Abstract: The light transmissive dental matrix band is a dental matrix band for use in combination with a photoreactive dental filling material. The light transmissive dental matrix band includes a plate having opposed upper and lower ends, with a vertical slot formed through the plate and extending from the upper end towards the lower end, with at least one horizontal slot formed through a central portion of the plate and in open communication with the vertical slot. A layer of optically transmissive material coats the upper end of the plate, and a volume of the optically transmissive material fills the vertical slot and the at least one horizontal slot. The volume of the optically transmissive material is in optical communication with the layer of optically transmissive material coated on the plate's upper end. A tab, for grasping by the dentist, may be secured to the upper end of the plate.

Abstract: A custom tool for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient includes a first mold body providing for a customized fit with at least one tooth of the patient. The first mold body includes a portion corresponding with at least a first surface of the tooth and an interproximal portion corresponding with an interproximal surface of the tooth, the interproximal portion being of unitary construction. The first mold body is configured to combine with the tooth of the patient to form a mold cavity encompassing a first portion of missing tooth structure of the tooth.

Abstract: A sulcular guard can be placed into the gingival sulculus surrounding a tooth to collect excess cement resulting from a replacement crown cementation procedure. The semi-rigid sulcular guard can have a generally “U” shaped cross-section with a central recess configured for collecting and containing the cement. Prior to cementing a crown on a prepared tooth, the guard may be inserted into the gingival sulculus surrounding the tooth. When the crown is pressed onto the tooth, excess cement, which is forced out from the bottom of the crown, can be collected and contained within the recess. Upon completion of the cementation, the guard, and all cement contained therein, may be removed leaving the gingival sulculus free of cement.

Abstract: A method of implementing a splint device, and associated splint device are provided for a guidance system of a surgical robot. An adhesive material is engaged with a first stabilizing portion of a first splint portion, and the adhesive material is engaged with a second stabilizing portion of a second splint portion. The first or second splint portion has a mounting portion extending outwardly therefrom, The first and second splint portions are removably engaged with each other and about a tooth of a patient such that, when engaged, the first stabilizing portion is generally opposed to and laterally spaced apart from the second stabilizing portion to define a channel therebetween, with the mounting portion being disposed and extending outwardly of the channel, and with the first and second stabilizing portions defining the channel being secured to respective sides of the tooth via the adhesive material.

Abstract: Provided is an impression tray with which three-dimensional data is easily obtained, including an upper jaw impression tray and lower jaw impression tray, wherein the upper jaw impression tray includes an upper jaw impression tray main body 11 including a surface where the impression material is to be placed; the lower jaw impression tray includes a lower jaw impression tray main body including a surface where the impression material is to be placed; a handle is attachably and detachably provided on at least either one of the upper jaw impression tray main body and lower jaw impression tray main body; and the handle, having a posture of attachment, projects from at least any one of a labial side, the upper jaw impression tray excepting the surface where the impression material is to be placed, and lower jaw impression tray excepting the surface where the impression material is to be placed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for retaining a matrix band about at least a portion of a periphery of a tooth to be treated, the device comprising: a first lug to fit on one side of a proximal contact between two teeth; a second lug to fit on the other side of said proximal contact, and a resilient body member connecting between the first lug and said second lug. The body member applies a restorative or clamping force biasing the lugs together against opposed sides of the proximal contact and holds the lugs such that they must be separated to fit over the proximal contact. The first and second lugs are pivotally coupled to the resilient body member to allow the resilient body member to rotate relative to the lugs while providing the clamping force biasing the lugs together.

Abstract: A device that is useful in forming an occupation for an edentulous space, and a method of forming the device. The device is formed by filling a tube with an ultraviolet (UV) light curable composite, and subsequently curing the light curable composite in situ. The tube is transparent, or substantially transparent, to ultraviolet (UV) light. The tube may be open at each end thereof.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method of creating an impression of structures of the human oral cavity comprises: preparing impression trays; creating a first, or base, impression; grinding out portions of the base impression; and using the void(s) in the ground out base impression to take a second, or wash, impression. The base impression is taken with an excess of a high-density impression material which is positioned to extend beyond the structures of interest (of which the impression is being taken). The base impression is removed and all fine structure surrounding the structure(s) of interest is ground out. A wash impression is then taken using a low-density impression material. The base impression creates a seal around the structure(s) of interest (a closed system), thereby producing omnidirectional hydraulic pressure on the low-density material. Such omnidirectional hydraulic pressure produces a highly detailed final impression from which a high-quality model (e.g., cast) can be made.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impression device and a method for three-dimensional acquisition of intraoral structures as well as a corresponding scanning device. The impression device of the invention comprises an impression sleeve, which has an open and a closed end, and at least one marker which is three-dimensional and disposed on the outside of the impression sleeve.

Abstract: A tabbed carrier for a dental restoration composite and a pre-packaged unit of composite for performing an aesthetic restoration. The unit is mounted on a polymeric film carrier material and is covered and sealed with the same or otherwise suitable covering film. The carrier film may be an elongated strip containing serially placed units of composite, each readily separable from the strip for individual usage. This packaging is in light restrictive outer packaging since the preferred unit of composite is of a light-cured material such as bis-GMA. In preferred packaging, the unit dose is singular and applicable to the tooth surface with the film carrier which is adapted with tabs to facilitate handling and the draping or damming of the subject tooth from adjacent teeth to facilitate application of the composite. The tabbed carrier enables the composite to be worked, i.e., shaped or formed on the tooth with the film intermediate the composite and the customary forming tools.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic dental crown comprising making a model base out of a base formed on a tooth root in an oral cavity; capping only a top portion of the model base with a mold material for forming a dental crown occlusal portion which is made of plastic film and which has a shallow royal crown configuration; coating that area of an outer peripheral surface of the model base, which is not capped with the mold material for forming the dental crown occlusal portion, with wax to form a composite mold material for forming the dental crown integral with the mold material for forming the dental crown occlusal portion; and substitution molding the composite mold material for forming the dental crown with a metal material. A mold material for forming a dental crown occlusal portion used for manufacturing a metallic dental crown is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel osteopontin containing implant which increases the rate of osseointegration and the percentage of bone apposition is described. The implant of the invention includes a material suitable for use in vivo within a subject in combination with a releasable form of osteopontin forming an osteopontin containing implant.

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: A dental separator and matrix stabilizing device (40) for applying pressure against adjacent teeth (68, 70) to temporarily force the teeth apart from one another for dental and orthodontic procedures. The device (40) includes a spring yoke (42), opposing tines (46), and engagement structures (44). The opposing tines (46) are adapted for wedging between interdental surfaces of the adjacent teeth (68, 70). The engagement structures (44) are adapted for receiving a spreading instrument (58). The opposing tines (46) engage the profile of a tooth along a zone of contact. The device is adapted be used in combination with a plurality of like devices (40, 40′).

Abstract: There is provided an instrument which carries a tool (52) that is transparent to light used to harden or cure a composite material. A matrix band (30) is placed around a molar or premolar and the composite material is placed on the tooth inwardly of the matrix band. The tool has a shaping surface (53) that has a shape and size corresponding to the mesio-occlusal shape or disto-occlusal shape of a corresponding molar or premolar of average shape and size. The tool (52) is pressed hard against the mesio or distal part of the matrix band (30) and against a neighboring tool whilst the tool (52) is, at the same time, pressed down in the composite material preferably so as to achieve contact with at least one of the cusps of the occlusal surface. The composite is light-hardened whilst the tool (52) is held in place.

Abstract: A single tooth handheld dental impression duplicating device and a method of using the device are disclosed. The device is designed to reproduce the occlusal surface anatomy of a particular tooth by making an impression, and after the setting of such material and having obtained the print of the tooth, use the device as a finishing mold for the restorative material. The device comprises a main body (1) with a holder or handle (8) attached to it. Within the main body there is a well defined cavity (3) proximal to the tooth, where the impression material (4) is located. Once the impression material has been softened, it is placed against the occlusal surface of a single tooth and `deformed` against the tooth surface when finger pressure is applied, thereby creating an impression of the tooth surface configuration. A second cavity (2) opposite to the previously mentioned proximal cavity (3), allows the placement of a fibre optic cable for the emission of light when curing materials are used.

Abstract: A universal occlusal matrix for application to the occlusal surface of a tooth having a central groove forming a V-shape in cross-section, the universal occlusal matrix being transparent to ultraviolet rays and to rays of the visible spectrum to permit rapid hardening by polymerization of the filling material and of a material which does not adhere to that of the said filing. The universal occlusal matrix has an elastic lamina having a central groove forming a V-shape in cross-section with first and second curved concave wings extending outward from the central groove. The elastic lamina extends away from the central groove sufficiently far to cover the occlusal surface of the various teeth to which it may be applied. The angle of the V-shape of the groove of the lamina is greater than the angle of the V-shape of the groove of the various teeth to which it may be applied.

Abstract: A new Dental Impression Tray for making a dental impression of a lingual surface or a buccal surface of a tooth. The inventive device includes a tray portion and a handle portion extending from the tray portion, wherein the tray portion is perpendicularly removable from the lingual surface or the buccal surface of the tooth. The tray portion is adapted to retain a dental impression compound for use in making the dental impression. The tray portion comprises a first wall, and a second wall joined perpendicular to the first wall whereby the first wall and the second wall form a trough at an intersection thereof for retaining the dental impression compound.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions are used for the fabrication of provisional (i.e., temporary) prosthetic devices, especially for the fabrication of crowns and bridges, and as liners for crowns. Preferably, the thermoplastic compositions comprise free-radically polymerizable functionality so that the material can be polymerized after being shaped to a desired configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a tubular dental mold form with at least one scalloped end and a method, utilizing the form, for forming a universal crown in situ on a tooth stump. In a preferred form, scalloped edges, of different depths, are formed at both ends and are circumferentially offset on one end with respect to the other end.

Abstract: A crown and/or a replacement tooth and a method of in situ production thereof by grinding and shaping a tooth to form a prepared tooth; filling a transparent shell tooth form with a light setting resin; disposing the filled shell tooth form onto the prepared tooth; illuminating the filled transparent shell tooth form to set the light setting resin and bond the resin to the shell tooth form; and shaping and polishing the set resin in situ to form a crown. A set of shell tooth forms is provided which are formed from a light setting resin chemically compatible with the resin used to fill the form in order that bonding occurs therebetween. This feature enables the products of a replacement tooth formed in situ without the necessity of shell tooth form removal as heretofore required.

Abstract: A dental device includes an angular matrix (1), with a shape reproducing the shape of the zone of a tooth (3) on which an operation is performed. The matrix (1) is made of synthetic material transparent to light radiations used for photopolymerization of composite resins. Forceps (2), also similarly transparent, have ends (2',2") which, with the forceps (2) locked, form with their inside surfaces (2"',2.sup.IV) a shape also substantially equal to that of the tooth (3). The matrices can be right or left and modeled for large incisors, small incisors or canine teeth. During the operation, the matrix (1) is kept in position simply by the lateral thrust exerted by the forceps (2) on a flap (1") extended along the contour of the matrix (1) and located substantially perpendicular to the matrix (1) itself.

Abstract: A crown and/or a replacement tooth and a method of in situ production thereof by grinding and shaping a tooth to form a prepared tooth; filling a transparent shell tooth form with a light setting resin; disposing the filled shell tooth form onto the prepared tooth; illuminating the filled transparent shell tooth form to set the light setting resin and bond the resin to the shell tooth form; and shaping and polishing the set resin in situ to form a crown. A set of shell tooth forms is provided which are formed from a light setting resin chemically compatible with the resin used to fill the form in order that bonding occurs therebetween. This feature enables the products of a replacement tooth formed in situ without the necessity of shell tooth form removal as heretofore required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a dental impression using an improved band technique. The method comprises placing an actinic light transparent band containing light polymerizable impression material over a tooth or a tooth preparation, and polymerizing the impression material and contacting the band with the polymerized impression material with tray impression material and incorporating the band into the overall impression.

Abstract: A dental tool for facilitating gingival retraction.A shank coupled to a handle terminates in a working end member having a curved edge shaped to generally conform to the curvature of the root surface of a tooth at the gingival level and also to the contour of the marginal gingiva. The exact shape of the curved edge varies with the type of tooth for which the tool is designed.The tool can also be used for shielding the gingiva from a cutting tool working close to the gingiva, and as an aid in installing a rubber dental dam.

Abstract: The matrix consisting of a thin flexible strip of plastic comprises a loop 1 to be placed around the tooth to give the desired shape to the filling material. It is permanently connected to an annular tightener (2) made of material permanently deformable by pressure with the fingers and dentist's forceps, for example, of annealed aluminum sheet. It exhibits, in the front, a slit (3) through which pass the two terminal extensions (1',1") of flexible strip (1) and, in the back, tabs (2',2") between which are permanently fastened the ends of said terminal extensions (1, 1") of said strip, so that by compressing said annular tightener (arrows 4, 5) it determines the slipping of slit (3) like a slider on the extensions (1', 11") of the strip, the narrowing of loop (1) and the perfect adherence of the loop of the strip to the tooth.

Abstract: Ring for the construction of temporary or permanent dental crowns.The ring is constituted by two molded half-shells (1, 2) which carry coupling elements (3, 4; 5, 6) rigidly fastened together in pairs by bonding, welding or any other method of rigid attachment which is capable of ensuring cohesion of the assembly in such a manner as to constitute in combination a shuttering mold for the filling product which is intended to restore the tooth.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a composite matrix for use in the composite restoration of a posterior tooth whose proximal surface has been partially removed due to decay. The composite matrix of the present invention is intended for permanent installation on the tooth during the restoration process.

Abstract: A dental core form including a sleeve-like member to fit on a portion of a tooth on which a core for a crown is to be formed. The form is corrugated longitudinally and made of synthetic plastic material. Stippling or roughening of the lower part on the outside of the form will assist to secure the form by adhesive in the mouth during formation of the core.

Abstract: A strip of stiff paper is wrapped around the edge of a dental cast mounting plate of a dental articulator toserve as a dam for confining moist plaster used for mounting a dental cast to the plate. After the plaster has hardened, the strip may be readily removed, leaving a clean, easily observable edge between the plaster and the plate, which is very helpful in the use of interchangeable plates with dental casts as well as use with the dental "split-cast" mounting plate technique.

Abstract: A retainerless dental matrix band which is preformed or contoured and which can be readily retained in place without a retaining tool. The matrix band comprises a curvilinear base portion having a connected upwardly and outwardly curved portion adapted to complement the shape of a tool and arranged to be disposed within the interproximal space between adjacent teeth, and fixedly retained in place by wedges and/or by bonded cotton pellets. The matrix is constructed for use with self cured or light cured composite resin dental material, and may be made of a light permeable material when used with light-cured composite materials.

Abstract: A tooth replacement is formed by reconstructing a defective tooth in place in the mouth; extracting the reconstructed tooth; forming a die to shape an artificial tooth using the extracted tooth as a model; making a mold from the die; filling the mold with a pharmaceutically-acceptable resin; curing or hardening the resin; extracting the thus-formed tooth from the mold; and inserting the artificial tooth thus formed into the place formerly occupied by the extracted tooth to permit the jaw to grow around and seat the root of the artificial tooth.

Abstract: A hollow transparent mold is provided for the custom formation of a dental shade guide. The mold is provided with an opening into which the dentist inserts raw filling material selected from the material he intends using on the patient. The mold is provided with a handle and after hardening of the raw material forms a dental shade guide.

Abstract: The mold in question includes a cap (1) of transparent material strengthened by a single or multiple reinforcement (2, 2', 3) of wire or metal strip incorporated in the plastic of the cap. The cap (1) or reinforcement ends above in a stem (1') which makes it possible to grasp the mold and hold it in place for the entire time of polymerization of the filling mastic performed by ultraviolet or visible light rays. This mold is particularly suited for giving the exact shape of the filling of front teeth, both on the right and left side.

Abstract: Method and means for obtaining a dental impression of a reduced tooth for jacket crown, bridgework and like constructions, comprising the use of an impression tube which is substantially inflexible at least longitudinally and which is attached to a syringe for supply of impression material when placed about a tooth and which has a distal end provided with a contour corresponding to the gingival margin at said tooth by the scribing on said tube of a line substantially parallel to the gingival margin, and subsequently removing the end portion of the tube beyond said line.

Abstract: The cervical matrix in question is universal as each exemplar is suitable to be applied to a considerable number of teeth of different shape, therefore few ranges of matrices of different curvature (for incisor, canine and molar teeth of adults and children) suffice to cope with all the requirements. The matrix has a lamina (1) transparent to ultraviolet and luminous rays curved with a radius of curvature (r) less than that of the teeth to which it is applied. To the lamina is fixed a stem (2) which permits of grasping it with the forceps and pressing it against the tooth subjecting for a few seconds the whole to ultraviolet or visible irradiations to effect the beginning of the process of polymerization of the filling material after which the matrix is detached and the polymerization continued.

Abstract: A ring-like adjustment member having a plurality of adjustable elements is mounted in a tooth-encircling relationship with a prepared tooth having a finish line. Each element is adjustably movable so that its leading edges may be moved toward an attachment line defined by the neck of the tooth and its immediately adjacent gingival tissue below the visible gum line. The leading edges, after adjustment, define an impression line whose contour resembles the contour of the finish and/or attachment lines. Accurate custom-made impressions of the prepared tooth may be obtained. The adjustment member may also be mounted on the prepared tooth to assist in the formation of a temporary crown, and may further be mounted as a readily removable matrix on a tooth requiring filling.

Abstract: For the production of a core for a root-filled prepared tooth the root canal (11) of the prepared tooth (10) is filled with an impression material (27) which is injected at the bottom of the root canal to successively fill the root canal from the bottom thereof and outwardly under expulsion of air therefrom. The injection is carried out with the aid of an injection needle (23) with an injection syringe cylinder (24) with piston (25) attached thereto, the cylinder being filled with said impression material and the injection needle serving as reinforcing element for the impression material, permitting extraction of the cast from the root canal after the impression material has set.

Abstract: A device for making filling in posterior teeth has an elastic band member with two first portions and two second portions, and a wedge-shaped member insertable into the interior of the band member between the latter and a tooth so as to tighten the band member which is thereby retained on and abuts against a lateral surface of the tooth. The wedge-shaped member may be connected and formed of one piece with the band member. The band member may have a profiled lateral portion which is bendable and can abuts against the occlusal surface of the filling so as to compress and condense the filling material and to provide a required shape of the occlusal surface.

Abstract: An instrument for the clinical application of fillings for dental cavities comprises a matrix retainer and a proximal central matrix provided with a detachable element for ensuring that the tooth considered is in contact with the adjacent tooth after filling of the cavity. The detachable contact element is provided with an anchoring member and inserted in a cutout formed in the matrix. After setting of the filling material within the dental cavity, the detachable element remains incorporated in the material by means of the anchoring member.

Abstract: Dental impressions are formed without retraction of the gingival tissue by injecting impression material from a syringe having a flexible tubular member positioned over the prepared tooth. The tubular member has a diameter corresponding to the size of the tooth and a tip contoured to the approximate shape of the gingival margin. The tubular member is initially positioned with the contoured tip extending into the gingival sulcus. As the impression material is injected around the tooth the tubular member is slowly withdrawn so that the tooth is fully covered with impression material extending completely into the gingival crevice. A full arch impression tray is then positioned within the mouth of the patient and the impression material allowed to harden.

Abstract: A dental device and method useful in the restoration of a tooth having extensive clinical crown loss, characterized by a multisize core form blank which may be easily and quickly sized to fit any one of a plurality of tooth sizes. The blank is in the shape of a hollow generally conical body having a converging continuous side wall defining an interior cavity for receipt of a hardenable material and is severable substantially along any one of a plurality of planes normal to the axis of the blank to produce a core form for any particular tooth size.

Abstract: A dental clamp for maintaining steady pressure on a matrix strip of non-corrosive, flexible metal used to insert a Class III and/or a Class IV restoration to a tooth.