Abstract: A material capsule containing a reactive or caustic dental material and a separately attachable delivery tip having a metal cannula. A material capsule for placement in a syringe contains a reactive or caustic dental material for dispensing through a metal cannula. The material capsule is sealed for storing the caustic or reactive dental material, preventing prolonged contact with or proximity to the metal cannula of a delivery tip. Contact with the reactive or caustic dental material only occurs during actual dispensing. Transition portions facilitate dispensing of viscous material. External grips facilitate attachment of the delivery tip. The dispensing and accurate placement of caustic or reactive dental materials is facilitated, making dentistry easier.

Abstract: The power dental appliance includes a handle/receiver assembly (12) and a nozzle assembly (14) which is attachable thereto. The nozzle assembly and the handle/receiver include portions which together define an interface arrangement. The nozzle includes an extending tubular member (30), with two sets of opposing sides with lateral grooves (42, 44) in one set of opposing sides (38, 40), near the lower end thereof. The handle/receiver includes a hollow upper portion (32), into which the tubular member portion of the nozzle fits, the hollow portion including mating projections in the form of ribs (46, 48) which mate with the grooves in the tubular member to prevent the nozzle from coming off the handle during operation of the appliance, but permitting removal thereof by the user.

Abstract: A process of whitening a tooth provided by the invention includes the steps of providing a delivery device for mechanical dispensing of a predetermined amount of a whitening composition to an applicator tip; dispensing the amount of whitening composition to the applicator tip; applying the amount of whitening composition disposed on the applicator tip to the tooth to be whitened; and allowing the whitening composition to remain in contact with the tooth for a period of time sufficient to whiten the tooth. Optionally, the process further includes the step of exposing the whitening composition to light. A gum or candy for tooth bleaching is detailed along with methods of use. A device adapted to dispense an amount of a dental whitening composition optionally includes a light source for activating the whitener.

Abstract: The device includes a shim component constructed for use in the non-surgical treatment of interproximal carious dental lesions. A plunger may be provided for driving substances through a tube-like channel or bore in the shim component, or an electromagnetic energy-transmissive material may fill the channel, in either case for delivering to the site of the lesion a medium that is effective for directly or indirectly killing, or biologically damaging, the carious bacteria.

Abstract: A full-voltage dental water jet of the invention includes a base, a pump, a suspension stand, a reservoir and a microcomputer control system. The base has a lower case and an upper case. The pump disposed in the lower case has an inlet and an outlet. The suspension stand having at least three engaging portions, a heat dissipating aluminum plate, a first standing portion and a second standing portion is disposed between the pump and the lower case. The reservoir is disposed above the base. The microcomputer control system is disposed in the upper case. The microcomputer control system has the function of adapting the dental water jet to the universal input voltage. In addition, the suspension stand made of the silica gel material reduces the operation noise and the vibration of the pump.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed, inter alia, a method of making a dispensing device for dispensing a substance comprising a step of providing a mold having a mold space for receiving a solidifyable material. The method further comprises steps of providing a valve member having a first portion formed between first and second areas of an outer surface of the valve member; placing the valve member into the mold space such that at the first area is isolated from the mold space and at least part of the second area is within the mold space; displacing the first portion at least partially relative to another portion of the valve member; and solidifying the material in the mold space and thereby fixing the displaced first portion in place. In one embodiment, the method helps minimizing manufacturing costs and maximizing shelf life of a device filled with substance.

Abstract: An oral care implement with an air flossing system cleans debris from the teeth of a user. The oral care implement may include an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue. A body is provided for gripping the implement. An air source is disposed in the body for proving pressurized air to an air outlet. The air outlet is disposed in the oral care region for injecting the pressurized air to clean debris from the oral tissue.

Abstract: A device for directing a fluid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a chamber for maintaining the fluid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front, rear and base inner walls of the device and the front and rear inner walls each include a plurality of openings, the devices further including a first manifold a second manifold, a third manifold, and a fourth manifold, a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.

Abstract: An actuator for advancing a rod which enables release of the rod from an actuating mechanism by rotating the rod to allow the rod to be retreated. The actuator may also provide a mechanism for disabling the driving mechanism as the rod is fully advanced to prevent damage by excessive forces being applied to the rod. The actuating mechanism can be fully enclosed in a stock of a dispenser gun or applicator, facilitating cleaning of the dispenser gun. The disclosed dispenser gun is particularly suitable for dentistry applications.

Abstract: An oral care implement has a head portion with tooth cleaning elements on one surface thereof and a reservoir containing at least one active agent. A capillary channel extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver active agent(s) to one or more outlets. In one aspect, a vibration-producing device is provided to vibrate at least a portion of the implement to enhance the function of tooth cleaning elements and the delivery of the active agent through capillary action. A variety of active agents can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.

Abstract: A dental paste dispensing device having a modified dispensing end for atraumatic contact with soft tissue is disclosed. The dispensing device includes a needle having a dispensing end with a terminal edge for dispensing the dental paste to a location in a patient mouth containing soft tissue, wherein the dispensing end includes an atraumatic modification. The modification comprises one of a non-metal coating on an outer surface of the dispensing end, a plastic tip member over the dispensing end, or a decreasing diameter at the terminal edge from a first point on the outer surface to a distal-most point of the outer surface.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a motor (20) which drives a first compound gear (28) having first and second portions (26, 32), the second portion driving a second compound gear (36). The second compound gear has one portion (38) which has teeth over only one half the circumference thereof. The apparatus further includes an air cylinder (12) and a rack (62) and a spring assembly (66) a sealing end portion (64) of the rack fitting in a fluid-tight relationship with the air cylinder, wherein the rack member is engaged by the one portion of the second compound gear, compressing the spring when the teeth thereon engage the rack member. When the no-teeth portion comes adjacent the rack member, the rack is released and the sealing end of the rack member is forced by action of the spring into the air cylinder, producing bursts of air. The second compound gear also drives a peristaltic pump, producing liquid in bursts which are directed to a mixing chamber 58, from which a stream of liquid droplets exit through exit 16.

Abstract: A hand-held device, particularly for dental purposes, comprising a dispenser for dispensing a pasty filling material as well a device for emitting a radiation that causes the filling material to cure.

Abstract: Provided is a capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing a substance onto a substrate, such as a tooth treatment compound onto teeth, includes a vial including a pair of thin members forming a cavity therebetween in which the substance is arranged and a conduit defining an internal dispensing channel communicating with the cavity, an applicator tip arranged in connection with the conduit and including projections adapted to contact the substrate, and a cap including a cavity. The cap removably attaches to the vial and when attached, covers the applicator tip and seals the internal channel. When the cap is detached from the vial and the thin members are squeezed toward one another, the substance in the cavity is urged out of the cavity into and through the internal channel in the conduit and onto the projections to enable it to be brought into contact with the substrate.

Abstract: The device includes a shim component constructed for use in the non-surgical treatment of interproximal carious dental lesions. A plunger may be provided for driving substances through a tube-like channel or bore in the shim component, or an electromagnetic energy-transmissive material may fill the channel, in either case for delivering to the site of the lesion a medium that is effective for directly or indirectly killing, or biologically damaging, the carious bacteria.

Abstract: A prophy device incorporating a shaft and one or more corrugated members eliminates the need for plastic gears. The corrugated members effectively transfer rotational energy from a shaft to an applicator. In another version, a flexible paste chamber contains polish within a housing of the device. A difference between a rotational speed at a front of the paste chamber and rear of the chamber causes the flexible chamber to contract on itself thereby automatically forcing polish from the chamber and into a polish applicator. A rod extending through a paste chamber includes openings for contents to exit. The rod has one end in contact with a drive disk and a second end in contact with a front disk such that the ends of the rod are maintained substantially in place by the drive disk and front disk, respectively, but remain rotatably independent relative to the drive disk and front disk.

Abstract: A capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.

Abstract: An oral irrigator has a pump, a discharge nozzle and a pressure control. The pump has a generally constant operating speed and feeds the discharge nozzle. The pressure control is adapted to modify a discharge pressure at the nozzle without a significant change in pump speed. The pressure control modifies a level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The modification of the level of fluid flow restriction is accomplished by modifying aspects of a fluid flow path extending through the pressure control. The aspects modified include the diameter, length and/or number of direction changes of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: The guidance assembly is used for precise cleaning of interproximal spaces of teeth. The guidance assembly includes a base portion (30) for contacting the surfaces of teeth and gum region, adjacent the interproximal space, the base portion being approximately 12 mm in diameter to provide stable contact with the teeth and gum region. The guidance assembly also includes a tip portion (28) which extends forward of the base portion and includes an opening (31) through which the droplet spray is directed coincident with the plane of the interproximal space.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unit dose delivery system for flowable substances. The delivery system or applicator of the present invention allows storage, mixing and well controlled dispensing of multi-material component substances.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a dental material, comprises a container that has a passageway with a front opening for releasing the dental material, and a rear opening. The device has a first fill opening in the passageway arranged between the rear opening and the front opening. The device further has a second fill opening. The device is adapted to receive a piston in the passageway which is movable between the rear opening and the front opening.

Abstract: An injection assembly for injecting medicine. The assembly includes a selectively collapsible elastomeric bulb having a hollow interior and an outlet. The bulb is collapsible from an expanded configuration in which the hollow interior has an expanded volume to a collapsed configuration in which the hollow interior has a collapsed volume that is smaller than the expanded volume. The assembly includes a tube having a proximal end connected to bulb, a distal end, and an interior passage in fluid communication with the outlet of the bulb. The assembly includes a needle connected to the distal end of the tube having a sharp distal end. The needle has an interior passage in fluid communication with the interior passage of the tube for delivering medicine from the hollow interior of the bulb when the bulb is compressed and drawing fluid through the needle toward the bulb when the bulb expands.

Abstract: Dispenser that dispenses a substance onto a substrate, such as a tooth treatment compound onto teeth, includes a vial including a cavity containing the substance and a projecting portion extending outward from the base. An applicator tip is engaged with the conduit and includes an internal passage communicating with the cavity, and an applicator portion situated forward of the conduit and that includes a plurality of spaced-apart projections at a distal application surface, preferably crenellated fingers. A cap is removably attachable to the vial and when attached, the applicator portion of the applicator tip is accommodated in a cavity of the cap and a sealing stopper extends into the internal passage to thereby seal it. When the cap is removed from the vial and the base is squeezed, the substance is urged out of the cavity through the passage of the applicator tip and onto the projections.

Abstract: An oral treatment apparatus is provided. A dental mount for mounting on teeth within a mouth is provided. A compartment is connected to and supported by the dental mount. A fluid absorbent substrate is within the compartment. The compartment may be formed by a permeable membrane. The compartment may be detachably connected to the dental mount.

Abstract: A flexible tubular vial is plugged at one end. The plug is pulled out to open the one end and define a gap between the open end of the vial and the plug. A sleeve bounds the gap. The sleeve has a rib as does the vial (or an intermediate component) that block each other so as to limit relative movement of the plug between a retracted relative position that plugs the open end and a cleared relative position that clears the open end. By squeezing the vial, contents of the vial are urged out through interstices in the plug. The contents may be a teeth whitening composition gel that urges out through interstices in the plug to a brush-like applicator to be applied to teeth or may be a topical medicine to be applied to skin.

Abstract: An application substance reservoir for a toothbrush is provided. The reservoir has a data carrier and may be filled with toothpaste or another application substance. An electric toothbrush is also provided. The data carrier of the application substance reservoir may contain, for example, information regarding the prevailing filling level of the application substance reservoir and the type of application substance. The electric toothbrush has a data receiver for reading the data stored in the data carrier, a data transmitter for writing to the data carrier, and a control unit which may display the filling level in the application substance reservoir or the particular application substance used.

Abstract: A system and device for providing a beneficial effect to the oral cavity of a mammal, the system including means for directing a fluid effective to provide the beneficial effect onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity; and the hand-held device, the hand-held device being suitable for providing the fluid to the directing means, and including means for providing reciprocation of the fluid, means for controlling the reciprocation of the fluids, means for conveying the fluid through the device system, a reservoir for containing the fluid, a power source and a linear motor.

Abstract: A dispensing device comprises a compartment for receiving a dental material, a piston for extruding the material from the compartment and a spindle drive for moving the piston and the compartment relative to one another. The spindle drive comprises a spindle and a link which are adapted for disengageable engagement with one another, wherein the spindle and the link are operable relative to each other between an engaged position in which the link and the spindle are engaged with one another, and a disengaged position in which the spindle and the link are disengaged from one another. The device may be relatively robust and inexpensive to manufacture, and may facilitate preparation of dental materials for use.

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

Abstract: A squeezing gun for two-part medical viscous fluid that simultaneously squeezes two different kinds of medical viscous fluid contained in a double cartridge including two tubes containing the respective different kinds of fluids. Two horizontal scroll bars are moved horizontally to actuate the squeezing of the fluids and are driven by a driving motor.

Abstract: A container for use with a hand-held device, in particular for dental purposes, for dispensing a pasty filling compound, the viscosity of which can be reduced by supplying vibration energy, wherein the container is designed to receive the pasty filling compound and comprises a discharge opening at the front end for dispensing the filling compound. The discharge opening is formed by a cannula which is made of steel, for example. The viscosity of the filling compound can be positively influenced by the cannula. In this way, in particular a significant increase in the liquefaction degree of the filling compound can be achieved.

Abstract: The oral cleaning appliance includes an assembly for generating low-pressure bursts of gas in the range of 2-7 bar, directed to a mixing chamber portion of the appliance. A pump provides successive doses of liquid to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes an outlet for liquid droplets produced by the interaction of the gas and the liquid in the mixing chamber. The gas inlet line to the mixing chamber has an internal diameter in the range of 1-5 mm. The center line of the gas inlet line is offset from the center line of the liquid droplet outlet line by a distance in the range of 1-5 mm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hand apparatus (1), in particular for dental purposes, for dispensing a pasty filler mass (M) the viscosity of which can be reduced by supplying vibration energy, having an apparatus housing (5), having a container (4) for the pasty filler mass (M), having an exit nozzle (11) standing in connection with the container (4), having a vibration generator (3), and having pressure production means (18) for exercising pressure on the pasty filler mass (M). In order to improve the transfer of vibrations in the region of the of the hand apparatus the vibration generator (3) and the container (4) are mounted movably with respect to the apparatus housing (5) and are directly vibration-coupled with each other.

Abstract: A curable dental composition comprising a monomer with a polyalicyclic structure element that can be used for filling and/or sealing of a root canal is described. Also described is a composition useful as a dental material and a method for preparing such a composition. New polymerizable monomers comprising at least one polyalicyclic structure element and certain ethylenic structure elements, which are particularly suitable for use in a dental composition, and the use of the new monomers in a dental composition are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oral care instrument which can maintain a sufficient support strength of a long neck, leaves little residue of a medicant after using, has a low contamination risk from nozzle tip, allows smooth spouting of a medical solution from the beginning, prevents excessive supply of a gelatinous or creamy oral-care composition in the case of flowing the composition in a supply channel inside the same, and contributes to the maintenance of the durability of a manufacturing mold. In the aforesaid oral care instrument which comprises a handle (2), a head (3) and a neck (4), a channel (11) for supplying oral-care composition running within the neck (4) to a nozzle (10) of the head (3) via the handle (2) is formed and the head (3) is connected in a detachable manner to the neck (4).

Abstract: An oral care instrument includes at least one oral care agent. In one embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided on one or more surfaces of the oral care instrument or included within cavities within the head or in one or more surfaces of a head. In other embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided in or on a thin slab subsequently bonded onto a surface, or applied as a stable coating. The oral care instrument can also be provided with a wear indicator. The oral care agents can be released during one use, during multiple uses, or throughout the life of the instrument. Water, oral secretions and/or chemicals within the mouth can activate the oral care agents.

Abstract: A dental machining device (1) having at least one shaft (2) which projects into a machining chamber (4) and is displaceable in both axial and radial directions includes a sealing element (7) having at least two axially spaced sealing lips (8, 9) bearing against the shaft (2) in its peripheral direction and enclosing an annular chamber (10) with the shaft (2). At least one fluid conduit (11) opens into the annular chamber (10) to supply a fluid (16) thereto. A pressure sensor (14) is provided for detecting a state variable of the fluid, which is detected and held ready for transmission to a control unit (14?).

Abstract: A dental paste dispensing device having a modified dispensing end for atraumatic contact with soft tissue is disclosed. The dispensing device has a metal needle with an attachment end adapted to be attached to a capsule containing the dental paste and a dispensing end with a terminal edge for dispensing the dental paste to a location in a patient mouth containing soft tissue, wherein the dispensing end includes an atraumatic modification. The modification comprises one of a non-metal coating on an outer surface of the dispensing end, a plastic tip member over the dispensing end, or a decreasing diameter at the terminal edge from a first point on the outer surface to a distal-most point of the outer surface.

Abstract: A dental whitening device includes a pair of flexible foil sheets of substantially identical structure superimposed over one another and permanently fastened together to define there between an internal region for confining a dental whitening composition and an outlet to the internal region from which to express the dental whitening composition; and an applicator, the applicator includes a pair of arcuately spreadable wings for spreading the dental whitening composition over a surface. The dental whitening composition comprises a hydrogen peroxide source; a carrier exhibiting a viscosity of about 40,000 cps to about 60,000 cps; and, optionally an additive such as thickeners, buffering compounds, chelating agents, surfactants, flavorants and artificial sweeteners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held teeth treatment device 1. The device 1 comprises a base unit 2 which is configured to be hand-held and operated and at least one applicator 3 comprising an applicator head 4 for applying treatment to teeth. The applicator comprises a connecting portion 5 for engaging with a complementary connecting portion 6 of the base unit for connecting the applicator to the base unit. Treatment generating means 7 receives electrical energy from a source of electrical energy 8 for generating treatment for application by the applicator. The device may have a set of interchangeable applicators 3, each applicable to a different treatment. Treatment activation means 5, 6 allow activation of the treatment generating means only when the or one of the applicators 3 is connected to the base unit 2.

Abstract: Devices for collecting a fluid sample from the oral cavity, the device including a mouthpiece that includes a chamber, the chamber including front and rear inner walls; and means for collecting the fluid sample from the oral cavity; and methods of collecting and analyzing samples of fluid from the oral cavity, including the steps of placing the device in the oral cavity, collecting the fluid sample and conducting an analysis of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A method for producing a multicomponent compound involves pressing components out of cartridges by means of pistons. The method has particular applicability in connection with dental applications. The method prevents pressing the components initially under high pressures. At the beginning of the pressing-out process, a pressure lower than the characteristic pressing-out pressure of the components from the cartridges is employed. Feed speeds are adjusted to constant value as a function of the pressing-out behavior of the components which are compared with stored or calculated values for a known material.

Abstract: A method of tooth treatment includes sensing a surface condition of tooth or gum and controlling ejection of a fluid jet against the tooth based on the sensed condition. The fluid may be a liquid and may be carried in a self-contained reservoir in a handle of a fluid ejection device. The liquid can be a cleansing solution and may contain cleaning particles. The ejection can be controlled to clean teeth at high pressure and to reduce pressure applied to gum, for example, to clean plaque. In some embodiments, the method may be used to remove soft tooth. The method may further include automatically scanning the fluid jet relative to a handle of an injection device. In an embodiment, the fluid is ejected by means of a fluid ejector comprising a stationary magnet assembly providing a magnetic field and a coil assembly, slidably disposed with respect to the magnet assembly, the coil assembly driving ejection of the fluid jet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for intra-oral delivery of drugs. One method embodiment includes providing a dental device with one or more reservoirs, supplying at least one of the reservoirs with the one or more substances, and fluidly releasing the one or more substances from at least one reservoir into an oral structure at different preselected doses at different predetermined time periods and in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: Compositions containing ferrate(VI) are disclosed. Also, methods are disclosed that utilize ferrate(VI).

Abstract: The invention includes a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, and a cartridge for containing the medicament within the device, where the cartridge includes a housing, a retractable chamber for containing medicament disposed within the housing, and a substantially stationary member disposed within the barrel of the retractable chamber, where upon activation of the device, the retractable chamber is retracted about the substantially stationary member, thereby depositing medicament within the body cavity.

Abstract: A dental tool for use in photo-cured filling processes. The dental tool includes a tool tip formed from a material that allows the transmission of ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths through the tool tip without significant distortion or reflection. The material is also relatively high strength so not to shatter or break during use. The fill material will also not adhere to the tool. The material of a preferred embodiment is sapphire. The tool is able to continue to compact and shape the fill material while the composite polymer fill material is undergoing photo-curing. The light beam used for photo-curing is able to safely pass through the tool without the risk of damage to the surrounding tissue from reflection or distortion of the light beam.

Abstract: A dual-curing, multi-component dental composition is described. The dental composition can include: (a) one or more photopolymerizable monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylates and methacrylates; (b) one or more photoinitiators, selected from the group consisting of alpha-diketones, benzoin alkyl ethers, thioxanthones, benzophenones, acylphosphinoxides, acetophenones, ketals, titanocenes, borates and sensitizing colorants; (c) one or more molecular weight regulators selected from the group consisting of compounds which can be converted with a radical of a monomer of component (a), wherein the conversion takes place by abstraction of an H-radical from the molecular weight regulator in the allyl position; (d) one or more polymerization inhibitors for increasing the storage stability of the composition; (e) one or more inorganic fillers; (f) one or more initiators for a chemical curing at ambient temperature, and if necessary one or more further additives.

Abstract: A sulcus impression tip for use in injecting dental impression material for making dental impressions. The apparatus includes a body having a gripping portion and a discharge tip. The body includes a needle cannula in fluid communication with a flange, wherein the flange receives and holds the dental impression material and is secured in the interior surface of the gripping portion. The discharge tip has a bore there through which permits a friction fit with the outside diameter of needle cannula. The length of the needle cannula is approximately longer than the length of the discharge tip. The body further defines an angle such that when the dentist is holding the gripping portion, the angle permits the discharge tip and needle cannula to be positioned for easy access in the oral cavity by the dentist.