Various methods and apparatus for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Additionally, a multiband actuation system may be used where two or more transducers each deliver sounds within certain frequencies. Also, the assembly may also utilize the sensation of directionality via the conducted vibrations to emulate directional perception of audio signals received by the user. Another feature may include the ability to vibrationally conduct ancillary audio signals to the user along with primary audio signals.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a soft tissue preservation arrangement includes a hollow shell defining an interior volume extending from a proximal opening to a distal opening. The proximal opening is defined by a first perimeter that is smaller than a second perimeter defining the distal opening such that the shell tapers outwardly from the first perimeter to the second perimeter. The second perimeter is asymmetrically scalloped. The hollow shell either (1) is transparent or semi-transparent or (2) has a color configured to correspond to a color of a gingival tissue or a tooth.

Actuator systems for oral-based appliances utilizing transducers which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such oral appliances may be a custom-made device which receives incoming sounds and transmits the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element. The transducer element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a soft tissue preservation arrangement includes a hollow shell defining an interior volume extending from a proximal opening to a distal opening. The proximal opening is defined by a first perimeter that is smaller than a second perimeter defining the distal opening such that the shell tapers outwardly from the first perimeter to the second perimeter. The second perimeter is asymmetrically scalloped. The hollow shell either (1) is transparent or semi-transparent or (2) has a color configured to correspond to a color of a gingival tissue or a tooth.

The present invention includes apparatuses and methods for making a final hybrid prosthesis to be attached to one or more dental implants. One preferred method includes the step of making a temporary hybrid prosthesis and at about the same time also making a duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis. The duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis permits the final hybrid prosthesis to be made with fewer visits to a restorative dentist and with less dental laboratory time than is currently needed when making a final hybrid prosthesis.

Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a tooth or teeth are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other hone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

The present invention relates to a spike-fixing type implant and a method for implanting the same, the method enabling a dental root support to be inserted into the inside of an implant body in a state where the implant body, having a plurality of spikes protrusively formed thereon, is inserted in a dental root groove such that the diameter of the implant body is enlarged, and thus the spikes formed on the implant body are embedded in an alveolar bone and, finally, the implant body is firmly fixed in the dental root groove.

Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a tooth or teeth are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.