Abstract: A dental implant which contains a bi-cortical anchor apparatus for insertion into a jawbone, the anchor apparatus including a tool receptor for interacting with a tool which facilitates insertion of the apparatus. An implant member arranged for insertion into a jawbone, the member containing a cervix to secure a dental prosthesis and a through conduit to support an anchor apparatus. A complementary system including an implant member and a template, the latter meshing with and helping align the implant member. A method for inserting the implant member into a bore in the jawbone. The method includes drilling a channel in the jawbone through a drill-bit guide channel and inserting a bi-cortical anchor apparatus through the channel and through a conduit of an implant member, anchoring at least two portions of the anchor apparatus.

Abstract: Dental implant drill holes and the shape of a dental implant superstructure are chosen by creating a computer model giving jawbone structural details, gum surface shape information and proposed teeth or dental prosthesis shape information. The computer model shows the bone structure, gum surface and teeth images properly referenced to one another so that implant drill hole positions can be selected taking into consideration proper positioning within the bone as well as proper positioning with respect to the dental prosthesis. Similarly, manufacture of the dental implant superstructure used for fixed dental prosthesis or overdentures can be designed based on knowledge of the actual implant positions referenced to an image of the gum surface and proposed dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring and/or marking teeth or models of teeth for the determination of the placement of attachments for orthodontic braces. The gauge has a first arm with a gauge element with a longitudinal extension portion lying on a first axis and a vertical extension portion extending generally perpendicularly from the first axis of the longitudinal extension portion. The gauge has a second arm which has a pointer or marking element at an end thereof, the pointer element having a tip which is spaced apart from the longitudinal extension portion of the first arm, the first and second arm being connected together to maintain the spaced apart relationship between the tip of marking element and the longitudinal extension portion with the vertical extension portion extending towards the pointer or marking element. The invention also provides a gauge element for converting a bow divider into a gauge for measuring and/or marking teeth for the determination of the placement of attachments for orthodontic braces.

Abstract: The appliance of the present invention works effectively during root canal treatment by being firmly attached to the tooth to be treated and having a fixed platform from which the file can have a fixed working length. The appliance has three functional parts: (1) an attachment section that is held against the tooth by a matrix retainer and band, (2) a resting section that rests against the occlusal or top of the crown of the tooth, and (3) a guide section with a hole that pivots or is fixed over the tooth. The appliance is preferably attached to the tooth by any tofflemiere type matrix holder and band. Once the working or desired length of the file is obtained, then it is placed into the guide section of the appliance which is stationary in one plane. Therefore, the file cannot extend further than the desired length into the canal. This appliance provides an effective stop for the file while it is being used.

Abstract: A dental handpiece stably cutting a wall of a root canal without a fear of piercing a root opening. The dental handpiece includes a means for holding a tool cutting a tooth to be cured and a support for setting the cutting tool at a desired position relative to the tooth to be cured. The length of the support may be changeable by stages. The holding means may be formed of a head of the dental handpiece and a plurality of supports with different lengths may be removably mounted to the head. The support can stand on a head of the dental handpiece and the length from the head is changeable. The support is formed separately from the dental handpiece to be removable, and may have a stopper which abut with a tooth to be cured or an appropriate portion near the tooth.

Abstract: A method, system and device for positioning and fixing an orthodontic element on a surface of a tooth are provided. The positioning of the element on a tooth is accomplished by: bringing the element into proximity of the tooth while continuously capturing an image of at least the tooth or of the element, and an image of both, once the tooth and the element are proximal to one another; transmitting the image or its representation to a display for displaying a real-life image of the captured image or representation together with indicators providing guidance information on intended position of the orthodontic element on the tooth's surface; positioning the element on a tooth's surface according to said indicators such that the element's position coincides with the intended position; and fixing the element onto the tooth.

Abstract: An instrument for the placement of cylindrical or screwed dental implants has a lower portion and an upper portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the lower portion with three horizontal extensions of respectively different lengths. In a lower third of the upper portion, an axial concavity is at an outer end of a longest of the extensions.

Abstract: A device for planning and further placing a dental implant comprises a rigid base, a column that projects from the base with a regulating mechanism for the height and support of a bi-directional head. The head has two hubs, which have binding mechanisms for certain positions and are furnished with a mechanism for indicating the angle position. One of the hubs is furnished with a drill and also a device for fixing guides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis system incorporating a superstructure (4, 5), a positioning device, and fixtures (1) that are implantable in a person's jawbone. Each fixture (1) is anchored in the jawbone and its opposite end is arranged so that it will be possible to attach a superstructure (4, 5) to it. By means of the positioning device, fixtures (1) are implanted at definite positions and in definite directions, usually parallel directions. The superstructure includes prefabricated elements with fastening devices (8, 9) that can be attached to fixtures (1). In accordance with the invention, reference device (1a) is designed to put the positioning device in place in such a way as to reliably provide the aforesaid definite positions and directions, therewith facilitating the use of prefabricated superstructures. Through its other aspects, the invention relates to significant components suitable for a dental prosthesis system of this type.

Abstract: A method for producing a drill assistance device for a tooth implant includes the process steps of, initially the taking of an x-ray picture of the jaw and the compilation of a corresponding measured data record; then a three-dimensional, optical measurement of the visible surfaces of the jaw and of the teeth and the compilation of a corresponding measured data record. The measured data records from the x-ray picture and the measured data records from the three-dimensional, optical image are correlated with each other. Based on the information that is now available the type and position of the implant relative to the adjacent teeth is planned and a drill template is produced which is attached to the neighboring teeth, thus making the exact drilling of the implant pilot hole possible.

Abstract: A system of transfer of a simulated position of a dental implant from an X-ray scanner to a robot for drilling a cradle of reproduction, in complementary shape, of a dental casting. The system includes at least one mechanical support and means adapted to removably connecting in a reproducible position the cradle to the support, the cradle containing at least two rectilinear non-concurrent elements visible by X-rays.

Abstract: A dental impression alignment device comprising a support; a support table for supporting a dental impression mounted to said support by a universal joint; an index rod attached to said support to extend adjacent the support table for providing a reference plane for orienting the impression and support table relative to the support; and a drill guide attached to either said support or said index rod for providing a drill aligning structure to provide a drill axis for drilling a reference channel in the impression which channel has an axis fixed with respect to the index rod.

Abstract: A dental instrument is provided for use in an endodontic procedure which has a file extending from a handle configured to enable the working length of the handle to be varied. The handle of the instrument is adapted to be received in and to be releasbly held by a chuck or collet of an endodontic handpiece head. Both the handles and chucks are adapted to enable the handles to be appropriately positioned in the chuck of a dental handpiece head at various positions to yield a desired working length and to then be secured. The rim around the chuck is preferably configured to act as a stop during use of the handpiece. The handle is most useful when configured with incremental adjustment indicators, preferably in uniform increments, such that the working length can be determined by viewing the indicators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handpiece (1) in particular for medical or dental purposes, having a connection device (3) for a tool (4) which is arranged in the forward end region of the hand piece (1), and having a settable stop device (6) for limiting the penetration depth of the tool (4), which stop device has a stop part (7), which is adjustable in a guide (8) longitudinally of the penetration depth of the tool (4) and is secured in the respective adjusted position by means of a clamping force (11). For the purpose of more ready setting of the stop part the clamping force (11) is elastic and on the one hand is so great that it secures the stop part (7) against displacing forces effective in functional operation, and on the other hand is only so large that the stop part (7) can be manually displaced, and in that the stop part (7) is of a hard elastically bendable material and sits in the guide (8) bowed so far that its return bending force (11a) gives rise to the clamping force (11).

Abstract: An one-piece dental probe made of light condensing fluorescent plastic comprising a handle, a distal portion and a measuring needle for measuring and exploring blind gum pockets is provided. The measuring needle has at least one visible measurement gradation for measuring the depth of the blind pocket. Light collected at the distal end of the probe is reflected through the probe and illuminates the vicinity of the blind pocket, thus enabling accurate measurement of the depth of the blind pocket in low-light conditions. The tip of the measuring needle may be hemispherical, and form an annular ledge around the needle for probing the existence and location of tartar and other foreign matters in the blind pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for tracing a centric relation of a mandible including a stylus arranged at a point, where an occlusal plane and a mid-sagittal plane cross a line extending between central fossae of mandibular first molars, and a tracing-plate adapted to be mounted to a maxilla at a region corresponding to the stylus.

Abstract: An oral surgery simulating device for planning an oral surgery for a patient including a stand having a base, a device for receiving a cast of a mandible of the patient movably connected to the base, a device for receiving a cast of a maxilla of the patient connected to the stand and positioned atop the cast of the mandible and a pointing unit releasably connected to the stand for aligning the cast of the mandible and the cast of the maxilla with relation to Frankfort's horizontal plane to thereby provide a replica of an upper and lower jaw of the patient. The device for receiving the cast of the maxilla is adjustable in a lateral direction and rotatable. The pointer unit includes a pole, a C-shaped clamp connected to and slideable along a length of the pole and first, second and third pointers extending from the C-shaped clamp for measuring the upper and lower jaw of the patient in relation to Frankfort's horizontal plane.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a novel apparatus; a novel method of using the apparatus; and a novel prosthesis made by the method of using the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved precise orientating tooth drilling device of a type having drill orientation apparatus attaching to a dental drill with a drill bit by a drill clamp and generating a drill angular position signal having a drill signal X-component and a drill signal Y-component and representing an angular position of the drill orientation apparatus, tooth orientation apparatus for removably attaching to a tooth and generating a tooth angular position signal having a tooth signal X-component and a tooth signal Y-component and representing an angular position of the tooth, comparing apparatus for, comparing the drill angular position signal and the tooth angular position signal to each other and determining if a difference therebetween is within a predetermined value, and an alarm alerting when the difference between the drill angular position signal and the tooth angular position signal is not within the predetermined value so that repositioning of the drill can be initiated.

Abstract: An oral surgical instrument (osteotome) for creating openings in the jawbone for the implantation of implants, which comprises a holder, a shaft and a working tip that has a circular cross section. A set of surgical instruments is provided with at least one preformer having a conical working tip and at least one implant bed former having a working tip which is adapted to the outer contour of the implant. The diameter of the working tip of the preformer is somewhat smaller than the largest diameter of the working tip of the implant bed former. By forming the openings in the jawbone using such instruments, the implants may be inserted with a greater fitting strength.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and an apparatus for forming a palatal plate prosthesis of a substantially precise, predetermined uniform thickness.

Abstract: A surgical template and method for drilling osteotomies (e.g., holes in a jawbone) and installing one or more dental implants using a surgical template assembly. The surgical template assembly is provided with one or more drill guides and one or more dental implant guides. The guides are positioned in the surgical template assembly by a computer-driven milling machine interfaced with a computer-generated image of a patient's jawbone and a computer-generated simulation of at least one dental implant so that when the surgical template is placed in the patient's mouth a trajectory of the guides in the surgical template into the patient's jawbone corresponds to a trajectory of the computer-generated simulation of the dental implant into the computer-generated image of the patient's jawbone. Preferably, three fiducial markers, provide positional coordination between the CT scan data, the computer-generated simulation of the dental implant, and the computer-driven milling machine.

Abstract: Repeat fixation for medical procedures is accomplished using a non-invasive locator, specifically a bite plate. The bite plate has at least three fiducial markers on it. The fiducial markers may be LEDs, radiopaque markers for angiography or computerized tomography (CT) imaging or magnetic resonance markers for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. By detecting the position of the markers, the position of features within the patient (such as a brain tumor or other intracranial target to which radiation is to be applied) can be determined with great precision. Since the bite plate has been molded to uniquely fit to the patient's teeth, it may be removed after an initial imaging of the patient. The bite plate may then be re-attached one or more times to the teeth. An alternate embodiment uses a head ring or head holder such as a head mask system with the LEDs thereon. The head ring is useful for single fraction treatments.

Abstract: A drill instrument with calibrated depressions as markings on the shaft set at determinable distances apart, e.g. at 1 mm increments is disclosed. These calibrations are designed to give a visible depth gauge indication when the tip or point of the drill is at the full length of the depth of a drilled hole. A stop means is variably fixable to the drill at determinable locations. This stop defines a predetermined length available for drilling a hole into bone or a tooth canal up to the precise location of the stop on the drill corresponding to the depth desired to be drilled.An organizer block or kit accommodates the drills and stops of the invention and preferably provides an alignment device for preparing drills having the pre-determined lengths according to the invention via a drill-length determining device for applying the stop means to the drill at the desired pre-determined length.

Abstract: A method and an indicating device for determining a location of a hole to be used as an attachment point for a fixture or fixture part on an area of the human body are disclosed. The indicating device comprises a bearing part which is adapted to be received in an existing hole and a protruding part interconnected with the bearing part and extending above the existing hole when the bearing part is inserted into the existing hole. At least one indicating part is interconnected with the protruding part and has a free end extending away from the existing hole, where a location of the new hole to be used as an attachment point is established at a position substantially adjacent to an exterior surface of the free end of the indicating part.

Abstract: A dental implant guiding device and method of use thereof, formed from a radio-opaque tubular guide mounted within the inner member of a radio-transparent support so as to be pivotal about the support's transverse axis and where the inner member is inserted into the outer member and the inner member is translationally shiftable within the outer member so as to permit multi-dimensional positioning adjustment by pivoting the tubular guide and shifting the inner member relative to the outer member, the dental implant guiding device being used in implant surgery and the like where it is important to maintain correct positioning of a dental tool with respect to both the angle of inclination and the vestibule-oral direction. The invention also concerns a method of producing drill templates for implant surgery which makes use of the adjustable guiding device in order to obtain the correct position and orientation of the hole to be drilled in the patient's jaw bone.

Abstract: A dental implant article includes an implant stem for insertion into a substantially vertical cavity drilled in the maxillary bone. The implant stem includes at least one bore substantially transverse to its axis. A cylindrical key with a cross section corresponding to that of the bore is inserted into the maxillary bone and in the implant stem which was previously positioned. A fitting device for drilling of the bone is also provided.

Abstract: A clear thermally deformable surgical or diagnostic stent which can be fitted to a fully or partially edentulous ridge and the surrounding tissue surfaces and a method of producing and fitting stents using their thermally deformable characteristics. A kit comprising a matched pair of a clear thermally deformable surgical or diagnostic stent and an identical thermally deformable interim or temporary denture and a method of producing and fitting the stent and denture using their thermally deformable characteristics. The stent and denture are formed from a doughy mixture of a plasticized liquid monomer and a methyl methacrylate polymer in a ratio of 1:3-3.5 parts by weight. When heated to a temperature above 120.degree. F. (49.degree. C.) the stent and denture are malleable and may be molded in the mouth or on a model of the patient to attain an approximation of the tissue surfaces.

Abstract: A method and system for optimally positioning a tooth implant in the alveolar ridge of the patient's mouth is provided. A lateral plane of inclination is first defined that is cosmetically consistent with the lateral inclination of the teeth adjacent the area in the alveolar ridge where the implant is to be placed and which does not otherwise interfere with the roots of these teeth. Bone dimension in the alveolar ridge location where the implant is to be received is then determined. Finally, an anterior/posterior inclination is selected which is consistent with the anterior/posterior inclination of those same adjacent teeth. The dental implant is now capable of being guided to the implant site along the angular inclinations that were determined by the practitioner to be optimal.

Abstract: A depth-marking system for use in connection with forming holes for receiving implants in a jawbone. The implants have a nominal length less than an actual length. At least one band marking is arranged on a tool for forming or measuring the implant holes. The at least one band marking includes a first line that indicates the actual hole depth, the actual depth including any lower cone-shaped portion of the hole. The at least one band marking also includes a second line above the first line that indicates a position of an uppermost of a unit arranged on the implant when the implant is in a final position in the hole and the unit is arranged in a final position on the implant.

Abstract: Dental implant drill holes and the shape of a dental implant superstructure are chosen by creating a computer model giving jawbone structural details, gum surface shape information and proposed teeth or dental prosthesis shape information. The computer model shows the bone structure, gum surface and teeth images properly referenced to one another so that implant drill hole positions can be selected taking into consideration proper positioning within the bone as well as proper positioning with respect to the dental prosthesis. Similarly, manufacture of the dental implant superstructure used for fixed dental prosthesis or overdentures can be designed based on knowledge of the actual implant positions referenced to an image of the gum surface and proposed dental prosthesis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a gothic arch tracing representative of the natural range of motion of a patient's mandible. The apparatus consists of a kit including a mandibular bite rim having a tracing plate; a maxillary bite rim having a tracing arm; and a stylus releasably connectable to the tracing arm for extending between the tracing arm and the tracing plate externally of the patient's mouth. The stylus has a marker on one end thereof for drawing a gothic arch tracing on a removable paper substrate, such as a post-it note, attachable to the tracing plate. The tracing is used in the fabrication of a dental bite registration mold for the patient. The mold may in turn be used to mount casts of the patient's dentition in a specific relationship as required for prosthetic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A method for guiding a surgical drill in a desired direction comprises forming a splint contoured to an area where drilling is desired, disposing a guide means through the splint, aligning the guide means with an alignment means, and disposing the drill through the guide means.

Abstract: A drill guide for mandibular staples is disclosed which is adapted to accurately align a drill for drilling fastener holes in the mandibular lower jaw portion at precisely located positions for the attachment of fasteners therethrough by a staple to retain a dental appliance in secure position on the mandibular jaw portion. The drill guide improves upon previously known devices for ensuring accuracy of drilling holes, while including members for attachment and locking, adjustability of the invention, cooling and cleaning, and assuring adequate bone material for drilling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the steady and accurate placement of a narrow smooth-walled slot in a bone structure by means of a hand held guidance template with a transparent slide to perpendicularly restrain a rotating cutting bit of a hand held tool while the transparent slide is drawn along a slot in the guidance template. The template is held in place with a light force through the guidance template handle and accurately positioned by means of serrated depth stops and perforated extensions bonded to a quick-setting resilient polymer conforming to the contour of the bone structure. Prevented from non-axial motion, the rotating cutting bit is plunged deeper to route a narrow smooth-walled slot in the bone structure. The primary use envisioned for the guidance template is in the accurate placement of an endosteal inline plate in the structural bone of the mouth for the attachment of permanent dental prosthetics.

Abstract: A drill guide system for use in the installation of dental implants. The guides are configured in the shape of teeth and have drill bushings passing through to guide and position the drill so that the resulting hole will receive an implant that is properly positioned and aligned. The guides are provided in different configurations depending on the number of adjacent implants to be installed and have a depending pin to position the guide in an initial drilled hole. By being configured in the shape of teeth, the dental surgeon is able to position the guide prior to drilling and be able to observe how the resulting work will appear once the actual prosthetics are installed on the implants. The drill bushings not only guide the drill but provide additional patient security since the possibility of slippage or breakage of the drill bit during drilling is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A device for alerting a dentist when the angular position of the drill and the angular position of the tooth being drilled do not correspond so that during drilling the angular position of the hole being drilled does not change. The device includes a drill transducer, a tooth transducer, a central control unit, and an alarm. The drill transducer is attachable to a dental drill and generates a drill angular position signal representing an angular position of the dental drill. The tooth transducer is removably attachable to a tooth and generates a tooth angular position signal representing an angular position of the tooth. The central control unit compares the drill angular position signal and the tooth angular position signal to each other to determine if the difference is within the value of a predetermined difference angular position.

Abstract: Repeat fixation for medical procedures is accomplished using a non-invasive locator, specifically a bite plate. The bite plate has at least three fiducial markers on it. The fiducial markers may be LEDs, radiopaque markers for angiography or computerized tomography (CT) imaging or magnetic resonance markers for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. By detecting the position of the markers, the position of features within the patient (such as a brain tumor or other intracranial target to which radiation is to be applied) can be determined with great precision. Since the bite plate has been molded to uniquely fit to the patient's teeth, it may be removed after an initial imaging of the patient. The bite plate may then be re-attached one or more times to the teeth and the location of the features will be in a known position relative to the sensed markers.

Abstract: A translucent periodontal probe tip (10) for measuring the depth of gingival pockets (30) for purposes of diagnosing the progression of periodontal disease. The periodontal probe tip (10) includes color-coded regions (24a, 24b, 24c), corresponding to different stages of periodontal disease, depending on the depth of the gingival pockets (30) of a subject patient. A plurality of numbered graduations (26) are placed among colored regions (24a, 24b, 24c) for purposes of more accurately determining the depth of gingival pockets (30). Periodontal probe tip (10) is capable of being illuminated from a light source (22) which carries light to probe tip (10), thus allowing a dentist to easily read colored regions (24a, 24b, 24c) and graduations (26) placed on the probe tip (10). A method for using probe tip (10) for diagnosing the progression of periodontal disease is also described.

Abstract: A method for making a template for use in a dental implant recipient's mouth whereby the template includes a guide sleeve for orienting a drill bit in a desired location and angulation for making an implant osteotomy in the recipient's maxilla or mandible. The method includes the steps of making a cast impression of the recipient's arch, drilling a hole in the cast arch substantially corresponding to the prospective osteotomy, inserting a guide post in the hole, locating a guide sleeve over the guide post; applying a resinous, template forming material on the cast arch around the guide sleeve; allowing the template material to cure to form the template; removing the guide post from the cast arch; removing the cured template from the cast arch and placing it in the patient's mouth; and radiographically visualizing the guide sleeve in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A translucent periodontal probe tip (10) for measuring the depth of gingival pockets (30) for purposes of diagnosing the progression of periodontal disease. The periodontal probe tip (10) includes color-coded regions (24a, 24b, 24c), corresponding to different stages of periodontal disease, depending on the depth of the gingival pockets (30) of a subject patient. A plurality of numbered graduations (26) are placed among colored regions (24a, 24b, 24c) for purposes of more accurately determining the depth of gingival pockets (30). Periodontal probe tip (10) is capable of being illuminated from a light source (22) which carries light to probe tip (10), thus allowing a dentist to easily read colored regions (24a, 24b, 24c) and graduations (26) placed on the probe tip (10). A method for using probe tip (10) for diagnosing the progression of periodontal disease is also described.

Abstract: A disposable marking gauge for use in certain orthodontic procedures to mark a patient's tooth with a readily visible mark at the precise location relative to the occlusal surface of the tooth. The marking is especially useful in locating support wire positioning brackets on the patient's teeth so that they can be bonded to the teeth at precise locations relative to the occlusal surfaces of the teeth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an orthodontic archform and forming an archwire. The method includes positioning the model teeth in a curved archform and making a graphical representation of the archform. An archwire is superimposed over the graphical representation and archwire-segment forming templates, each having an archwire channel of a predetermined shape, are clamped onto segments of the archwire between the brackets to shape each segment so that the archwire as a whole assumes the desired shape of the archform. The archwire is then formed in that shape by heat treatment or by leaving a streamlined form of the templates on the archwire.

Abstract: This invention relates to any operating pointer or arm apparatus whose position can be detected and read out on a computer and associated graphics display, and where the pointer can be changed from its pointer function to a "3D mouse" so as to alternately by use control the functionality of the computer as in calibration and display features. Specific embodiments of the invention are given, and one of them is a neurosurgical operating arm which has electronic readout for coupling to a computergraphic display which shows the position of the arm relative to patient anatomy. In one embodiment, the arm has five angular degrees of freedom to achieve a pointer position anywhere in space, at any angle. Electronic readout from the arm positions and joint angles are assimilated into a computegraphic display system. The display system displays anatomical image data taken from the patient with modern imaging techniques.

Abstract: A laboratory attachment jig is described for use in accurately positioning an attachment relative to an implant abutment/fixture analog of a working model. This jig comprises an orientation arm having a first end and a second end, the orientation arm including a fastener for securing the orientation arm to the abutment/fixture analog of the working model. A primary support member is attached to the second end of the orientation arm, with the primary support member and the orientation arm being supported transversely in a first plane. The primary support member includes a vertical positioning sleeve and a fastener for the vertical positioning sleeve. A lateral support arm is attached to the vertical positioning sleeve of the primary support member and includes an end. A mandrel support member is attached to the end of the lateral support member for retaining the attachment. The lateral support arm includes a lateral positioning sleeve and a fastener for the lateral positioning sleeve.

Abstract: A method is described for fabricating a dental prosthodontic restoration to be fitted on at least first and second implant fixtures, each of the implant fixtures supporting an abutment. The method begins by fitting a first abutment screw assembly to said first implant fixture, the first abutment screw assembly including a screw portion, and an attachment secured to the screw portion. The first abutment screw assembly is then tightened to retain the assembly in the first implant fixture. Then, the method continues by fitting a screw portion of a second abutment screw assembly to said second implant fixture and tightening the screw portion to the second implant fixture. Using an intra-oral jig mechanism, the attachment of the second abutment screw assembly is then located in a predetermined position relative to the screw portion thereof such that the attachments of the first and second abutment screw assemblies have a parallel orientation. The method can alternatively be practiced using two-piece assemblies.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing a dental filling for restoration of a tooth crown, the dental filling being fitted to a cavity prepared in the tooth for filling the cavity. The apparatus includes a cutting device for preparing the cavity, the cutting device including a cutting element for cutting the tooth for the cavity preparation, and a cutting-element position sensor for monitoring movement of the cutting element for the cavity preparation and thereby producing a batch of outline form data representing a three-dimensional outline form of the cavity; a memory device for storing the batch of outline form data; a machining device for machining a prefabricated filling blank into the dental filling; and a control device for controlling operation of the machining device according to the batch of outline form data, so that the filling blank is machined into the dental filling having an outline form identical with the outline form of the cavity.

Abstract: Method for fixation of different positions of a model (2) of the mandible relatively to a model (1) of the maxilla of a patient. One of the models consists of two members (15, 16) namely a tooth member and a socket member unified along coinsiding joint surfaces forming a common boarder plane (19) in a predetermined mutual position. The method comprises impressions of the teeth of the mandible and maxilla respectively are made in an index (54) in the shape of a plastically deformable plate, partly in a thick plate and partly in a thin plate. The mandible and maxilla models (2) are positioned in an articulator (5) so that they coinside with the thick index. The thick index is replaced with the thin index, forming an interspace between the joint surfaces of the divided model. The interspace is cast by filling the space with a cast mass, obtaining a removable interlayer plate.

Abstract: An external fixing device for bone surgery, particularly dento-maxillo-facial surgery, includes at least a rigid rod having a portion of constant cross-section and rectilinear axis. A spacer element, such as a lip spacer, is fixed to a rod at a distance from the extremities of the portion substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the rod portion. At least one moving element is associated to the portion to freely slide along the latter. There is provided in the moving element and opening of which the axis is substantially parallel to the axis of the rod portion, which opening provides a passage for a bone trepanation tool. An immobilizer is provided on the element to immobilize it with respect to the rod portion.

Abstract: The invention described facilitates accurate placement of orthodontic brackets on a patient's mal-occluded teeth. An indexed dental cast of the patient's mal-occlusion is produced by the present apparatus. In process steps for indexing the crown model, various adjustment devices hold a selected mal-occluded crown model of the cast in an "ideal" or corrected position in space. The cast is thus positioned and held while a drill is used to form index holes in the cast material. The index holes record the "ideal" position of the selected crown model even though the crown model remains in its original mal-occluded position in the cast. Positioning of a bracket against the selected crown model is accomplished by a bracket holder and adapter using the index. The holder receives the bracket while the adapter is positioned, using probes inserted into the index holes. The holder may be moved to a selected tip angle and bracket placement height through adjustments on the adapter.