1454 results about "Dentures" patented technology

A device and a method for delivering UVA light to the mouth in which a photocatalytic agent is distributed in the mouth and a UVA light source is located contiguously to the head of the device so that the photocatalytic agent distributed in the mouth is efficiently activated by UVA light produced by the device. The UVA light delivery device of the invention may be, inter alia, a toothbrush, a tongue scraper, an interdental toothbrush, a denture brush, a flossing device, a dental hand tool, or a wand adapted exclusively to applying UVA light to photocatalyst coated surfaces.

A method is presented for rapidly making and delivering directly to a consumer a full upper and/or lower denture on the basis of contemporaneous digital image information laser scanned from the person's oral cavity after all respective upper and/or lower teeth have been removed, the delivery of the denture occurring substantially contemporaneously with the creation of the contemporaneous digital image information and optionally including and based on archived digital image information laser scanned from the person's oral cavity before all respective upper and/or lower teeth have been removed and digitally stored. According to which this contemporaneous digital image information and archival digital image information of the oral cavity is converted, by means of what is called the rapid prototyping technique and thus with a processing step (20) and a combination of an optional laser scanning step (18) solely for archiving the oral cavity when upper and/or lower teeth are present and a repetition of the laser scanning step (18) at a subsequent time when upper and/or lower teeth have been removed, a pre-selected block of plastic is used in a processing step (26) at a remote rapid modeling facility for receiving and processing digital information to form the block of plastic or like material into a denture of which at least a part is formed to substantially perfectly fit in juxtaposed relationship to the corresponding gums of the consumer. At least, pre-selected outer or non-juxtaposing is selected for manufacture of the denture using an arbitrary archived digital image not derived from the consumer's oral cavity image but selected by the consumer for its style, cosmetic characteristics, for example, color of teeth, size and variety of teeth, and/or perceived suitability.

Controlled-specimen-sampling oral devices are described, implanted or inserted into an oral cavity, built onto a prosthetic tooth crown, a denture plate, braces, a dental implant, or the like. The devices are replaced as needed. The controlled specimen sampling may be passive, based on a dosage form, or electro-mechanically controlled, for a high-precision, intelligent, specimen sampling. Additionally, the controlled sampling may be any one of the following: sampling in accordance with a preprogrammed regimen, sampling at a controlled rate, delayed sampling, pulsatile sampling, chronotherapeutic sampling, closed-loop sampling, responsive to a sensor's input, sampling on demand from a personal extracorporeal system, sampling regimen specified by a personal extracorporeal system, sampling on demand from a monitoring center, via a personal extracorporeal system, and sampling regimen specified by a monitoring center, via a personal extracorporeal system. Specimen collection in the oral cavity may be assisted or induced by a transport mechanism, such as any one of, or a combination of iontophoresis, electroosmosis, electrophoresis, electroporation, sonophoresis, and ablation. The oral devices require replacement at relatively long intervals of weeks or months. The oral devices and methods for controlled specimen sampling apply to humans and animals.

There is provided a system for fabricating at least a portion of a denture. The system includes a three-dimensional scanning device for scanning a surface of a denture template, and a computer-readable medium including a computer program for receiving data from the scanning device, creating a 3-dimensional model of the surface, and optionally modifying the 3-dimensional model and/or adding features to the 3-dimensional model. The system also includes a fabricator for creating the at least the portion of the denture, from a selected material, based on the 3-dimensional model. The fabricator may be a device including a lathe, or a rapid prototyping machine. There is also provided a method for fabricating at least a portion of a denture.

A method of placing a dental implant analog in a physical model for use in creating a dental prosthesis is provided. The physical model, which is usually based on an impression of the patient's mouth or a scan of the patient's mouth, is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the physical model is created and is used to develop the location of the dental implant. A robot then modifies the physical model to create an opening for the implant analog. The robot then places the implant analog within the opening at the location dictated by the three-dimensional computer model.

A method of manufacturing a rapid prototype overmold for locating a dental implant analog in a modified stone model for use in creating a tooth prosthesis is provided. An impression of a mouth having a first installation site that has a dental implant and a gingival healing abutment with at least one informational marker installed is taken. A stone model based on the impression is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the installation site on a CAD program using data from the scan is created. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information about the location of the dental implant. Abutment dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image and the at least one informational marker is developed. Overmold rapid prototype dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image is developed. The overmold rapid prototype adapted to fit over the modified stone model is fabricated.

The invention relates to a process, a blank, an assortment of blanks, a tooth database, and a database of blanks, for the production of a dental prosthetic item. The method comprises the provision of a 3D model of a dental prosthetic item and the selection of a suitable blank from a plurality of possible blanks. The provision of the 3D model of the dental prosthetic item comprises the determination of an esthetically relevant designed subregion of the 3D model of the dental prosthetic item as part of an exterior surface of said dental prosthetic item, and a blank is specified from a plurality of blanks having a prefabricated esthetically relevant terminal subsurface of a surface of the tooth, the terminal subsurface of said blank being such that it at least approximates the thus specified designed subregion. The 3D model of said dental prosthetic item is carved from the selected blank such that the prefabricated terminal subsurface of said blank remains unmachined in at least a central region thereof.

A support for sustaining and/or forming a dental prosthesis, comprises an axle, an anchoring part which can be anchored in a bone or a master model, and a head part which protrudes out of said bone or master mode. The head part has intermediate spaces distributed around the axis, i.e., several first intermediate spaces forming a divided circle, and a second, wider and/or deeper intermediate space. A cap can be fixed to the support. The cap has at least one projecting part for engaging in an intermediate space and, optionally, can be configured for fixing in several different rotational positions or a single rotational position, the support allowing exact positioning. The cap can also be produced without a projecting part of the type mentioned. The same support can be used to form different types of dental prostheses.

A sub-periosteally implantable prosthesis support structure for a fixed or detachable dental prosthesis includes a framework fitted to and generally conforming to the inner and outer contours of the bony ridge structures of a person. The framework is configured to provide a space extending generally normal to the bony ridge structure to an apex to provide space for subsequent bone growth. A plurality of denture support posts are distributed about the framework and depend outwardly from the apex in substantial alignment with the bony ridge structure. During the fabrication of the prosthesis support structure, a bio-compatible fine mesh screen is fixed to and spans, tent-like, the framework to substantially overlay the bone structure and the space provided for subsequent bone growth. After the support structure has been implanted, the growth of bone into the space and around the support structure is promoted to osseo-integrate the support structure with the person's bony ridge, thus providing a secure foundation for a denture or fixed dental prosthesis configured for detachable or fixed coupling with the denture support posts. The support structure may be made, partly or wholly, from either non-resorbable material, such as titanium stock and mesh, or from a resorbable material such as Vicryl TM .

The present invention relates to an oral composition which includes an organoleptically suitable carrier and an amount of a terpenoid and a flavonoid, dispersed in the carrier, which is effective to prevent or treat dental caries, dental plaque formation, gingivitis, candidiasis, dental stomatitis, aphthous ulceration, or fungal infection. The invention also relates to various uses of oral compositions, containing a terpenoid, a flavonoid, or both, such uses include: inhibiting the activity of surface-bound glusosyltransferase; treating or inhibiting dental caries, gingivitis, candidiasis, denture stomatitis; inhibiting the accumulation of microorganisms on an oral surface; and/or treating or inhibiting aphthous ulcerations on an oral surface.

A prosthetic dental device has an inner portion formed of an inner material and an outer portion formed of an outer material that covers at least a part of the inner portion. The inner material is substantially different from the color of natural teeth while the outer material is substantially the same color as natural teeth. Both the inner material and the outer material comprise a polymer.

A method and system for fabricating a dental prosthesis are provided. High resolution digital scanned images of a patient's oral structures are acquired. Three dimensional (3D) cone beam X-ray images of hard and soft oral tissues are acquired. The scanned images are integrated with the 3D cone beam X-ray images in a 3D space to obtain combined three dimensional images of the oral structures. The occlusal relationship between upper and lower oral structures are digitally simulated using the combined three dimensional images. The dental prosthesis is digitally modeled for planning intra-oral positioning and structure of the dental prosthesis. The digital dental prosthesis model is refined based on simulated force tests performed for assessing interference and retention of the digital dental prosthesis model. A prospective dental prosthesis model is created based on the refined digital dental prosthesis model. The dental prosthesis is fabricated based on a verified prospective dental prosthesis model.

The invention discloses a neutral zone complete denture manufacturing method based on a Computer Aided Design/RapidPrototyping (CAD/RP) technology. The method comprises the following steps: a complete denture artificial tooth three-dimensional image database is established on the basis of the parameterized positioning; the data of upper and lower edentulous jaws with centric relation and neutral zone jaw is collected on the basis of the three-dimensional laser scanning technology with spatial position relation; the complete denture artificial articulation conforming to the theory of neutral zone and complete denture balanced occlusion tooth arrangement is designed on the basis of reverse engineering software, the gum and the base conforming to the complete denture neutral zone theory and the aesthetic principle are designed on the basis of the reverse engineering software; a complete denture flask is designed and processed on the basis of the CAD/RP technology; and the complete denture restoration is finished through the manual tooth inserting and the adhesive applying. The invention creates the concept of a two-step method, finishes the manual tooth arrangement and the wax pattern preparation with the highest technical content and the most complex operation in the traditional fabrication by using the computer and rapid prototyping technology, can finish the full fabrication of the complete denture only by being finally aided with the simple manual step, i.e., the second step of the two-step method, greatly simplifies the complex working procedures of the traditional handwork process, improves the efficiency and the accuracy of restoration and realizes the transformation of the designing and manufacturing process of the complete denture from the manual mode to the digital mode.

The present invention provides an implant system of facilitated use and installation which comprise an implant and a prosthesis support and a method of installation thereof. The prosthesis support disclosed herein includes an abutment and a collar member. Prior art implant systems are mostly made of metallic parts which are assembled with a screw and are shaped to receive a tooth prosthesis. The design of the abutment allows it to be made from highly filled composite materials being of a better optical quality and being easily machinable and further allows its installation without the use of a screwing member. The design of the collar member allows minimization of bacteria growth and tartar formation. The optimization of the implant system proposed herein may reduce stress to the jaw bone and therefore minimize the risk of injury for the patient.

Use of computer technology for image-assisted risk assessment/evaluation of proposed dental treatments is described, in particular a method and apparatus for determining the impact of a proposed dental modification on the temporomandibular joint(s), e.g. to obtain information relating to that impact. Use of a virtual articulator is described to determine the impact of a proposed dental modification on the temporomandibular joint(s). This dental modification includes, but is not limited to, the replacement of one or more teeth by artificial teeth, the replacement of one or more parts of a tooth by a prosthetic reconstruction such as a dental crown or veneer, the rearrangement of one or more existing teeth (orthodontic treatment), the distraction of one or both jaws in order to reposition the teeth (orthognatic treatment) and/or modifications of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth.

The invention relates to a method for producing a dental prosthesis element (7), according to which the dental prosthesis element (7) is manually reworked. Construction data (17, 17′, 17″) relating to the dental prosthesis element to be produced is recorded together with measurement data (7′) relating to the dental prosthesis element (7) to be produced and is reproduced on a display (4), the measurement data having been recorded by means of a three-dimensional measurement device (2). The invention also relates to one such method whereby a 3D data record of the tooth situation (14) is reproduced on the display (4) instead of the construction data. The invention further relates to a device for the partial manual treatment of the dental prosthesis element. Said device comprises a three-dimensional measurement device (2), a display (4), and a computer unit (3) comprising means for the correlation and comparison of two data records and for graphically presenting the data generated by the comparison.

An apparatus serves to produce dental impressions for the subsequent manufacture of crowns, bridges and other dental prostheses. The apparatus serves to produce so called injection correction impressions of teeth contained in a jaw. The apparatus includes an injection correction impression tray having an interior for containing impression material. The tray includes a bottom opening. The apparatus further includes a bottom plate having a top side and a protrusion. The bottom plate is connectable to the tray in a way that the protrusion protrudes into the interior of the tray to form an injection channel for a correction impression material.

<heading lvl="0">Abstract of Disclosure</heading> A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.

Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures.

A method for making a denture comprising a base and a plurality of teeth joined thereto. The method comprises forming a first cavity in a block of a denture base material, the first cavity being formed to match the contour of natural teeth as arranged on maxillae or on a mandible; filling the first cavity with a first fluid synthetic tooth material and solidifying the first fluid synthetic tooth material into a first solid synthetic tooth material; removing a portion of the first solid synthetic tooth material to form the plurality of teeth; and removing a portion of the block of denture base material to form the denture base. The steps of the method may be implemented by a computer. An apparatus for making the denture according to certain embodiments of the method, and a denture comprised of a base and artificial teeth are also disclosed.

The present invention is prosthetic tooth replacement including a dental crown portion and a joining portion adapted to fixedly attach to a dental implant. Further, present invention also comprises the combination of a prosthetic tooth replacement and a dental implant. Additionally, the present includes a method for making an oral surgical guide stint by vacuum forming a thermoplastic material over a model of an implant target area. Finally, the present invention includes a method of inserting the combination of the prosthetic tooth replacement and implant into the jaw of a patient.

A dental implant includes a fixture and an abutment in a body, and a head for a compaction drill is configured for implanting such an implant. The implant includes an upper abutment portion on which a denture is fixed, a fixture portion implanted in the jawbone and forming single or double threads, and a settling portion formed between the abutment portion and the fixture portion. The invention improves the stability of the implant, improves stabilization of the bone tissue affixed to the implant, effectively seals the socket from its surroundings and facilitates bonding between implant and jawbone. This is achieved because of the early healing of tissue around the implant and the greater surface area in contact with surrounding tissue. As a result, an artificial crown may be coupled with the implant during the same surgery.