Ultradent Products, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160000531 | FORCE MODULE FOR CLASS II AND CLASS III CORRECTION AND RELEASABLE DISTAL CONNECTOR FOR FORCE MODULE - Orthodontic force modules and assemblies for use in correcting class II and/or class III malocclusions include an elongate hollow outer body extending between proximal and distal ends, a plunger, spring, and push rod. The plunger and push rod are slidably received within different ends of the hollow outer body. The spring is positioned within the hollow outer body and provides an expansion force during use as the force modules or assemblies is compressed (e.g., when closing the jaw). The expansion force provides a desired corrective force for corrective Class II and/or III malocclusions. The outer body, plunger, spring, and push rod can be configured in a telescoping relationship in order for the components to be telescopically compressed and expanded during use. The distal end can include a bendable pin or latch mechanism for attachment to a buccal tube. The push rod can include a hook, hole, or slot for attachment to an archwire. Various connectors for coupling an orthodontic force module to a buccal tube portion of a molar bracket are also disclosed. | 01-07-2016 |
20150147710 | LASER ETCHED SINTERED CERAMIC ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS - The present disclosure is drawn to laser etched, sintered ceramic orthodontic brackets. Such a bracket can comprise a working surface including an archwire slot and a ligating structure. The bracket can also include a laser etched tooth attachment surface that is laser etched after sintering of the ceramic orthodontic bracket. In another example, a method of increasing the average bonding strength of a sintered ceramic orthodontic bracket can comprise laser etching a tooth attachment surface of the sintered ceramic orthodontic bracket. In one specific example, the method can further comprise the preliminary steps of forming a ceramic material into a shape of an orthodontic bracket and sintering the orthodontic bracket. | 05-28-2015 |
20140272755 | PIN CONNECTOR FOR ORTHODONTIC FORCE MODULE - A pin connector for attaching an orthodontic force module to an orthodontic appliance is configured to preferentially bend in a middle segment along an elongate pin body of the pin connector. The pin connector includes an elongate pin body and an extension rod extending laterally from an end of the pin body for interconnecting the pin body and an orthodontic force module. The elongate pin body includes first, second and third segments, with the second segment having reduced cross-sectional diameter relative to the first and third segments so that pin body preferentially bends in the second segment rather than the first and third segments when attaching the orthodontic force module to the orthodontic appliance. This provides a preselected amount of distance or play between the orthodontic force module and the orthodontic appliance. | 09-18-2014 |
20140055563 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VIEWING AND TRACKING STEREOSCOPIC VIDEO IMAGES - Systems and methods for viewing stereoscopic video images are disclosed. One system comprises a first video camera configured to generate a first video feed of a subject. A second video camera is spaced a pupilary distance from the first video camera and configured to generate a second video feed of the subject. A tracking module associated with the first video camera and the second video camera is configured to cause the first video camera and the second video camera to be directed to a desired convergent point relative to a selected tracking point to maintain stereopsis. A zooming module associated with the first video camera and the second video camera is configured to provide a desired magnification of the near real-time stereoscopic video image. | 02-27-2014 |
20130344456 | Low Pass Filter Attachments for Use with Dental Curing Lights - A dental curing light system is configured to include a dental curing light ( | 12-26-2013 |
20130230822 | METHODS, DEVICES, SYSTEMS, ASSEMBLIES, AND KITS FOR TISSUE RETRACTION IN AN ORAL CAVITY - Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits. | 09-05-2013 |
20130193154 | RETRACTION CORD DISPENSER - A retraction cord dispenser can comprise a container with an open end and can be configured to hold retraction cord. The dispenser also includes a dispenser cap for attachment to the open end, and comprises a cap body with a narrow passage for dispensing retraction cord from the container, and the narrow passage can be associated with a retention flap to prevent retraction cord from re-entering the container once it has been dispensed. | 08-01-2013 |
20130149391 | FLUORIDE VARNISH COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING AN ORGANO PHOSPHORIC ACID ADHESION PROMOTING AGENT - Fluoride varnish compositions for temporary application and adhesion to a person's teeth. The composition includes a carrier comprising a resin and an adhesion promoting agent comprising an alkyl phosphoric acid. A fluoride ion source (e.g., a fluoride salt such as sodium fluoride) is dispersed within the carrier so as to provide biologically available fluoride ions to the tooth tissue being treated. The composition adheres only temporarily to tooth tissue (e.g., for a period of at least about 4 minutes, but not more than about 1 year), after which the composition spontaneously wears away as a natural result of the action of the tongue, saliva and/or other factors. | 06-13-2013 |
20130130197 | SYRINGE-TO-SYRINGE MIXING SYSTEMS AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - A hollow syringe barrel for use in syringe mixing systems for mixing a two-component composition. A hollow body of the syringe barrel includes a proximal end, a distal end, and continuous cylindrical wall defining an internal chamber for containing a first component. A rupturable membrane disposed at the distal end caps and seals off a single dispensing orifice. A second syringe barrel can be coupled to the distal end of the hollow syringe barrel to form a syringe-to-syringe mixing system. First and second plungers disposed within the hollow syringe barrel and second syringe barrel, respectively, are used to mix and cycle back and forth first and second components initially contained within the hollow syringe barrel and second syringe barrel. The two components are initially separated by the rupturable membrane, which is irreversibly ruptured by applying sufficient pressure to the first plunger within the hollow syringe barrel prior to mixing. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130194 | NON-CUSTOM DENTAL TREATMENT TRAYS HAVING IMPROVED ANATOMICAL FEATURES - A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130190 | Orthodontic Force Module Including Elastomeric Member for Class II and Class III Correction - Orthodontic force modules for use in correcting class II and/or class III malocclusions. In one embodiment, the force module ( | 05-23-2013 |
20130078195 | ADHESIVE DENTAL BLEACHING COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE - A dental bleaching composition comprises a dental bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent. The bleaching composition may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener. A delivery system for delivering the bleaching composition comprises the aforementioned dental bleaching composition in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier layer such as a dental tray or a flexible strip of material. | 03-28-2013 |
20120322019 | Customized Orthodontic Arch Wire Manufactured Using Model of Patient's Teeth - Customized low force orthodontic arch wires include a core wire ( | 12-20-2012 |
20120148972 | Low Force Orthodontic Arch Wire Having Blocks for Improved Treatment - Low force orthodontic arch wires ( | 06-14-2012 |
20120094247 | Coordinated Metal And Ceramic Orthodontic Bracket Systems - Coordinated metal and ceramic orthodontic bracket systems ( | 04-19-2012 |
20120064475 | Orthodontic Brackets Including a Ceramic or Polymer Bracket Base and a Metal Insert Having a Selectively Removable Labial Web Cover - Convertible orthodontic brackets ( | 03-15-2012 |
20120064474 | Methods of Manufacturing a Convertible Orthodontic Bracket by Machining - Convertible orthodontic brackets ( | 03-15-2012 |
20110300505 | Dental Curing Light Having Unibody Design That Acts as a Heat Sink - A dental curing light includes a device body that efficiently conducts heat away from the light emitting diode portion of the curing light. The device body includes a proximal gripping end and a distal head end. The device body is formed from a thermally conductive body material. Excellent heat conduction away from the LED dies is achieved using a thermally conductive layer disposed over the device body. The thermally conductive layer serves as a conduit to quickly conduct heat away from the LED dies for dissipation within the material of the device body In this manner, the material of the device body serves as a highly efficient heat dissipater. The surface area coupling the thermally conductive layer to the device body is sufficiently large that a majority (e g, substantially all) of heat being conducted by the thermally conductive layer is transferred to the device body during operation of the device. | 12-08-2011 |
20110242536 | METHOD FOR EVALUATING PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF DENTAL CURING LIGHTS - The present invention is directed to methods and related systems for evaluating and demonstrating various performance characteristics of one or more dental curing lights. The method and system employs a performance evaluation member (e.g., in the shape of a disc) comprising a carrier material (e.g., any of various suitable polymeric materials) and a color-changing material on or within (e.g., impregnated within) the body material. A user is able to use the performance evaluation member to demonstrate and evaluate performance characteristics relating to the presence of particularly desired wavelengths within the light emitted by a dental curing light, footprint size and shape of emitted light, uniformity of intensity within the emitted footprint, as well as relative intensities of desired wavelengths provided by two or more dental curing lights. | 10-06-2011 |
20110189637 | IN SITU FOAMABLE DENTAL BLEACHING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS, SYSTEMS AND KITS FOR BLEACHING TEETH USING SUCH COMPOSITIONS - In situ foamable dental bleaching compositions include a dental bleaching agent, thickening agent, polyol, and in situ foaming agent. The foamable dental bleaching compositions are initially dispensed as a dental bleaching gel. Upon placement of the dental bleaching gel onto a person's tooth surfaces, the in situ foaming agent causes the bleaching gel to foam. Dental bleaching systems include an in situ foamable dental bleaching composition within a pressurized container (e.g., bag-on valve container) having a nozzle that, when actuated, expels the in situ dental bleaching composition as a gel. Dental bleaching methods include dispensing the in situ foamable dental bleaching composition as a gel, contacting a person's tooth surfaces with the dental bleaching gel, and allowing the gel to expand and foam in order to dynamically distribute and replenish the dental bleaching agent to the tooth surfaces and into the interproximal spaces between teeth. | 08-04-2011 |
20110171606 | DENTAL TREATMENT DEVICES - Dental treatment trays or strips include a moisture-resistant barrier layer that is flexible so as to conform to a plurality of differently-sized and shaped dental arches during use. The moisture-resistant barrier layer comprised of wax, paraffin wax and/or polyolefin. The dental treatment device also includes a substantially solid dental treatment composition adapted so as to be initially substantially dry to the touch and so as to become sticky and adhesive to dental tissue when moistened. The substantially solid dental treatment composition includes at least one adhesive agent and at least one active agent, such as a dental bleaching agent. | 07-14-2011 |
20110171605 | DENTAL TREATMENT DEVICES - A non-custom dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer that is flexible so as to conform to a plurality of differently-sized and shaped dental arches during use. The moisture-resistant barrier layer comprised of wax, paraffin wax and/or polyolefin. The dental treatment device also includes a substantially solid dental treatment composition adapted so as to be initially substantially dry to the touch and so as to become sticky and adhesive to dental tissue when moistened. The substantially solid dental treatment composition includes at least one tissue adhesion agent and at least one active agent, such as a dental bleaching agent. | 07-14-2011 |
20110039226 | METHOD EMPLOYING ELECTRIC FIELDS TO SELECTIVELY KILL MICROBES IN A ROOT CANAL PREPARATION - Methods employing an electric field for disinfection of a root canal preparation during an endodontic procedure. A monopolar electrode probe sized and configured for insertion into a root canal of a tooth is inserted within the root canal preparation. A ground electrode is electrically connected to the patient to complete the circuit with the monopolar electrode probe. An electrical voltage is applied between the probe and ground, resulting in virtually no current flow between the electrodes, but rather the generation of an electric field within the root canal and adjacent dental tissues. The electric field kills microbes within the root canal system of the tooth without significant heating or damage to surrounding dental tissue. | 02-17-2011 |
20100323322 | Syringe-in-Syringe Hollow Inner Barrel/Plunger With Integral Seal and Rupturable Membrane and Related Kits, Systems and Methods - A hollow inner plunger ( | 12-23-2010 |
20100311009 | SALIVARY DUCT CONSTRICTION APPARATUS - A saliva control device for controlling saliva flow from a salivary duct without damaging the salivary duct and surrounding soft oral tissue includes an elastic body, a constriction hole formed through the elastic body, and an interior wall defining the constriction hole. The interior wall is substantially smooth and the elastic body sufficiently stretchable that the constriction hole expands during placement around a salivary duct and the wall constricts around the salivary duct to prevent flow of saliva without substantially cutting off blood flow to and damaging the salivary duct and soft oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct. | 12-09-2010 |
20100307935 | SYRINGE-IN-SYRINGE HOLLOW INNER BARREL/PLUNGER WITH INTEGRAL SEAL AND RUPTURABLE MEMBRANE AND RELATED KITS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A plunger-barrel apparatus is adapted for use within a syringe-in-syringe mixing system for mixing a two-part composition (e.g., a dental composition). A hollow plunger-barrel body has a continuous cylindrical wall defining an internal chamber for containing a first component. The body includes a plunger receiving end and a dispensing end. An integral sealing plug and rupturable membrane is disposed at the dispensing end of the body and include a sealing plug portion and a rupturable membrane portion that are integrally formed together as a single piece (e.g., formed of a single piece of elastomeric material). An associated syringe-in-syringe mixing system includes a first plunger, the hollow plunger-barrel body as described above adapted to contain a first component, and a syringe barrel configured to contain a second component. When assembled, the first plunger is slidably disposed within the hollow plunger-barrel body, and the plunger-barrel body is slidably disposed within the syringe barrel. The two components are initially separated by the rupturable membrane. | 12-09-2010 |
20100226998 | ANTI-VIRAL AND ANTI-MICROBIAL DENTAL OPERATIVE MATERIAL AND METHODS - An anti-microbial and/or anti-viral composition for use in disinfecting an oral tissue during a dental procedure includes at least one dental operative material that is allowed to contact the oral tissue for a period of time between about 2 seconds and about 1 month and an effective amount of an anti-viral and/or anti-bacterial agent included in or mixed with the dental operative material so as to impart an anti-bacterial and/or anti-viral effect at or near a site of administration in oral tissue. The anti-viral and/or anti-bacterial agent at least partially at least partially contributes to a two-log (or three-log, four-log, or five-log) reduction in viral and/or bacterial activity at or near a site of administration. The compositions protect a dental practitioner and/or other patient from being infected by a communicable disease carried by a treated patient. | 09-09-2010 |
20100221678 | Method for Indicating Shelf-Life After Mixing Pre-Dosed, Pre-Packaged Two-Part Dental Compositions - A pre-dosed, pre-packaged mixing system and associated method for mixing, storing, and dispensing a two-part dental composition that becomes less stable upon mixing. The mixing system includes a pre-dosed, pre-packaged quantity of a first component contained within a first chamber, and a pre-dosed, pre-packaged quantity of a second component contained within a second chamber. The chambers are separated by separation means so as to separate the two-components prior to mixing. Once mixed, the practitioner is able to record a mixing and/or expiration date on at least a portion of the mixing system so as to indicate a shelf-life of the less stable mixed dental composition. | 09-02-2010 |
20100081108 | THREE-WAY SYRINGE ADAPTER - An adapter for use with an air/water tip (e.g., a three-way dental syringe). The adapter comprises a body including a proximal end and a distal end, a mixing chamber disposed between the proximal and distal ends, a water delivery lumen for delivering water from a coupleable fluid dispensing device to the mixing chamber, and a separate air delivery lumen for delivering air from a coupleable fluid dispensing device to the mixing chamber. The cross-sectional area of the water delivery lumen at a location adjacent the mixing chamber is greater than the cross-sectional area of the air delivery lumen at a location adjacent the mixing chamber. The relative cross-sectional areas act to balance pressures of air and water entering the mixing chamber so as to provide a ratio of volumetric flow rate of water to air that is between about 0.5:1 to about 2:1. | 04-01-2010 |
20100055639 | DENTAL TREATMENT TRAYS COMPRISING SILICONE OR OTHER ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL - Non-customized dental treatment trays used to provide a desired treatment are formed from elastomeric silicone or silicone-like material. They may be injection molded from a two-part liquid silicone composition or a silicone-like TPE material (e.g., preferably SEBS and/or VERSAflex thermoplastic elastomer). The dental treatment trays possess high adaptability, flexibility, softness, and elastic elongation while also exhibiting resiliency in order to readily conform to the ridges, depressions and contours of a person's teeth during use. The trays possess a greater ability to adhere to a person's teeth compared to non-elastomeric thermoplastic materials. Due to their high adaptability and conformability, the non-customized dental trays behave like a semi-custom dental tray when placed over conformed to a person's teeth, particularly when used in combination with a sticky, viscous treatment composition. | 03-04-2010 |
20100028829 | CHEMICALLY ACTIVATED DENTAL BLEACHING TRAYS - Dental treatment trays and strips used to deliver a dental bleaching composition to a person's teeth are formed from a moisture resistant barrier material and include a bleaching agent destabilizer disposed on an inner treatment surface of the barrier layer that is positioned against the person's teeth during use. The bleaching agent destabilizer may be compounded with the moisture resistant material or otherwise disposed relative to the barrier layer so that at least some destabilizer is positioned on the inner treatment surface of the tray or strip so as to contact the dental bleaching composition during use. | 02-04-2010 |
20100028273 | METHODS AND KITS FOR CLEANING AND REMINERALIZING TEETH - Methods and associated kits for use in selectively conditioning and remineralizing teeth. An exemplary method comprises the steps of applying a conditioning composition to one or more of a person's teeth, and applying a remineralizing composition to the person's teeth. The conditioning composition includes a conditioning agent, and the remineralizing composition includes a remineralizing agent comprising calcium ions and/or fluoride ions. The conditioning composition may be applied prior to or after application of the remineralizing composition. In one embodiment, both the conditioning composition and the remineralizing composition include different remineralizing ions (e.g., one including calcium, one including fluoride). | 02-04-2010 |
20090325120 | SELF-LIGATING ORTHODONTIC BRACKET WITH SLIDING LIGATION COVER - Self-ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the bracket base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a ligation cover which is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open non-ligating position relative to the slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the slot. The exterior labial surface of both the base and ligation cover comprise a compound two axis curvature so that substantially all of the exterior labial surface of both the bracket base and the ligation cover present a smooth, continuous exterior surface that is substantially free of sharp discontinuities and crevices. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325118 | ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS HAVING A BENDABLE OR FLEXIBLE MEMBER FORMED FROM AMORPHOUS METALLIC ALLOYS - Orthodontic brackets having a bracket base including at least one arch wire slot formed therein and a bendable or flexible member (e.g., a film hinge) having a relatively thin cross-sectional thickness to facilitate flexing or bending of the member with little or no permanent deformation, wherein at least the bendable or flexible member comprises an amorphous metallic alloy. | 12-31-2009 |
20090321037 | MOLD ASSEMBLY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MOLDING METAL ARTICLES - Apparatus assemblies and methods for melting and injection molding an article from a meltable metal that is sensitive to heating by radio frequency (RF) induction. An exemplary apparatus includes a mold including a cavity having a shape of an article to be molded, a delivery chute including a channel for delivering a solid metal billet from a proximal end of the delivery chute to a distal end which is adjacent to the mold, and an RF induction heating coil that surrounds the cavity of the mold and the distal end of the delivery chute. Advantageously, the portion of the mold defining the cavity and at least the distal end of the delivery chute (i.e., those portions surrounded by the RF coil) are formed of materials that are substantially insensitive to heating by RF induction so that the metal billet is melted and molded at approximately the same time. | 12-31-2009 |
20090305188 | CHEMICALLY PRE-IMPREGNATED SILK RETRACTION CORDS HAVING INCREASED STRENGTH - A degradation resistant gingival retraction cord comprising or consisting essentially of silk is formed from two or more strands that are braided, twisted or woven. The degradation resistant retraction cord comprises at least about 50% silk, 80% silk, 90% silk, 95% silk, or essentially all silk. They are able to maintain at least about 70%, 80% or 90% of this tensile strength for a time period of at least about 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. The silk retraction cords have the look, feel and desirable utility of a thin, flexible, and resilient natural fiber cord, while also resisting degradation when pre-impregnated with a corrosive agent. Such cords combine the degradation resistance of a man-made fiber, while also having greater liquid absorbance, lightness, flexibility and resilience like a natural fiber cord. | 12-10-2009 |
20090234288 | DENTAL INTRALIGAMENTARY INJECTION NEEDLES AND RELATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Injection needle devices for administering a local anesthetic into tough, dense ligamentary tissue surrounding a tooth. The injection needle is a two-part needle that includes a proximal needle portion formed of metal, ceramic or rigid plastic and a distal needle portion formed of ceramic or hardened metal. The distal penetrating needle portion has an exposed length not more than about 8 mm, and an maximum outside diameter of about 25 gauge. At the transition between the proximal needle portion and the distal needle portion there can be an abrupt stop surface for limiting penetration through tissue. Alternatively, the proximal needle portion can have a tapered surface that permits penetration of the tapered surface into tissue. The injection needle device is designed to minimize pain and prevent buckling of the distal needle portion. | 09-17-2009 |
20090191279 | FLUORIDE VARNISH COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING AN ORGANO PHOSPHORIC ACID ADHESION PROMOTING AGENT - Fluoride varnish compositions for temporary application and adhesion to a person's teeth. The composition includes a carrier comprising a resin and an adhesion promoting agent comprising an alkyl phosphoric acid. A fluoride ion source (e.g., a fluoride salt such as sodium fluoride) is dispersed within the carrier so as to provide biologically available fluoride ions to the tooth tissue being treated. The composition adheres only temporarily to tooth tissue (e.g., for a period of at least about 4 minutes, but not more than about 1 year), after which the composition spontaneously wears away as a natural result of the action of the tongue, saliva and/or other factors. | 07-30-2009 |
20090112157 | MIXING DEVICE INCLUDING A PLUNGING MIXING MEMBER FOR USE WITH A SYRINGE - Mixing devices used with a syringe or syringe system and related systems for mixing dissimilar components contained therein. The devices and systems include a hollow elongate handle having a proximal end, a distal delivery end, and a delivery passageway therethrough. A mixing member is disposed at or near the proximal end of the hollow elongate handle, which mixing member and a portion of the handle are axially slidable within a syringe barrel during use. The user may push and pull the distal end of the handle, causing corresponding axial movement of the mixing member within the syringe barrel. The devices and systems may be used to homogenously mix difficult to mix two part compositions, as well as single part compositions which include components that may tend to separate over time (e.g., a fluoride varnish composition). | 04-30-2009 |
20090092563 | ACTIVATING BRUSH TIP APPLICATORS FOR DENTAL BLEACHING COMPOSITIONS - A brush tipped applicator includes an applicator tip having a body defining an external surface and an internal conduit. The applicator tip body can have a proximal end defining a proximal opening of the internal conduit and a distal end. The proximal end of the applicator tip body can have a first fastener that is configured for being coupled to a fastener (i.e., second fastener) of a member containing the dental bleaching composition such that the internal conduit of the applicator tip body is capable of being fluidly coupled with the dental bleaching composition. Additionally, the brush tip includes at least one filament disposed on the external surface of the applicator tip body. A dental bleach activator disposed within the filament in an amount sufficient for activating the dental bleaching composition for whitening the teeth. | 04-09-2009 |
20090087812 | SELF-CUSTOMIZABLE DENTAL TREATMENT TRAYS - A self-customizable dental tray usable in a dental application is prepared as follows: providing a barrier layer in the shape of a dental treatment tray having a wall thickness of less than or about 1 mm; introducing a curable elastomeric material onto an impression-receiving surface of the barrier layer; placing the barrier layer having the curable elastomeric material onto the teeth so that the curable elastomeric material forms an impression layer; and allowing the curable elastomeric material to cure so as to form an impression layer having a teeth-receiving surface with contours adapted to conform with the teeth, said impression layer having a wall thickness of less than or about 1 mm. Optionally, the barrier layer is a liner that can be separated from a support tray that provides a tray shape to the liner. | 04-02-2009 |
20090087809 | POLYMERIZABLE TEMPORARY COATING METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTRAORAL DEVICES - Methods and systems for temporarily coating intra-oral devices (e.g., orthodontic brackets and/or wires) so as to reduce discomfort to soft tissues within a patient's mouth. One embodiment of such a system includes at least one orthodontic bracket or orthodontic arch wire and a two-part polymerizable temporary coating composition for use in coating selected surfaces of the brackets and/or wires. One silicone polymerizable two-part composition includes a vinyl siloxane component, a cross-linking component, and a catalyst activator initially divided between the two parts so that at least one of the components is kept separate from at least one other component (i.e., all three components are not initially commingled). Upon mixing of the first and second parts, the composition begins to polymerize. | 04-02-2009 |
20090024082 | Time-Indicating Syringe Mixing Devices And Related Methods For Storing and Dispensing Two-Part Dental Compositions - Time-indicating syringe mixing systems for mixing, storing, and dispensing a two-part dental composition that becomes less stable upon mixing including a first plunger comprising an elongate stem and a plug at a distal end of the elongate stem, a hollow first chamber configured to contain a first component, a hollow second chamber configured to contain a second component, and means for indicating a recorded date when a first component initially contained within the hollow first chamber is mixed with a second component initially contained within the hollow second chamber. The inventive syringe mixing systems may be configured as syringe-in-syringe systems and/or syringe-to-syringe systems. | 01-22-2009 |
20090007431 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING DENTAL INSTRUMENTS FROM SUPER-ELASTIC ALLOYS - Dental instruments and appliances are manufactured from a superelastic alloy, which includes atoms from the group IV | 01-08-2009 |
20080317817 | METHODS OF MANUFACTURING A DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PROMOTING BONE GROWTH - A method for manufacturing a delivery system that includes a bone growth promoting material encapsulated within a water-absorbing, water-gelatinizable covering used to promote bone growth in order to repair a bone defect and/or strengthen a weakened bone region. The delivery system may be shaped and sized in order to fit within a bleeding wound (e.g., one that is formed in the gingiva when a tooth is extracted). The covering may be formed of a gelatinizable-gauze (e.g., oxidized cellulose) that forms a gel-like material when moistened with water. The delivery system may be stored in a moisture resistant package prior to use. | 12-25-2008 |
20080286723 | METHODS FOR CHAIR-SIDE COATING OF ENDODONTIC CONES - Kits and methods facilitate chair-side coating of an endodontic cone for improved sealing between the hydrophilic root canal tissue, the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, and a hydrophilic sealing resin. The kit includes one or more endodontic cones (e.g., formed of gutta percha) and a micro-dose container containing an adhesive composition. The practitioner can dip the cones into the adhesive composition so as to coat the cones chair-side, just prior to use. The adhesive composition includes an adhesive resin compound comprising at least one hydrophobic region and at least one hydrophilic region. The hydrophobic region is compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, while the hydrophilic region is compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic sealing resin. | 11-20-2008 |
20080285302 | DENTAL CURING LIGHT HAVING A SHORT WAVELENGTH LED AND A FLUORESCING LENS FOR CONVERTING SHORT WAVELENGTH LIGHT TO CURING WAVELENGTHS AND RELATED METHOD - A dental curing light includes a body, one or more LEDs configured to emit a first spectrum of light having a relatively short first peak wavelength (e.g., UV) disposed on the body, and a fluorescing lens that converts at least a portion of the first spectrum of light into a second spectrum of light having a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength. The second spectrum of light is selected so as to match the curing spectrum of a desired light-curable dental composition. In a preferred embodiment, the body comprises an elongate wand having a proximal end and distal end. The LEDs may be disposed at or near the distal end of the elongate wand. | 11-20-2008 |
20080241799 | KITS AND METHODS FOR CHAIR-SIDE COATING OF ENDODONTIC CONES - Kits and methods facilitate chair-side coating of an endodontic cone for improved sealing between the hydrophilic root canal tissue, the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, and a hydrophilic sealing resin. The kit includes one or more endodontic cones (e.g., formed of gutta percha) and a micro-dose container containing an adhesive composition. The practitioner can dip the cones into the adhesive composition so as to coat the cones chair-side, just prior to use. The adhesive composition includes an adhesive resin compound comprising at least one hydrophobic region and at least one hydrophilic region. The hydrophobic region is compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, while the hydrophilic region is compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic sealing resin. | 10-02-2008 |
20080213720 | ENDODONTIC INSTRUMENTS MANUFACTURED USING CHEMICAL MILLING - A method of manufacturing endodontic files involves a chemical milling process to yield endodontic files having a desired taper and/or degree of sharpness. The process involves the steps of (a) forming helical cutting edges in the cutting portion of the metallic rod; and (b) chemically milling the cutting portion of the rod so as to sharpen and/or taper the cutting portion. The rod may be formed of any desirable metallic material, for example stainless steel or a nickel-titanium alloy. The cutting edges may be formed by torsioning, cutting, grinding, machining, laser micromachining, or grit blasting. | 09-04-2008 |
20080213718 | LASER SHAPED GREEN METAL BODY AND ORTHODONTIC BRACKET - A green metal body is comprised of metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth. | 09-04-2008 |
20080206715 | COLOR CHANGING DENTAL ADHESIVE COMPOSITIONS AND RELATED METHODS AND KITS - Methods, compositions, and kits for use in facilitating detection and removal of dental adhesives while minimizing and/or eliminating removal of adjacent tooth tissue. A pH sensitive color changing component (i.e., an acid/base indicator) is included within a dental adhesive composition or an activating wash composition. The adhesive composition is used to bond a dental appliance (e.g., a provisional restorative appliance or an orthodontic bracket) to a tooth. When it becomes necessary to remove the dental appliance, selective removal of the dental adhesive while minimizing and/or eliminating removal of enamel or other adjacent tooth tissue are facilitated because of the inclusion of a pH sensitive color-changing component within the dental adhesive or activating wash composition. The adhesive changes from a first color having low contrast relative to adjacent tooth tissue to a second color having greater contrast relative to adjacent tooth tissue upon application of the activating wash. | 08-28-2008 |
20080206712 | RESIN REINFORCED ZINC POLYCARBOXYLATE TEMPORARY CEMENT COMPOSITIONS AND RELATED KITS AND METHODS - Two-part resin-reinforced cement compositions, kits, and related methods are used for bonding a dental prosthetic appliance to a tooth. A first part includes an amine activator component and a zinc oxide reactive filler, while a second part includes a polymerization initiator (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) and a polymerizable component having a structure including at least one acrylate or methacrylate group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at another end. A temporary cement composition advantageously exhibits reduced compressive and/or bonding strength relative to permanent cement compositions, which provides sufficient strength to facilitate normal use of the teeth while the provisional appliance is in use, while also facilitating easy removal of the provisional appliance for replacement with a permanent appliance at a later time. | 08-28-2008 |