Abstract:
An endodontic instrument (10) for preparing a tooth of a patient, in particular an instrument for cleaning the root canal that follows the natural geometry of the canal. The instrument (10) comprises a rigid tip (11) arranged to be mounted on a rotating support (102) of an apparatus (103), known as a contra-angle, and a working sector (12). The working sector (12) comprises a free end section (13) which is arranged to engage in the root canal (101). The working sector (12) is composed of a first essentially straight active segment (14) disposed in the extension of the rigid tip (11), and at least one second active segment (15) comprising the free end section (13). In the static state, the second active segment (15) is substantially straight and, in the dynamic state, the second active segment (15) has a curved shape.
Abstract:
A dental wedge for inserting into the interproximal space between adjacent teeth comprises a first and second sidewall comprised of a shape memory material, including a nickel-titanium alloy, wherein the dental wedge is in a first, resting state when outside of the interproximal space and transforms to a second, operational state when the dental wedge is interested into the interproximal space between adjacent teeth and exposed to a first transformation stimulus, namely exposure to the higher temperature in the interproximal space. The expansion force generated by the dental wedge when in the second, operational stage is sufficient to secure a dental matrix against the tooth being restored and to separate the tooth being restored and adjacent tooth to expand the interproximal space.
Abstract:
Dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy compression plates or elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Each of the plates has a length with one or more straightened portions and with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion self-flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.
Abstract:
A NiTi alloy root canal file with a flexibility gradient, having a tip, middle portion and rear portion divided along the longitudinal direction. The internal microstructure of the tip is martensite, of the rear portion is austenite, and of the middle portion is a combination of martensite and austenite. The microstructure of martensite is continuously reduced and the microstructure of austenite is continuously increased as the distance from the tip increases. A manufacturing method for the NiTi alloy root canal file with a flexibility gradient. As the internal microstructure of the NiTi alloy root canal file with a flexibility gradient gradually changes along the axial direction and the strength also gradually changes, the flexibility and strength show a gradient change along the axial direction of the root canal file, providing excellent cutting property, high anti-fatigue life and significantly improving operation performance, safety, and life of the root canal files.
Abstract:
An orthodontic extraoral traction appliance includes at least one central body, one or more rest portions to be positioned on the patient's head, and one or more traction portions, which engage an intraoral brace. The appliance is provided with one or more sensors for detecting and/or measuring the force exerted by the traction portions.
Abstract:
An apparatus for fabrication of a multiple memory material including: a feeding assembly for feeding shape memory material; a processing station aligned with the feeding assembly to receive the shape memory material to be processed; at least one energy source aligned with an energy source aperture to provide energy to the shape memory material; a shielding gas provider attached to a shielding gas engagement portion to provide shielding gas; and a controller configured to control the feeding assembly, the shielding gas provider and the energy source according to predetermined parameters to form the multiple memory material. A method for fabricating a multiple memory material including: determining process parameters for the shape memory material, via a controller; receiving shape memory material at a feeding assembly; feeding the shape memory material, via the feed assembly, to a processing station; providing shielding gas to the processing station, via a shielding gas provider; and providing energy to the shape memory material, via at least one energy source, based on the process parameters to produce the multiple memory material.
Abstract:
An endodontic file includes a uniform tapered working length made of shape memory material with at least two helical shaped flutes and narrow spiraled lands in between, having a width no greater than 0.075 mm as measured in a plane perpendicular the central axis of rotation of instrument. The land width is preferably constant along the working length but may vary provided the width of the lands in a waist portion of the file are no greater than those above or below the waist portion. The instrument resists mid-root transportation and exhibits superior fatigue performance and cutting efficiency compared to prior art instruments.
Abstract:
Device for injecting a filling material in the fluid phase into a canal space, the said device comprising an adaptor, an automatic mixer connected to the said adaptor, an intra-oral injection tip fitted at the upper end of the said automatic mixer, and is characterized in that the said injection tip is a tube the distal end of which has an outside diameter smaller than or equal to 1.5 mm over a length greater than or equal to 8 mm, in that the said injection tip is made of a shape memory material so that it can be bent to a desired orientation, in that the said injection tip is moulded at the upper end of the said automatic mixer, and in that the said injection tip comprises, on its exterior surface: either circular ribs defining a groove, the upper end of the automatic mixer being moulded into this groove so that the said injection tip is locked in position in the said upper end while at the same time retaining a degree of freedom to rotate about its axis of symmetry, or one or more mutually parallel circular ribs, the upper end of the automatic mixer being moulded onto this circular rib in such a way that the said injection tip is blocked in position in the said upper end while at the same time retaining a degree of freedom to rotate about its axis of symmetry.
Abstract:
A connecting wire is a wire having a circular cross-section and made of shape memory alloy or the like. Individual blocks have a cross-section configured to engage with an orthodontic bracket and have a through hole to insert the connecting wire. Because a torque is applied separately to each of the individual blocks after the connecting wire and individual blocks are formed according to an arch form on a Monson sphere, the torque can be applied keeping a three-dimensional curve such as the Monson sphere.
Abstract:
A wrought material containing a Cu—Al—Mn-based alloy, in which an existence frequency of a coincidence grain boundary with a Σ value of 3 or less is 35% or more but 75% or less, and which has a recrystallized microstructure substantially formed from a β single phase; and the use thereof.