Abstract:
A flexible protective cover cushions the impact of a rigid light emitting device when placed in contact with a patient's teeth or a dental appliance. The protective cover includes a base configured to attach to a rigid light emitting device, and a flexible translucent body. The body includes a first and second end. Light from the light emitting device enters the cover through the first end and exits through the second end. The flexible cover may be made of polyurethane, silicone, flexible polyethylene, or another elastomer.
Abstract:
A venting syringe plunger assembly for use with a syringe system allows for venting of gas from the syringe system during use. The plunger assembly includes a hollow outer sleeve having an interior surface, and an inner stem having an exterior surface. At least a portion of the inner stem is disposed within the outer sleeve so as to be movable (e.g., slidable) within the outer sleeve. A venting passageway is defined between the interior surface of the outer sleeve and the exterior surface of the inner stem. The plunger assembly also includes means for selectively moving the inner stem within the outer sleeve so as to selectively open and close the venting passageway.
Abstract:
A hand-held vacuum pump apparatus for use in attaching one or more saliva control devices over one or more selected salivary ducts. The apparatus can be operated using a single hand. The apparatus includes a body having a grippable handle and a support member, a hollow suction tube supported by the support member of the body, a plunger slidably disposed within the hollow suction tube, and means for proximally moving the plunger within the hollow suction tube in response to squeezing a practitioner's hand and/or at least one finger.
Abstract:
A dental post analog includes an analog post body, and at least one of means for determining the depth of placement of the distal insertion portion, means for gripping the post body, or means for tethering the post body. The analog post body includes a distal insertion portion and a proximal portion that extends beyond the distal insertion portion. The distal insertion portion is configured for temporary insertion into a recess of a tooth, and at least approximately corresponds to the size, shape, and length of a permanent dental post. The post analog may be radiopaque. It may be disposable or autoclavable.
Abstract:
An integrated remote control and massage device includes a housing having at least one massage surface, a remote control input interface for enabling a user to control at least one electronic entertainment device, and at least one motor that selectively provides vibrating motion to the massage surface(s). The integrated device enables control of devices such as a television, an audio system, a video disc player, a video cassette recorder, a direct broadcast satellite receiver, a personal video recorder, a cable box, and a digital portable music and/or entertainment system. In addition, the device may be used as a vibrating massage device. The device may optionally include a heating element, a sound recorder, a device locator, or a flashlight.
Abstract:
A non-custom, tray-shaped dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a front side wall and a bottom wall, and a dental treatment composition. In addition, the tray-shaped dental treatment device includes at least one of the following anatomical features to enhance the fit of the device: (1) the bottom wall includes a plurality of cuts positioned to help the bottom wall better conform to abrupt changes in the diameters of a person's teeth where the bicuspids and canines meet, and/or (2) the bottom wall includes at least one V-shaped or U-shaped indentation configured to be inserted into the depression typically found along the top surfaces of a person's molars, and/or (3) the front side wall and bottom wall include radii of curvature that account for typical flaring of a patient's incisors.
Abstract:
A kit that may be used to place a dental bracket and a medicament-releasing pellet in the mouth of a patient, and methods for using such kits. The pellet is designed to provide slow release of fluoride or another medicament over a desired period of time. The kit includes a medicament-releasing pellet, a dental bracket, and a placement device. The dental bracket comprises a base and a socket. The bracket may be installed by a dental practitioner and may remain attached to the patient's tooth for up to 20 years. The placement device aids the dental practitioner in placing the bracket on a patient's tooth.
Abstract:
A placement device for placing a dental bracket designed to receive a medicament-releasing pellet onto a tooth of a patient. According to one embodiment, the placement device includes a body and a protrusion disposed on the body. The protrusion is sized and configured so as to releasably attach to the socket of a dental bracket used to receive and retain a medicament-releasing pellet. The protrusion may be male, or alternatively, may include a female cavity designed to receive a socket of a dental bracket.
Abstract:
An orthodontic bracket packaging kit and system includes a base tray, a plurality of pedestals for supporting individual orthodontic brackets, and a protective lid. The kit may also include a blister cover fitting over the orthodontic brackets, helping to hold them in place on top of the individual pedestals. The base tray may have an undulating profile defining a lower level and an upper level, along with a tongue raised towards the lower level. The upper level may be used for placement of maxillary brackets, while the lower level may hold mandibular brackets. The pedestals may be arranged along the base tray in a staggered, radial arc arrangement to facilitate manual retrieval of the brackets. The protective cover may be substantially opaque to curing light wavelengths to protect light curable adhesive pre-applied to the individual brackets.
Abstract:
A time-indicating syringe-in-syringe mixing system for mixing, storing and dispensing a two-part composition that, when mixed together, yields a time-sensitive dental composition. The system includes a first plunger, a hollow second plunger configured to contain a first component, a syringe barrel configured to contain a second component, structure for recording a date when a first component was mixed with a second component, and structure for protecting the recorded date from damage or alteration. The first plunger is slidably disposed within the hollow second plunger, and the hollow second plunger is slidably disposed within the syringe barrel during use. A second syringe may be coupled to the system to provide syringe-to-syringe mixing.