Intra-oral Patents (Class 433/37)
  • Patent number: 8585401
    Abstract: A bio-facilitation mouthpiece correlates a custom made mouthpiece with nervous system channeling to facilitate optimal physiologic activity. The mouthpiece may be a single, unitary part made from a flexible, resilient material, and the mouthpiece includes a base member, and a right and left flange member coupled to the base member. The base member is adapted to receive portions of a user's upper and lower teeth, and the base member includes an elongated right lateral engagement portion, an elongated left lateral engagement portion, and an arch-shaped forward portion disposed between the right and left lateral engagement portions. The base member additionally includes a skirt portion downwardly extending from the forward portion and the right and left lateral engagement portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Allen J. Moses
  • Publication number: 20130259811
    Abstract: A dental tray with a hydrophobic tooth whitening formulation where the tooth whitening formulation is substantially non-water soluble, and a method of using this dental tray to whiten the teeth. The tooth whitening formulation is primarily comprised of a hydrophobic polymer and a peroxide or a peroxide yielding compound. Preferably the hydrophobic polymer is the condensation product of a silicone resin and an organosiloxane. The dental tray is formed to encompass the front and the rear surfaces of the teeth. The dental tray is comprised of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The teeth whitening formulation is placed into the dental tray and the tray placed against the teeth to be whitened. This is for a sufficient period of time to at least partially whiten teeth. This can be a period of time from about 0.5 hour to 2 hours or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Prencipe, Suman K. Chopra, Michael Collins
  • Patent number: 8544472
    Abstract: A fastener suitable for connecting two parts of a dental splint together in a prearranged or predetermined spatial relationship to treat a person suffering from a sleep disorder is described. In one form the fastener comprises a base member and a cover member arranged to define a cavity therebetween. A movable connector is located within the cavity, the movable connector interconnecting the two parts of the dental splint. The fastener has an adjustor movably connected to the connector such that the position of the connector is moved in response to movement of the adjustor by adjusting the position of the adjustor, the connector in the form of a hook moves the other part of the dental splint so as to reposition the jaws of a person being treated for the sleep disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: MDSA Pty Ltd
    Inventor: John Gaskell
  • Patent number: 8505541
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Dynamic Mouth Devices LLC
    Inventors: Laura Bardach, James Geduldig, Salvatore Napoli
  • Patent number: 8465281
    Abstract: Disclosed is an impression tray (1) with a concave tray body (2) for taking an impression of at least one jaw part, in which at least one implant body (12) is situated, which body has a receiving aperture into which an impression post (11) may be inserted, it being possible to fill the impression tray (1) with a free-flowing hardenable impression material (10) to produce a mold for a model of the jaw part, which when used reduces the time spent in the dentist's chair, increases the precision of an implant model and finally reduces the material and labor costs in that, at least in one portion, the tray body (2) has a wall (6, 6?) which can be penetrated by an impression post (11) inserted into the implant body (12) if the impression tray (1) is placed onto the jaw part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Klaus Haselhuhn, Jan-Dirk Reimers, Hubertus Spiekermann
  • Patent number: 8449294
    Abstract: A dental impression tray is provided having a wall including at least one retaining element. The retaining element at least partially overhangs an associated passageway, wherein the passageway extends between first and second wall surfaces that face in different directions Further, methods and molds to form a dental impression tray according to the invention are provided and a kit including a plurality of such dental impression tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jens Gramann, Robert Oppolzer, Ingo W. Wagner, Urs Mahnel
  • Publication number: 20130130194
    Abstract: A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ultradent Products, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130130193
    Abstract: A handle for removably attaching to a moldable orthosis positions the orthosis in boiling water. The handle includes an arm with an oral orthosis engaging member at one end. The engaging member includes one of a tab or slot which removably engages the oral orthosis. In a preferred embodiment, the arm further includes a hook-like member for supporting the oral orthosis on the rim of a container of boiling water during the molding process. In one embodiment, the handle forms the cover of a storage case for the orthosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Ranir, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joe Fisher, Scott Salmon, Josh Hartl
  • Publication number: 20130101954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a two-component dental elastomeric impression material with dimensional stability and storage durability based on addition curing silicone, wherein one component comprises a polymerization catalyst, containing or composed of a) at least one polydimethylsiloxane comprising polyatomic cross-linkable groups, preferably unsaturated cross-linkable groups, b) at least one polyaklysiloxane with Si-H functionalities, c) at least one catalyst for the reaction of a polydimethysiloxane, comprising polyatomic cross-linkable groups, with a polydimethylsiloxane comprising Si—H functionalities d) one or more fillers, e) a combination of release agents, comprising i) at least one alkyl-substituted polydimethylsiloxane, in which the alkyl chain is linear or branched, and/or at least a polydimethylsiloxane, in which the alkyl chain is linear or branched, and partially or completely halogenated, preferably fluorinated, and ii) at least one paraffin, and further relates to a dental mold, use, a dent
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: VOCO GMBH
    Inventors: Norman Hendrik Riedel, Wigand Krumme, Tobias Blömker, Manfred Thomas Plaumann
  • Publication number: 20130084539
    Abstract: A dental impression tray includes a tray body 1 and a handle portion 2. The tray body 1 has an engaging convex portion 1a on an anterior tooth part of the area corresponding to an alveolar crest thereof and a L-shaped handle portion 2 has an engaging portion 2a engaging with the engaging convex portion 1a on a top end thereof. The handle portion 2 can be detached at a time of bite taking for recording occlusal positions. As for embodiments of the engaging convex portion 1a and the engaging portion 2a, there are one embodiment in which the engaging convex portion 1a is a projection and the engaging portion 2a is a hole engaging with the projection, and another embodiment in which the engaging convex portion 1a is a dovetail projection and the engaging portion 2a is a dovetail groove engaging with the dovetail projection by sliding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GC CORPORATION
    Inventor: GC CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8402619
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Minnesota Funeral Directors Association
    Inventors: Benjamin Arcand, Bryan N. Rolfes, Nikhil M. Murdeshwar, Joseph E. Hale, Steven M. Johnson, Luke A. Mitlyng, Joseph Mullenbach, Kristopher I. Kapphahn
  • Patent number: 8376742
    Abstract: A dental tray and system is disclosed. The dental tray may include a frame, an arch bridging two halves of the frame, and a bite block projecting upward from the arch to contact a palate. The system may further include a suction system connected to the frame for suctioning liquid away from an area being worked on. The dental tray may be integral or split in two halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Philip Victor Kushner
  • Patent number: 8354381
    Abstract: Oral care compositions, oral care systems, oral surface-binding peptides, and a method for applying particles to an oral surface are provided. The oral care system comprises at least one peptidic component comprising a first binding element having affinity for an oral surface and a second binding element having affinity for a ligand property of a particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Stephen R. Fahnestock, Kari A. Fosser, Hong Wang, Pierre E. Rouviere, Tanja Maria Gruber, Douglas Robert Anton
  • Patent number: 8316857
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in treating a breathing condition includes a first dental arch, a second dental arch, two bodies coupled to the first dental arch, and two receivers coupled to the second dental arch. The first dental arch is configured to receive at least some of a wearer's teeth. The second dental arch is configured to receive at least some of a wearer's teeth. Each body includes a front stop, a rear stop, a threaded member, and a hook. The threaded member is configured to be coupled between the front stop and rear stop of the body and configured to rotate relative to the body. The hook comprises a threaded passage configured to engage the threaded member, and an arm configured to engage a second dental arch. The hook is configured to travel between the front stop and rear stop of the body in response to rotational adjustment of the threaded member to adjust the lower dental arch relative to the upper dental arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: AirWay Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: W. Keith Thornton
  • Patent number: 8316858
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes an oral appliance, a mask, and a tensioning device. The oral appliance is configured to receive at least some of a wearer's teeth and a mask. The mask is configured to deliver gas to the wearer. The mask includes a chamber configured to cover the wearer's mouth. The chamber is at least partially enclosed by an interior of the mask. The tensioning device couples the mask to the oral appliance and includes a flexible tension element at least partially disposed between the oral appliance and the mask and within the chamber. The flexible tension element is configured to apply a tensile force between the mask and the oral appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: AirWay Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: W. Keith Thornton
  • Patent number: 8312884
    Abstract: An intra-oral device used for people that snore or have sleep apnea is designed to move a user's lower jaw forward relative to the user's immovable upper jaw and to prevent the user's mouth from inadvertently opening while sleeping. The device includes upper and lower appliances fitted to the user's respective upper and lower dental arches. The lower appliance possesses a partially embedded bracket. An adjustment element is integrated into the upper portion of the bracket. With the user's mouth closed and the upper and lower appliances positioned over the user's respective dental arches, the adjustment element is moved rearward by worm action into load bearing contact against the forward facing immovable vertical contact wall of the upper appliance. This action moves the lower appliance forward, and thus, the user's lower jaw with its anatomically attached tongue are also moved forward relative to the mouth which in turn opens the user's airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Brian D Fuselier
  • Patent number: 8308480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a kit for producing a dental product. The invention also relates to a device that allows the method according to the invention to be implemented. According to the invention, a thermoplastic material (4) of said kit is selectively heated through the supply of targeted (directed) energy more strongly than an impression tray (1) and/or an impression material (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kettenbach GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Bublewitz, Jens-Peter Reber, Matthias Suchan
  • Patent number: 8303302
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Russell C. Teasdale
  • Patent number: 8297286
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: RampUP, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald N. Smernoff
  • Patent number: 8287275
    Abstract: A mouthpiece for forming custom dental trays intraorally having a sheet of low-melting custom tray material sealingly containing a moldable filler. The mouthpiece may also have flexible walls along the facial-buccal or lingual sides for additional support. The mouthpiece can form custom trays for both arches simultaneously, or for a single arch. In typical use, the mouthpiece is heated, opposing arches of teeth forcefully bite into the tray material and contained filler, thereby molding the tray material to fit the teeth, the tray material is cooled, the mouthpiece is removed from the teeth, and excess tray material is trimmed away to form trays for both arches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Jon Knutson
  • Patent number: 8277216
    Abstract: A dental impression tray assembly includes an upper tray and a lower tray operable with the upper tray, and the lower tray includes a first piece configured to measure jaw relations of a patient's mouth and a pair of second pieces detachably attachable to the first piece. The first piece of the lower tray is inserted into the patient's mouth independently of the pair of second pieces of the lower tray to measure the jaw relations and to obtain a bite registration. After the first piece is connected to the pair of second pieces, the assembly allows a final gum impression of the patient's lower gum to be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Tae Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20120225402
    Abstract: The invention consists of a rapidly crosslinkable, two-component silicone elastomer together with a specially designed tray that serves as a form for the silicone resin and forms an integral portion of a dental appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: James V. Crivello, Lewis R. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20120219925
    Abstract: A dental impression apparatus for obtaining a patient's dental impression is provided. The dental impression apparatus includes a support frame of a predefined shape, a partially permeable membrane mounted on the support frame, and absorbent barrier members. The support frame includes a distal member, a buccal edge member, and a lingual edge member. The absorbent barrier members mounted to the buccal edge member and the lingual edge member of the support frame define opposing troughs separated by the partially permeable membrane. The opposing troughs receive the patient's mandibular teeth and maxillary teeth. The opposing troughs are deposited with a first impression material and/or a second impression material for obtaining the dental impression of the patient. The absorbent barrier members confine a flow of the first impression material and the second impression material within the opposing troughs, when the patient applies a biting force within the opposing troughs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Aaron Tropmann, Ricky D. Robinson, Lawrence William Mckee, II
  • Patent number: 8181655
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Dynamic Mouth Devices LLC
    Inventors: Laura Bardach, James Geduldig, Salvatore Napoli
  • Patent number: 8135492
    Abstract: A method of making a surgical template used for a computer-guided dental implant surgery includes the steps of: establishing implant planning data of a patient's jaw, producing a digital plaster model of the patient's jaw, allowing the digital plaster model to have the implant planning data, integrating the digital plaster model with the implant planning data to obtain a digital machining data, holding and machining a modeling block at a machining position according to the digital machining data to form a solid jaw model corresponding to the patient's jaw and having teeth, gums, and at least one implant-position indicating structure, mounting a positioning member at the implant-position indicating structure, and producing a negative template body from an assembly of the solid jaw model and the positioning member with a thermoplastic dental material by a molding process or a vacuum forming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Pou Yu Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Tzong Yau, Chuan-Chu Kuo, Jiun-Ren Chen, Chun-Chun Yang, Chien-An Chen, Ying-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 8100693
    Abstract: An apparatus of the present disclosure has a dental tray cup filled with a silicone elastomer and elastomeric sheeting covering the silicone elastomer in the dental tray cup. A method of the present disclosure comprises the steps of providing a dental tray, filling the dental tray with an elastomeric material, covering the elastomeric material in the dental tray with a sheeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Henry Darnell
  • Patent number: 8061358
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: RampUP, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald N. Smernoff
  • Patent number: 8007277
    Abstract: A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Peter M. Allred, Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean
  • Publication number: 20110171592
    Abstract: A method of direct fabrication of intraoral devices provides an easy, cost effective way of making a variety of appliances intraorally. The use of a thin layer of unset plastic or thermoplastic material on a flexible tray allows for a customized fit to any palate, directly in the oral cavity. A palatal retainer provides the primary retention for optional functional components to be incorporated. Functional components may include anterior deprogrammers, and full coverage and partial coverage occlusal guards. Use of the palatal retainer provides comfortable, safe retention without the need for excessive facial wrap. The retainer itself can function as a palatal obturator or a healing stent. Fabrication of the appliances could be performed by the end user, health care providers, or anyone skilled in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Elsa Wittbold
  • Publication number: 20110129791
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus to facilitate obtaining a dental impression including a compressible body. The compressible body has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer border. The bottom surface is configured to abut a maxillary dental impression tray. The top surface of the compressible body is configured to substantially contact and conform to a surface of a patient's hard palate. As the top surface contacts and conforms to the hard palate, it causes the compressible body to compress. The top surface forms a seal with the patient's hard palate. This seal discourages dental impression material from flowing into the patient's palatal vault. The seal may also discourage the dental impression material from flowing into the back of the patient's mouth. Consequently, the hydrodynamic pressure of the dental impression material may be advantageously increased and the patient's comfort may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 7918228
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald N. Smernoff
  • Patent number: 7871269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved dental impression tray and related methods. In one embodiment, a dental impression tray includes a first portion for receiving impression material from a source and a second portion is configured for receiving a patient's upper or lower teeth and will at least partial define a cavity shaped to receive the teeth during use. In use, impression material introduced into the first portion can pass through openings and into the second portion and around a patient's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Wu, Jon Moss, Ryan Kimura, Heng Cao
  • Patent number: 7845942
    Abstract: A dental impression analyzer including a housing having two opposite open ends. A lower end of the two opposite ends fits over a tooth of a patient. A plurality of pins are slidably mounted in the housing. The pins are of equal length, extending parallel to each other, and at least a portion of sidewalls of the housing extending parallel to each other and parallel to the plurality of pins to maintain the pins parallel to each other and to guide movement of the pins. The plurality of pins are tightly compressed together in an interior of the housing. A lower end of the pins are positioned to engage an uppermost surface of the tooth of the patient when the housing is fitted over the tooth of the patient. An upper end of the pins replicates the uppermost surface of the tooth when the lower end of the pins engage the uppermost surface of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Alfred Harper Ben Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7844092
    Abstract: A method and systems for capturing digital intra-oral images, while automatically determining a location of an intra-oral sensor placed within a mouth of a patient, is disclosed. A spatial frame-of-reference is established with respect to teeth within the mouth of the patient. An intra-oral digital imaging sensor is placed within the mouth of the patient adjacent to at least one tooth within the mouth that is to be imaged using the intra-oral sensor. Spatial location information is automatically generated such that the spatial location information defines how the intra-oral sensor is placed with respect to the spatial frame-of-reference. A digital image of at least one tooth is acquired using the intra-oral sensor and the spatial location information is automatically associated with the acquired digital image. The associated spatial location information may be used to automatically correlate the acquired image to a tooth or teeth within the mouth and/or to automatically orient the acquired image for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Apteryx, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Publication number: 20100273124
    Abstract: An object making its impression in soft material, due to the force application, of various strength and impact directions, reproduces its parts at different heights, thus providing a distorted cast of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Monika Borczyk
  • Publication number: 20100240000
    Abstract: A method of making a surgical template used for a computer-guided dental implant surgery includes the steps of: establishing implant planning data of a patient's jaw, producing a digital plaster model of the patient's jaw, allowing the digital plaster model to have the implant planning data, integrating the digital plaster model with the implant planning data to obtain a digital machining data, holding and machining a modeling block at a machining position according to the digital machining data to form a solid jaw model corresponding to the patient's jaw and having teeth, gums, and at least one implant-position indicating structure, mounting a positioning member at the implant-position indicating structure, and producing a negative template body from an assembly of the solid jaw model and the positioning member with a thermoplastic dental material by a molding process or a vacuum forming process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Pou Yu Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Tzong YAU, Chuan-Chu Kuo, Jiun-Ren Chen, Chun-Chun Yang, Chien-An Chen, Ying-Li Chen
  • Publication number: 20100203467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth coating applicator (10), typically in the form of a strip (11), and a method for applying a dental sealant to a surface of a tooth (T), and specifically to the interproximal surface (S) thereof. The applicator (10) is elongated and is adapted to be typically inserted into an interproximal space (I) defined between a pair of adjacent teeth (T, T?) and to be gradually slid against a dental surface of one of the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: DENTSPLY CANADA LTD.
    Inventor: Naim Karazivan
  • Publication number: 20100178630
    Abstract: The present invention is dental tray for applying treatment gels to a person's teeth. The dental tray is sized and shaped to accommodate the dental arch of a person's oral cavity and is constructed from a temperature-dependent material such that the dental arch forms to the shape of the person's teeth profile at temperatures at or above that of the person's oral cavity. Once the dental tray is fitted to the person's specific teeth profile, a treatment gel is applied to the dental tray, the dental tray reinserted and the treatment gel applied to the person's teeth by contact therewith. In one embodiment of the present invention, the treatment gel is applied to the unformed dental tray such that the dental tray is fitted to the person's teeth profile simultaneous with the treatment thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan Erik Novak, Thomas Edwin Novak, Keith Adam Novak
  • Publication number: 20100151408
    Abstract: A dental impression tray is provided having a wall comprising at least one retaining element. The retaining element at least partially overhangs an associated passageway, wherein the passageway extends between first and second wall surfaces that face in different directions. Further, methods and molds to form a dental impression tray according to the invention are provided and a kit comprising a plurality of such dental impression trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Jens Gramann, Robert Oppolzer, Ingo W. Wagner, Urs Mahnel
  • Patent number: 7721741
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: W. Keith Thornton
  • Patent number: 7704074
    Abstract: The present invention is a thermally formable plastic anatomical form for dentistry and a holder for the same. The holder is specially adapted to accommodate the plastic form in that it is heat resistant and features a bite guide to assure an even distribution of the plastic around the teeth of the patient and thickened occlusal surfaces to register specific tooth impressions more readily. The form according to the present invention may be used in any conventional dental work where a form may be needed, such as tray creation and stone molds, or may be utilized with therapeutic plastics so as to become a therapeutic dental device in and of itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc
    Inventor: Steven D Jensen
  • Patent number: 7698068
    Abstract: A method for providing data useful in procedures associated with the oral cavity, in which at least one numerical entity representative of the three-dimensional surface geometry and color of at least part of the intra-oral cavity is provided and then manipulated to provide desired data therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Cadent Ltd.
    Inventor: Noam Babayoff
  • Publication number: 20100021858
    Abstract: An injection correction impression tray (18) serves for producing dental impressions for the subsequent manufacture of crowns, bridges and other dental prostheses. The tray (18) includes a base body (23) containing impression material and a profile bottom plate (27). The plate (27) includes a first channel (41) and a second channel (43) being arranged in the bottom side of the plate (27). The plate (27) is connected to the base body (23) in a way to close the bottom opening (6) of the tray (18) and such that the bottom side and the channels (41, 43) face the interior of the base body (23). The first channel (41) forms a rib of a first impression material being introduced into the interior of the base body (23) and flowing through the bottom opening (6) into the first channel (41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Gerd Neuschäfer
  • Publication number: 20100009311
    Abstract: A mouth guard for an adult having bicuspids and canines. The mouth guard includes a tray having a trough dimensioned to receive only the bicuspids and canines of the adult human. Dental impression material is disposed in the tray which conforms to the shape of the bicuspids and canines of the adult human.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph J. Pelerin
  • Patent number: 7599538
    Abstract: A method and systems for capturing digital intra-oral images, while automatically determining a location of an intra-oral sensor placed within a mouth of a patient, is disclosed. A spatial frame-of-reference is established with respect to teeth within the mouth of the patient. An intra-oral digital imaging sensor is placed within the mouth of the patient adjacent to at least one tooth within the mouth that is to be imaged using the intra-oral sensor. Spatial location information is automatically generated such that the spatial location information defines how the intra-oral sensor is placed with respect to the spatial frame-of-reference. A digital image of the at least one tooth is acquired using the intra-oral sensor and the spatial location information is automatically associated with the acquired digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Apteryx, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Patent number: 7571727
    Abstract: A mouthguard includes two sections, a vertical component and a horizontal component. The foam is molded into a configuration such that the vertical component curves around the anterior section of the maxillary dental arch to the lateral aspects, just beyond the canine teeth. At the mouth temperature of 98.6 degrees F., the vertical component is held perfectly between the upper lip and teeth by the general pressure of lip musculature. There is a V-shaped notch in the midline of the vertical section to accommodate the maxillary labial frenum. The horizontal component provides a bite platform and a slit is located along the midline forming two rearwardly extending tabs to facilitate the curvature of the bite platform. Accommodative curvature of the vertical section is provided by spaces between the horizontal component and the ends of the vertical component forming deflectable wings in these regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Theodore P Croll
  • Patent number: 7537451
    Abstract: A dental hygiene apparatus including a mouthpiece formed of a flexible arcuate channel defining and inner space designed for receiving an upper or lower set of human teeth. The channel is provided with longitudinally extending tunnels interconnected by communicating passageways. Each of the tunnels is provided with a longitudinally extending track and a guide slot communicating with the inner space. A carriage assembly includes motor assemblies joined by rigid chassis rods. The carriage assembly is designed such that the motor assemblies may be disposed in the tunnels while the chassis rods are disposed in the passageways. The motor assemblies have a shaft extending through one of the guide slots and carrying a rotatably mounted cleaning head on a distal end. The motor assemblies also include a driven wheel resting on a one of the tracks, for propelling the carriage assembly along the tracks. The cleaning heads rotate to clean the teeth and travel along the tracks to clean each tooth in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Amrish Ramnarine
  • Patent number: 7530355
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mouth guard (10) for braces having a U-shaped base portion (30) made from EVA or similar plastic having a melting point less than the boiling point of water, and an upper portion (20) extending generally upwardly from the outer perimeter of the base potion with an inner surface (21) made from PVC or similar material having a melting point greater than the boiling point of water, whereby a partially custom-fitted mouth guard is provided for users with braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Shield Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Berghash
  • Publication number: 20090098503
    Abstract: Foam-generating, hardening composition for making impressions of biological surfaces include A at least one impression material based on i isocyanates, which react with mono- and multi-functional amines and/or compounds having hydroxyl groups, to form urethane or urea, or ii A-silicones, or iii C-silicones, or iv Polyethers, or v alpha-silanes, or vi mixtures of two or more materials i to v, and optionally B at least one foaming agent. Impressions of biological surfaces made from this compound have a foam with closed pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventors: GOTTFRIED KNISPEL, Martin Grunwald, Andreas Grundler
  • Publication number: 20090092942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved dental impression tray and related methods. In one embodiment, a dental impression tray includes a first portion for receiving impression material from a source and a second portion is configured for receiving a patient's upper or lower teeth and will at least partial define a cavity shaped to receive the teeth during use. In use, impression material introduced into the first portion can pass through openings and into the second portion and around a patient's teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Ken Wu, Jon Moss, Ryan Kimura, Heng Cao