least one tooth to be restored and the stent, initiating curing of the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition in the stent such that the composition bonds to the at least one tooth to be restored and forms at least one restored tooth and removing the stent from the patient's teeth to expose the at least one restored tooth.

Abstract: The occlusal position of a patient is measured by means of light transmission through a layer of a polysiloxane which is not cross-linked. This material forms an exceptionally accurate impression of a patient's bite essentially instantaneously and enables subsequent recording and analysis of the bite in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. The carrier has recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. The device may be used in a therapeutic application and as an athletic mouthguard. Temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents. The inserts may be replaced or refreshed to maintain the beneficial agent. A dental device having a core carrying a beneficial agent inside a liquid-permeable shell functions as an infant's teething device.

Abstract: A pinless dental articulator includes a work tray, a retention pocket, and a monorail formed by a plurality of upwardly tapering cylinders which allow jelly or stone to slide out of the retention pocket when the work tray is turned upside down. The work tray has a ledge which stabilizes a rotatable arm that retains the jelly or stone in the retention pocket. A method of using the articulator includes the steps of installing the locking arm onto the stabilizing ledge of the work tray, rotating the locking arm into a closed position on the stabilizing ledge, pouring jelly into the retention pocket, installing a height-adjusting post in the work tray, tightening a fastener against the post in order to keep the post in an upright position, and placing a small tray with at least one negative tooth impression on top of the jelly.

Abstract: A physiologically compatible impression material comprises 0.005 wt % to 4.99 wt %, preferably 0.01 wt % to 1.0 wt %, and particularly preferably 0.025 wt % to 0.25 wt % of at least one luminescent material.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides for a simple, economical system and method for reducing environmental release of dental amalgamous mercury from teeth caused by cremation of corpses. The invention controls and reduces the amount of mercury released using a pre-crematorial and non-disfiguring system and method. The system of the invention can include a dental containment and applicator delivery system to apply a curable thermal protectant composition onto the teeth. The composition coating significantly inhibits the extent of thermal destruction of the tooth per se including its amalgam filling content.

Abstract: For proper fitness of a core portion of an abutment to a patient, a wax model base for an abutment of a dental implant includes an engagement portion 1 engaging with an implant fixture analog embedded in a gypsum model without rotation, a truncated conical portion 2, a building portion 4 provided directly on an inner peripheral edge of a ring-like first stepped portion 3, which is provided on an oral cavity inner side of the truncated conical portion 2, or through a cylindrical portion 4a having a low height to have a conical shape expanding toward the oral cavity inner side and have a cutoff portion 5 on an outer peripheral surface, a cylindrical portion 7 provided on an inner peripheral edge of a ring-like second stepped portion 6 provided on the building portion 4, and a screw hole 8 along a center axis of the base.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein provide apparatus and methods for forming and coupling an attachment device onto one or more teeth. A system comprises a template including a shell having a cavity defining a shape that is operable to receive one or more teeth. The template comprises an aperture at one or more predetermined locations. The aperture defines an aperture perimeter. The system further comprises one or more attachment molds. Each attachment mold comprises a mold bore therethrough. The attachment mold further includes a mold perimeter surface that defines a predetermined shape, wherein each of the aperture perimeters being operable to receive and cooperate with the mold perimeter surface of one of the attachment molds. Each mold bore being operable for providing a mold for forming an attachment device coupled to a tooth of a desired shape and orientation from curable material that may be disposed within the mold bore.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to the use of a musculoskeletal repositioning device in physical rehabilitation and athletic training by causing increased muscular strength and power and decreased muscular tension especially during the physical rehabilitation and athletic training. The device guides the condyles and articulating discs of the temporomandibular joint from a neutral or passive position into an active power position.

Abstract: A dental article includes yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic, and no more than about 0.15 wt. % of one or more coloring agents of one or more of: Pr, Tb, Cr, Nd, Co, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof, whereby the dental article is provided with a color corresponding to a natural tooth shade; and wherein the dental article has a flexural strength of at least about 800 MPa. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for dental restoration that includes disposing a flowable and curable tooth restoration composition into an open cavity of a stent that defines contours of a final design model of a patient's teeth and includes an interproximal contact that has been thinned along an interproximal contact zone but not separated, seating the stent on the patient's teeth such that the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition fills a space between at least one tooth to be restored and the stent, initiating curing of the flowable and curable tooth restoration composition in the stent such that the composition bonds to the at least one tooth to be restored and forms at least one restored tooth and removing the stent from the patient's teeth to expose the at least one restored tooth.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to the use of a musculoskeletal repositioning device in the birthing process by causing increased muscular strength and decreased muscular tension especially during the “push” phase of child birth. The device guides the condyles and articulating discs of the temporomandibular joint from a neutral or passive position into an active power position.

Abstract: A device for retracting gingival tissue away from a tooth or plurality of teeth prepared to receive a dental prosthesis comprising a retraction/impression material associated with a custom impression coping to be packed into a sulcus associated with the prepared tooth, and coincidentally obtaining an impression of said tooth or teeth. The device is preferably compressible, deformably rigid, extensile and non-elastic and will not stick to the gingiva or tooth structure thereby allowing for atraumatic removal. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental mold on the basis of a thermoplastic film (4), and to an impression tray (1) for producing such a dental mold (2). The impression tray (1) is charged with a kneadable, malleable material (3) on which the thermoplastic film (4) that can be formed to a dental mold (2) is located. The softening temperature of the thermoplastic film (4) ranges between approximately 40 DEG C and approximately 80 DEG C.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal repositioning devices are described. The devices are worn in the mouth and cause the lower jaw of the wearer to move into an active optimal position that relieves stress on the temporomandibular joint, causing increased muscular strength and decreased muscular tension. The devices have ramps on their upper surfaces which contact the upper posterior teeth and lingual anatomy and cause the jaw to reposition from a passive bite position to an active optimal bite position. A casting device for forming a musculoskeletal repositioning device and a method for using the casting device are also described.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hardenable dental articles, packaged hardenable dental articles, and methods of packaging hardenable dental articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the manufacturing may involve molding a hardenable dental material in a mold cavity that may be lined with a mold liner. The mold body may also form the package of the hardenable dental article formed within the mold cavity. In other embodiments, the hardenable dental articles may be provided in mold cavities located in sacrificial mold bodies that may be torn, stretched, softened, dissolved, etc. to release the hardenable dental articles in the mold cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides tooth-whitening compositions comprising a bleaching agent and a baste amino acid, together with devices for application thereof, and methods of use therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simulating an orthognathic operation, wherein, to simulate the displacement of the upper dental arch 105 of the patient caused by the surgical intervention to be applied to the maxilla 106 during said orthognathic surgery, the angular and translational position of an upper mounting plate 526 of a 3-D orthognathic surgery simulator 510 carrying a model 317 of said upper dental arch 105 is readjusted by rotating said upper mounting plate 526 around at least two, preferably three of three orthogonal axes X1Y and Z with respect to a rotation point 522 fixed to an arm 521 of said 3-D orthognathic surgery simulator 510, and translating said arm 521 substantially parallel to at least one of the same three orthogonal axes X, Y, Z.

Abstract: A dental impression tray has a base and a relator. The base has a biting portion and a handle. The biting portion is curved. The handle is formed on the biting portion and has an arc hole that is defined through the handle to receive impression material. The relator has a vertical bar and a horizontal bar. The relator is mounted in the arc hole and is fastened in the arc hole by impression material. The horizontal bar connects perpendicularly to the vertical bar. Therefore, the impression of the teeth to be crowned or veneered as well as the relation between the impression and the patient's face are obtained simultaneously.

Abstract: A dental appliance comprising at least two plies of thermoformable material, wherein a first ply of a first material, having a first set of characteristics properties, provides a first primary surface of the dental appliance and wherein a second ply of a material different from the first ply, having a second set of characteristic properties, provides an opposing second primary surface of the dental appliance.

Abstract: A device for retracting gingival tissue away from a tooth or plurality of teeth prepared to receive a dental prosthesis comprising a retraction/impression material associated with a custom impression coping to be packed into a sulcus associated with the prepared tooth, and coincidentally obtaining an impression of said tooth or teeth. The device is preferably compressible, deformably rigid, extensile and non-elastic and will not stick to the gingiva or tooth structure thereby allowing for atraumatic removal. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plaster dental cast gum plate molding mold for molding a plaster dental cast gum plate having pins is disclosed. The body of the mold is made of an elastic material, having a cavity surrounded by a smoothly arched inner wall, a smoothly arched outer wall and a bottom wall, a plurality of insertion holes cut through the bottom wall for the insertion of a respective pin, and a plurality of alignment pegs respectively perpendicularly extending from the smoothly arched outer wall and suspending in the cavity so that the molded plaster cast gum plate has dents corresponding to the alignment pegs for quick recognition of the locations of the pins after positioning of the plaster cast gum plate on a base plate and bonding of a dental cast to the flat top surface of the plaster cast gum plate for enabling the dentist to cut one individual tooth model accurately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of retraction of sulcus, comprising the steps of: applying a silicone material onto and/or at the vicinity of the boundary of a tooth and adjacent sulcus, which silicone material expands during or after its curing reaction; applying a cap onto said tooth, thereby forming a chamber over said silicone material, wherein said chamber comprises as its walls the tooth, the cap and an outer section of said sulcus; whereby said chamber allows for the silicone material to expand into the crevice between sulcus and tooth. Said cap is at least partially filled with a plastically deformable material when applied onto said tooth in step; and/or said cap is deformable, especially under biting pressure.

Abstract: In order to produce dental molded parts for a dental prosthesis, a shaping model of the desired dental molded part is made, for example, from wax. The model is embedded in a heat-resistant molding compound. The molding compound is subsequently hardened, and the wax model is melted in order to form a mold cavity that corresponds to the negative of the desired dental molded part. The thermoplastic heated to the processing temperature is introduced with pressure into the formed mold cavity in the molding compound, and the thermoplastic, which forms the desired dental molded part, is removed from the mold once the molding compound is solidified. The molding compound has a temperature of at least 150° C. at the point in time at which the thermoplastic is introduced.

Abstract: A customizable and reusable mouthpiece for diving use having a passageway-forming front member extending from a proximal in-mouth end to a distal outside end and a U-shaped formable back member is described. The back member provides a hollow cavity portion located in the bitewing section that may be partially filled with a gel-like or other suitable substance configured to provide custom moldability at substantially all points of contact between the mouthpiece and the teeth such that the mouthpiece is securely gripped by the teeth. The mouthpiece requires pressure relief channels so that air or fluids may enter into and be forced out of the hollow cavity providing a bellows-like action that provides a means for the bitewing and materials of composition to return to essentially its original shape. Reusability of the mouthpiece, more specifically the bitewings is directly related to the choice and combination of materials, dimensioning and processing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of retraction of sulcus, in which, in a first step, a flowable retraction material (1) is applied onto the sulcus (5) of at least one tooth (4). In a second step, a dental dam (2) is applied onto the tooth (4) and brought into contact with or in the vicinity of the retraction material (1). According to the invention, the retraction material (1) and the material of the dental dam (2) are chosen such that they can form a chemical bond with each other. Moreover, the invention concerns a dental kit (9) for performing the method, which dental kit (9) contains at least one flowable retraction material (1) and at least one dental dam (2), wherein the retraction material (1) and the dental dam (2) can form a chemical bond. Additionally, the invention concerns the use of a dental kit (9) in the method. Finally, the invention concerns a dental retraction device (10) containing a retraction material (1) and a dental (2), which have formed a chemical bond with each other.

Abstract: A casting chamber for casting a physical tooth model representing a patient's tooth includes a chamber body and a lid. The chamber body includes a cavity adapted to hold a negative impression of the patient's tooth and to receive a cast material, wherein the negative impression and the chamber body are registered by a registration unit. The chamber lid is configured to seal the cast material in the casting chamber to permit the casting material to solidify in the casting chamber to form a physical tooth model representing the patient's tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to plastics which are self-disinfecting. The invention relates in particular to polyether or silicone based dental plastics and impression materials in which a biocidal material is incorporated. The dental impression material ace. to the invention comprises at least a polymerizable base paste BP and a non-aqueous catalyst paste CP, wherein the base paste BP comprises about 0.001 to about 10% by weight of a water-stable anti-microbial agent. Preferred anti-microbial agents are selected from the group consisting of Hexitidin, Cetypyridininumcloride (CPC), Chlorhexidine and its derivates (CHX) and Triclosan.

Abstract: A method for applying a temporary dental veneer on a patient's teeth that includes the steps of positioning a mold on the patient's teeth, the mold containing a material that may be hardened, and hardening the material on the patient's teeth, the hardened material being temporarily affixed on the teeth. The temporarily affixed hardened material becomes unfixed from the patient's teeth from two hours to two weeks after the material is hardened. An apparatus according to the invention includes a mold adapted to receive a material that may be hardened, and a material that may be hardened, wherein the hardened material is adapted to be temporarily affixed to a patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dental cast model apparatus for the production and manipulation of dental model casts. The apparatus includes a model base having a mould adapted to produce a dental model. The model base is capable of supporting the dental model when formed and the model base is provided with one or more portions through or via which a force may be applied to said dental model when formed to remove said dental model from the model base.

Abstract: A casting chamber for casting a physical tooth model representing a patient's tooth includes a chamber body and a lid. The chamber body includes a cavity adapted to hold a negative impression of the patient's tooth and to receive a cast material, wherein the negative impression and the chamber body are registered by a registration unit. The chamber lid is configured to seal the cast material in the casting chamber to permit the casting material to solidify in the casting chamber to form a physical tooth model representing the patient's tooth.

Abstract: The dental model pouring jig of the present invention includes a base member that supports a model base support member and a mold support member. The model base support member is secured to the base member and is capable of mounting a dental model base. The mold support member is adjustably secured to the base member and capable of mounting a mold of a person's teeth. The mold support member is adjustable relative to the model base support member to properly position the mold adjacent the dental model base.

Abstract: A multi dental flask system. The system includes a boot, at least two dental flasks, a sleeve, and a wrench. The boot is affixed to a surface. The at least two dental flasks are stacked one on top of the other. A lowermost dental flask of the at least two dental flasks is non-rotatably received in the boot. The sleeve is replaceably affixed to the lowermost dental flask of the at least two dental flasks and houses the other at least one dental flask of the at least two dental flasks so as to allow the at least two dental flasks to be processed simultaneously. The wrench receives the sleeve and replaceably affixes the sleeve to the lowermost dental flask.

Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a molding tray for molding the base of a quadrant or full-arch dental model cast which has a longitudinally disposed partition panel disposed generally between upper and lower surfaces of the tray that forms therewithin an upper well for receiving liquid die stone to mold the base of a dental impression model, and a lower well shaped symmetrically to the upper well for providing clearance for optional manipulating pins installable in the bases of selected die segments modeling individual dental prostheses severed from the hardened die stone base of the model. The partition panel includes peripheral flanges for supporting the base of the dental model, and an openable central portion for enabling a hardened dental model to be ejected from the tray, and for providing access for manipulating pins depending downwardly from die segments.

Abstract: A press oven, especially for the pressing of dental material, includes a press stamp via which pressure can be exerted on a blank in a matrix mass of a muffle. An intermediate body is positionable between the press stamp and the blank and the heat conducting capability of the intermediate body (28) is less than that of the blank (26), the press stamp (22) or the matrix mass of the muffle (12).

Abstract: A dental model tray (12) for use in forming a dental model has a rigid bottom wall (16) and a relatively thin side wall (17) extending upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom wall (16) to form an open-topped cavity which is adapted to receive the dental casting material. The bottom wall (16) and the side wall (17) are formed integrally of polymeric material with the side wall (17) being joined to or attached to the bottom wall (16) by a thin membrane-like connector member (19) that is formed integrally with the perimeter bottom wall (16) and a lower side edge of the side wall (17). The connector member (19) is frangible and easily broken so that the side wall (17) can be torn away from the base and discarded after dental casting material has hardened in the cavity formed by the side wall (17).

Abstract: A casting tray and a base provide a dental model mounting device. The casting tray supports the dental model with a plurality of protrusions that extend into the dental model casting material. The casting tray snaps in and out of the base. The base has a socket for mounting on a dental articulator. The casting tray can be removed from the base, segmented, and reintegrated and realigned by snapping the segmented pieces back in the base.

Abstract: Impression devices are provided for making an impression of a desired feature. The impression devices include: a flexible bladder having a cavity formed therein, the flexible bladder being capable of conforming to the details of the desired feature; a rheological material, such as a magnetorheological fluid, disposed in the cavity of the flexible bladder; and an activator for applying an external stimulus to the rheological material to change the state of the rheological material and thereby capture an impression of the desired feature.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a pontic in a polymeric shell dental appliance, including providing a polymeric shell dental appliance of the type which is removably placeable over a patient's dentition, said shell having a concave trough which conforms to the teeth when the appliance is placed over the dentition and a location in the trough corresponding to a missing tooth; and depositing a flexible, durably affixed material in the location to form the pontic.

Abstract: Tray (10) for forming dental model comprises base wall (12) forming floor upon which dental casting material is poured. Spaced apart projections (14) extending upwardly from base wall (12). An upstanding axis of each projection (14) is substantially perpendicular to the upper face of the base wall (12). Projections (14) are arranged in two rows, with the projections (14) in one row being offset from corresponding projections (14) in the other row. Sidewalls of each projection (14) taper inwardly at an angle of between about 82 to 88 degrees with the upper face of the base wall (12). Each projection (14) has a thickness at its base of about 3 to 7 millimeters. The projections (14) are spaced from each other at their bases by a distance of from 0 to 5 millimeters.

Abstract: A positioning aid, formed T-shaped, is adhesively attached to portions of a broken denture plate prior to placement of the dental plate portions into a dental impression tray whereby the positioning aids extend into and are embedded into the impression material in the dental tray and act as positioners and stabilizers to properly align and hold the dental plate portions while the dental impression material hardens.

Abstract: An improved method for producing dental models through use of a dough-like modeling filler material as a base, embedding a dental preliminary impression in such based, using a spring-form mold ring embedding in the base to surround the preliminary impression, and pouring dental casting material within the bounds of the mold ring to form a positive dental model.

Abstract: A dental model base having a cast stone core and method for making same. The stone core is cast within an encasement member. The encasement member is adapted for connection to an articulator.