Abstract:
Systems and methods for viewing stereoscopic video images are disclosed. One system comprises a first video camera configured to generate a first video feed of a subject. A second video camera is spaced a pupilary distance from the first video camera and configured to generate a second video feed of the subject. A tracking module associated with the first video camera and the second video camera is configured to cause the first video camera and the second video camera to be directed to a desired convergent point relative to a selected tracking point to maintain stereopsis. A zooming module associated with the first video camera and the second video camera is configured to provide a desired magnification of the near real-time stereoscopic video image.
Abstract:
A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for temporarily coating intra-oral devices (e.g., orthodontic brackets and/or wires) so as to reduce discomfort to soft tissues within a patient's mouth. One embodiment of such a system includes at least one orthodontic bracket or orthodontic arch wire and a two-part polymerizable temporary coating composition for use in coating selected surfaces of the brackets and/or wires. One silicone polymerizable two-part composition includes a vinyl siloxane component, a cross-linking component, and a catalyst activator initially divided between the two parts so that at least one of the components is kept separate from at least one other component (i.e., all three components are not initially commingled). Upon mixing of the first and second parts, the composition begins to polymerize.
Abstract:
Substantially solid dental bleaching or treatment compositions in the form of an insert for placement within a dental tray. The compositions comprise a substantially solid dental bleaching composition that has increased adhesiveness to teeth when moistened with saliva or water. The inserts are horseshoe shaped and may be either flat or contoured. The substantially solid dental bleaching composition becomes more adhesive when moistened with saliva or water, yet remains intact and coherent after the dental bleaching composition is placed within a dental tray and over a person's teeth during bleaching (or other treatment).
Abstract:
Dental desensitizing compositions are in the shape of a dental tray or tray-like configuration, optionally in combination with a protective barrier layer. Shaped desensitizing compositions comprise a substantially solid dental desensitizing composition that has increased adhesiveness to teeth when moistened with saliva or water. The shape of the dental desensitizing composition facilitates placement of the composition over a person's teeth with substantially less manipulation compared to the use of initially flat strips. The substantially solid dental desensitizing composition becomes more adhesive when moistened with saliva or water, yet remains intact and coherent after the dental desensitizing composition is placed over a person's teeth during desensitizing, particularly when used in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier. The result is that the moistened dental desensitizing composition is able to reliably adhere against a user's teeth during a desensitizing procedure.
Abstract:
Dental bleaching compositions are in the shape of a dental tray or tray-like configuration, optionally in combination with a protective barrier layer. Shaped bleaching compositions comprise a substantially solid dental bleaching composition that has increased adhesiveness to teeth when moistened with saliva or water. The shape of the dental bleaching composition facilitates placement of the composition over a person's teeth with substantially less manipulation compared to the use of initially flat bleaching strips. The substantially solid dental bleaching composition becomes more adhesive when moistened with saliva or water, yet remains intact and coherent after the dental bleaching composition is placed over a person's teeth during bleaching, particularly when used in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier. The result is that the moistened dental bleaching composition is able to reliably adhere against a user's teeth during a bleaching procedure.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method to apply a load to an adherend, which is bonded to a substrate, to allow an accurate measurement of the bond between an adherend and substrate. The strength of the bond is tested by shearing the adherend from the substrate and measuring the force per unit area required to fail the bond. This is accomplished by positioning a crosshead at the base of the adherend and applying a load, which is parallel to the surface of the substrate against the base of the adherend. The strength of the bond is the force per unit area required to shear the adherend from the substrate. The accuracy of the measurement is enhanced by minimizing the surface area of the crosshead that is in contact with the substrate and by ensuring that the adherend is not fractured during testing. Fracturing and deformation of the adherend is limited by using a notch to test with rather than a straight chisel. The present invention is configured to load the adherend such that the strength of the bond may be measured accurately.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for temporarily coating intra-oral devices (e.g., orthodontic brackets and/or wires) so as to reduce discomfort to soft tissues within a patient's mouth. One embodiment of such a system includes at least one orthodontic bracket or orthodontic arch wire and a two-part polymerizable temporary coating composition for use in coating selected surfaces of the brackets and/or wires. One silicone polymerizable two-part composition includes a vinyl siloxane component, a cross-linking component, and a catalyst activator initially divided between the two parts so that at least one of the components is kept separate from at least one other component (i.e., all three components are not initially commingled). Upon mixing of the first and second parts, the composition begins to polymerize.
Abstract:
Activating endodontic points and dental tools are sized and configured to be placed in the root canal of a tooth. The activating endodontic points or dental tools are coated or impregnated with a curing agent that initiates or accelerates polymerization of a sealer or filling composition when placed in contact with the sealer or filler material. Curing agents can include amines that can destabilize a peroxide in the sealer or filler material to initiate or accelerate polymerization. Kits are also disclosed that include a plurality of endodontic points or dental tools that have different concentrations of curing agent coated on or impregnated within the endodontic points or dental tools such that the endodontic points or dental tools have different cure times. In another kit, a plurality of curing agent compositions are provided for dipping a substrate to coat or impregnate substrates having different concentrations of curing agent.
Abstract:
Mixing devices used with a syringe or syringe system and related systems for mixing dissimilar components contained therein. The devices and systems include a hollow elongate handle having a proximal end, a distal delivery end, and a delivery passageway therethrough. A mixing member is disposed at or near the proximal end of the hollow elongate handle, which mixing member and a portion of the handle are axially slidable within a syringe barrel during use. The user may push and pull the distal end of the handle, causing corresponding axial movement of the mixing member within the syringe barrel. The devices and systems may be used to homogenously mix difficult to mix two part compositions, as well as single part compositions which include components that may tend to separate over time (e.g., a fluoride varnish composition).