Dentistry Patents (Class 434/263)
-
Publication number: 20110036746Abstract: A portable compact emergency dental kit is provided for administering first aid in cases of avulsed, loose, or broken teeth. The kit contains step-by-step instructions for rendering the first aid even by persons untrained in dentistry. The kit contains a quantity of tooth-preserving fluid for temporary retaining knocked out teeth, as well as a tube of dental filling material that sets shortly after being dispensed from the tube. A quantity of gloves, sterile gauze, antiseptic mouth rinse, ice packs and antibacterial wipes is provided in the kit holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventor: Johnny R. Bear
-
Publication number: 20100323338Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: SARATOGA SPAInventor: Bruno Bortolus
-
Publication number: 20100323337Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Teunis Jan Ikkink, Hans Marc Bert Boeve
-
Publication number: 20100311027Abstract: A party favor comprising a photo, an oral hygiene appliance and an instruction card tied together by curling ribbon is distributed at, for example, a wedding to promote oral hygiene and social interaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: Robert T. Postal
-
Publication number: 20100311028Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Zimmer Dental, Inc.Inventors: Fred Albert Bell, III, Jeffrey A. Bassett, Michael Collins
-
Patent number: 7756727Abstract: A presentation detailing a recommended course of treatment to a patient, frequently referred to as a case, is constructed with a single action. The presentation describes recommended healthcare procedures for a given patient using information specific to that patient's healthcare record. The presentation is constructed by assembling information on the recommended healthcare procedures and all necessary clinical and financial information for the patient stored in a healthcare management desktop application into a template having a format accepted by any standard presentation software program. Finally, using the presentation software program, the recommended course of treatment is presented to the patient. In addition, the presentation software program includes tools to permit customization and storage of each constructed presentation.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Greenspan, Steven Michael Mallot, Jon David Frizzell, Deborah Louise Reed, Brian Howard
-
Patent number: 7748069Abstract: Disclosed is an electric toothbrush for use with wireless devices. A pressure sensor coupled to a wireless transmitting device determines whether the electric toothbrush is being utilized correctly. When the toothbrush is utilized correctly, the wireless transmitter sends a signal to a receiving device which displays an appropriate output. When the toothbrush is not utilized correctly, the transmitter ceases transmitting a signal and the output from the receiver ceases to be displayed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Cynthia A Dawley
-
Patent number: 7713064Abstract: A practice model for holding training teeth on which dentistry work can be performed includes a shell into which training teeth are insertable, and a carrier plate disposed in the shell and adapted to support the training teeth.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Franz Sachs GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Peter Schulz
-
Patent number: 7713063Abstract: A dental training aid and method which assists a student in learning how to determine the position of a root canal apex, repair of dental decay, and how to perform crown and bridge procedures. In certain embodiments, modular inserts are utilized that include structure thereon for performing root canal procedures, repair of dental decay procedures, crown and bridge procedures or other procedures. The inserts can be assembled and configured to all provide practice on the same procedure or on different procedures and can be exchanged for other inserts once they are no longer reusable or because the user wants to train on a different procedure.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventors: Charles Q. Lee, Amy H. Lee, Jeffrey Scott
-
Publication number: 20100075286Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Richard Thomas Krause, Tonya Lynn Krause
-
Publication number: 20100047750Abstract: A educational oral hygiene apparatus comprising a body having a top and bottom, wherein a first cavity is formed in the body longitudinally extending therein, and an opening formed toward the top of the body, the opening and the first cavity configured to receive a toothbrush; an actuator positioned inside the cavity to engage the toothbrush, when the toothbrush is inserted in the cavity; a storage medium for storing audio information; and a speaker electrically coupled to the actuator and the storage medium, wherein in a first engagement state between the toothbrush and the actuator, the audio information is reproduced in form of audio waves from the speaker. The combination of the figure and the song (with lyrics) teaches and creates a self taught responsibility and interest in accomplishing keeping ones teeth clean by regular bushing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Matthew King, Lloyd Gooch
-
Publication number: 20100035223Abstract: A medical training apparatus that is capable of recording a training history based on a medical training scenario and storing an evaluation of training that corresponds to the training history is provided. The medical training apparatus includes a training-history-information storage unit, an evaluation input unit, an operation unit, and a training-evaluation-information storage unit. The training-history-information storage unit stores history information about a training session that has been performed under a preset medical training scenario. The evaluation input unit inputs an evaluation result for either the training session or the history information stored in the training-history-information storage unit, with respect to a predetermined evaluation item for each predetermined matter. The operation unit performs an arithmetic operation on the evaluation result that has been input with the evaluation input unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Naotake Shibui, Satoshi Uzuka, Wataru Miyashita, Hitoshi Akiyama, Setsuhiro Hara, Kazuo Nishikawa, Mikinori Nishimura, Yukihiko Isokawa
-
Patent number: 7658611Abstract: Interactive patient education system for use in operatory or office settings, provides interactive 3-D animations, graphics and other media, enabling real-time markup and customization to better illustrate and communicate not only generic information, but the individual patient's physiology, treatment options, and anticipated outcomes. Preferred embodiments are portable, computer-implemented, interactive multimedia educational tools. Import of patient-specific graphics, video and audio contributes to full-custom educational content to optimize patient understanding.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Reality Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Jeffery L. Jackson
-
Publication number: 20100015589Abstract: A dental training system and method of use. The dental training system includes a haptic device configured to retain a dental tool and a computer having a processor and in communication with a display device and the haptic device. A software application is configured to display a mouth model on said display device, transform movements of said dental tool via said haptic device into corresponding visual movements of a brush icon on said display relative to said mouth model, evaluate the movements of the dental tool via said haptic device, and provide feedback to a user regarding the evaluation of the movements of the dental tool via the haptic device. The feedback being provided during and/or after a dental training session. The evaluation may utilize a comparison of a brush/floss session with stored brush/floss routines or acceptable data ranges. The haptic device may also be configured to respond to instructions from the computer to teach a user proper dental techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: Shlomo Lehavi
-
Publication number: 20100015588Abstract: The invention provides a multilayered model tooth for dental training that has a crown part not easily chipped in cutting training such as crown restoration training while reconstructing a multilayered structure similar to that of a natural tooth. The multilayered model tooth for dental training includes a crown part 1 artificially produced by simulating an enamel layer 3 as a surface layer and a dentin layer 4 as an inner layer and a root part 2, and the model tooth is fabricated in a unified manner such that the enamel layer is extended from the tip of the model tooth to the root part side beyond the cervical line 6 and at least the adjacent part to the crown part and the surface of the root part in the vicinity of the adjacent part is covered with the enamel layer of the crown part. In this case, the thickness of the enamel layer covering the root part surface on the cervical line is preferably in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.3 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2005Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: Satoru Funakoshi
-
Publication number: 20090317780Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ShofuInventors: Yusei Kadobayashi, Hirokazu Sato, Ryuichi Yoshimoto
-
Publication number: 20090305205Abstract: Programmable potty training device attachable to child, reminding Toddler to not forget potty time after meals. Accordingly, persuading child to go to restroom. Device attached to child activates device in restroom relaying charismatic character teaching sanitary proper potty training techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventor: Dennis Mark Hicks
-
Publication number: 20090305211Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Yusei Kadobayashi, Hirokazu Sato, Ryuichi Yoshimoto
-
Publication number: 20090298033Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a figure-forming composition which enables the initiation of hardening even with a small amount of water and can attain a prescribed hardness, and which is suitable particularly for the production of three-dimensional living body models for surgical training by a rapid prototype process; and provide a three dimensional figure and a three-dimensional structure which are formed by using the composition. The figure-forming composition, for example, comprises a calcium-based material such as hemihydrate gypsum and polyvinyl alcohol resin, wherein the content of the polyvinyl alcohol resin is 2 to 20 weight parts when the total weight of the calcium-based material and the polyvinyl alcohol resin is 100 weight parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: NEXT21 K.K.Inventors: Shigeki Suzuki, Koutaro Shimizu, Shinya Wasada, Hironobu Okamoto, Shinro Takai
-
Publication number: 20090291422Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: Pump & Brush Finland OyInventors: Juha-Pekka Puurunen, Ari Visa, Jussi Collin, Jouni Kantola
-
Publication number: 20090263774Abstract: An artificial tooth is provided that mimic the essential features of natural a tooth for use in training dental professionals. The artificial tooth is a radiopaque artificial tooth that is capable of providing for anatomically correct contrast on a radiograph. The artificial tooth also mimics the hardness, debris characteristics, and anatomical features of a natural tooth. A dental training device is also provided that includes a support structure generally configured as a mouth or jaw that supports radiopaque artificial teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: COLUMBIA DENTOFORM CORPORATIONInventors: Penelope PICHARDO, Phillip LIBRACH, Fikret LJUJKOVIC
-
Publication number: 20090239204Abstract: The present invention relates to 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: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2006Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Yusei Kadobayashi
-
Publication number: 20090215015Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a signaling device capable of assisting a child to develop a tooth brushing technique. The signaling device includes a toothbrush and an extension device, which is affixed to the tooth brush. The extension device is coded with a plurality of patterns that can be converted into motion and orientation information associated with the tooth brush in a tooth brushing session, and the motion and orientation information is further compared to a predetermined set of expected conditions that correspond to the tooth brushing technique to determine a reward tailored to promote learning of the tooth brushing technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: RAINDROP NETWORK LTD.Inventor: Hao-Hua Chu
-
Patent number: 7544061Abstract: A light weight, portable teaching and practicing device for the simulation and practice of dental procedures is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Inventor: Bernard M. Poitras
-
Patent number: 7537455Abstract: A dental model comprising a first jaw member wherein the first jaw member comprises a first transparent medullary bone portion and a first opaque cortical bone portion, at least one tooth connected to the first jaw member, wherein the first jaw member further comprises a simulated gum tissue covering at least a portion of the first transparent medullary bone portion and a first opaque cortical bone portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Under Dog Media, L.P.Inventor: Jason B. Cope
-
Publication number: 20090123897Abstract: A picture puzzle includes a background having at least one background object and at least one puzzle object disposed on such background. The picture puzzle is adapted with a predetermined matching alignment between a predetermined feature of the at least one puzzle object and a predetermined feature of the at least one background object. A method of using at least one picture puzzle for at least one of entertaining and soothing a patient awake during medical or dental procedure and promoting personal hygiene and a system for entertaining and soothing a patient awake during medical or dental procedure are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Janet Shangle, Jennifer Haras, Gwen Shangle
-
Patent number: 7530812Abstract: A dental training system is provided for teaching direct restoration procedures for a tooth that has a color within a range of natural tooth colors. The system comprises a first restorative material couplable to a base tooth structure and having a first color outside the range of natural tooth colors. The first restorative material is configured to form a first contrasting layer on the base tooth structure. A second restorative material having a second color different than the first color is couplable to the base tooth structure and to the first contrasting layer to form a second contrasting layer adjacent to the first contrasting layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Grant T. Chyz
-
Publication number: 20090092955Abstract: Disclosed are a toothbrushing pattern analyzing/correcting device, a toothbrushing pattern analyzing/correcting method, a method and a system for interactively correcting toothbrushing behavior. The toothbrushing pattern analyzing/correcting device of the present invention includes: a body part formed in the same direction as a toothbrush surface; a sensing unit having a sensor with at least one or more axes for sensing a user's toothbrushing motion and a sensor with one or more axes for sensing two or more toothbrushing positions; and a controller for operating signals input from the sensing unit to classify a user's toothbrushing motion into at least two or more patterns and at least two or more toothbrushing parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2006Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventor: Jin-Sang Hwang
-
Publication number: 20090035738Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Yusei Kadobayashi
-
Patent number: 7452210Abstract: Methods and systems for graphically depicting gum tissue and teeth for illustrating gingival health and plaque reduction. The relative risk as one type of statistical methods for comparing two treatments of different therapeutic agents for gingivitis and plaque are displayed. The upper and lower sets of teeth are represented in rows or groups of teeth separated by rows of boxes which depict the result of various treatments by various therapeutic agents.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: McNeil-PPC, IncInventors: Christine A. Charles, Mei-Miau Wu, John F. Coelho
-
Publication number: 20080227072Abstract: A practice model for holding training teeth on which dentistry work can be performed includes a shell into which training teeth are insertable, and a carrier plate disposed in the shell and adapted to support the training teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Peter Schulz
-
Publication number: 20080227071Abstract: A doll or other object used to remind and encourage children to brush their teeth. This could include adjustable time setting to operate at certain times of the day, physical movement of a brush over the doll's teeth, vocal reminders and encouragement to brush the teeth or movement sensor. Operation could be mechanical or electronic or a combination of the two.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Maya Gavriel, Uzi Ezra Havosha
-
Publication number: 20080220404Abstract: In an articulator (1) by means of which demonstration movements of a lower jaw model (8) can be undertaken and comprising a two-piece carrier frame (2) with an upper jaw model (7) attached to its locationally fixed top part (3) and the lower jaw model (8) attached to its bottom part (4) that can be pivoted to a limited extent about a horizontally running axis (shaft 5), the lower jaw model (8) is supported on the bottom part (4) of the carrier frame (2) by means of an adapter (11) and the adapter (11) is mounted in the bottom part (4) in a rotating arrangement. This embodiment makes it possible for different jaw models to be attached to the top part (3) and the bottom part without difficulty, without the need to undertake machining operations or to have technical knowledge. In addition, the two jaw models (7 and 8) can be aligned with one another without problems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventor: Horst Woidschutzke
-
Publication number: 20080176198Abstract: A dental anesthesia simulator for dental procedure training is provided comprising a dental mannequin constructed of an acrylic material, comprising an upper and lower jaw portion covered by replaceable mucous membrane textures; a flexible position sensor for determining the location of an instrument, wherein the sensor means is located between the upper and lower jaw portions and the replaceable mucous membrane textures; and a processor means for processing information from the flexible position sensor regarding the location of the instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Murtuza Ansari, Abrar Adil
-
Publication number: 20080154557Abstract: Methods and systems provide a simulation of cavitation damage. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method simulates a potential for cavitation damage. According to the method, data defining a modeled component is imported to a flow solver tool. The flow solver tool simulates a liquid that flows through the modeled component. Voids created by the flow of the liquid cause a plurality of vapor implosion pressure events. The method further includes displaying a histogram showing a portion of the modeled component. On the histogram, locations of the plurality of vapor implosion pressure events are visually distinguishable on a surface of the portion of the modeled component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: John B. Salomon, Andrew N. McGilvray, Joseph P. Maruszewski
-
Patent number: 7383163Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a device and a computer software for making an individual model of a jawbone, which are particularly useful in the development of dental implants or pre-operative planning of implants. The method comprises the following steps: making a tomogram of a jawbone perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jawbone; determining the boundary of the jawbone and the surrounding tissue and the boundary between the compact and spongiosal portion of the jawbone; transforming said boundaries into a two-dimensional profile; and extruding the two-dimensional profile into a three-dimensional volume body model of the jawbone. The volume body model of the jawbone may be combined with the volume body model of an implant and then transformed into a finite element model.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Inventor: Christof Holberg
-
Publication number: 20080026353Abstract: A dental training system is provided for teaching direct restoration procedures for a tooth that has a color within a range of natural tooth colors. The system comprises a first restorative material couplable to a base tooth structure and having a first color outside the range of natural tooth colors. The first restorative material is configured to form a first contrasting layer on the base tooth structure. A second restorative material having a second color different than the first color is couplable to the base tooth structure and to the first contrasting layer to form a second contrasting layer adjacent to the first contrasting layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventor: Grant T. Chyz
-
Publication number: 20070261185Abstract: An oral hygiene product for providing a user aural instruction associated with a proper brushing technique. The oral hygiene product may be any dental device capable of providing an effective brushing technique to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Ali G. Guney, Siros Arefi, Bahram Nasehi
-
Publication number: 20070178429Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: August 2, 2007Inventor: Fred A. Bell
-
Patent number: 7249952Abstract: A training system using haptically enhanced simulations of dental procedures to provide the sensorimotor involvement needed for dental training. To provide touch feedback in combination with a realistic visual experience, the system integrates a haptic stylus interface for simulating the movement and feel of the tool-tip with a three-dimensional, stereoscopic display. The haptic stylus enables the dental student to orient and operate simulated dental tools. Working on a virtual model viewed in a stereo display, dental students can use a simulated pick to probe a tooth, or a simulated drill to prepare a tooth for cavity repair. The touch feedback is simulated by representing these dental instruments as force-to-a-point tools which map to haptic simulation procedures executed on a computer workstation that also provides the visual display.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: John F. Ranta, Walter A. Aviles, R. Bruce Donoff, Linda P. Nelson
-
Patent number: 7168954Abstract: Methods and systems for graphically depicting gum tissue and teeth for illustrating gingival health and plaque reduction. The relative risk as one type of statistical methods for comparing two treatments of different therapeutic agents for gingivitis and plaque are displayed. The upper and lower sets of teeth are represented in rows or groups of teeth separated by rows of boxes which depict the result of various treatments by various therapeutic agents.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company LLCInventors: Christine A. Charles, Mei-Miau Wu, John F. Coelho
-
Patent number: 7121826Abstract: An orthodontic model has a single block body made of catalyzing acrylic resin with a pair of prism boxes inversely positioned and interconnected by a pair of posterior walls with a window, the prism boxes have covers of the same shape and are provided with perimetral depressions for fitting to the boxes and to reach a welding of edges of each dental arch or the model, and a method of its production is proposed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Minoru Umeda
-
Patent number: 7037111Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices, systems and methods for producing dental molds, each having portions representing a patient's oral soft tissue and a desired tooth configuration. These molds are designed for use in the fabrication of appliances used in orthodontic treatment, particularly, elastic repositioning appliances. However, they may also be used in the fabrication of traditional appliances, such as retainers and positioners, used, for example in the final or finishing stages of an otherwise conventional treatment. The dental molds are comprised of a mold or relief of the patient's soft tissue, such as a palate, facial gingival tissue and/or lingual gingival tissue, and a separate or separable mold or relief of the patient's dental arch having teeth in a desired tooth configuration. Since, the tooth configuration will change as a patient progresses through orthodontic treatment, the relief of the dental arch will be fabricated separately from the relief of the oral soft tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventor: Ross J. Miller
-
Patent number: 7013522Abstract: A toothbrush assembly with a sound generating function for providing excitement and entertainment to a user and for encouraging a young child to brush his or her teeth is provided. The toothbrush assembly has a contact-type switch and a sound generator. The contact-type switch has a swingable contact and generates a pulse when a power switch of the assembly is instantaneously closed for every swing of the swingable contact according to the tooth-brushing movement of a user. The sound generator has a counter for counting pulses from the contact-type switch and a sound recording and play back unit for generating a voice message or musical tone when the sum of the pulses counted by the counter reaches a predetermined value. The sound recording and play back unit of the sound generator outputs different voice messages or musical tones according to different predetermined values reached by the sum of the pulses counted by the counter.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Ablecorporation, Ltd.Inventor: Toshinori Kumagai
-
Patent number: 7001270Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer game, which, when operating on a computer enables a user, via a user's interface, to perform one or more tasks within a virtual environment, the virtual environment comprising a virtual three dimensional dental image of at least one tooth and the tasks performed by the user leading to the improvement of a certain virtual condition associated with said at least one tooth. The three dimensional dental image employed in the computer game is preferably based on or derived from a real life dental environment. The invention further relates to a storage medium for storing data representation of the above computer game and to a method of playing the computer game of the present invention using a computer.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Cadent Ltd.Inventor: Eldad Taub
-
Patent number: 6988894Abstract: A dental training aid and method which assists a student in learning how to determine the position of a root canal apex, repair of dental decay, and how to perform crown and bridge procedures. In certain embodiments, modular inserts are utilized that include structure thereon for performing root canal procedures, repair of dental decay procedures, crown and bridge procedures or other procedures. The inserts can be assembled and configured to all provide practice on the same procedure or on different procedures and can be exchanged for other inserts once they are no longer reusable or because the user wants to train on a different procedure.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventors: Charles Q. Lee, Amy H. Lee, Wei Tog Dang
-
Patent number: 6969258Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dental model having teeth with removable enamel mounted in a jaw. Embodiments of the present invention may be adapted to demonstrate tooth erosion with or without gum recession that may result from contact between teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Removed enamel may be retracted into a space within the teeth, into a space within the gums, or manually removed. The model is preferably used to demonstrate tooth enamel loss, gum recession, and their treatments to dental students and patients.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Inventor: Farzad Shaygan
-
Patent number: 6926532Abstract: A demonstration pod and method for demonstrating dental situation and procedures. By way of example, a Sonipod demonstrates the effectiveness of an electric toothbrush and provides for educating a dental patient on proper brushing techniques to promote healthy oral hygiene. The instructional display includes a simulated tooth and gum assembly within a partially liquid filled chamber. High frequency brush movements create cavitations in the liquid of the chamber. The display also preferably includes a plurality of oscillating light emitters and an oscillating circuit that pulses at a range of frequencies to match and compare the frequency of brush head movements for different models of electric toothbrushes. Additional demonstration pod units are also described for non-dental purposes, in particular for comforting a baby, providing a light for a child, and entertaining a child.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Inventor: Steven J. Brattesani
-
Publication number: 20040259064Abstract: The personal continuing dental education kit includes the printed information, instructions and workbook materials relevant to the use of the Kit outlining and explaining the components of the kit, the teaching materials for the transmission of information needed by the participant to understand the procedures necessary to accomplish the goals of the kit, visual demonstration materials, through pictures, drawings, illustrations, and/or analog or digital electronic media presentations, through CD-Rom, DVD, or Video Tape, a model of a dental arch with teeth, the filling materials, the specialized instruments to perform the procedure on the model of the dental arch and a self-assessment test.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Paul C. Belvedere
-
Publication number: 20040191739Abstract: A dental training aid and method which assists a student in learning how to determine the position of a root canal apex, repair of dental decay, and how to perform crown and bridge procedures. One embodiment of the aid includes a tooth having a root canal and root apex with an electrically-conductive medium set around the root and root apex and securing the tooth in a fixture. In another embodiment a pair of articulated jaws is utilized that have sockets therein for receiving teeth mounted in sleeves by a solid matrix and joined to a conductor. In certain embodiments, modular inserts are utilized that include structure thereon for performing root canal procedures, repair of dental decay procedures, crown and bridge procedures or other procedures. The inserts can be assembled and configured to all provide practice on the same procedure or on different procedures and can be exchanged for other inserts once they are no longer reusable or because the user wants to train on a different procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Charles Q. Lee, Amy H. Lee, Wei Tog Dang