Abstract:
A system for storing a dental composition having a given shelf-life. The storage system includes a container (e.g., a syringe) and activatable time sensitive marking means disposed on or within the container. Upon activation of the time sensitive marking means, the system begins to indicate time lapsed since activation. The time sensitive marking means allows a dental practitioner to determine whether a dental composition within the container has expired, or how much time remains before the composition expires and should either be used up or discarded.
Abstract:
Locking structures and syringe systems provide increased locking force and/or sealing between a syringe and another syringe or applicator tip coupled thereto. One locking structure includes a tubular member having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, one or more first tabs projecting from the exterior surface of the tubular member so as to at least partially encircle the tubular member, and means for increasing resistance between the one or more first tabs and corresponding structure (e.g., grooves) of a device (e.g., a syringe or applicator tip) that is selectively coupleable to the tubular member.
Abstract:
An exoskeleton support and associated placement system for use in placing a thin, flexible dental treatment strip over a person's tooth surfaces. The exoskeleton support includes an exoskeleton body that is curved so as to approximate the curvature of a person's dental arch. The exoskeleton support includes an inner surface that is oriented toward a person's tooth surfaces during use, an outer surface oriented away from the person's tooth surfaces during use, and means for temporarily holding or attaching a flexible dental treatment strip to the inner surface of the exoskeleton support. The exoskeleton support allows a user to more easily and accurately place a dental treatment strip on tooth surfaces to be treated.
Abstract:
A kit of dental sub-kits for use in placing a dental post in a prepared recess (e.g., a root canal) of a person's tooth. The kit includes a tray having an interior recess configured to removably receive therein a plurality of individual dental sub-kits. Each sub-kit may have an associated color, number, letter, or other marking to distinguish it from at least one other sub-kit within the kit. The color or marking associated with each sub-kit identifies the size of components contained within the sub-kit. Each sub-kit includes a finishing drill and one or more permanent dental posts. Each sub-kit may optionally include a starter drill and/or a dental post analog. Each sub-kit and its contents may be disposable or autoclavable.
Abstract:
A syringe delivery system for dispensing a highly viscous material through a syringe delivery opening. The system includes a syringe barrel having a delivery opening, a plunger including a threaded shaft that threadably engages the syringe barrel for selectively dispensing a viscous material through the delivery opening, and a plunger gripping member in griping communication with the plunger that includes means for sealing the threaded shaft of the plunger so as to prevent contamination by foreign matter. According to one embodiment, a sheath may be included that covers the threaded shaft of the plunger so as to hide the plunger beneath the sheath. The sheath provides a sealed environment for the threaded shaft so as to prevent entrance or contamination by foreign matter.
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:
Dental bleaching compositions in the shape of a dental tray, strip or patch include an adhesive activation composition and a dental bleaching gel. A barrier layer may be included to form a dental bleaching device that protects the bleaching composition from saliva or moisture during use. The adhesive activation composition is substantially solid and has increased adhesiveness to oral tissue when moistened with saliva or water. The adhesive activation composition is formed from an intermediate composition that is heated to drive off the solvent. Using a bleaching gel separate from the adhesive activation composition improves the potency and stability of the bleaching agent prior to use. During use, saliva or moisture cause the bleaching gel to be activated as the bleaching agent activator in the activation composition is leached therefrom so as to react with and destabilize the bleaching agent within the bleaching gel.