Dentistry Patents (Class 434/263)
  • Patent number: 8784112
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth which is used in a dental arch model with which dental students can experience dental works in the oral cavity and practice treatments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tooth composition for formation trainings such as abutment tooth formation and cavity preparation. Since conventionally used dental arch models have a grinding sensation different from a natural tooth, dental students having completed formation trainings such as abutment tooth formation and cavity preparation by using these conventional models are frequently puzzled to have different grinding and handling properties upon dental works in the oral cavity in practice. That is, these conventional dental arch models are largely different from a natural tooth in grinding sensation including slipperiness and easiness in grinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shofu
    Inventors: Yusei Kadobayashi, Hirokazu Sato, Ryuichi Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8777632
    Abstract: An education system is disclosed. Unique interactive interfaces can give a user random access to patient data while taking an examination. Examination formats can include an item sequence format, which prompts a user to select and order proper treatments. A treatment map examination format can prompt a user to select a treatment and where to apply it. A dental treatment map can be used to map treatments to teeth surfaces, and a course authoring tool can allow a user to create a course, examinations, and scoring metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James Mandolini, Owen Mortensen, Jason Webster
  • Patent number: 8764449
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for an apparatus and method for practicing injection techniques through an injectable apparatus. The injectable apparatus may contain a camera that is configured to detect the intensity and color of light attenuated from a testing tool after it is injected into a simulated human or animal body parts. A training tool may be connected to a user display device to generate a display of the injection apparatus as well as the performance parameters of a trainee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Trulnject Medical Corp.
    Inventors: Gabrielle A. Rios, Jeff Crockett, Clark B. Foster, David J. Mishelevich, Milan Trcka, Aaron J. Gifford, Chris C. Ludolph
  • Patent number: 8758022
    Abstract: An instructional hygiene method includes providing an instructional hygiene device, the instructional hygiene device configured to provide an instruction to a user during operation, and delivering said instruction from said instructional hygiene device to said user in response to activation of a user input of said instructional hygiene device. The instructional hygiene device can include a toothbrush or a dentifrice dispenser. The delivering an instruction step can include instructing the user regarding a tooth-brushing technique, instructing the user to move a toothbrush head in a circular motion, instructing the user to brush a tongue, and/or providing music to the user. In addition, the step of delivering the instruction can include retrieving the instruction from a memory of the instructional hygiene device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Youngjoo Elaine Kim
  • Publication number: 20140170621
    Abstract: A teaching device 10 includes a radiopaque skull 30 and radiopaque teeth 24, covered with plastic foam and silicone skin 31 to simulate a human head having correct external anatomical form. Pliable lips 20, 21 and other anatomical features realistically reproduce the challenges of taking dental x-rays images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Curtis L. Steward, JR., Sean V. Ciesielka, Paul K. McDonough
  • Patent number: 8725096
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus including a printed circuit board for wireless communication between the various components and devices used in a wireless dental device. The printed circuit board includes a substrate for mounting of a plurality of electronic components. The electronic components include a programmable controller; a radio frequency transceiver; an accelerometer; a wake-up device for generating a wake-up signal to the controller; and a 2.45 GHz antenna communicatively coupled with the RF transceiver. The electronic components are in electronic communication through printed circuit traces on the substrate and configured to communicate with at least one remote wireless controller. The PCB is configured to be mounted within a housing module of the hand-held dental hand piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kenneth Lint, Joseph Robert Reagan
  • Patent number: 8696361
    Abstract: A model for learning dentistry skills and including a shell attachable to a phantom head, through-holes disposed in the shell, teaching teeth individually arranged in the through-holes, and having a carrier plate attachable to the shell, such that a teaching tooth is releasably fixed on the shell and is adapted to be inserted into the model and removed therefrom. At least one peg disposed on the carrier plate, and a holding chamber disposed in the peg, wherein a holding element projects from each tooth and passes through a through-hole in the shell and is aligned with a holding chamber and is inserted into the holding chamber, and a holding strip disposed between the shell and the carrier plate and adapted to contours of the carrier plate and the shell and disposed in openings, the holding strip being movable for securing the holding element of the teaching tooth to the carrier plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Franz Sachs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst Woidschützke
  • Patent number: 8690579
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Teunis Jan Ikkink, Hans Marc Bert Boeve
  • Publication number: 20140065588
    Abstract: A toothbrush training system for children includes an instrumented toothbrush with physics sensors, along with optional feedback elements, interacting with a dynamic audio-visual instructional program providing guidance, assessment and feedback on proper brushing procedures. The system provides instruction on tooth brushing technique in combination with monitoring and corrective feedback based on that technique in the context of an audio-visual game environment. The instructional program uses an animated character to illustrate the desired toothbrush positioning and movement for cleaning specific tooth surfaces. The content and progress of the audio-visual presentation may be dynamically altered based on data received from the toothbrush to adjust the presentation in response to a comparison of the instructional information and the actual tooth brushing movement performed by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: IDEAS THAT WORK, LLC
    Inventors: Dov Jacobson, Jesse Martin Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8662900
    Abstract: A bone implant surgery system is used for simulating a dental surgical procedure having a display that shows placing a simulated bone implant at a simulated implant site on a living body by using a simulated surgical tool holding the simulated bone implant. At least one hand-held haptic device is used to control the surgical tool and at least one controller is specifically configured to cause movement of the surgical tool on the display based on motions of the haptic device and to cause haptic feedback to a user holding the haptic device depending on the position of the surgical tool on the display. A user may then review and evaluate the results of the surgical simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Albert Bell, III, Jeffrey A. Bassett, Michael Collins
  • Patent number: 8651872
    Abstract: An apparatus for didactic dentistry operations comprising a base structure conformed so as to define a supporting plane raised from the floor, and a dentistry simulation apparatus pivoted to the supporting plane, so as to be able to rotate with respect to the latter between a first operating position, in which the simulation apparatus extends laterally from the bulk of the supporting plane, and a second inactive position in which the simulation apparatus is substantially comprised in the bulk of the supporting plane. The simulation apparatus is pivoted to the supporting plane in correspondence with a median zone of the latter. The supporting plane comprises a housing seating which at least partly accommodates the simulation apparatus in the inactive position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Saratoga SpA
    Inventor: Bruno Bortolus
  • Publication number: 20140045160
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Akihiro Higashimura, Toshimitsu Kokubo
  • Patent number: 8641422
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatuses, methods, and systems provide for simulations of real-life bone graft procedures. One embodiment is a model that includes a base in the shape of at least a portion of a maxillary or mandibular dental arch, and includes a defect on its surface. The model also includes a multi-layer tissue model configured to overlay at least a portion of the base in a covering relationship with the defect and surrounding tissue. The multi-layer tissue model includes a gingival simulating layer, connective tissue simulating layer, and two adhesive layers. The first of the two adhesive layers connects the connective tissue simulating layer to the gingival simulating layer, and the second adhesive layer, affixed to the connective tissue simulating layer opposite the first layer, is configured to adhere the multi-layer tissue model to the base. The multi-layer tissue model also includes a removable backing covering the second adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent Francavilla
  • Publication number: 20140030685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth which is used in a dental arch model with which dental students can experience dental works in the oral cavity and practice treatments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tooth composition for formation trainings such as abutment tooth formation and cavity preparation. Since conventionally used dental arch models have a grinding sensation different from a natural tooth, dental students having completed formation trainings such as abutment tooth formation and cavity preparation by using these conventional models are frequently puzzled to have different grinding and handling properties upon dental works in the oral cavity in practice. That is, these conventional dental arch models are largely different from a natural tooth in grinding sensation including slipperiness and easiness in grinding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SHOFU
    Inventors: Yusei KADOBAYASHI, Hirokazu SATO, Ryuichi YOSHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140024003
    Abstract: Provided are a tooth model having parts corresponding to tartar formed uniformly and a method of manufacturing the tooth model. A tooth model (10) used for dental training comprises a main body having a tooth crown (11) molded to look like the shape of a tooth and a tooth root (12), and protrusions (13) seamlessly formed on the surface of the main body, and the main body and the protrusions (13) are composed of the same material. The protrusions (13) and the main body of the tooth model (10) can be integrally molded. Therefore, the repeated use of the common molding die allows the parts corresponding to tartar to be formed uniformly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Shigetsugu Iwaki, Kyohei Matsui
  • Patent number: 8616889
    Abstract: A manikin for practicing resuscitation, comprising an inflatable body (1). The inflatable body (1) is adapted to absorb compression force exerted during simulated chest compression. Preferably, the manikin also comprises a chest plate (4), the chest plate (4) acting as a pressure distributor on the inflatable body (1). The chest plate (4) being connected to the inflatable body (1) by elastic means (22). The manikin may also comprise a lung part (2), the lung part being connected to a face mask (3). The lung (2) being adapted for inflation through the mouth and/or the nose of the face mask (3). The lung (2) having a chest portion (13) positioned substantially parallel to the chest portion (5) of the inflatable body (1). The face mask (3) being positioned at a head portion (7) of the inflatable body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Laerdal Medical AS
    Inventors: Tore Lærdal, Harald Eikeland, Jens Petter Ianke
  • Patent number: 8608482
    Abstract: System and method for teaching a dental practitioner an appropriate pressure to apply during a dental procedure. The system includes a dental tool for use in a dental procedure and a substrate including a coating of a removable scratch-off material. The scratch-off material is adhered to the substrate so as to have an adherence strength that is specifically configured so that the scratch-off material coating is removable from the substrate by manipulating the dental tool against the scratch-off material coating upon application of a minimum threshold pressure that is substantially equal to that to be applied during a selected actual dental procedure. In this manner, an inexperienced practitioner is able to learn the appropriate magnitude of pressure to be applied during a procedure (e.g., application and burnishing of a hemostatic composition into bleeding soft tissue) in a non-threatening environment without having to actually work on a live, bleeding patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Fishcer, Luis Gustavo de Mattos Abreu
  • Publication number: 20130316319
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred A. Bell
  • Patent number: 8585411
    Abstract: A toothbrushing monitoring device for a user includes a sensor coupled with the toothbrush for measuring toothbrushing patterns, a recording device coupled with the sensor, and a comparator. The recording device records data relating to the user's preferred toothbrushing patterns in a first mode, which is used to establish toothbrushing pattern reference data. The comparator compares toothbrushing patterns measured by the sensor and the toothbrushing pattern reference data, which may be output to an output device. In one example, the sensor consists of only an accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brushgate Oy
    Inventors: Juha-Pekka Puurunen, Ari Visa, Jussi Collin, Jouni Kantola, Ivan Avdouevski, Ulf Meriheina, Teijo Viljanen
  • Publication number: 20130260349
    Abstract: A kit for demonstrating or explaining the action of a mineral ion scavenger in an oral care composition. A method for demonstrating or explaining the action of a mineral ion scavenger in an oral care composition. A kit and/or method for providing perceptible confirmation of the action and/or effectiveness of an oral care composition comprising a mineral ion scavenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Melissa Leeann Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130244214
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatuses, methods, and systems provide for simulations of real-life bone graft procedures. One embodiment is a model that includes a base in the shape of at least a portion of a maxillary or mandibular dental arch, and includes a defect on its surface. The model also includes a multi-layer tissue model configured to overlay at least a portion of the base in a covering relationship with the defect and surrounding tissue. The multi-layer tissue model includes a gingival simulating layer, connective tissue simulating layer, and two adhesive layers. The first of the two adhesive layers connects the connective tissue simulating layer to the gingival simulating layer, and the second adhesive layer, affixed to the connective tissue simulating layer opposite the first layer, is configured to adhere the multi-layer tissue model to the base. The multi-layer tissue model also includes a removable backing covering the second adhesive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent Francavilla
  • Patent number: 8484793
    Abstract: A toothbrush with a handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body having a first section and a second section forming an oblique angle. A projector of sound or music located within the handle. The toothbrush having at least one bristle attached to the head. The toothbrush having a handle cover attached to the base. A method of using a toothbrush including the step of gripping the toothbrush. The method further including the step of engaging the projector of sound or music. The method still further including the step of utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of sound or music is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Children Oral Care, LLC
    Inventor: Puneet Nanda
  • Publication number: 20130177887
    Abstract: A simulator for simulating treatment of biological tissue comprises a real handle with three degrees of freedom of both translation and rotation, a screen for displaying a model of the treatment area and a virtual handle, a motion detection device for detecting the three-dimensional motion of the real handle, and a computer having a simulation program that displays the virtual handle on the screen in spatial relation to the biological tissue on the basis of the motion of the real handle detected by the motion detection device. The real handle simulates a laser head that emits a laser beam for treating the biological tissue. The simulation program calculates an impinging surface of the laser beam on the biological tissue based on the spatial relation and laser parameters and calculates an energy density distribution of the laser beam within the impinging surface. The removal of tissue is displayed on the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jens Hoehne
  • Patent number: 8465291
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc
    Inventor: Fred A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20130137074
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: BRUSHGATE OY
    Inventors: Ulf Meriheinae, Ossi Kauppinen, Teijo Viljanen, Juha-Pekka Puurunen
  • Patent number: 8425233
    Abstract: A tooth to be used in a jaw tooth model which allows students under dental training to experience oral works and therapeutic practices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tooth to be used for experiencing morphological studies in the formation of an anchor tooth, the formation of a cavity and so on, particularly a tooth to be used in a jaw tooth model provided with standards for evaluating tooth formation, a method of producing the same, and an apparatus for confirming tooth formation to be used in a jaw tooth model which is provided with standards for evaluating tooth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shofu
    Inventor: Yusei Kadobayashi
  • Publication number: 20130059278
    Abstract: The invention provides a dental model with an artificial jawbone with cavities, at least two artificial teeth, and interfaces each connecting a corresponding tooth to the jawbone such that it extends upwards from a corresponding cavity. To enable movement of the teeth relative to the jawbone and relative to the other teeth, the teeth are connected to the jawbone via interfaces which are more elastically deformable than the teeth and jawbone. In this way, a realistic dental model can be made in a very simple and cost efficient manner, e.g. in an SLS process. The invention further provides a method of making the dental model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: APROXI APS
    Inventors: Per Bækgård, Jørn Trustrup
  • Publication number: 20130052625
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a set of shell appliances for correcting tooth misalignments in a patient, wherein a target position is established from a current position of the patient's teeth, models of the patient's individual teeth or of groups of the patient's teeth are produced and can be arranged on a support to form a model of a set of teeth. In accordance with the invention, a set of supports is produced, which have a respective fitting position for each of the tooth models, the position and alignments of said fitting positions predefining a position of the tooth model, wherein the positions predefined by the supports form a sequence that leads in steps to the target position, and the tooth models are fitted in succession onto the individual supports, thus producing a respective model of a set of teeth, and a shell appliance is produced from each of these models of a set of teeth by thermoforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Carsten Wagner
  • Patent number: 8376753
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for learning and training dental treatment techniques, according to which a force is applied to a tooth (2) preferably by means of tools (4) in order to examine or treat this tooth. A mandible (1) or the tooth (2) is coupled to a force measuring device (3) in a manner that enables the forces applied to the tooth (2) to be represented in the form of electric measurement signals (5) that are fed to a data processing device (6). Said data processing device has a data memory (7) in which a multitude of reference force/time courses of different force/time-determined tooth treatment steps can be stored in a manner that enables them to be retrieved, whereby the forces applied to the tooth (2) and their temporal course are compared with a reference force/time course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Rainer Burgkart
  • Patent number: 8376754
    Abstract: A training aid for a dental injection, including a human-like head model, a first apparatus for alerting when the dental injection is properly positioned in the human-like head model, and a second apparatus for alerting when the dental injection is not properly positioned in the human-like head model. The interior structure of the human-like head includes for targeting purposes the maxilla with appropriate arteries and nerves being clearly visible, the mandible with appropriate arteries and nerves being clearly visible, and the buccal gingiva over the mandibular canal being clearly visible. The first apparatus and the second apparatus are so positioned within the human-like head model to allow for training for the dental injection including a V2 block including infiltration, posterior superior alveolar, middle superior alveolar anterior superior, infraorbital, greater palatine, and nasopalatine, and V3 blocks including inferior alveolar, buccal nerve, and mental block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Brigitte Segal, Ana-Claudia Everton
  • Patent number: 8337213
    Abstract: A toothbrushing monitoring device for a user includes a sensor coupled with the toothbrush for measuring toothbrushing patterns, a recording device coupled with the sensor, and a comparator. The recording device records data relating to the user's preferred toothbrushing patterns in a first mode, which is used to establish toothbrushing pattern reference data. The comparator compares toothbrushing patterns measured by the sensor and the toothbrushing pattern reference data, which may be output to an output device. In one example, the sensor consists of only an accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Brushgate Oy
    Inventors: Juha-Pekka Puurunen, Ari Visa, Jussi Collin, Jouni Kantola, Ivan Avdouevski, Ulf Meriheina, Teijo Viljanen
  • Patent number: 8277224
    Abstract: A dental articulator for use in dental education simulates the human mouth and has an adjustable hinge that interconnects upper and lower carrier trays for movement to and from a closed position. Modules of imitation gums and teeth are secured in the carrier trays by neodymium magnets. The hinge structure in the articulator is selectively movable to shift the jaw axis to a position to provide the desired alignment of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed or demonstrate a misaligned condition. A dental training module may be installed which, upon removal from the articulator, has a pair of separable sections encasing a tooth to permit release of the tooth and removal from the module so that a completed treatment may be evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Acadental, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Q. Lee, Jeffrey T. Scott, Amy H. Lee
  • Patent number: 8267695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth which is used in a dental arch model with which dental students can experience dental works in the oral cavity and practice treatments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tooth composition for formation trainings such as abutment tooth formation and cavity preparation. Since conventionally used dental arch models have a grinding sensation different from a natural tooth, dental students having completed formation trainings such as abutment tooth formation and cavity preparation by using these conventional models are frequently puzzled to have different grinding and handling properties upon dental works in the oral cavity in practice. That is, these conventional dental arch models are largely different from a natural tooth in grinding sensation including slipperiness and easiness in grinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shofu
    Inventors: Yusei Kadobayashi, Hirokazu Sato, Ryuichi Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8235727
    Abstract: A dental articulator for use in dental education simulates the human mouth and has an adjustable hinge that interconnects upper and lower carrier trays for movement to and from a closed position. Modules of imitation gums and teeth are secured in the carrier trays by neodymium magnets. The hinge structure in the articulator is selectively movable to shift the jaw axis to a position to provide the desired alignment of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed or demonstrate a misaligned condition. A dental training module may be installed which, upon removal from the articulator, has a pair of separable sections encasing a tooth to permit release of the tooth and removal from the module so that a completed treatment may be evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Acadental, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Q. Lee, Jeffrey T. Scott, Amy H. Lee
  • Patent number: 8221128
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a tooth model capable of exhibiting grinding feel similar to that of a natural tooth, with which students aspiring to become dentists experience intraoral work and perform training related to a treatment, and also experience formation of an abutment tooth, formation of cavity or the like. A difference in the grinding feel between tooth enamel and dentin, which constitute a natural tooth, is reproduced by impregnating a sintered body formed integrally of an inorganic powder such as alumina with a thermosetting resin or a low melting point glass to form an enamel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shofu
    Inventor: Yusei Kadobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120148993
    Abstract: A model for learning dentistry skills and including a shell attachable to a phantom head, through-holes disposed in the shell, teaching teeth individually arranged in the through-holes, and having a carrier plate attachable to the shell, such that a teaching tooth is releasably fixed on the shell and is adapted to be inserted into the model and removed therefrom at least one peg disposed on the carrier plate, and a holding chamber disposed in the peg, wherein a holding element projects from each tooth and passes through a through-hole in the shell and is aligned with a holding chamber and is inserted into the holding chamber, and a holding strip disposed between the shell and the carrier plate and adapted to contours of the carrier plate and the shell and disposed in openings, the holding strip being movable for securing the holding element of the teaching tooth to the carrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Horst Woidschützke
  • Publication number: 20120135387
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating and recording video and audio associated with a dental procedure such as a dental or medical procedure comprises a video camera comprising a lens including an outermost refractive element. A light source comprises a plurality of light emitting devices. The light source is positioned adjacent the lens. The lens comprises an outer cylindrical surface. The outer cylindrical surface serves as a shade preventing light from entering the outermost refractive element. A support member supports the video camera at a plurality of positions. The instructor computer is coupled to the video camera for recording video output by the video camera. An instructor graphics input device is coupled to the computer for inputting graphical representations generated by the instructor into the instructor computer for inclusion in the video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: STAGE FRONT PRESENTATION SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Kevin Morrow, David Michael Reynolds, Mark Elliott Jervis
  • Publication number: 20120129140
    Abstract: A dental simulator having a simulated teeth assembly, a manikin head and a locking mechanism. The manikin head is configured to receive the simulated teeth assembly. A locking mechanism includes a receiving portion and an interacting portion. The interacting portion is slidingly engaged with the receiving portion to thereby secure the simulated teeth assembly to the manikin head. Either the receiving portion or the interacting portion is connected to the simulated teeth assembly and the other of the receiving and interacting portion are connected to the manikin head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Chad J. Wren, Masahiro Furuki
  • Publication number: 20120122065
    Abstract: The invention provides a periodontal training model (100) comprising a replica of a part of a jaw including gum (102) and associated teeth (104); and a plurality of holes (106) in the gum area for receiving, in use, a periodontal probe. The holes (106) are located at positions immediately adjacent the teeth (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: INFORMDENTAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard John Snoad
  • Patent number: 8175840
    Abstract: An apparatus for tracking an posture of a moving object in a three-dimensional space having a z-axis facing a reference surface of the moving object, an x-axis perpendicular to the z-axis in a virtual vertical plane including the z-axis, and a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis in a virtual horizontal plane including the x-axis is described. A reference surface direction determination unit detects which direction the reference surface is facing with the x-axis as an axis of rotation. The x-axis deviation determination unit detects how far an x-axis direction of the moving object is relatively deviated from a magnetic north direction. The determination unit determines the posture of the moving object based on how far the x-axis of the moving object is deviated and which direction the reference surface is facing in response to detection signals of the reference surface direction determination unit and the x-axis deviation determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jin Sang Hwang, Jeong-Whan Lee
  • Publication number: 20120021395
    Abstract: An education system is disclosed. Unique interactive interfaces can give a user random access to patient data while taking an examination. Examination formats can include an item sequence format, which prompts a user to select and order proper treatments. A treatment map examination format can prompt a user to select a treatment and where to apply it. A dental treatment map can be used to map treatments to teeth surfaces, and a course authoring tool can allow a user to create a course, examinations, and scoring metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: James Mandolini, Owen Mortensen, Jason Webster
  • Publication number: 20120021396
    Abstract: System and method for teaching a dental practitioner an appropriate pressure to apply during a dental procedure. The system includes a dental tool for use in a dental procedure and a substrate including a coating of a removable scratch-off material. The scratch-off material is adhered to the substrate so as to have an adherence strength that is specifically configured so that the scratch-off material coating is removable from the substrate by manipulating the dental tool against the scratch-off material coating upon application of a minimum threshold pressure that is substantially equal to that to be applied during a selected actual dental procedure. In this manner, an inexperienced practitioner is able to learn the appropriate magnitude of pressure to be applied during a procedure (e.g., application and burnishing of a hemostatic composition into bleeding soft tissue) in a non-threatening environment without having to actually work on a live, bleeding patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Luis Gustavo de Mattos Abreu
  • Patent number: 8075316
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a duration of time for brushing designated teeth and specific portions thereof has a tooth carrying body including an upper tooth carrying structure and a lower tooth carrying structure. The tooth carrying structures are in spaced apart relation with respect to each other in a manner whereby the tooth carrying structure resembles dental gums in a fully or partially open orientation. A first set of tooth-shaped bodies is attached to the upper tooth carrying structure and a second set of the tooth-shaped bodies is attached to the lower tooth carrying structure. Each one of the tooth-shaped bodies includes at least two discretely illuminatable portions. Each one of the discretely illuminatable portions has a respective selectively activatable light output device coupled thereto for allowing each one of the discretely illuminatable portions to be selectively illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Krause, Tonya Lynn Krause
  • Publication number: 20110294102
    Abstract: A dental hygiene instructional apparatus comprising a three dimensional figure with an open mouth and a plurality of simulated, three dimensional upper teeth protruding downwardly from an upper surface of the open mouth in an arc shaped pattern and a plurality of simulated, three dimensional lower teeth protruding upwardly from a lower surface of the open mouth in an arc shaped pattern. At least one light emitting source is positioned within each of the upper teeth and the lower teeth so that each of the upper teeth and the lower teeth may be individually illuminated during successive intervals of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel G. Goldwin
  • Publication number: 20110294103
    Abstract: A training aid for a dental injection, including a human-like head model, a first apparatus for alerting when the dental injection is properly positioned in the human-like head model, and a second apparatus for alerting when the dental injection is not properly positioned in the human-like head model. The interior structure of the human-like head includes for targeting purposes the maxilla with appropriate arteries and nerves being clearly visible, the mandible with appropriate arteries and nerves being clearly visible, and the buccal gingiva over the mandibular canal being clearly visible. The first apparatus and the second apparatus are so positioned within the human-like head model to allow for training for the dental injection including a V2 block including infiltration, posterior superior alveolar, middle superior alveolar anterior superior, infraorbital, greater palatine, and nasopalatine, and V3 blocks including inferior alveolar, buccal nerve, and mental block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Brigitte Segal, Ana-Claudia Everton
  • Publication number: 20110244436
    Abstract: An incision and drainage simulator wherein a styrofoam base has a plurality of recesses formed in the top surface thereof for receiving a respective liquid sac. A flexible sheet having indicia representing various anatomic or dental abscess locations is detachably connected to the top surface of the base. The indicia is aligned with a liquid sac positioned in a respective recess. The styrofoam base is positioned in a container having individual compartments for containing the various medical equipment employed while using the incision and drainage simulator to thereby provide a kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Theresa M. Campo
  • Publication number: 20110236866
    Abstract: An anesthetic injection training and testing system that allows a practitioner to simulate local anesthetic injections. The anesthetic injection training and testing system may operate in a testing mode or practicing mode. A model of a dental patient has locators dispersed within the model to represent deposition sites for anesthetic. A test tool operated by a practitioner is used to simulate an injection. The test tool operates in cooperation with the locators in order to determine the status of the simulated injection. The test tool and locators may use metal detection to determine the status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory L. Psaltis, Dayna L. Dayton
  • Publication number: 20110136090
    Abstract: A method, system, device and an artificial tooth is disclosed for simulating both pain and anesthesia in a model of jaws. The tooth is equipped with sensors and connected to a data processing unit, memory unit and audiovisual display unit. The system is for teaching and practicing in the field of dentistry according to which removing artificial tooth or artificial bone substances by a dental drill, generates signals of pseudo pain with different intensities. Signals are fed to the data processing unit which simulates perception of the simulated pain and accordingly to said audio-visual display unit which simulates reaction to the different intensities of generated pseudo pain signals by playing different sounds which are stored in said memory unit. Furthermore, the system is able to simulate anesthesia by generating block signals as a result of applying different anesthetic techniques by means of a dental syringe connected to the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: DRSK Development AB
    Inventor: Saeid Kazemi
  • Publication number: 20110129807
    Abstract: A toothbrush training device that can hold a toothbrush generally includes a base member and a cover member connected to the base member and movable between an open condition and a closed condition. A first container portion includes a chamber at least partially formed by the base member. A first access opening is formed in the cover member. The cover member in the closed condition at least partially aligns the first access opening with the chamber in the base member. The first container portion is operable to receive the toothbrush when the cover member is in the closed condition. A mouth portion includes tooth members that extend from the base member and are exposed when the cover member is in the open condition. The tooth members define a top set opposing a bottom set. Each of the tooth members define a top segment between an outside segment and an inside segment on an exterior of each of the tooth members. The toothbrush training device also includes a first light emitter and a second light emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert C. Malen
  • Publication number: 20110059425
    Abstract: Comparative effectiveness of various oral care products such as dentifrices on preventing dental erosion may be demonstrated using simulated enamel. A substrate is prepared. A mineral layer to simulate dental enamel is nucleated by solution growth on the substrate surface. Alternatively, the mineral layer may be nucleated on a template comprising a self-assembled monolayer formed on a gold layer deposited on the substrate surface. The mineral layer may comprise a homogeneous layer of hydroxyapatite or a thin veneer of hydroxyapatite on a layer of amorphous calcium phosphate. The simulated enamel is then optionally treated with an oral care product and subjected to an acid challenge. The amount of mineral layer remaining after the acid challenge illustrates the effectiveness or non-effectiveness of the oral care product at preventing dental erosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Phillip Asa Drake, Ruzhan Peng, George Endel Deckner