Abstract: Improved separator film compositions, methods and systems for use in producing thermoformed dental appliances are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a preliminary guide including an impression resin and a guide tray. The guide tray includes an impression resin accommodation part, a jig fastening part, a protective cover part, and a grip part.

Abstract: A dental restoration apparatus that eliminates time-consuming, labor-intensive steps conventionally needed to fabricate molds, and thereby facilitates dental restorations in a shorter time, while reducing the discomfort and embarrassment sometimes associated with provisional restorations, which includes an additive manufacturing apparatus (e.g., a 3-D printer) having a tool head (e.g., a print head) and a fixture for controlling the position of the tool head relative to the teeth of a patient, allowing fabrication of a planned dental structure directly on an existing dental structure.

Abstract: An apparatus including a bite frame and a bite shaped member is provided. The bite frame includes one or more arcuate frame elements defining an opening for accommodating a mesh element or the bite shaped member that receives a bite registration material for registering a bite impression. The bite shaped member has a geometrical body structure, upper and lower channels of configurable shapes, and upper and lower windows. The upper and lower windows are separated by a space for receiving and allowing flow of the bite registration material to register a vertical distance between the upper and lower jaws. An image processing system operably connected to the apparatus determines the three-dimensional relation between the upper and lower jaws with reference to temporomandibular joints using panoramic images of the upper and lower jaws, reference points provided by radio-opaque markers, three-dimensional scanned images of the bite impression, and three-dimensional head surface images.

Abstract: The invention provides a plastic impression tray for a local area having an outer wall provided in an outer side of a curve of a bottom portion, and an inner wall provided in an inner side of the curve of the bottom portion. A rim having a particular height is provided in the bottom portion side along each of upper ends of the outer wall and the inner wall, elongated through holes each reaching the bottom portion from a portion just below the rim are formed approximately at uniform distances in the outer wall and the inner wall, circular through holes each having a particular diameter are formed at particular positions in the bottom portion, and elongated end portion side through holes each having a particular width and a particular length are provided vertically to an axial direction of the bottom portion, in both ends of the bottom portion.

Abstract: A pre-printed semifinished product (130) to make an individual impression tray for obtaining an impression of a dental arch. The pre-printed semifinished product is substantially U-shaped and has a recess (101) on one side arranged to receive an impression material (80) in a thermoformable material and a protrusion (102) on the opposite side. The pre-printed semifinished product has at least one externally protruding wing (36) arranged to be used by a dentist (60) as manoeuvring grip for removing the impression tray with the impression material hardened inside. On the pre-printed semifinished product (130) a retention element (135) is arranged having a grip portion for the impression material. The grip portion remains visible in the pre-printed semifinished product (130) and is arranged to retain the impression material (80) during the removal of the impression tray from the dental arch of the patient.

Abstract: A dental device is provided for guiding a drill bit. The dental device comprises a platform adapted to be mounted on a person's jaw. At least one drill guide is coupled to the platform and adapted for translational and rotational adjustment with respect to the platform. In one embodiment, the platform comprises a single bite registration receiver. In another embodiment, the platform comprises a triangular frame, including a cross-arch receiver provided for stability. A third embodiment provides a platform for guiding four drill bits. In each embodiment, a multi-axis positioning assembly enables setting and adjustment of the entry point and angular orientation of each drill guide and provides a surgeon with ample room to view the procedure as it is performed.

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.

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

Abstract: This disclosure relates to oral devices, and more particularly, to oral devices having natural gum materials therein. The oral devices are operable to dispense substances in an oral cavity while carrying out conventional functionalities. The oral device may include a mold having a shape of a conventional oral device. The mold has at least one component, comprising a natural gum based material, which operates within an oral cavity.

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.

Abstract: Compositions containing (A) at least one silane-terminated polyether derivative with a content of polyether groups from 10 to 98% and a content of 1 to 25% terminal groups with the structure —NR1—X—Si(OR2)mR3(3-m)??(I) in which m denotes 1, 2 or 3 R1, R2, R3 independently of each other denote H or a saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched, cyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon group with 0 to 10 heteroatoms from the group O, N, S and a total of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, X denotes a group with the empirical formula CnH2n, n denotes a whole number ?3, with the stipulation that n>3, if R1 stands for H, (B1) water and (B2) at least one organic or inorganic acid, as well as optional diluents and/or fillers and/or ordinary additives, are suitable for preparation of molding compounds, especially in the dental field.

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).

Abstract: An improved gypsum tray is provided, which includes a body. The body has an indented accommodation basin, and gypsum is poured into the accommodation basin to form a tooth mold. The present invention can join a fixing base to a bottom of the body, and the improved gypsum tray is installed on the fixing base of the gypsum tray through the fixing base. Also, after the gypsum forms the tooth mold in the accommodation basin, the fixing base can be joined to a bottom face of the tooth mold. When the tooth mold is installed on the fixing base of the gypsum tray through the fixing base, an angle may be adjusted optionally, thereby solving the problem that an angle cannot be adjusted during a conventional rectifying operation of a tooth mold.

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

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: A dental tray and a method for fabricating the same are presented. The dental tray includes a thermoplastic material and a fabric bonded to the thermoplastic material. The method for fabricating a dental tray includes preparing a thermoplastic material and a fabric, and bonding the thermoplastic material to the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for whitening teeth which allow the user to undergo dental bleaching with the mouth closed and without protruding instruments, trays or electrical wires and the like. The apparatus includes a support structure and a dental whitening composition in contact with the support structure. A light source is included in the apparatus, disposed on or in the support structure so that light emitted from the source contacts on the dental whitening composition. The apparatus has a volume ranging between 0.5-450 cm3 permitting the apparatus to fit entirely within the mouth of a user during treatment.

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.

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.

Abstract: Dental guards, particularly night guards, used by patients to protect their teeth against the effects of grinding and bruxism are provided. Methods and kits for making such dental guards are also included. A light-curable polymerizable arch material is used to fabricate the dental guard. Preferably, the material contains polymerizable acrylic compounds, color-changing cure indicator, and particulate filler. The material is molded to conform to the shape of a dental arch of a patient and light-cured to form the dental guard.

Abstract: A tray device for use in treating a patient's teeth using a pattern formed from dental wax having a length and height sufficient to cover the patient's teeth. The pattern is packaged in a packaging platform for forming a tray shaped device by pressing the pattern on the platform to thereby form a tray sized to cover the selected teeth on the teeth. The package holding the platform may also have a hollow region sized and positioned to cover the pattern on the platform. The dental wax is sufficiently deformable at room temperature to permit a patient to conform the tray to the teeth.

Abstract: A method to create a digital model of a patient's teeth includes taking an impression of the patient's teeth using a radiopaque dental tray; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a dental tray containing a radiopaque agent; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a radiographic source; and generating the digital model with scanned data.

Abstract: To provide a dental alginate impression material composition capable of solving a problem that the permeation rate of water with respect to the whole powder of an alginate impression material is slow at the time of use so that a kneading time is long and a sufficient operational time cannot be secured, and a problem that a kneaded material drops into a throat due to aging of the material at the time of taking an impression, the dental alginate impression material composition comprises 0.001 to 1% by weight of one or more kinds selected from oils mainly consisting of a fatty acid and an ester of alcohol, waxes mainly consisting of a fatty acid and an ester of glycerin, and a fatty acid ester; 0.01 to 10% by weight of a surfactant; and 0.01 to 10% by weight of one or more kinds of specific polysaccharides.

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

Abstract: 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 delivery system for supplying a single dose quantity of dental impression material. The system includes a dispenser having first and second chambers sized to contain first and second components of the single dose of dental impression material. The chambers are sealed by a closure that is movable from a sealed position to permit dispensing of the components through a mixing tip. The resulting dental impression material may be applied directly to a patient's dental anatomy and/or to a dental 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: A delivery system for supplying a single dose quantity of dental impression material. The system includes a dispenser having first and second chambers sized to contain first and second components of the single dose of dental impression material. The chambers are sealed by a closure that is movable from a sealed position to permit dispensing of the components through a mixing tip. The resulting dental impression material may be applied directly to a patient's dental anatomy and/or to a dental tray.

Abstract: Blocks of material are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of models for dental restorations. The material comprises a partially sintered ceramic material. The blocks are used to manufacture molds using CAD/CAM methods and equipment. The molds are useful in the manufacture of dental restorations using ceramics, metals, alloys, or powders thereof, and composite materials. The models milled from the blanks may be used to manufacture a variety of dental restorations including, but not limited to, crowns, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, orthodontic retainers, dentures, posts, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, splints, partial crowns, teeth, cylinders, pins, and connectors.

Abstract: A dental tray formed from an ethylene vinyl acetate polymer having a forming temperature between 115° F. and 145° F., and preferably between about 125° F. and 135° F. The preferred polymer is formed from a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate in which the percent by weight vinyl acetate is at least 30% by weight and preferably between 33% and 40% by weight, with the remaining amount of the copolymer comprising ethylene. The dental tray can then be used for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, desensitizing teeth, antibacterial treatments and other dental operations.

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: The present invention provides a tough denture and a method for producing the denture, which includes solid PMMA as a main component, being added to polar elastomer selected from a group of polyacrylate rubber copolymer, methylmethacrylate-alkylacrylate-styrene terpolymer, and fluororubber, and is fabricated in a process of being mixed and injected into a denture mold. A PMMA denture of present invention shows improved safety to living organisms and increased productivity of molding because of excellent mechanical properties and remarkable elution volume decrease after polymerization in comparison with ordinary type dentures of heat-polymerized PMMA. Furthermore, it is possible to widely apply the denture clinically because of good adaptability in oral applications with economical advantages.

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: 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: 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 method for bleaching teeth is disclosed. The method includes the formation of a dental bleaching tray in a one step process that includes placing a moldable material adjacent teeth, permitting the moldable material to cure, and removing the cured moldable material which will then serve as a dental bleaching tray. Dental bleach may be placed into the dental bleaching tray and the tray may be placed onto teeth to accomplish bleaching. The entirety of the process may be performed at a patient's home or at a dental office, as desired.

Abstract: An oral appliance (10) includes a bonding layer (22) coupled to a tray (18). A deformable material (20) that includes an aliphatic polyester is coupled to the bonding layer (22). The bonding layer (22) may include a self-curing acrylic material, and the aliphatic polyester may include a polycaprolactone polymer having the formula: where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon. The bonding layer (22) may be chemically bonded to the tray (18), and the deformable material (20) may be chemically bonded to the bonding layer (22).

Abstract: The present invention provides a teeth mark impression recording member, the teeth mark impression recording member may improve a measuring accuracy of an ideal diffusion-type laser light system and has excellent properties in fixing the member into the abutment teeth and includes a fixing part for fixing and sticking the member into abutment teeth, and an impression recording part for recording an impression of the opposing teeth, and at least the impression recording part includes reflection modifier as an additive.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat formable tray having a bite block and a method of forming the tray to a patient and forming a final impression in a single visit to the dental office by the patient. A custom fitting variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray, is provided which includes a bite registration member, and a dental impression tray. The dental impression tray comprises a heat adjustable material having a softening point above 38 ° C. and below 120 ° C. The variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray is used in a method for making an impression of dental tissue, comprising the steps of: a) providing a variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray, b) heating the dental impression tray to softened state, c) adjusting the dimensions of the dental impression tray, d) cooling the heat adjustable material so that it solidifies; and e) enveloping the tissue with the dental impression material, whereby a final dental tissue impression is obtained.

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: A system for customizing a dental device (10, 11) includes an arch (12, 14) operable to receive one or more of a user's teeth (16) and a deformable material (20, 32) that includes an aliphatic polyester. A delivery device (40) contains the deformable material (20, 32) and delivers at least some of the deformable material (20, 32) to a selected region of the arch (12, 14) to customize the dental device (10, 11) for the user. The aliphatic polyester may be a polycaprolactone polymer having the formula: ##STR1## where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A dental impression article made of a dental imprint material is for use with a bite fork having one or more planar members, each planar member having one or more holes. The dental imprint article includes a pad of dental imprint material that may be molded when heated. The pad of dental imprint material is for engaging a surface of planar member of the bite fork and includes a stem of dental imprint material that engages the bite fork. The stem is received through a hole in the bite fork planar member, heat is applied, and the stem is deformed, spreading beyond the hole on another surface of the planar member. When the apparatus is cooled, the dental imprint article is retained on the bite fork for use.

Abstract: A dental device (10, 11) includes an arch (12, 14) adapted to receive one or more of a user's teeth (16). A deformable material (20, 32) is coupled to the arch (12, 14) and includes an aliphatic polyester. The aliphatic polyester may be a polycaprolactone polymer and may have the formula: ##STR1## where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A dental arch bite registration device in the form of a thin disk having a plan shape corresponding to that portion of opposing dental arches whose registration is to be taken. The disk has an outer perimeter frame of polymeric material. Polymeric bite registration material occupies space bounded by the outer perimeter frame, and is joined with and supported by the outer perimeter frame. The device may be made by injection molding the outer perimeter frame, and then injection molding the bite registration material onto the frame. It may also be made extruding bite registration material in a shape corresponding to the plan shape of the bite registration material, applying frame material to the perimeter of the extruded bite registration material, and then slicing a device of desired thickness from the framed bite registration material.

Abstract: A dual dental tray assembly is provided which includes a pliable resilient outer dental tray using a pre-formed thin inner tray of thermoplastic material that nests inside the pliable outer tray. The two are heated to between 145.degree.-160.degree. F. During this time the inner tray is more formable, allowing for the inner tray to be accurately formed over the patient's teeth. The outer tray also prolongs the time during which the inner tray is moldable. The outer tray also operates as a seal with the gums to create a better vacuum created by the patient's sucking. Thus, the inner tray, once formed and cooled, becomes hard and flexible again and provides a thin hard dental tray as accurate as dental trays produced by dentists in their labs on models. The thinner, hard dental tray can then be used for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, and other dental operations, including provisional crowns and other dental work. The outer tray is usable for fluoride gel treatments.

Abstract: A dental impression technique is disclosed which actually includes the presents of air pockets within the dental impression material. The technique describes including small sponges into the tray impression material while mixing base and catalyst. Air pockets are thus created evenly within the impression material. Air pockets may also exist by mixing air into material, small premanufactured spheres, or by chemical reaction.

Abstract: An improved tray system and articulator for use with a replication of a dental patient's teeth taken by a conventional dental impression in the creation of a dental model of the patient's mouth. A first tray and a second tray are provided, each tray having a substantially planar surface upon which a substrate layer of a stone material is applied. An insert is detachably secured to each of the trays and includes an upper keyed portion about which the stone layer bonds. An upper conventional dental impression is secured to the substrate stone layer of the first dental tray and a lower dental impression is secured to the substrate layer of the second dental tray. A reusable articulator includes first and second hinged members which secure to the first and second trays and mount the trays so as to position the teeth replications.

Abstract: A dual dental tray assembly is provided which includes a pliable resilient outer dental tray using a pre-formed thin inner tray of thermoplastic material that nests inside the pliable outer tray. The two are heated to between 145.degree.-160.degree. F. During this time the inner tray is more formable, allowing for the inner tray to be accurately formed over the patient's teeth. The outer tray also prolongs the time during which the inner tray is moldable. The outer tray also operates as a seal with the gums to create a better vacuum created by the patient's sucking. Thus, the inner tray, once formed and cooled, becomes hard and flexible again and provides a thin hard dental tray as accurate as dental trays produced by dentists in their labs on models. The thinner, hard dental tray can then be used for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, and other dental operations, including provisional crowns and other dental work. The outer tray is usable for fluoride gel treatments.