125 results about "Dental patients" patented technology

A virtual model of a dental patient's dentition is provided by obtaining a digital data file of the patient's teeth and orthodontic appliances connected to the teeth, and then combining data from the data file with other data that represents surfaces of the teeth underlying the appliances. The virtual model is useful in preparing a physical model of the patient's current dentition that can be used, for example, to make a dental retainer. Advantageously, the retainer can be fabricated before the orthodontic appliances are disconnected from the patient's teeth and ready for use as soon as the patient's teeth have reached their desired positions in the oral cavity.

A biofunctional dental implant system for affixing a crown to an implant socket that is made in the bone structure within the mouth of a dental patient. A root portion is initially anchored within the implant socket made in the patient's bone structure. According to a first embodiment of this invention, the crown is secured to the root portion by a flexible abutment post. According to a second embodiment, the crown is secured to the root portion by a hollow abutment tube. The dental implant system of this invention is capable of increasing bone / implant stabilization and providing a supply path through which to evenly distribute human growth factor to the bone structure surrounding the root portion. The system also enables the crown to have a selectively controllable mobility relative to the root portion that is anchored within the implant socket so as to advantageously function like a natural tooth.

A method and system is provided for charting tooth decay to assist in caries management. Specifically, the invention provides a computer system, a Graphical User Interface(GUI), a method, and associated computer code for presenting an interactive tooth chart comprising selectable, anatomically correct tooth icons corresponding to a dental patient's teeth. The invention allows a user to select regions of each individual tooth icon to record the condition of the selected region. According to the invention, a dental patient is selected from a patient data base, the patent's teeth are examined, and the condition of each tooth region is recorded using selectable icons. The invention further provides automatic characterization of dental conditions based on standard values and previously recorded conditions to indicate progression of disease. In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides a recommended course of clinical management based on the information recorded. In another embodiment the invention automatically classifies patients into risk categories and provides suggested x-ray exam intervals. Thus, particular advantages of the current invention include ease of recording dental conditions, more accurate dental charting, and automatic analysis of recorded dental data, advantageously resulting in better patient care and more efficient use of a dental care provider's time.

System and method for developing a treatment plan for achieving a treatment goal including creating a virtual model of a dental patient's dentition; transforming the virtual model of the dentition using virtual prosthodontics to facilitate achievement of the treatment goal; transforming the virtual model of the dentition using virtual orthodontics to facilitate achievement of the treatment goal; iterating on the transforming steps until substantially achieving the treatment goal; and generating an orthodontic treatment plan and a prosthodontic treatment plan based upon the substantially achieved treatment goal

Tools (in the form of apparatus, systems and methods) for hands-free command and control of a dental computer imaging system are provided. A speech recognition unit converts to electronic speech data a voice command received through a microphone to select for viewing, for a selected dental patient, one of a plurality of dental images stored in a computer storage device. A command and control processor causes the selected dental image to be retrieved from the storage device and then displayed on a display monitor.

A dental system for dental patients at a dental office is disclosed that is completely digital in storage of data. The data is obtained from instrumentation and patients, as well as from staff. The data is used to operate the dental office and treat the patients. Non-linear Web technology is applied to the data to functionally use the data in treatment and facility operation.

A virtual model of a dental patient's dentition is provided by obtaining a digital data file of the patient's teeth and orthodontic appliances connected to the teeth, and then combining data from the data file with other data that represents surfaces of the teeth underlying the appliances. The virtual model is useful in preparing a physical model of the patient's current dentition that can be used, for example, to make a dental retainer. Advantageously, the retainer can be fabricated before the orthodontic appliances are disconnected from the patient's teeth and ready for use as soon as the patient's teeth have reached their desired positions in the oral cavity

A radiographic sensor retention apparatus for retaining a radiographic sensor and allowing it to be properly positioned within the mouth of a dental patient during x-ray image registration. The apparatus is held in position within the mouth of the patient in response to biting pressure from the upper and lower dental surfaces, and comprises a bite block with an extending first jaw member, a second jaw member slidably engaged with the bite block, and a threadable member connecting the second jaw member to either the bite block or the first jaw member, wherein the separation between the jaws is continuously variable in response to the rotation of the threadable member. Compliant members are preferably joined to one or both of the jaw members to aid in distributing the retention forces and to reduce sensor slippage. The bite block is preferably configured for the attachment of at least one alignment guide.

The current device and method provides an apparatus for targeting a substance to a patient, such as a dental patient. The apparatus includes a support member including engagement surfaces for engaging portions of a site to which the substance is to be administered. A rotating means is coupled to the support member and a guide is coupled to the rotating means for guiding a substance delivery device into a predetermined position in the patient's body. The rotating means provides pivotal and rotational adjustment of the guide.

A method for positioning teeth is provided. The method includes receiving a dental impression kit at an address of the dental patient. The dental impression kit includes a first dental impression tray, a mixable dental impression material, and instructions for taking an impression of the patient's teeth. The method also includes the steps of mixing the mixable dental impression material to form a settable dental impression material, and then placing the settable dental impression material into the first dental impression tray. A dental impression of the patient is made at the address of the patient. The method then includes delivering the impression to a scanning company, and in return, receiving a first orthodontic aligner from the scanning company. A plurality of additional aligners may also be received for the purpose of moving the patient's teeth to a final desired position. Preferably, the processes take place without the intervention of a dental healthcare provider.

Tools (in the form of apparatus, systems and methods) for hands-free command and control of a dental computer imaging system are provided. A speech recognition unit converts to electronic speech data a voice command received through a microphone to select for viewing, for a selected dental patient, one of a plurality of dental images stored in a computer storage device. A command and control processor causes the selected dental image to be retrieved from the storage device and then displayed on a display monitor.

A dental prosthesis or template (10) simulates the front surfaces of a patient's teeth and is overlayed over a patient's natural teeth (40) to provide an indication of what a dental porcelain overlay may look like once applied to the patient's teeth. The dental template preferably is made from a flexible urethane or sanaprene material to allow the template to be applied against the person's natural teeth and temporarily adhere the template to his teeth provide for the visual demonstration of potential improvement to the patient's smile. The dental template (10) can be adhered to a set gel or registration paste to set the facial plane (75) at which the overlay should lie relative to the tooth plane (73) of the natural teeth (40) to establish a final restoration with an ideal and naturally appearing aesthetic result as it relates to horizontal facial planes and facial appearances.

An intraoral illumination device for illuminating the interior of the mouth of a dental patient. The device comprises a flexible container having container defining walls, a portion of the walls being light transmitting. The device is sized for insertion into the mouth and placement against an interior surface of the mouth, e.g., the gum. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer covers a portion of the walls for adhesively mounting the device to the interior surface of the mouth. A first chamber and a second chamber are within the container. The chambers are connected to each other by a frangible wall. Each of the chambers contain a chemical composition that when mixed together create a chemiluminescent reaction that produces light. When the frangible wall is fractured by flexing the container, it permits the compositions to mix within the container to create a chemiluminescent reaction that emits light through the container walls to illuminate the mouth, permitting dental procedures to be easily performed.

According to a present invention embodiment, a dental appliance maintains a patient mouth in an open state, retracts tissue, and evacuates bodily and / or other fluids from a dental site. The dental appliance includes an elongated tube configured with a looped section. The elongated tube is flexible, where the looped section is adjustable and manipulated to enable the dental appliance to accommodate mouths of various dental patients. Further, the looped section is resilient in order to maintain the patient mouth in an open state for dental procedures. In addition, the elongated tube includes perforations to remove bodily or other fluids from the patient mouth. A vacuum or suction device is coupled to an end of the elongated tube, where suction is applied to the tube to draw bodily or other fluids from the patient mouth through the perforations and remove these fluids from a dental site.

A demonstration pod and method for demonstrating dental situation and procedures. By way of example, a Sonipod demonstrates the effectiveness of an electric toothbrush and provides for educating a dental patient on proper brushing techniques to promote healthy oral hygiene. The instructional display includes a simulated tooth and gum assembly within a partially liquid filled chamber. High frequency brush movements create cavitations in the liquid of the chamber. The display also preferably includes a plurality of oscillating light emitters and an oscillating circuit that pulses at a range of frequencies to match and compare the frequency of brush head movements for different models of electric toothbrushes. Additional demonstration pod units are also described for non-dental purposes, in particular for comforting a baby, providing a light for a child, and entertaining a child.

The present invention relates to a TIPS (Twist Isolated Plate of Suction) for protecting the tongue, to a bite block, and to an intraoral illumination device having a saliva-sucking function. More particularly, the present invention relates to a TIPS for protecting the tongue, to a bite block, and to an intraoral illumination device having a saliva-sucking function, which enables a dental patient to undergo examination and treatment with the tongue thereof comfortably protected, quickly removes saliva from the throat of the patient to minimize disagreeable feelings of irritation, and isolates the tongue of the patient to the side opposite the side of the mouth to be treated, and also lightens the oral cavity of the patient to enable a dentist to perform examination and treatment with ease.

A system of manufacturing a custom set of pre-manufactured upper and lower dentures is provided. In one form, a set of master upper and lower dentures is created. The master upper and lower dentures are used to create reusable upper and lower dental matrices, respectively. These re-usable upper and lower dental matrices are repeatedly used to manufacture upper and lower pre-manufactured or standard sized dentures, respectively. Optionally, a dental patient can have these upper and lower pre-manufactured dentures custom fit or relined to fit the dental patient's mouth to form upper reline and / or lower reline pre-manufactured dentures. The dental patient can have custom fit dentures in two visits with the dentist, even two visits in the same day.

An internal sinus manipulation procedure for augmenting bone of a dental patient between the floor of the patient's sinus and a raised portion of the patient's sinus membrane comprising exposing a portion of the patient's sinus membrane immediately adjacent the floor of the patient's sinus followed by (i) a simultaneous and controlled lifting and lateral separation of the exposed portion of the sinus membrane from the sinus floor to form an open pocket between the sinus membrane and the sinus floor, (ii) introduction of a bone grafting material into the pocket and (iii) a compacting of the bone grafting material.

The present invention is directed to dental prophylaxis devices that improve portability, maneuverability and aid in retaining clean conditions for use on dental patients, particularly to dental handpieces. The present invention is also directed prophylaxis or prophy angles for use with such handpieces. In general, a dental prophylaxis device includes a handpiece and a prophy angle which includes a driven shaft and a prophy cup attached for rotation thereto. The handpiece generally includes a body which houses a rotational source coupled to an output shaft which couples to the driven shaft in the prophy angle via angled gear interfaces on the output shaft and the driven shaft.

A device for determining the position of at least one of a dental patient's dental midline and incisal plane relative to the patient's facial midline. The device includes an impression / bite tray for obtaining a dental impression of at least one of the patient's maxillary arch and mandibular arch, and a plane indicator including at least one of a vertical alignment bar and a horizontal alignment bar, pivotally mounted to the impression / bite tray for rotatable movement relative to the impression / bite tray. The at least one of the vertical alignment bar and the horizontal alignment bar can be aligned with the dental patient's facial midline and an imaginary plane perpendicular to the facial midline, respectively, by rotating the plane indicator relative to the impression / bite tray while the impression / bite tray is retained in the patient's mouth during positioning and securing of the at least one of a vertical alignment bar and a horizontal alignment bar.

A stable dental prosthesis system includes transparent guides with radio opaque markers therein to accurately position an implant in a jaw. To make the prosthesis for the implant, an implant analog is used with an abutment that can be mounted in the dental lab replica of the relevant section of a patient's mouth securely. The analogs have a pin or other protrusion that projects from the base of the analog. The system also includes a perforated tray for accommodating protruding implant impression copings therethrough when the impression mold is made of the dental patient's mouth. A generally flat articulation wafer connects one impression of one jaw to an opposing wax impression of an opposite jaw, so that upper and lower prosthesis are in positional register. A flexible frame may also be provided for temporary teeth before osseointegration of the implant with the jaw bone.

A dental occlusion correcting system (DOCS) that is designed to simplify and expedite the correction of Class II dental malocclusions. The DOCS (10) includes a set of upper and lower molar attachment structures (13,14), attached respectively to a person's upper molar and lower molar, a set of upper and lower loosely attached linkages (11,12), and a force module (70). Each of the loosely attached linkages (11,12) includes a link pivitor (50) and a link base (30) which are rotatably connected together through a system of gears and stops and rotational sections (43,44,58,59). The upper and lower loosely attached linkages are connected together, on the same side of a patient's dentition, by a force module. The force module produces upward-backward and downward-forward compression force, commensurate with the force required by a specific dental patient.

Improved methods for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances, such as brackets, to the tooth surfaces of dental patients are provided. The methods use a transfer tray to accurately position the brackets on the tooth surfaces. Preferably, the tray is made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) / siloxane material. The brackets are coated with a protective coating to prevent them from becoming embedded in the tray. Preferably, a translucent, blue-tinted coating is used to cover the brackets. Dental restorative materials are used to bond the brackets to the teeth. The transfer tray is then removed from the mouth, while the appliances remain firmly bonded to the tooth surfaces.

This invention provides a throat screen which can be placed in a dental patient's mouth during dental procedures, comprising a central porous area, with openings sufficiently numerous and of sufficient size to permit breathing through the mouth and draining of excess saliva into the throat, but small enough to prevent the passage into the throat of any debris produced during dental procedures, or small dental objects introduced into the dental patient's mouth during such dental procedures. The throat screen further comprising a rim which biases the screen against the inside of the mouth. The throat screen is preferably fabricated of plastic so as to make it economical to be disposable.

An easy to install tooth spreading and uprighting device that is positioned on a temporary basis across an edentulous space between a pair of teeth in the mouth of a dental patient to correct and prevent the teeth from tipping and loosing their upright alignment which awaiting the implantation of a dental crown. The size of the tooth spreading and uprighting device is selectively adjustable depending upon the spacing between the patient's teeth so as to establish a tight fit and thereby apply a suitable holding pressure to prevent a misalignment of the teeth while awaiting the installation of the dental crown to replace a natural tooth which has been removed from the patient's mouth. The size of the tooth spreading and uprighting device is selectively adjustable by an inner body that is received within and slidable axially through a hollow outer body. An optional locking feature is provided to prevent a displacement of the inner body relative to the outer body.