A laser beam treatment system that delivers laser beam pulses to a dental treatment area according to a particular pattern is described. In various instances, the spacing of the pattern (e.g., locations at which pulses are delivered and the distances therebetween) and/or the timing of the pattern (e.g., amount of time between the delivery of pulses to a first location and a later location that abuts the first location) can have a demonstrable effect on ablation performance. The effects can include, for example: improved ablation efficiency, improved surface smoothness, improved material removal rate, and/or the absence of melt, carbonization or other negative surface features.

The present invention provides for devices and methods of treating wounds, including general wounds, gum disease and gingival tissues post scaling/root planning, using a diode laser which generates a beam of light having a wavelength in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (400 nm-700 nm). Further disclosed are devices and methods capable of stimulating tissue regeneration at the site of a wound.

This disclosure relates to various systems and methods related to preventative laser-based treatment of a dental tissue; for example, to prevent a patient from forming cavities. In some instances, a laser-based treatment system can generate a laser beam pulse with a fluence profile at a treatment site that results in either an increase in acid resistance of the tissue or removal of carbonate from the tissue, without melting or ablating the tissue. In some instances, the laser-based treatment system can direct the laser beam to various locations within a treatment site according to a temporal and/or spatial pattern, that results in either an increase in acid resistance of the tissue or removal of carbonate from the tissue, without melting or ablating the tissue. Many other systems and techniques for preventative and other laser-based treatment are also described.

Embodiments relate to a systems and methods for preventative irradiative dental treatment. In accordance with one embodiment, a system and method include using a radiation source to generate a radiation; using an optic disposed to accept the radiation to internally reflect he radiation at a first end; using at least one side of the optic to contact a dental hard tissue; using the optic to couple some of the radiation into the dental hard tissue; and, using a controller to control a parameter of the radiation to heat a surface of the dental hard tissue.

A measurement system comprising one or more semiconductor diodes configured to penetrate tissue comprising skin. The detection system comprising a camera, which may also include a direct or indirect time-of-flight sensor. The detection system synchronized to the pulsing of the semiconductor diodes, and the camera further coupled to a processor. The detection system non-invasively measuring blood within the skin, measuring hemoglobin absorption between 700 to 1300 nm, and the processor deriving physiological parameters and comparing properties between different spatial locations and variation over time. The semiconductor diodes may comprise vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, and the detection system may comprise single photon avalanche photodiodes. The measurement system may be used to observe eye parameters and differential blood flow. The system may be used with photo-bio-modulation therapy, or it may be used in advanced driver monitoring systems for multiple functions including head pose, eye tracking, facial authentication, and smart restraint control systems.

Methods of fabricating orthodontic appliances are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes determining an appliance geometry for an orthodontic appliance. The appliance geometry can include a plurality of power arms including a first power arm having a first connection point for connecting to a shell, and a second power arm having a second connection point for connecting to the shell or a tooth. The appliance geometry can also include an elongate connecting structure coupled to the first and second power arms, and an elongate counter-force connector coupled to the first power arm and extending toward the second power arm. The elongate connecting structure and the elongate counter-force connector can be coupled to the first power arm at respective locations separate from the first connection point. The elongate connecting structure can be coupled to the second power arm at a location separate from the second connection point.

An active remote sensing system is provided with an array of laser diodes that generate light directed to an object having one or more optical wavelengths that include at least one near-infrared wavelength between 700 nanometers and 2500 nanometers. One of the laser diodes pulses with pulse duration of approximately 0.5 to 2 nanoseconds at repetition rate between one kilohertz and about 100 megahertz. A beam splitter receives the laser light, separates the light into a plurality of spatially separated lights and directs the lights to the object. A detection system includes a photodiode array synchronized to the array of laser diodes and performs a time-of-flight measurement by measuring a temporal distribution of photons received from the object. The time-of-flight measurement is combined with images from a camera system, and the remote sensing system is configured to be coupled to a wearable device, a smart phone or a tablet.

A light source for emitting light, a light conduit in electromagnetic communication with the light source for communicating light from the light source to the area of interest in three dimensions, and a controller combined to the light source for controlling the intensity of the light emitted to the area of interest.

A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Embodiments of the invention provide a system of controlling a dental laser system. The system can include a dental laser and a control system for controlling certain functions of the dental laser. A graphical user interface can be used to provide input to the control system. The graphical user interface can include a first display and an second display with selectable segments, and a menu navigation portion located adjacent the second display. Treatment categories, procedures or laser control options can be selected using the interface, and the interface can be updated based on data from the station.