Abstract: The invention relates to an intraoral scanning device for digitally recording the position of a dental implant by means of a scanner. The device is in the form of a scanning body or pillar used to transfer virtually to CAD software the position and orientation of a dental implant or similar element, mainly by mounting the scanning body or pillar directly on the dental implant located in the mouth of the patient in a clinic and scanning the implant with an intraoral scanner. It is also possible to use the intraoral scanning pillar system in a laboratory and with a conventional desktop scanner.

Abstract: An articulator for dental use includes a first base, a second base coupled to the first base, and an occlusion pin configured to couple the first base and the second base in a closed position. The first base includes a first base body including a first groove configured to receive plaster, a first hinge portion configured to extend outwardly from one end of the first base body, and a plurality of pin holes. The second base includes a second base body including a second groove configured to receive the plaster, a second hinge portion configured to extend outwardly from one end of the second base body, and a plurality of guide pin holes. The second hinge portion is configured to couple to the first hinge portion via the occlusion pin in the closed position.

Abstract: Creating a denture by using the patient's mouth as an intra-oral articulator by use of an upper and/or lower dental impression tray for creating the impression of the edentulous mouth, the trays having platforms or support surfaces which magnetically hold a main frame therebetween. The orientation of the main frame is adjustable and lockable with respect to the lower tray all while within the mouth. Once the main frame is located and locked in place, artificial teeth formed with holding wax and a rearwardly extending fork are slid into a slot of the main frame and also locked. The wax holding the artificial teeth is then melted to integrate the teeth with formed respective upper and lower custom trays.

Abstract: A system including a method and associated structures creates efficiencies in the manufacture of prosthetic tooth support frameworks. Pre-manufactured teeth with matching internal keys are used in the setup of a patient prototype. Each key includes a shaft, a cervical platform, a retention knob and preferably at least one channel for the expulsion of excess adhesive fluid. The cervical platforms are shaped to provide intimate contact with a base of their respective tooth. The same tooth/key pairs are then used to make a framework pattern from the setup positioning. The pattern can be cast or scanned for direct machining to produce the finished framework.

Abstract: Dental systems and methods related to impressionless dental modeling. A dental modeling system includes a dental model base and a mounting plate. The dental model base includes a plate support surface and a plurality of pin receiving apertures formed in the support surface. The mounting plate includes a plate portion positioned on the plate support surface and a plurality of pins extending into the pin receiving apertures to provide removable attachment of the mounting plate to the dental model base. The plate portion includes a model support surface configured to support a model of a person's teeth. The model may be formed directly on the model support surface using an impressionless technique. The model may be formed separately using an impressionless technique and then bonded to the model support surface.

Abstract: A device for making artificial teeth for a denture. The device is comprised of a nest comprised of a lower portion formed of a rigid material and having an upper planar surface, and an upper portion contiguous with the upper planar surface of the lower portion, and formed of an elastomeric material and configured to receive a plurality of the artificial teeth and hold the teeth in predetermined positions relative to the upper planar surface. A method for making artificial teeth using the nest and a fixative applied thereto is also disclosed. The method may include milling of the artificial teeth by a CAD-CAM operated mill.

Abstract: Dental prostheses may be manufactured based on electronic models of the prostheses. Manufacturing aids may be used to check manufacturing quality of the dental prosthesis and components thereof. For example, a jig may be used during and after the manufacture of the dental prostheses and systems and methods for using the same. A customized tooth die may be designed and fabricated to fit a dental prosthesis or components thereof in a jig for inspection. A customized jig may be designed and fabricated for inspecting a dental prosthesis or components thereof throughout the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring a location and orientation of each of a plurality of dental implants. The apparatus may include a base, and a plurality of extension members protruding from the base. Each of the plurality of extension members may be movable in relation to the base. Each extension member may include a proximal end connected to the base, a distal end, and a coping connected to the distal end. The coping may be movable in relation to a corresponding extension member. Furthermore, the coping may be adapted to be mechanically locked in a selected location and orientation.

Abstract: A firing tray for a furnace for dental ceramics having a plate for the placement on it of the firing material, wherein the plate is made as a base for the improvement of the application possibilities and the firing tray has additional wall elements which are designed for the placement on them of a further firing tray for the forming of a stack.

Abstract: A dental orthodontic apparatus includes a carrier and fastening elements having rear holding and front parts. The carrier includes an elongated carrier piece having two sections and a carrier holding part. The fastening elements are arranged along the sections such that the front part of each element is adjacent a front side of a section, and the rear holding part of each fastening means is adjacent a rear side of the section. Carrier piece material at the rear side of a section is removable by a fabrication tool. The rear holding part of each fastening element is embedded within and completely surrounded by a first section of the carrier piece, and the rear holding part of each fastening element is embedded within and completely surrounded by a second section of the carrier piece.

Abstract: A finger mounted instrument cleaner (2) of the type having an elongated semi-circumferential protective body (4) to desirably wrap around a finger. The protective body (4) has a volume of absorbent foam or cleaning member (22) thereon and a securing means to engage a finger. The securing means comprises a semi-circumferential finger clasp (12) pivotably conjoined to a first side of said protective body by a flexible juncture or flexion pivot (10) and a clasp securing extension (18) contiguous to an opposing second side of said protective body. The finger clasp (12) and clasp securing extension (18) have a predetermined number of ratchet teeth formed thereon. Desirably pivoting said engaging clasp (12) to communicate with clasp securing extension (18) engages the ratchet teeth to form a variably interlocking circumferential union with said protective body (4).

Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blank arrangement, with a blank (22) that is to be machined, in particular for the production of dental restoration parts. The blank is connected to a holder (16), which is fixedly connected to the blank (12), and to an adapter (22), which releasably bears the holder (16) and the blank (12), the adapter (22) having an effective surface by means of which the blank unit can be mounted in or on the work holding fixture of a machining device.

Abstract: A process of applying at least one dental element to a patient's arch employs a device comprising a support tray shaped to fit to at least a portion of a patient's dental arch. A formed, liquid-soluble material (such as a thin starch layer formed from a starch sheet) is supported by the support tray and holds at least one dental element in a location for allowing an exposed surface of the at least one dental element to be applied to a patient's dental arch. Afterwards, the support tray is removed from the liquid-soluble material and the liquid-soluble is removed by dissolving it in a liquid, such as water.

Abstract: A computer-controlled machining center, particularly a CAD/CAM cutting device for dental technology applications, includes a clamping device with a displaceably supported holding device on which a carrier plate for receiving a molded blank is supported. The carrier plate is formed with at least one passage opening to accommodate the molded blank pivotally about a pivot axis (a) that is substantially parallel to the main plane of the carrier plate. A clamping assembly allows the shaping blank to be mounted in the through opening rotatably about an axis of rotation (b) that extends parallel to the main plane of the carrier plate and encloses a given angle, preferably 90°, with the pivot axis (a) of the carrier plate.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to an individualized dental product ready for application. The dental product can include at least one tooth veneer which is of a ceramic material, is plate-like and has a plate thickness of at least about 0.08 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness is less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.14 mm or less than 0.1 mm. Certain embodiments also relate to a method of improving the aesthetics of a tooth. The method can include placing a dental product onto a tooth surface.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to an assembly of a dental product and a holding system for temporarily holding the dental product. The holding system can include a first and a second part for sandwiching the dental product therein between. The first part can be provided with a shape which is substantially complementary to the shape of one side of the dental product and the second part can be arranged for releasably bonding another side of the dental product against the second part. Certain embodiments also relate to a method of improving the aesthetics of a tooth. The method can include placing a dental product onto a tooth by re-placing the dental product from an assembly directly onto the tooth. A part of the assembly can be used as a tool for placing the dental product onto the tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to holding means for a blank for the production of dental fitted shells, including connection geometry for the blank and a shaft for attachment thereof in a chuck of a processing machine. The holding means has, above the shaft, survey geometry, the orientation of the connection geometry relative to the survey geometry being known.

Abstract: A disposable finger mounted instrument cleaner (2) of the type having a semi-circumferential protective body (4) with a swiping expanse (6) to generously occlude lateral and extensor aspects of a finger and a tapered gripping coil (10) to wrap around the flexor aspects of a finger. Attached to the swiping expanse is an adherent foam body (14) with a number of pressure sensitive grooves (18) and debris traps (16) so that an instrument can be inserted into the pressure grooves to deposit debris in the debris traps. In Addition, the foam body has a pocket (20) for thorough instrument immersion and for holding desired medicaments.

Abstract: Device for holding a model of a dental prosthesis part, such as an abutment, including a first portion in which the mode of the dental prosthesis part can be modeled on and a second portion which allows a definite position identification of the holder, as well as a device for scanning objects, such as a jaw model and/or dental models and/or saw tooth model sections, comprising a holder in which an above-mentioned device with a definite position orientation can be held and scanned. Also provided is a method of generating a digital model of a dental prosthesis part, such as an abutment, including the steps of evaluating the scan data for detecting at least one part of the shape of the dental prosthesis part and evaluation of the scan data to detect at least the position of the holder, a data carrier with instructions to carry out such a method as well as a method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis part.

Abstract: A dental paste holder and kit are disclosed that include a bowl, stem, and base. The holder includes structure dimensioned to fit between fingers during use. A disposable version of the present invention includes an integral bowl, stem, and base, whereas a partially disposable version of the present invention includes an integral stem and base with a removable bowl. A linear sidewall on either the bowl or base prevents rolling of the holder when placed laterally on a substantially flat surface.

Abstract: An instrument to compressively place and bond a restorative covering to the surface of a tooth including a gripping body (4) with a gently tapered mildly angled neck (6) having an applicator holder (8) with an attached compressible applicator with traversing photo cure apertures (12) to permit the passage of a photo curing light.

Abstract: A veneer applicator to compressively place and photo cure a restorative covering to a tooth to include a photo transmissible insert (2) having a compressible applicator (4) with at least one traversing aperture (6) and a photo transmissible insert shaft (14) to dock with an LED device (22). Docking the insert shaft (14) with the LED device (22) permits a photo curing spectrum to traverse the shaft (14) and compressible applicator (4) at least one aperture (6). This allows for direct surface bonding during veneer application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding a model support of an abutment model and also to an insert (1) for holding such a model support, with a first area and a second area, wherein the first area comprises a flat surface (6) with a step (4) at the centre of which there is an area which has an attachment geometry of an implant and onto which the model support of the abutment model can be mounted, wherein the second area comprises means that permit positioning of the insert, and wherein the insert comprises an optically detectable marking (5). The invention additionally relates to a pot (13) for receiving an insert according to the invention, wherein the pot comprises at least one magnet (18) and at least one recess and/or elevation on the bottom surface. The invention also relates to a scanning device, a scanning method, a method for producing an abutment, a method for producing a tooth replacement part, and a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: Systems and methods for setting posterior prosthetic teeth in production of upper and lower dentures feature tooth blocks each having inner and outer bodies having upper and lower rows of recesses therein corresponding maxillary and mandibular prosthetic teeth. The recesses of the inner and outer bodies conform to lingual and buccul surfaces of the prosthetic teeth respectively and are shaped and positioned to establish proper positioning of the prosthetic teeth relative to one another when clamped between the bodies. The two tooth blocks accommodate respective ones of left and right prosthetic poster teeth sets. Connection elements between the tooth blocks allow adjustment and subsequent locking of the relative positioning between the left and right teeth sets before setting on mandibular and maxillary casts in an articulator. The two tooth blocks eliminate the need to individually position posterior teeth on each side of the jaw.

Abstract: A mill blank mandrel may rigidly secure machinable material for a machining process. The mandrel may be freely and easily inserted in a corresponding mandrel socket and secured without the use of a tool. The mandrel may be detected and verified when inserted in the mandrel socket.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device that includes a receptacle integrated with a mounting portion. The mounting portion is generally sized to fit, for example, over a portion of the user's body, providing convenient access to material in the receptacle during the application of the material to a surface. In some embodiments, a flexible connection connects the mounting portion and the receptacle. In other embodiments, the device includes at least two flexible mounting portions and, optionally, a fastener system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment element which is used to receive dental hand instruments. Said treatment element comprises a base part (1) which is provided with connections (2; 39) and which is used to accommodate the instruments, and a instrument storage place (5; 15). Said treatment element comprises an exchangeable upper part (4; 12).

Abstract: A holding device that can be braced in a surveying machining together with an individual preparation model produced by dental laboratory techniques. The holding device has a mechanically stable frame with bores disposed at a distance (a) to one another, in which at least two holding pins are locked that can be displaced at least in the axial direction (A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and process for dimensionally stable sintering of ceramic pre-shaped dental articles, the device comprising a suspension system having a base structure with at least one suspension point at a height suitable for suspending an article to be sintered; and a suspension element moveably connected to said suspension point for supporting said article to be sintered, wherein said suspension element itself forms a swing on which said article to be sintered is arrangeable.

Abstract: A device adapted to facilitate retention and release of a dental laminate includes an elongated main body having a channel extending through it, a resilient element connected to a first end of the main body for contact with the dental laminate, a connector disposed at a second end of the main body adapted to communicate the channel with vacuum suction, and a particularly configured valve body. The valve body includes a passage defined therein that is selectively rotatable between increased and decreased alignments with the main body channel to permit variable fluid flow through the channel as well as to essentially cut off fluid flow through the channel when desired. A bearing assembly is also disposed between an extension of the connector and a proximal portion of the elongated main body, thereby permitting essentially stress-free rotational movement between the connector and the main body.

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

Abstract: In a tooth prosthesis carrier implant including a carrier post, a carrier element supported on the carrier post for supporting a tooth crown or a tooth prosthesis, and a spring element disposed between the carrier post and the carrier element for biasing the carrier element away from the carrier post, an elastomer material is introduced as a liquid into the space between the carrier post and the carrier element so that, after curing, the elastomer material firmly interconnects the carrier element and the carrier post.

Abstract: An platform for use with an instrument during an endodontic procedure. The platform includes a substantially rectangular-shaped body for holding the instrument pierced partly therethrough, a linear measure for establishing the working length of the instrument; and a reservoir for receiving a medicament. The platform may also include a removable marker for staking out distance along the linear measure and a plurality of scoreable stage markings for indicating the particular stage of the endodontic procedure.

Abstract: A dental cast scanning apparatus is comprised of a base; a single-tooth cast rotating device having a detachable and rotatable first cast-holding jig; a full-teeth cast rotating device having a detachable and rotatable second cast-holding jig; a scanning unit having a scanning probe, an elevator, and a slide rail mounted on the base, for slidable movement along the slide rail; and two swing drivers connected with the single-tooth and full-teeth cast rotating devices. Accordingly, the first and second cast-holding jigs can be driven to swing and rotate with respect to the scanning probe for a predetermined angle to cause efficient and effective scanning outcome.

Abstract: A device for the axial and rotational movement of a sample is disclosed comprising a mount member for mounting the sample, which is rotatable about and movable along an axis, characterised in that the mount member has a helical screw thread which produces the movement along said axis simultaneously with the rotation. A sample may be scanned or machined whilst being axially and rotationally moved. The screw thread may be disengageable perphaps by relative movement of co-operating screw threads into and out of engagement with each other by a lever to allow movement of the mount member along the axis without rotation when desired. The screw thread on one of the members may be formed from a piece or layer of a deformable material, which deforms to form a mating screw thread upon being brought into engagement with the screw thread on the other member. Also desclosed is a method of scanning a sample.

Abstract: An orthodontic model has a single block body made of catalyzing acrylic resin with a pair of prism boxes inversely positioned and interconnected by a pair of posterior walls with a window, the prism boxes have covers of the same shape and are provided with perimetral depressions for fitting to the boxes and to reach a welding of edges of each dental arch or the model, and a method of its production is proposed.

Abstract: A dental hygiene device comprises a cup member including an attachment member that enables the device to be attached and detached to a suction tube adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a patient during polishing of the patient's teeth. The cup member holds a tooth polishing material that is accessed by a dental hygienist during polishing of a patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dental articulator for connecting first and second dental models generally includes upper and lower arms hinging at their rear ends by a hinge. Each arm front end is connected by a coupling to a dental model. Each coupling generally includes a ball, a coupling, a rear socket and a fastener joining the coupling and rear socket such that the socket is movable rotationally, up and down, and side to side on the ball to a selected position. The hinge also provides for movements of the arms mimicking those of a human jaw. The lower arm means for adjusting the height of the hinge. Upper and lower dental models each include a holder of an incisor spacing assembly co-cast into the base. The holders hold an incisor pin for adjusting the vertical spacing between the fronts of the dental models.

Abstract: A dental unit comprises at least one chair, a base, positioned next to the chair and mounting a handpiece tray. The tray is equipped with a plurality of operative or auxiliary handpieces for dental operations of traditional conservative type and/or for implants. At least one of the handpieces is fitted with a drive unit consisting of a brushless micromotor presenting a unit for continuously controlling the speed of the brushless micromotor according to parameters that depend on the type of application, that is, traditional, conservative type operations or implants.

Abstract: A blank used for machining customized prosthetic components is provided which includes a prefabricated seating surface, normally shaped as an anti-rotation device, used to seat the component in the corresponding implanted, or natural, surface in the patient's body. Prosthetic components need to be custom manufactured because each patient presents a different need, however, the standardized shape of seating surfaces allows for these to be machined in large scale, without affecting the quality of the treatment the patient receives. Once the customized manufacturing has been completed around the seating surface, the part requires no further machining and is ready to be used.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting components of a dental material includes two individual bottles each capable of receiving therein a component which can be shaken. Each individual bottle has a coding associated therewith and a cover has cover regions with respective codings corresponding to the bottle coding. A mixing base has a pair of recesses each with individual coding corresponding to the coding of a respective one of the individual bottles, whereby each respective bottle has a respective cover region and a respective recess of the mixing base associated therewith and identifiable as associated therewith by virtue of the corresponding coding thereon. The individual bottles collectively comprise a bottle unit and are closeable by a common cover.

Abstract: An apparatus serves to prepare at least one tooth (1) for receiving a dental element such as a crown, bridge and the like using a mould model (21) at least including one model tooth (23). The apparatus includes at least one positioning body (5), at least one parallelizing body (24), a mould spoon (12) including threaded sockets (17) and removable segments (20), a preparation base bar (46) including sliding elements (53), a tub (72), a transmitting unit (35), a transport arm mechanism (57), at least one unit (66) including position stabilizing arms (67), a plurality of model transfer bodies (78), and a copying grinding unit (90).

Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing a dental restoration after etching, includes a base component having an open top end and a tubular extension terminating in an open bottom end. A shield component includes an open bottom end which is sized to fit onto the base component and has a tapered profile to an open top end. Within the base and shield components is carried a platform having one or more holes therethrough to allow fluid to pass from the shield component to the base component. In operation, a dental restoration is placed within the shield component onto the platform. Suction is drawn on the bottom open end of the base component and rinsing fluid is sprayed into the top open end of the shield component onto the dental restoration. Fluid which passes through the platform is suctioned through the bottom open end of the base component.

Abstract: Apparatus supported on the brow beam of protective eye glasses worn by a dental patient provides a moveably positionable holder arm depending spacedly forward of a user's nose and spacedly below the user's mouth. The holder arm carries marking film holding structure for vertically adjustable frictional motion thereon. The marking film holding structure provides two pivotally interconnected holder arms extending toward the patient's mouth for adjustable frictional motion in a horizontal plane through the patient's mouth and substantially perpendicular to the holder arm. The holder arms releasably carry dental marking film structures having dental marking film supported by a rigid back releasably carried by the holder arms to allow marking of contact points of teeth of the opposed dental arches upon appropriate manipulation.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting components of a dental material includes two individual bottles each capable of receiving therein a component which can be shaken. Each individual bottle has a coding associated therewith and a cover has cover regions with respective codings corresponding to the bottle coding. A mixing base has a pair of recesses each with individual coding corresponding to the coding of a respective one of the individual bottles, whereby each respective bottle has a respective cover region and a respective recess of the mixing base associated therewith and identifiable as associated therewith by virtue of the corresponding coding thereon. The individual bottles collectively comprise a bottle unit and are closeable by a common cover.

Abstract: Methods for scanning and registering parts having complex geometries, such as dental study casts and mating housing shells for electronic devices, pacemakers, and other devices.

Abstract: A mill blank assembly for making a dental prosthesis includes a milling section and a support section. The support section is adapted to fit in a chuck or collet of a milling machine. One of the milling section and the support section includes a projection that extends into a recess of the other, in order to enhance the strength of the bond between the milling section and the support section. As a result, the completed assembly is less likely to fracture or become disassembled during the milling process.

Abstract: Impression copings used to take an impression of local dentition are attached to a platform. This platform also can include a reinforcing member for stiffening the impression of the local dentition.