815 results about "Tooth crown" patented technology

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.

Modeling a complete tooth of a patient to facilitate dental and / or orthodontic treatment includes generating a first set of digital data representing a clinical crown; generating a second set of digital data representing a plurality of digital tooth models of a particular tooth type each having a first parameterization; processing the second set of digital data to obtain a third set of digital data representing an average tooth model of the particular tooth type having a second parameterization which is less than the first parameterization; fitting the third set of digital data to the first set of digital data to create a set of digital data representing an interim tooth model; and morphing the set of digital data representing the interim tooth model to substantially mimic the anatomical shape of the clinical crown of the first set of digital data.

A biofunctional dental implant wherein a crown portion is connected to a root portion without the use of the conventional short screws, or the like. A flexible abutment projects upwardly from the root portion, and the crown portion is positioned in surrounding engagement with the flexible abutment. A threaded abutment post is advanced through the flexible abutment and into receipt by the root portion. The advancement of the abutment post through the flexible abutment generates an outward pushing force for causing a plurality of flexible splines of the abutment to bend outwardly and into engagement with an elastomeric cap of the crown portion for holding the crown portion atop the root portion. In one preferred embodiment, a replacement crown portion is detachably connected to an existing root portion by way of a removable abutment screw so as to enable a broken or worn crown portion to be removed and replaced without the need for a new surgery.

A system and method for modeling of complete tooth, including root and crown, of a patient to facilitate orthodontic treatment are provided, wherein a generic tooth modeling is combined with a tooth crown modeling for a patient to yield a complete tooth modeling. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a generic tooth three-dimensional model for a particular tooth is morphed with a three-dimensional model of a patient's crown for the corresponding tooth to yield a complete three-dimensional model for that tooth. Such modeling techniques can be conducted with one or more computer-based systems, such as systems configured for storing patient data and generic tooth data, morphing such data and / or facilitating additional orthodontic treatment applications, through the use of one or more algorithms. Further adjustment of the complete tooth model for the tooth can also be provided through additional patient information, such as X-ray imaging, to address variations in root shape between a generic root and an actual root shape for a patient.

Dentition three-dimensional data and jaw-bone three-dimensional data are collected from a patient and they are combined. According to the combined data, dental crown data for making up for data on a lost tooth and occlusion data on a dental crown represented by the dental crown data are created. When an occlusion force according to the occlusion data is exerted on the occlusion face of a dental crown, a mechanical evaluation factor is produced in a jaw bone. The mechanical evaluation factor produced near the place where an artificial tooth root supporting a dental crown is to be implanted is calculated. The implantation place is determined so that the mechanical evaluation factor may be smaller and the mechanical load on the jaw bone from the opposed tooth during mastication may be lighter.

A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture is disclosed for providing a dental crowns using electronic models, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for creating dental crowns using a lost-wax manufacturing process from electronic model files corresponding to patient teeth impressions and corresponding electronic models for tooth crowns. The system and method permit the electronic generation and specification of crown, bridge, and implant dental appliances that may be specified in an industry standard file specification. This specification is utilized in a rapid prototyping process to generate a wax impression for the appliance that may then be fabricated using standard lost-wax fabrication techniques.

Dental crown forms and methods of using them are disclosed. The dental crown forms may include one or more of the following features: a handle attached to the dental crown form at a location removed from the base of the dental crown form; a vented handle through which excess amounts of hardenable dental material can pass during placement of the crown form; and one or more lines of weakness that may be separated to remove a dental crown form from hardenable dental material after placement of the filled crown form. The dental crown forms may also be located in packages with hardenable dental material located within the dental crown forms as packaged.

A digital data set representing a pre-scanned tooth geometry, including generic crown data, is merged with data representing a scanned patient tooth crown image, which lacks sufficient data to completely represent a complete tooth crown.

A digital data set representing a pre-scanned tooth geometry, including generic crown data, is merged with data representing a scanned patient tooth crown image, which lacks sufficient data to completely represent a complete tooth crown.

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly with selectively removable self-ligation features is configured to provide a low profile to minimize labial-lingual prominence. A clip is configured to snap into the base of the bracket and close over the archwire slot to retain the archwire in the slot. The clip is easily moved to an open position when the archwire is changed out during routine treatment. The clip includes spaced apart arms that, along with the bracket tie-wings, straddle the most outwardly prominent site on the crown of the tooth thereby minimizing labial-lingual profile. The self-ligation capability is achieved without any increase in occlusal-gingival height or measial-distal width of the orthodontic bracket.

System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

An implant analog includes an abutment that can be mounted in the dental lab replica of the relevant section of a patient's mouth more securely than heretofore possible. Because of the implant analog, a crown will attach more accurately to the implant in the patient's mouth. The analogs have a pin or other protrusion that projects from the base of the analog. The analog has substantially the same height and dimensions as a conventional implant and abutment.

A system and method for modeling of complete tooth, including root and crown, of a patient to facilitate orthodontic treatment are provided, wherein a generic tooth modeling is combined with a tooth crown modeling for a patient to yield a complete tooth modeling. A generic tooth three-dimensional model for a particular tooth is morphed with a three-dimensional model of a patient's crown for the corresponding tooth to yield a complete three-dimensional model for that tooth. Modeling techniques can be conducted with computer-based systems, such as systems configured for storing patient data and generic tooth data, morphing such data and / or facilitating additional orthodontic treatment applications, through the use of one or more algorithms. Adjustment of the complete tooth model for the tooth can be provided through additional patient information, such as X-ray imaging, to address variations in root shape between a generic root and an actual root shape for a patient.

A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.

Feedback data useful in prosthodontic procedures associated with the intra oral cavity is provided. First, a 3D numerical model of the target zone in the intra oral cavity is provided, and this is manipulated so as to extract particular data that may be useful in a particular procedure, for example data relating to the finish line or to the shape and size of a preparation. The relationship between this data and the procedure is then determined, for example the clearance between the preparation and the intended crown. Feedback data, indicative of this relationship, is then generated, for example whether the preparation geometry is adequate for the particular type of prosthesis.

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly with selectively removable self-ligation features is configured to provide a low profile to minimize labial-lingual prominence. A clip is configured to snap into the base of the bracket and close over the archwire slot to retain the archwire in the slot. The clip is easily moved to an open position when the archwire is changed out during routine treatment. The clip includes spaced apart arms that, along with the bracket tie-wings, straddle the most outwardly prominent site on the crown of the tooth thereby minimizing labial-lingual profile. The self-ligation capability is achieved without any increase in occlusal-gingival height or measial-distal width of the orthodontic bracket.

Dentition three-dimensional data and jaw-bone three-dimensional data are collected from a patient and they are combined. According to the combined data, dental crown data for making up for data on a lost tooth and occlusion data on a dental crown represented by the dental crown data are created. When an occlusion force according to the occlusion data is exerted on the occlusion face of a dental crown, a mechanical evaluation factor is produced in a jaw bone. The mechanical evaluation factor produced near the place where an artificial tooth root supporting a dental crown is to be implanted is calculated. The implantation place is determined so that the mechanical evaluation factor may be smaller and the mechanical load on the jaw bone from the opposed tooth during mastication may be lighter.

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.

The invention provides a digital dentistry system that utilizes a haptic interface and features a computer-based design application configured to allow the intuitive construction of irregular, amorphous three-dimensional structures typically seen in dental restorations, utilizing, where appropriate, the design skills of a user. In certain embodiments, the system provides a comprehensive digital solution for dental labs in the business of creating dental restorations such as partial frameworks, crowns, copings, bridge frameworks, implants and the like, with a sense of touch provided by a haptic interface device.

A dental implant includes a spiral thread for threaded engagement with a passageway formed in bone or tooth to mechanically secure the implant. A hollow stem extends upwardly to provide a passageway to a plurality of outlets at the lower end to fill a mold from the bottom up to develop an abutment ultimately supporting a crown, bridgework, or other prosthetic. The stem includes an end for engagement by a conventional dental hand piece to rotatably insert the implant. The base of the stem may include a hexagonal nut or a double disc for engagement by a dental ratchet for final seating of the implant. The post of the implant may include one or more longitudinally aligned tips that can be cut off to conform the length of the post with the depth of bone or tooth into which it will become inserted. The stem may include one or more longitudinally aligned segments that may be severed to conform the length of the stem with the height of the crown, bridgework or prosthetic. In a variant implant, the post includes a further passageway extending from the passageway in the stem to permit injection of bonding material into the further passageway for discharge through outlets of the further passageway into annular grooves formed in the one about the cavity into which the post is inserted.

A tooth implant is used to replace a front tooth which has been lost or extracted. The implant comprises an anchoring part which is provided with an outer thread and which is applied in a recess formed in the jaw bone at the site of the lost or extracted tooth, a spacer sleeve part intended to extend through the gum of the jaw bone, and a prepared or preparable part which adjoins the spacer sleeve part and is intended to support a dental crown, for example. The anchoring part, the spacer sleeve part and the prepared or preparable part are arranged in one piece, the configuration and direction of the prepared or preparable part being substantially adapted or adaptable to the anatomy of the lost or extracted tooth, for example to the inner arc-shaped surface, and to the direction of said tooth. The one-piece implant affords a rapid and less traumatic replacement function compared to previously used three-part bridges.

A dental implant apparatus consisting of an auger-like lower threaded portion that is screwed into the bone. It includes a divergent intermediate collar with mini-threads for engaging the cortical bone, and a tapered abutment for fixed tooth replacement or a ball-like snap attachment to secure removable dentures. The apical end of the device has a tapered portion with a blunt tip that condenses the medullar bone, which in combination with the divergent collar engaging and wedging into the cortical bone, provides a dual stabilization structure that can be immediately loaded or placed in light function by cementing on a temporary crown or bridge or by lightly attaching a removable full or partial denture.

A truncated conical dental drill bit is disclosed to facilitate the preparation of a tooth prior to installation of a dental crown. The drill bit includes a stem connected to an upper disc which, in turn, is connected to a downwardly extending sidewall having a conical configuration. The sidewall terminates at a lower edge and undersurfaces of the sidewall and upper disc are coated with abrasive material, such as diamond particles. The size of the drill bit is chosen for the particular tooth in need of repair and a single downward drilling operation is required to form a truncated conical configuration or crown receiving surface on the tooth. A measurement gauge is disclosed for measuring the tooth in need of repair and selecting the appropriate size truncated conical dental drill bit. A gingival cord application tool is also disclosed which facilitates the separation of the gingiva from the tooth prior to the taking of the impression of the prepared tooth for purposes of crown fabrication

A device and method for applying dental composite matter to dental surfaces, such as cavities in teeth, gaps in teeth, or other deformations in tooth surfaces, or other applications to teeth, or appliances and devices used with teeth, such as crowns or inlays / onlays. A hand held powered tool provides oscillation of the composite material after the composite material is grossly applied to the dental surface. The oscillation is at a frequency and amplitude that facilitates uniform spreading of the composite material over the dental surface in a desired pattern, while retarding the tendency of the material to stick to the tool.

A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue prior to the taking of an impression of a tooth for making a crown or bridge which is attained by controlling any bleeding in the gingival sulcus area, and utilizing a dental dam preferably formed of a sponge or foam like material to contain an astringent fortified silicone impression material embedded about the prepared tooth, and using the patient's biting force to apply the necessary pressure onto the dam until the silicone impression material sets and adheres to the dam to enhance easy removal of the set impression material from the tooth. The dam is formed to accommodate either the posterior teeth or the anterior teeth.

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly with selectively removable self-ligation features is configured to provide a low profile to minimize labial-lingual prominence. A clip is configured to snap into the base of the bracket and close over the archwire slot to retain the archwire in the slot. The clip is easily moved to an open position when the archwire is changed out during routine treatment. The clip includes spaced apart arms that, along with the bracket tie-wings, straddle the most outwardly prominent site on the crown of the tooth thereby minimizing labial-lingual profile. The self-ligation capability is achieved without any increase in occlusal-gingival height or measial-distal width of the orthodontic bracket.

A system and computer-implemented method including generating a patient digital tooth model including a crown component; generating landmarks on an edge of the crown component; and generating a generic digital tooth model corresponding to the patient digital tooth model. The generic digital tooth model including both root and crown components. The method also includes mapping the landmarks on the edge of the crown component on to the generic digital tooth model; solving a first morphing function to fix landmarks on an edge of the crown component to a ring-edge space; solving a second morphing function to fix landmarks on the generic digital tooth model to ring-edge space; and selecting vertices in ring-edge space to stitch tooth crown with morphed template root.

Systems and methods provide for automated, cyclic delivery and evacuation of a treatment or irrigation solution from a tooth root pulp chamber and pulp canals. A manifold has a base member sized and configured to rest on a crown of an instrumented tooth and a top member sized and configured to couple with the base member to define an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The distal end of a needle is passed through an opening between the inlet and outlet chambers and extended distally beyond the base member into a pulp canal. The proximal end of the needle includes an opening in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. A solution is transferred from a fluid supply source to the inlet chamber and through the needle into the pulp chamber and pulp canals. The spent solution is evacuated from the pulp chamber and pulp canals through the outlet chamber.

A dental composition compatible with acidic dental primers / adhesives, the dental composition comprising (A) 5% (w / w) to 90% (w / w) of at least one polymerizable monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated vinyl, acrylate, or methacrylate group; (B) 0.01% (w / w) to 10% (w / w) of at least one compound of structurewhere each of R1, R2, and R3 may be the same or different and is independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, acyl, allyl, pyridyl, —OH, alkenyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocyclic structure containing O, S, or N; (C) 0.01% (w / w) to 10% (w / w) of at least one hydroperoxide compound with at least one hydroperoxide groups attached to a tertiary carbon; (D) 5% (w / w) to 95% (w / w) of at least one finely divided filler; (E) 0% (w / w) to 25% (w / w) of one or more components selected from a solvent, a photoinitiator, a stabilizer, and / or an antimicrobial agent. One embodiment of the invention is a dental cementation or core buildup kit that has enhanced compatibility between the acidic primer / adhesive and the cement or core buildup material, and therefore enhanced adhesion to a tooth. The kit includes (I) an acidic primer / adhesive composition having a pH less than 4.5; and (II) a cement or core buildup material having the above described composition comprising components (A)-(E). Another embodiment of the invention is a method for adhering a prosthetic device to a tooth to restore the function and / or appearance of a diseased tooth. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of providing a temporary cement, crown and / or bridge, inlay, onlay, endodontic sealer, and / or an endodontic filling material, using the inventive composition.