Abstract: A dental impression tray which can be made flexible after insertion in the patient's mouth. A joint or area of flexibility in the tray's posterior is reinforced prior to intraoral placement by a removable wire running through hooks in the tray's rim. Removing the wire after the patient bites imparts flexibility to the joint, and then the tray's frame becomes less flexible once the impression material cures. The tray's initial rigidity facilitates handling, and its subsequent flexibility reduces the frame's plastic memory, thereby reducing springback distortions.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a dental impression tray after the patient bites into the tray. In this particular embodiment, a joint in the tray's posterior is reinforced prior to intraoral placement by a removable wire running through hooks in the tray's rim. Removing the wire after the patient bites imparts flexibility to the joint, and then the tray's frame becomes rigid intraorally when an uncured immobilizing agent previously applied to the joint is cured or is self-cured. The tray's initial rigidity facilitates handling; its subsequent flexibility reduces the frame's plastic memory; and its subsequent rigidity durably locks the tray into a pressure-relieved position, reducing springback distortion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus, system and method for detecting a user's oral health habits and providing the oral health data over a network for access by a remote user. For example, the user may utilize an oral health apparatus to brush his teeth. During brushing, oral health data may be obtained relating to the user's oral health habits and usage of the oral health apparatus. The oral health data may then be provided over a network to a remote user, such as the user's dental health professional or parent in the case of a young child.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental impression tray comprising a base and at least two walls defining said base. At least one of these walls is at least partially formed by hollow bodies made of flexible material. Said hollow bodies can be filled in order to form, when taut, the desired shape for using the mould tray. In order to provide sufficient longitudinal stability for the impression tray, at least one of the walls is fitted with a rigid longitudinal rib. Said wall can also be rigid in its entirety. The hollow bodies which are to be filled can be fitted with openings. The moulding material filling the hollow bodies can flow from said openings into the moulding region of the dental impression tray. The base is flexible.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device which is used to determine the end of the processing time of hardenable materials, especially dental moulding materials, comprising a display unit and a sensor unit which detects a modification of at least one of the rheological properties of the material.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material that solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. In another embodiment, the inflatable tray has a rigid support. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray and fill tubes that provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: A dental tray and mixing tip assembly with a material delivery system is provided, the tray comprises at least one material retention surface; and a rapid flow delivery device, the device comprises a channel having an inlet and at least one outlet, the channel and the retention surface being situated on a horizontal plane, the channel being designed to deliver material from the inlet through the outlet and onto the retention surface and a mixing tip comprising a mixing tube having an entrance and an exit; a mixing device, situated within the tube, and the exit of the tip being connected to the inlet of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for determining an axis of upper and lower jaw articulation of a patient and modeling jaw movement about such an axis, particularly with the use of computerized visual images. The methods comprise providing digital data sets of tooth and bite configuration information which may be used to determine an estimated condylar axis of rotation for a patient. A number of data sets may be acquired and utilized for such estimations. Data sets may be obtained with the use of bite registers. Such registers may be formed by a number of methods and device designs of the present invention. The resulting digital data sets and axis of articulation may then be utilized to generate animated visual images of a patient's jaws in various bite configurations throughout a given rotation around the determined axis.

Abstract: A dental impression tray comprises a trough for receiving dental impression material and at least one retainer on at least a portion of an inner surface of the trough. The retainer comprises a plurality of anchoring elements, each of which comprises a first end, a second end, and an arc between the first and second ends. The first and second ends of the anchoring elements are connected to the inner surface of the trough, and the arcs project from the inner surface of the trough. The loop material of a hook and loop mechanical fastener is a particularly useful retainer.

Abstract: A dental impression tray comprises a trough for receiving dental impression material and at least one retainer on at least a portion of an inner surface of the trough. The retainer comprises a plurality of anchoring elements, each of which comprises a first end, a second end, and an arc between the first and second ends. The first and second ends of the anchoring elements are connected to the inner surface of the trough, and the arcs project from the inner surface of the trough. The loop material of a hook and loop mechanical fastener is a particularly useful retainer.

Abstract: A method and article for providing identification means, comprising taking an impression of teeth with a thermoplastic wafer of special configuration such that the wafer receives an impression which gives the size, shape and anatomy of each tooth from the occlusal surface to the gum line, and also provides information on tooth position and jaw relationship, to provide maximum information for identification. The wafer also acquires salivary components which, for an indeterminate amount of time, allows for DNA analysis testing or scent dog tracing. The wafer with the impression is then stored for use in case of need, preferably in a container which is sealed so that tampering with the contents can be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molding that has a layer of copolymers that are crosslinkable by means of addition or condensation reactions and, optionally, thereon, a layer of silicone that is crosslinkable by means of addition or condensation reactions.

Abstract: A dental tray and mixing tip assembly with a material delivery system is provided, the tray comprises at least one material retention surface and a channel having an inlet and at least one outlet, the channel being designed to deliver material from the inlet through the outlet and onto the retention surface and a mixing tip comprising a mixing tube having an entrance, an exit, an internal cavity and a mixing device situated within the internal cavity of the tube, the tube further comprising two rotatable discs, and the exit of the tip being connected to the inlet of the tray.

Abstract: An improved dental impression tray provides an improved retentive force for the dental impression material contained therein by incorporating a plurality of projections and panels on its tray walls. Upon taking a dental impression, the dental impression material flows into the grooves defined by the plurality of projections, panels and the tray walls to form retentive components. These retentive components may prevent the impression material in the tray from distorting or being lifted out of the trays when the tray is disengaged from the oral anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: An intra-oral imaging system that produces images of a dental surface includes a probe that contains an optical conduit for transmitting light with spatially varying wavelengths for illuminating a dental surface and a camera for receiving light rays reflected from the dental surface. The invention also includes a concave reflector used in conjunction with the probe to increase the field-of-view of the camera, allowing optical coverage of the entire surface of a tooth in a single image.

Abstract: There is provided a metrologic methodology and instrument, useful for a high-spatial-resolution dynamic diagnostic metrology and instrument, which can provide simultaneous measurements of laser-induced frequency-domain infrared photothermal radiometry (FD-PTR) and alternating-current (ac) modulated luminescence (FD-LM) signals from defects and caries in teeth intraorally. The combination of the luminescence and radiometric frequency scan techniques for inspection of defects and caries in teeth involves irradiating the tooth with a modulated (direct-current (dc) to 100 kHz) excitation source (laser) emitting in the near-ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared spectral range, generating blackbody Planck-radiation (infrared radiometry) and ac luminescence, and comparing the obtained (amplitude and phase) luminescence and radiometric signals to those obtained from a well characterized sample (reference) to provide the clinician with numerical information on the status of a tooth.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of an impression-making spoon for dental use, of the type comprising a tray for the impression-forming material and a handle for manipulation of the spoon, envisages forming the tray and the handle by means of folding of a single sheet of cut laminar material.

Abstract: A dental tray & mixing tip assembly with a material delivery system is provided, the tray comprises at least one material retention surface; and a rapid flow delivery device, the device comprises a channel having an inlet and at least one outlet, the channel and the retention surface being situated on a horizontal plane, the channel being designed to deliver material from the inlet through the outlet and onto the retention surface and a mixing tip comprising a mixing tube having an entrance and an exit; a mixing device situated within the tube, and the exit of the tip being connected to the inlet of the tray.

Abstract: A dough-like filler material and method of use thereof. The dough-like filler is used (in lieu of more expensive, less easily handled filler materials) in the process of making plaster dental molds for dental or orthodontic use to fill voids in dental impression molds, voids which otherwise would allow for the formation of obstructive plaster accumulations in the resulting plaster dental mold.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material which solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray, along with tubes which provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: A dental impression tray has a wall member which, in the working position of the tray, is disposed on the inner surface facing the jaw, is opposite the dental arch which faces the palate or tongue, respectively, and forms a flow surface for directing impression material into the region between a tooth or stub and the gingiva to prevent voids in the solidified impression.

Abstract: A dental impression tray having a pair of spaced and outwardly flared sidewalls with a layer of material, such as gauze, netting, plastic or the like, or a rigid material, extending perpendicularly between the sidewalls. The sidewalls, furthermore, are dimensioned to extend substantially a one-half arch of a dental occlusion. The layer of material, however, extends outwardly from one end of the sidewalls so that the layer extends substantially a three-quarters of an arch of a dental occlusion. The dental impression tray is easily convertible between a one-half arch and a three-quarters arch of a dental occlusion by selectively removing the outwardly extending portion of the layer material. Additionally, a frame connects the sidewalls together while a notch in the frame enables the sidewalls to deflect upon occlusion and remain in a deflected position. Optionally, the sidewalls are eliminated.

Abstract: A dough-like filler material and method of use thereof. The dough-like filler is used (in lieu of more expensive, less easily handled filler materials) in the process of making plaster dental molds for dental or orthodontic use to fill voids in dental impression molds, voids which otherwise would allow for the formation of obstructive plaster accumulations in the resulting plaster dental mold.

Abstract: An improved dental impression tray, to be placed under an upper jaw or over a lower jaw, combining the following features: 1. Creases or lines of perforations running through the base and side walls of the tray and the middle of the tray's handle, so that the tray can easily be broken in portions, if an impression of only one side of a jaw needs to be taken. 2. Ridges or protrusions on opposite interior walls of the tray, to better retain the rapidly hardening semi-fluid material with which the impressions of the teeth and/or gums are taken. 3. Base panels of the tray separated from the walls of the tray by gaps around their perimeters, and connected only by narrow strips of the material from which the tray is made, so that the base panels can be easily detached when desired, thus creating an opening in the bottom of the tray that may be desirable for certain forms of oral surgery, especially work involving dental implants. 4.

Abstract: Among other things, a photopolymerizing one-component dental material is prepared, containing: 1) 80-10 weight-% of at least one polyfunctional urethane methacrylate and/or at least one polyfunctional urethane acrylate, 2) 10-30 weight-% of at least one polyfunctional acrylate resin, 3) 10-30 weight-% of at least one reactive thinner, 4) 0-20 weight-% of bis-GMA and/or at least one ethoxylated bisphenol-A-dimethacrylate, 5) 0-10 weight-% of at least one filler, 6) 0-1 weight-% of at least one photoinitiator, and. 7) 0-1 weight-% of at least one color pigment.

Abstract: The invention involves an impression tray for dental prosthetics. In order to perform the hardening of the impression material without having to have a worker manually hold the impression tray for the duration of the hardening, it is proposed to construct the impression tray so that it can be held by the patient's biting down. In this process it is proposed to equip the bottom of the impression material with a thickness that is enlarging from the ends, in order to obtain during biting only forces normal to the surfaces of the bottom. Instead of equipping the entire bottom in this self-reinforcing manner, it also possible to provide only a separately inserted casting channel with this special shape, which is also constructed in a special embodiment in such a manner that it can used in the impression trays known thus far.

Abstract: Dispenser is disclosed. Method of dispensing dental material includes the provision of a dental tool, a dental tray, which may be a dental impression tray, as well as a bite tray. The bite tray may be provided with strands extending between first and second sides of the tray. In use, a material may be provided on the strands to cover the strands at least in part. The strands may be selected and located relative to each other so that, in use, when a user's teeth exert force on or contact one or more of the strands the respective strands move relative to each other, and move without exerting sufficient force on the first side of the dental tray so as to cause the first side of the dental tray to move relative to the second side of the dental tray.

Abstract: A tray for producing impressions of dental arches includes a peripheral edge wall that forms a sealing point with soft tissue in the patient's mouth. The interior of the tray is connected via a plurality of vacuum connection pieces to a suction arrangement. Disposed in an impression space provided by the tray is an impression material distributor tube that conveys impression material, preferably to the rear impression space. The distributor tube is connected to an impression material source.

Abstract: A filler member for use in molding a dental model in a dental impression formed in a mold carried in a mandibular dental impression tray. The tray has a u-shaped trough formed by inner and outer u-shaped walls joined by a bottom wall. The inner wall defines a lingual space. The filler member is made from shape-retaining material with a smooth surface and is shaped to fill at least the upper portion of the lingual space in the impression tray when placed therein. The filler member is placed in the lingual space in a manner to prevent model forming material, used in molding the model, from entering the lingual space on the tray from the upper portion of the tray.

Abstract: A dental impression tray assembly includes an impression tray as well as a liner. The liner is adapted to cover holes in the impression tray in order to prevent leakage of impression material through the holes during a dental procedure. Preferably, the liner is removably connected to the tray so that the practitioner has the option of using the tray with or without the liner.

Abstract: Apparatus, kits and methods for providing accelerated treatment of a patient's teeth. The apparatus, kits and methods involve the use of a dental impression tray that includes a patient dentition impression formed from a dental impression material such as an alginate. The impression tray advantageously includes a heating element for heating and maintaining the formed patient dentition impression at a temperature greater than about 105 degrees F. The heated dental trays may be used to accelerate the activity of dental bleaching agents (e.g., peroxides), desensitizing agents (e.g., potassium nitrate), remineralizing agents (e.g., fluoride salts), and the like.

Abstract: An inflatable dental tray for creating a dental impression. The tray is inflated for retention of an impression material which solidifies after a dental structure has been impressed therein. The inflatable tray can be configured for various inflation methods and in various shapes to form full or partial impressions. In one aspect of the invention the tray is inflated with impression material that flows from apertures forming a buildup. Various additional inventive aspects include an exterior filled inflated tray, along with tubes which provide for proper mixing of impression material.

Abstract: A block member is selectively positioned on a dental impression tray with an outer engagement surface of the block member in engagement with the tray portion defining a lingual recess to block entry of plaster or other casting material into the lingual recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a series of single use print holders for obtaining prints of the maxillary arch and of the mandibular arch in edentulous patients; on the periphery the print holders (1;16) comprise a channel (4;17) which surrounds the gingival crest maintaining a certain gap between the surface of the print holder (1;16) and the surface of the gum for the material for obtaining the prints; to favor stability, the print holder is provided with gingival supports (11,12;25,32) and for better positioning it comprises a frond handle (14;32) and projections (33); by selecting a suitably sized print holder (1;16) among the ones in the series, the final print to realize the total prosthesis can be obtained directly without making the preliminary primary print.

Abstract: Apparatus, kits and methods for providing accelerated treatment of a patient's teeth. The apparatus, kits and methods involve the use of a dental impression tray that includes a patient dentition impression formed from a dental impression material such as an alginate. The impression tray advantageously includes heating means for heating and maintaining the formed patient dentition impression at a temperature greater than about 105° F. The heated dental trays may be used to accelerate the activity of dental bleaching agents (e.g., peroxides), desensitizing agents (e.g., potassium nitrate), remineralizing agents (e.g., fluoride salts), and the like.

Abstract: A disposable dental impression tray for making impressions of edentulous dental arches with impressionable material is made of plastic or some other inexpensive material and includes a thin contoured plate having a contour approximating a section of an oral cavity of a mouth of which an impression is to be made. The plate has a impression side for holding impressionable material and an opposite backside. A reinforced edge runs around at least a portion or border of the plate and cross-bracing extends along the backside. A handle located at a front of the plate extends generally normal to and away from the backside of the plate and has a flat surface on a front and/or a back of the handle. Holes extend through the plate between the impression side and the backside and are located along the plate between cross-ribs of the bracing. The holes are flared outwardly from the impression side to the backside.

Abstract: A dental impression tray comprises a mold shell made of synthetic material and having an inner space for receiving the impression material, and a support shell made of metal and surrounding the exterior of the mold shell in order to provide the overall impression tray with the rigidity and dimensional stability required for taking precisely fitting impressions. The support shell may be detachably connected to the mold shell by positive or non-positive engagement. While the mold shell including the impression material is passed on to the technician who will produce a model of the teeth from which the impression was taken and who may subsequently dispose of the mold shell including the impression material, the support shell will remain with the dentist, immediately ready for reuse upon sterilization.

Abstract: A tooth bleaching tray (20) broadly includes a U-shaped trough-like member (21) having a central arcuate portion (22) and having an extension portion (23, 24) continuing from either end thereof and terminating in a distal end (25, 26). The tray has an outer wall (28) adapted to face toward the outer surface of a person's teeth, an inner wall (29) adapted to face toward the inner surface of such person's teeth, and a bottom surface (30) joining the lower margins of the inner and outer walls. A thin flexible wall (31, 32) is located at each extension portion distal end (25, 26) and joins the margins of the inner and outer walls and the bottom surface. This flexible portion is adapted to conform to the shape of such person's rearwardmost molar without deformation of the trough-like member, and functions as a dam to prevent bleaching composition from flowing out of the trough-like member through the distal ends.

Abstract: A tray for taking a dental impression from a jaw having mobile and immobile gum tissues separated at an action line. The tray is formed of a body formed with a U-shaped outer wall having an edge formed as a thickened bead, a U-shaped inner wall spaced inwardly from the outer wall and defining therewith a U-shaped cavity adapted to fit over the jaw with the edge projecting past the action line, a plurality of throughgoing slots on the outer wall immediately adjacent the outer-wall edge and extending generally parallel to the outer-wall edge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dental mold tray for producing tooth casts by means of a hardenable mold mass, with a molding shell (10) adapted to the shape of the human upper or lower jaw, for the reception of the mold mass, so that the molding shell (10) can be separated into at least two parts for the non-destructive reception of the hardened mold mass bearing the tooth impression. The mold tray includes a saliva drainage device (64), which extends along the inside edge area turned toward the tongue and/or along the outside edge turned toward the cheek or lip and is removably connected with the outer and/or inner side wall (22, 16). For improved adaptation, an elastic and/or moldable insulation and balancing element (48) is provided, which during the casting process produces a fluid contact between the molding shell (10) and the membrane or gum.

Abstract: A dental impression tray having a continuous peripheral wall, including an anterior section which conforms generally to the anatomy of a person's maxillary dentition, and a posterior section having a height which is substantially less than that of the anterior wall section, and a floor adjoining the continuous peripheral wall, the floor having a substantially flat portion of arched plan shape, and an elevated portion which conforms generally to the anatomy of the person's hard palate.

Abstract: Improved dental stock trays capable of taking a precise impression without an individual tray are disclosed. The improved trays are made by newly adding several features to conventional stock trays. For a dentulous maxilla, the improved maxillary tray comprises the added features: a small through hole at the front and central position in a side wall, a projecting plate at the convex and central position in a base, projections at the rear edge positions in the base, and protuberances at the rear end positions in an outer surface of the side wall. The hole, plate, projections and protuberances are in the neighborhoods facing an incisive papilla (or a median frenum), a median palatine raphe (or a palatine foveola), a hamular notch and a maxillary tuberosity, respectively, when the tray is inserted in a mouth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming dental impressions to record the bite registration of a patient's teeth. In accordance with the present invention, an impression is taken of a predetermined set of teeth on each side of the patient's mouth in the buccal region thereof to record the bite registration of the upper and lower teeth. The impression is preferably formed by a buccal impression apparatus which includes a rigid frame member having first and second arms and a central section interconnected therebetween, with the frame member defining an open area. A mesh material is connected between the first and second arms and the central section within the open area. The mesh material permits a moldable material to adhere to the frame member during the formation of the impression, with the frame member supporting the moldable material and providing a means to support the impression upon a scanning apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high viscosity sustained release dental compositions, such as tooth bleaching or fluoride compositions, for treating tooth surfaces. For maximum results, an improved dental tray having reservoirs for holding the dental composition adjacent the desired tooth surfaces is preferably used in combination with the sustained release dental composition. The sustained release dental compositions include a high carboxypolymethylene concentration which results in very high viscosity. The high level of carboxypolymethylene makes dilution of the dental compositions from saliva difficult and time consuming so that the compositions stay within the tray reservoirs, thereby providing sustained release. The concentrated carboxypolymethylene adds a unique tackiness to the dental composition which helps retain and seal the soft tray material against the patient's teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating and fitting dentures that employs a Biteblock/Impression Tray and a Preset Teeth Carrying Tray. The Biteblock/Impression Tray is produced for both upper and lower dental arches with a wax biteblock attached to each, and shaped with flanges and a palate on the upper tray to accommodate the taking of impressions. The Preset Teeth Carrying Tray is produced for both upper and lower dental arches with the denture teeth mounted in their anatomical position to a plastic tray using wax that is festooned around the teeth and simulates the gum tissue. Each denture tooth is produced with a retention groove below the gum line and has the glaze removed from the roots prior to being mounted in the wax on the Preset Teeth Carrying Tray. Since the teeth are in their correct anatomical position with wax simulating the gum tissue, the teeth can be easily transferred as a unit to a stone model of the patient's dental arch for denture fabrication.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for accurately producing an accurate impression of a patient's teeth. The apparatus includes an improved impression tray assembly that more accurately models the teeth. The impression tray includes a segment of curable material having a top edge, a bottom edge, a face surface and a rear surface, wherein the face surface and the rear surface extend between the top edge and the bottom edge. The impression tray also includes a base plate having a peripheral edge and a groove disposed in the base plate proximate a section of the peripheral edge. The groove is adapted to receive the bottom edge of segment of curable material, thereby supporting the segment of curable material as a vertical wall. The combination of the base plate and the vertical wall of curable material produces an impression tray. The impression tray is filled with impression material and placed in the mouth.

Abstract: A dental impression tray includes venting in the palatal area of the tray that permits excess impression material to be expelled downward and forward as the impression material and tray are forced upward against the patient's teeth when the impression is taken. At least one vent is located along the apex of the palatal shelf portion of the tray. A pressure plate is also employed which lies substantially in the plane of the base of the tray near the back of the tray. The pressure plate provides a reduced pressure against the impression material and also provides a convenient place in the center of the dental tray for the clinician to apply upward finger pressure to control the positioning and pressure of the tray against the patient's teeth as it is applied.