Abstract: A pressure sensor dental impression tray is provided and designed for both the maxilla and the mandible. The dental impression trays provide real-time feedback to prosthodontists regarding the force applied during the impression procedure and incorporate an array of pressure sensors and an analog to digital meter to measure and display the applied force in real-time.

Abstract: A system for generating computer programs includes physical carriers of information that have a rectangular contrasting marker associated with an element of the computer program and a description text and/or a graphical symbol. The carriers may form the computer program when they are sequentially arranged along a first axis and at least one carrier may receive another carrier of information on its right side, along a second axis. The system also includes image capturing device for capturing a digital image of an arrangement of the carriers forming the computer program. A computer device has a display screen and is configured to process the image; recognize the carriers on the image; determine the arrangement of the carriers with respect to each other; superimpose on the image a graphical icon above the marker of each recognized carrier; output the combined digital image and convert the determined arrangement to the computer program.

Abstract: A dental overlay for preparing a tooth is prepared. Movements a cutting tool follows in preparing the tooth are simulated based on data acquired from a dentition and define tooth structure to be removed by the tool from the tooth. The overlay is produced with an inner surface corresponding to and configured for contacting a contact region on and extending between respective top and bottom portions of and partially around the tooth or a neighboring tooth of the tooth. The respective bottom portion or portions are configured to be adjacent to a gingiva. The inner surface thereby remains releasably fixed to the contact region and in a same position relative to the tooth upon pressure to the overlay by the tool during the defined tooth structure removal. A groove of the overlay is configured for contacting the tool to limit its movements to predetermined movements corresponding to the simulated movements.

Abstract: [Object] To provide, for a composite resin (CR) having a wide range of applicable colors (shades) (wide-ranging color applicable CR), such as a CR having light diffusion properties and a CR that produces color by means of a structural color, a technology with which an excellent effect, specifically, an increased breadth (number) of applicable shades in comparison to an existing CR other than a wide-ranging color applicable CR, can be achieved.

Abstract: A dentistry training apparatus includes a suction assembly that includes a collection portion having a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the bottom wall defining a central aperture in fluid communication with a liquid suction device. A support tray is positioned atop the collection portion and includes a plurality of legs configured to displace the support tray above the bottom wall, the support tray including a lower wall and a support tray sidewall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the lower wall. The lower wall of the support tray defines a hole having a circular configuration for selectively receiving an endodontic cup. An apex locator lead is electrically connected to a power source and positioned atop the bottom wall of the suction assembly, the apex locator lead being registered with the hole so as to engage the endodontic cup when received in the aperture.

Abstract: A method for establishing a denture dentition model includes: obtaining face information and teeth alignment information of a use, to establish a three-dimensional mouth-opening face model and an original teeth model, and superimposing the original teeth model to the three-dimensional mouth-opening face model; establishing a reference line corresponding to each of the teeth of the original teeth model; generating a plurality of grids on the three-dimensional mouth-opening face model according to the reference lines, and adjusting each of the grids to correspond to the edge of each tooth, to obtain an actual size of each of the teeth; providing an upper edge curve and a lower edge curve on the three-dimensional mouth-opening face model as a smile curve; aligning each grid with the smile curve, and placing a denture model in each grid; and adjusting a denture contour of each denture model, to generate the denture dentition model.

Abstract: Oral hygiene monitoring system is disclosed to track motion and orientation of an oral hygiene device. The control system may process data output from a motion sensor to determine position and orientation of an oral hygiene device with respect to a user's mouth. In some examples, the system may use machine learning techniques to identify position and orientation, brush stroke type, and other specific actions.

Abstract: Dental hygiene and periodontal hand instrumentation requires alignment of the cutting surface of the instrument at a specific angle and adaptation to the tooth surface. A dental hygiene and periodontal hand instrumentation tutor provides an objective, consistent and accurate way to measure and display the actual angulation and adaptation angles of a periodontal hand instrument and assess instrument use continuously. The method includes detecting the position, orientation, motion path, pressure, angulation angle, adaptation angle, and centerline angle of a periodontal hand instrument and comparing them to ideal positions, orientations, and motion paths; and provides various forms of user feedback.

Abstract: An animal dentistry training and assessment apparatus comprising a sectioned artificial tooth, comprising a crown portion and a furcate root portion, the furcate root portion comprising a plurality of roots; and a base comprising a receiving portion configured to receive and releasably retain each root of the furcate root portion. The sectioned artificial tooth is sectioned into a plurality of sections comprising one or more but not all of said roots of the furcate root portion and part of the crown portion, the plurality of sections being contiguous when the sectioned artificial tooth is received in the receiving portion.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating a 3D model for dental simulation, comprising reading a file describing the surface of a 3D object having a volume; generating a voxel grid encompassing the 3D object, wherein the voxel grid contains a plurality of voxels; identifying a subset of voxels of the plurality of voxels which are located within the volume of the 3D object; generating a triangulated surface, wherein the triangulated surface encompasses the subset of voxels and defines the outer surface of the 3D model; assigning a density value to each voxel in the subset of voxels, wherein the subset of voxels defines the solid volume of the 3D model.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating a 3D model for dental simulation, comprising reading a file describing the surface of a 3D object having a volume; generating a voxel grid encompassing the 3D object, wherein the voxel grid contains a plurality of voxels; identifying a subset of voxels of the plurality of voxels which are located within the volume of the 3D object; generating a triangulated surface, wherein the triangulated surface encompasses the subset of voxels and defines the outer surface of the 3D model; assigning a density value to each voxel in the subset of voxels, wherein the subset of voxels defines the solid volume of the 3D model.

Abstract: A positioning feedback tool for a dental appliance takes the form of a flexible appearance strip for simulating the appearance of an installed dental appliance on a patient wearer. Dental appliances, such as dentures, rest on the gums of a wearer as functional replacements of teeth. The flexible appearance strip has visual images of dental elements (teeth) for replacing the natural teeth, and depict the size, spacing and color of the dental elements in the finished appliance. Dental elements are affixed onto a foundation mold for resembling a natural row of teeth. The foundation mold receives an imprint of the gums of the wearer, and also receives the dental elements to define the placement of the dental elements. Prior to tooth placement in the foundation mold, the flexible appearance strip is disposed against the installed foundation mold so that the patient may visualize the appearance of the finished appliance.

Abstract: A hotel room internet-of-things (IOT) controller includes: a housing configured for table-top mounting; a system controller operable by a hotel guest to wirelessly control environmental parameters in the hotel room using voice commands; a touch interactive screen extending above the housing; a voice capture circuit; and a switch disposed proximate an outside surface of the housing and manually operable between: i) a first position in which the voice capture circuit is connected to the system controller; ii) a second position in which the voice capture circuit is disconnected from the system controller; and iii) an additional step and secondary method to confirm through a double opt-in or opt-out through a user interface on the device or mobile device connected to the system.

Abstract: An oral care system that includes an oral care implement and a tracking attachment. The oral care implement may include a handle and a head. The tracking attachment is detachably coupled to the oral care implement. The tracking attachment may include a first component comprising a first housing having an inner surface that defines a first cavity and a second component comprising a second housing having an inner surface that defines a second cavity. When the tracking attachment is coupled to the oral care implement, a first portion of the handle is positioned within the first cavity and a second portion of the handle is positioned within the second cavity.

Abstract: A dental simulation machine including a support having a support surface for engagement by a finger of a user to support a hand of the user, the support surface being moveable between a plurality of positions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be a system for determining toothbrush effectiveness, the system comprising a data capture subsystem comprising at least one sensor and configured to generate brushing data during a participant brushing session directed entirely by the participant. A brushing simulation subsystem includes a robotic arm configured to hold a toothbrush, and receive from at least one processor instructions for a motion to be carried out by the robotic arm. The motion of the robotic arm causes the toothbrush to carry out an automated brushing session upon the artificial teeth, the motion of the robotic arm being based on the brushing data captured during the participant brushing session. The at least one processor is further configured to determine an effectiveness of the toothbrush based on the substance determined to be removed from artificial teeth during an automated brushing session.

Abstract: A method (400) for determining a user's compliance with a guided cleaning session during use of an oral cleaning device (10) includes the steps of: (i) providing (410) an oral cleaning device including a sensor (28), a guidance generator (46), and a controller (30); (ii) providing (420), by the guidance generator, a guided cleaning session to the user; (iii) generating (430), at a first location during the guided cleaning session, sensor data from the sensor indicating a position or motion of the oral cleaning device; (iv) comparing (440) the generated sensor data to expected sensor data for the first location; and (v) generating (450), based on the comparison, an estimate of the user's compliance with the guided cleaning session.

Abstract: A bone foundation guide system and method, the system could includes a bone foundation guide including a body forming an open surgical space, the body further having a bottom contoured to reversibly affix to exposed bone of a dental surgical site and a top contoured to match a bottom side of a dental implant surgical guide; at least one anchoring strut that removably attaches to the body with an apex of the anchoring strut further denoting one or more indentations for matching up with and receiving one or more portions of one alveolar ridge that opposes another alveolar ridge supporting the dental surgical site; alternatively to the anchoring struts and a tissue spacing gasket, the dental implant surgical guide that removably connects to the body; and alternatively to the anchoring struts or the dental implant surgical guide, the tissue spacing gasket that removably connects to the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing a user's efficiency while operating an oral hygiene device (10) is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, motion information of an oral hygiene device is received from one or more accelerometers (32) located within the oral hygiene device. The received motion information is compared to a targeted motion of the oral hygiene device. The user operating the oral hygiene device is then provided with feedback in response to determining that the received motion information is within a predefined range of the targeted motion information.

Abstract: Techniques for generating and providing a checklist, and for providing updates to a checklist based on event data. In some aspects, a checklist is provided to a terminal device by receiving a notification of a trigger event, which is used, at least in part, to obtain a checklist template and to generate a checklist from the checklist template, which is then provided to the terminal device. In some aspects, a server device provides a checklist to a terminal device, the checklist comprising a sequence of prompts, each prompt indicating one or more actions, and the server device provides an update to the checklist based on received event data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush may include a driving module configured to oscillate a brush unit; an acceleration sensor configured to generate an output signal; a signal extraction module configured to extract from the output signal (a) a first signal having a frequency at a first threshold or higher and (b) a second signal having a frequency at a second threshold or lower; a brushing site estimation module configured to estimate a brushing site of the brush unit based on the output signal of the acceleration sensor; and a correction module configured to correct the brushing site estimated by the brushing site estimation module based on an amplitude of the first signal and an amplitude of the second signal.

Abstract: Simulators for practicing trans-oral surgery and methods of use thereof, are described. The simulator may include a simulated soft palate musculature adjacent to the simulated hard palate, and a simulated mucosal layer covering at least a portion of the simulated hard palate and at least a portion of the simulated soft palate musculature, wherein the simulated mucosal layer is configured to conform to and follow the contours of surface features of the covered portions of the simulated hard palate and simulated soft palate musculature.

Abstract: An interactive 3D display apparatus and method are provided. The interactive 3D display apparatus includes a hand sensing module configured to acquire a hand image by detecting a hand of a user and a user interaction module configured to generate a virtual object adjustment parameter by analyzing user-intended information about the hand based on the hand image acquired by the hand sensing module and comparing an analysis result with predefined user scenarios, an image rendering module configured to set a scene according to the generated virtual object adjustment parameter, generate image data by rendering the set scene, and convert the generated image data into display data, and a 3D display configured to display a 3D image including a virtual object in which a change intended by the user has been reflected according to the display data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle device for a surgical light, which comprises a handle element, prepared for attachment to a receiving body of the surgical light and forming a handle surface in an exterior region. A voice control module that has at least one acoustic sensor is detachably connected to the handle element. The invention further relates to a surgical light having said handle device.

Abstract: A physical model of a set of teeth, wherein the physical model includes a gingival part in which a cavity comprising a cavity wall is formed; and a removable component having a part shaped as a tooth, where the removable component is configured for fitting into the cavity with a gap at an interface between the removable component and the cavity wall. The removable component or the cavity wall includes one or more supporting elements extending across the gap to establish contact between the removable component and the cavity wall to support and position the removable component in the cavity, and where contact between the removable component and the cavity wall at the interface only is provided by the supporting elements.

Abstract: Existing haptic-based simulation systems struggle to replicate a realistic experience for dental and dental hygiene students and clinicians. A realistic haptic-based simulator to train periodontal procedures. Realism is accomplished through three distinguished features: (1) a custom grip to attach dental instruments to the haptic device, which enhances the grip experience since learners feel the tactile properties of the instruments (rather than the haptic device stylus), (2) two haptic devices are utilized to simulate haptic feedback with both the dental instrument (dominant hand) and the mirror instrument (non-dominant hand), and (3) a finger support mechanism using parallel manipulation is used for the intraoral fulcrum during probing. The Haptic dental simulator system comprises software and hardware subsystems.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device (100) including at least one sensor (104) to improve a user's operation of the oral hygiene device is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the oral hygiene device includes a longitudinal shaft (102), an attachment assembly (112), a handle portion (110), a suspension system (106), at least two sensors (104a, 104b), and at least one processor (132). The at least one processor is operable to receive an amount of force applied to the attachment assembly, which is detected by the at least two sensors. An angle that the attachment assembly is applied is also determined, the angle being based on the detected amount of force. In one embodiment, the angle and the amount of force are displayed within a user interface to the user to help the user improve their oral hygiene technique.

Abstract: A dental model is provided including at least one artificial flexible jaw including an arch-shaped base portion having outer and inner walls extending between first and second ends, the base portion holding a plurality of teeth. The base portion is flexible and extendable so that its first and second ends can move in three dimensions with respect to each other. Thus, the base portion can move to various configurations in which the first and second ends can be positioned in any manner with respect to each other, e.g., at different distances from each other and/or in different planes. The dental model can include one or both of hard palate and soft palate with or without uvula configured to deform when the base portion is deformed. The one or more jaws can be mounted on a holder.

Abstract: An orthodontic practice appliance (1) in the present invention includes an orthodontic tooth row (23) for orthodontic practice, an orthodontic gingival part (22) that holds the orthodontic tooth row (23) and is softened by the application of heat, and a metal member (24) that is placed inside the orthodontic gingival part (22) and has an exposure portion exposed to the outside. According to the present invention, when the orthodontic practice appliance (1) is immersed in hot water, the exposed metal member (24) is heated. The metal member (24) extends inside the orthodontic gingival part (22). Therefore, the orthodontic gingival part (22) is heated not only from the surface thereof in direct contact with the hot water but also from inside thereof by heat transmitted through the heated metal plate (24). Accordingly, heat is transmitted to the orthodontic gingival part (22) uniformly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be an electric toothbrush including a trajectory detecting module configured to detect a trajectory of movement of a brush, the trajectory including a plurality of positions; an attitude detecting module configured to detect an attitude of the brush; a site estimating module configured to estimate a brushing site for each of the plurality of positions of the trajectory, each estimated brushing site being based on the trajectory detected by the trajectory detecting module; and a back most tooth detecting module configured to detect a back most tooth based on a change of the attitude detected by the attitude detecting module; wherein the site estimating module is further configured to correct the estimated brushing site for each of the plurality of positions of the trajectory based on the estimated site of the detected back most tooth.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of communicating objects intended to promote a smart environment. The invention more particularly concerns a communication system comprising: —a recipient 1 for a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product or a wine or a spirit as the communicating object and —at least two mobile telecommunication devices 110, 120. The invention also concerns an associated communication method. The recipient is incorporated into the communication system in such way as to adapt at least to the presence of the first mobile telecommunication device in the coverage area of the communication means of same. The recipient is therefore advantageously an actor of the communication system. The recipient promotes the smart environment defined by the communication system.

Abstract: Technology is described for a system to provide skill training in various fields, including professional fields involving hand-held instruments. The system senses a user's manipulation of an instrument or tool using various sensors, e.g., for a dental tool, an array of pressure sensors in the tool's tip, grip sensors, and sensors to track the position and movement of the tool. The system includes lessons to train users in the proper methods to manipulate the tool and provides guidance and feedback based on the user's performance to build the user's skills, prevent injury, and document competency.

Abstract: Stands for safety shaving razors are disclosed. The stands include a body defining a cavity configured to receive a handle of the razor and a base from which the body extends.

Abstract: The dental education model is a realistic model of a human jaw with removable teeth, including a base plate and a substantially U-shaped member simulating a human gingiva. The substantially U-shaped member has upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface being mounted on the base plate. The upper surface has a plurality of recesses defined therein. A plurality of first magnetic connectors are embedded in the substantially U-shaped member adjacent to closed ends of the plurality of recesses. A plurality of simulated teeth have coronal and root portions. The root portions of the plurality of teeth are removably received within the plurality of recesses formed in the substantially U-shaped member. A plurality of second magnetic connectors are embedded in the root portions of the plurality of the teeth, such that the first and second magnetic connectors are releasably magnetically attachable to one another.

Abstract: A system for providing a connected dental device is disclosed. In particular, the system may include integrating a network chip or transceiver into a dental device, such as a toothbrush, so as to enable the dental device to communicate with a user device and one or more accessory devices. Once the user device and one or more accessory devices are paired with the user device, the system may track information associated with the dental device and the user using the dental device. Based on the tracked information, the system may determine an action to be performed by the user using the dental device. Using the dental device, the system may transmit a notification to the user device to alert the user of the action that needs to be performed. The system may also transmit notifications providing status information for the dental device and the one or more accessory devices.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time measurement of curing energy delivered to a simulated dental restoration from a source of curing energy. The system comprises a detector and a display. The detector measures at a location within the simulated dental restoration the amount of curing energy delivered by the curing energy source. The display displays the measured amount of curing energy in real-time. The system also comprises a temperature detector to measure temperature changes in the oral tissues during curing (teeth and gums). The system also comprises a video camera to record the operator's curing technique.

Abstract: A device for endodontic treatment simulation is described including: at least one physical tooth model including pulp chamber and root canals, manufactured by way of layered manufacturing or rapid prototyping techniques and corresponding to a real-life endodontic case. Methods and systems for designing and manufacturing the device are also described.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dental model capable of strongly fixing model teeth to a model main body and capable of configuring model teeth with a desired length. This dental model is provided with a model main body, model teeth which have a dental crown and a dental root and which are attached to the model main body, and screws which have a shaft and a head and which detachably connect the model teeth to the model main body. The model main body is provided with a base, dental root arrangement units which are provided on one surface of the base and in which the dental roots are arranged, holes which are formed in the dental root arrangement units and through which the shafts are inserted, and support pieces which protrude from the one surface of the base and which support the lateral surface of the dental roots arranged in the dental root arrangement units.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an oral-care system is provided. The oral-care system includes an electric toothbrush having a motor, a power source in electrical communication with the motor, and a bristle holder operatively connected to the motor. A display is in data communication with the electric toothbrush.

Abstract: The invention provides a system suitable for monitoring the usage of a toothbrush, the system comprising: (a) a toothbrush; (b) a sound sensor which is located in or on the toothbrush; (c) a programmable data logger which is located in or on the toothbrush, the data logger incorporating a motion sensor and a data store for the logging of data; (d) switching means for triggering the operation of the sound sensor in response to initial signals of toothbrush motion generated by the motion sensor, and (e) a data analysis device which is adapted to analyze data transmitted or acquired from the system to provide information about tooth brushing behavior; in which the duration of data logging is controllable in response to the combined signals received from the sound sensor and the motion sensor respectively.

Abstract: The dental position tracking system includes a toothbrush (30) which has a system (20) for determining the orientation of the toothbrush in the mouth of a user relative to the earth, based on measured stored information. Information is stored in the toothbrush concerning target ranges of expected measured toothbrush orientations for each of a plurality of dental zones (22). A processor (24) compares the measured toothbrush orientation information with the target orientation ranges, following conversion of both the target orientation information and the measured toothbrush orientation information to the same coordinate system. The processor then determines which if any of the target ranges matches, within a selected tolerance thereof, with the toothbrush orientation information. Any difference between the target range and the measured toothbrush orientation information is then used to partially adjust the target information range, in order to compensate for a change of position of the user's head.

Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a handle (12), a brushhead (14) and a drive assembly (20) which includes a processor (22) for driving the brushhead at a selected frequency and amplitude. A miniature gyroscope (MEMS) (26) and an accelerometer (28) are mounted on the brushhead or on a portion of the drive assembly within the handle for detecting rotational velocity of the brushhead and orientation of the brushhead in the mouth during operation. Information from the gyroscope (rotational) and the accelerometer are then provided to the processor for determining amplitude of brushhead movement. The amplitude information is provided to the user, or can be further processed and fed back (30) to the drive assembly for control of brushhead movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrushing monitoring device (18). In order to obtain an efficient monitoring device, the monitoring device comprises: an input device (21), an acceleration sensor, a signal conditioner, a memory, a comparator which compares the numbers of brushing cycles registered by each teeth surface specific counter during brushing with corresponding reference values maintained in said memory, and an output device (27) which indicates that the brushing of the teeth region (L-U) in question is accepted.

Abstract: A medical training apparatus comprising an instrument holder with a medical instrument, a model patient body simulating a patient subject to medical treatment or examination, and an examination table on which the model patient body is placed. The medical training apparatus comprises a posture detection means for detecting the posture of the examination table, a medical instrument status detection means for detecting the working status of the medical instrument, an examination receiving status detection means for detecting the situation of the model patient body in medical treatment or examination, and a model patient body driving means housed in the model patient body.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a handle having a base and a head and defining a cavity positioned between the base and the head. The toothbrush also includes a plurality of bristles attached to the head of the handle, a green light configured to flash for a first period of time, a yellow light configured to flash for a second period of time, and a red light configured to flash for a third period of time. The toothbrush also includes a switch coupled to the handle for activating the green light, and a circuit for automatically activating the yellow light after expiration of the first period of time and for automatically activating the red light after expiration of the second period of time.

Abstract: Computer interfaces are provided for exploring dental anatomy, for accessing information related to dental conditions, for learning oral hygiene and for cataloguing events. Some of the learning interfaces provide interactive elements for practicing the flossing and brushing of teeth.

Abstract: A dental simulator includes a base and a platform connected to the base. The base has a first end, an opposing second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end toward the second end. The platform has at least a first portion which is movably connected to the base. The first portion of the base also includes at least one actuator. The simulator further includes a torso support movably connected to the base and at least a first instrument holder movably connected to the base. At least the first portion of the platform, the torso support, and the first instrument holder are configured to move in unison with respect to the base along the longitudinal axis thereof.

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: Brushing systems include a base configured to assist in keeping the system in an upright position. The base is coupled to a stand being sized, shaped, and positioned so as to couple the base and a support structure. The support structure is configured to provide support for a audio/video device positioned thereon, the audio/video device being configured to provide an audio/visual presentation to a child while brushing his or her teeth, the audio/visual presentation including information on proper oral hygiene habits.

Abstract: A model head including a jaw insert having layers of varying materials replicating the anatomical features of a human jaw. The jaw may include a mock nerve system that provides a signal to indicate the condition of the nerve. The jaw also may include a circulatory system including vessels that simulate the bleeding that occurs when a vessel in a human has been damaged.