Abstract:
A floss comprising: a fiber substrate; and a uniform coating comprising a colorant, wherein the color of the coating is different than the color of the fiber substrate is disclosed. The floss is useful as an indicator floss.
Abstract:
An orthodontic bracket system including a plurality of interchangeable ligation covers so as to allow the patient and practitioner to create a desired aesthetic look. The inventive orthodontic bracket system includes a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the bracket base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, a first interchangeable ligation cover that when releasably assembled to the bracket base can be selectively moved relative to the bracket base between an open non-ligating position relative to the arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot, and a second interchangeable ligation cover of a different color and/or formed of a different material relative to the first cover. The interchangeable ligation covers can be removed and replaced with another cover of a different color and/or different material to create a different aesthetic appearance.
Abstract:
The invention relates to methods and devices for producing denture elements, whereby surface data of a remaining dental area are digitally acquired, at least one molded part, especially a denture element for the remaining dental area, is three-dimensionally designed using the surface data of the remaining dental area acquired and corresponding mold data are produced, and the at least one denture element is partially or completely produced on the basis of the surface data and mold data, with one or more of the following aspects being taken into consideration: dimensionally designing web constructions between tooth stumps and producing corresponding mold data; acquiring surface data of a three-dimensional dental impression, on one side, on two sides or on several sides; graphically representing the surface data, fixing at least one mark on the graphical representation of the surface data, and constructing mold data for a denture element based on the surface data and taking into consideration the mark in the graphical representation of the surface data; producing primary crowns by means of 3+1 axes milling or angular axis milling techniques; optimally aligning a milled blank with the element to be milled by ‘uphill/downhill milling’; and or using for scanning the molding waxes a molding wax including at least ⅓ to ⅘ parts by weight of zirconium oxide powder.
Abstract:
The medical handpiece of the present invention has a cutting tool having a flexible shank and a bur provided at the distal end of the cutting tool for cutting an affected area, a tubular sheath for receiving the cutting tool therein, and a handpiece body for detachably holding the proximal end of the cutting tool and transmitting driving force from a drive source to the cutting tool. The sheath and the cutting tool are made flexible for a particular range, with the sheath being plastically deformable and the shank of the cutting tool being elastically deformable. The medical handpiece is further provided with a plurality of bearings arranged in the sheath, first interposed members that are tubular and flexible and arranged proximal to, distal to, and between the bearings, and second interposed members that are tubular and flexible and arranged inside the first interposed members.
Abstract:
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets include a marking system for identifying which tooth or subset of teeth a specific bracket within a set of non-identical brackets pertains and/or for assisting in aligning a bracket on a tooth. The bracket includes a temporarily visible mark that is visible during placement of the bracket onto a tooth but which does not remain visible during long term use of the orthodontic bracket to straighten teeth. The marking may be removable or it may be hidden during use of the bracket to straighten teeth. The orthodontic brackets are advantageously included within a set or kit intended for placement onto the teeth of a patient. They advantageously include a ligation cover selectively movable between an open, non-ligating position relative to an arch wire slot in a bracket base and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot.
Abstract:
A mixing capsule, especially for the production of dental materials, comprises a cartridge that is closed on one end by a piston. The piston has a hemispherical recess that forms a secondary chamber and is closed off from the main chamber of the cartridge by a separating device. A body that is provided in the initial state in the main chamber is used to facilitate the mixing process and to penetrate the separating device at the beginning of the process, whereby the main chamber and the secondary chamber form a single mixing area. The body preferably disintegrates during the mixing process.
Abstract:
A tubular applicator handle having an applicator integrally formed on either end. The applicable integrally formed on either end may be a brush, foam pad, fuzzy ball or other similar or equivalent applicator, for applying a liquid, paste or powder. The applicator handle may or may not have a scribe or score line intermediate either end. The applicator handle may be broken along the score or scribe line forming two separate independent applicators. This greatly reduces waste and provides increased convenience to the user who can either use the double ended applicator or, if desired, two separate single ended applicators. A bendable portion is provided adjacent each applicator so that the angle of the applicator may be changed as desired. The present invention has particular adaptability in the dental field for applying dental materials, but may be valuable in other fields, such as electronics.
Abstract:
A low profile dental torque ratchet system is provided having a disposable breakaway color coded insert for holding a tool to be driven by a torsional ratchet wrench. Incorporated within the ratchet wrench is a driver that drives the tool until a preset torsional force shears the insert.
Abstract:
A kit for assembling a variety of dental devices using a plurality of delivery tips that differ from one another as to either size or type. The kit also includes a plurality of differently sized syringes each being releasably attachable to any one of the plurality of delivery tips. An organizer displays the syringes and delivery tips in such way that the size and type of syringe and delivery tip desired is easily identifiable. The kit may include adapters which connect any of the plurality of delivery tips to either a vacuum source or to an air bulb. The delivery tips may be color coded such that the size and type of delivery tip is indicated by the color code of the delivery tip.