Abstract:
A visible coding of components of an articulator apparatus that mount maxillary and mandible casts indicates the relative correspondence between post-treatment goals and the present locations of a person's teeth and jaws. From another aspect, the visible coding indicates at least a direction, and preferably, a direction and a distance, which a person's teeth and/or jaws must be moved to achieve the goals.
Abstract:
A loop is formed by a bow having across one side a strip or blade. The bow has flexure and memory. The flexure and memory of the bow are imparted to the strip, enabling the strip to be either taut or loose, depending on the pressure exerted by the operator upon the bow. The bow is held and manipulated by the operator with the thumb and finger. The strip is positioned under tension. A holder for the device allows additional variability in the angle of attack of the strip, and facilitates quick and easy interchange of the strips. A holder avoids insertion of fingers far back in the mouth, where working space is limited.
Abstract:
An intra-radicular post is described for rebuilding of teeth, with treatment of passages, comprised of one apical portion, a body adjacent to the apical portion, and one head adjacent to the body; characterized because the body is frusto-conical and tapered in such a way that its diameter is greater at the side proximal to the head and lower at the side proximal to the apical portion; apical portion comprises cylindrical segments with a flat end; and the head portion comprises conical segments having at least one flat lateral face; the post having thus improved insertion and retention properties.
Abstract:
The invention provides a dental device comprising a sheath for fitting over a tooth, the sheath carrying a haemostatic agent in at least one region thereof, wherein the sheath comprises a generally cylindrical body having at least a first end and a second end, at least one of said first and second presenting a circumferential margin carrying at least part of the haemostatic agent, and wherein the at least one end carrying at least part of the haemostatic agent is open to a cavity and the other end is closed. A method of inhibiting or preventing gingival bleeding and a method of retracting gingivae using such a device are also provided.
Abstract:
A color coded instrument has a colored resin cone connected at one end of a handle to provide a means to visually identify the instrument. The working tip of the instrument extends from the cone. The cone provides a sanity, non-flexible, impermeable and sterile connection between the metal handle and working tip.
Abstract:
Improved orthodontic methods and apparatus are described that reduce the level of skill required for successful treatment, reduce the amount of orthodontist's time required for successful treatment, and have improved retention. Customized individual orthodontic treatment is possible utilizing brackets (92420), bands, and archwires (1200) specifically designed for each malocclusion. Computer software is used to organize hundreds of issues and appliance variations in an automated or semi-automated diagnosis and treatment system. Related tools include a bracket holder (500) having a handle (550), a pair of gripping members (520, 520′) and a gripping member position and orientation indicator (600) and a bracket vertical position indicator (700).
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an aspiration cannula for the aspiration of fluid substances, especially saliva and blood, during dento-medical treatment.
Abstract:
An improved flossing device for cleaning between one's teeth is provided. The flossing device comprises a motor with a rotation drive shaft, a link member, and a motion translator. The link member has a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to receive a removable floss tip member. The motion translator is configured to transfer rotational motion of the drive shaft to the second end of the link member in the form of axial motion. In alternate embodiments, the motion translator transfers at least two types of motion from the group of vibrating, rotating, and axial motion to the second end of the link member.
Abstract:
A dental hygiene apparatus for enabling a flossing of teeth. The apparatus can include a dispensing member and an accumulating member. The dispensing and accumulating members can each comprise a ring with an aperture for receiving a finger. Activating switches can selectively enable a dispensing of dental floss from the dispensing member and a retraction of dental floss relative to the accumulating member. A bobbin within the accumulating member can be rotated by a coil spring that can be rewound. The apertures in the rings can be varied. A floss retaining member can alternatively be retained by a ring, an opposed hook arrangement, or any other arrangement coupled to the dispensing member. Dental floss can be dispensed from a distal end of a post. The dental hygiene apparatus can further include as part of a unified system a finger shield arrangement, which can comprise first and second tubular members.
Abstract:
An apparatus that includes a handle; a pair of opposed gripping members, each member comprising a gripping surface, each gripping surface comprising a forward edge; and a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI) positioned between the handle and the forward edges. A method of coupling an orthodontic bracket to a tooth comprising: providing a bracket holder comprising a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI); utilizing the bracket holder to grip a bracket and to place the bracket on a tooth; while viewing the position and orientation of the GMPOI relative to the tooth on which the bracket is being mounted, rotating and/or moving the bracket holder so as to set the orientation and position of the bracket; subsequently causing the bracket holder to release the bracket; inserting a portion of the bracket holder into the bracket; and rotating the bracket holder so as to rotate the bracket.