A bite block generally comprising a firm, hollow tube, the inner diameter of which is adapted to accommodate the finger (e.g., the index finger) of a dental professional (e.g., dentist, hygienist), healthcare worker, parent or caregiver. In one implementation, one of the opposed ends of the bite block is closed, with the opposite, remaining end being open as needed to accommodate the advancement of the finger into the interior of the bite block. The bite block is provided with exterior surface characterizations or aesthetic features/attributes which are indicative of a juvenile motif, and is further provided in a shape and with corresponding dimensions such that it is particularly suited for advancement into, and accommodation within, the interior of a young child's mouth in a manner which minimizes discomfort to the child.

A bite block generally comprising a firm, hollow tube, the inner diameter of which is adapted to accommodate the finger (e.g., the index finger) of a dental professional (e.g., dentist, hygienist), healthcare worker, parent or caregiver. In one implementation, one of the opposed ends of the bite block is closed, with the opposite, remaining end being open as needed to accommodate the advancement of the finger into the interior of the bite block. The bite block is provided with exterior surface characterizations or aesthetic features/attributes which are indicative of a juvenile motif, and is further provided in a shape and with corresponding dimensions such that it is particularly suited for advancement into, and accommodation within, the interior of a young child's mouth in a manner which minimizes discomfort to the child.

Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.

Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.

The invention provides methods to prepare protein conjugates from proteins having at least two cysteines. In one embodiment, a protein with a disulfide linkage is reduced to provide two free cysteines for reaction with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant, linking the sulfur atoms of the two cysteines together. The ketone inserted between the sulfur atoms is then used to form a Schiff base to an aminated payload molecule, thus conjugating the protein to a payload. In another embodiment, two cysteine residues are tied together by reaction with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant. The linkage between the sulfur atoms in each case holds the protein or peptide in a constrained conformation, while also providing a convenient place for attaching a payload with good specificity and efficiency.

The invention provides methods to prepare protein conjugates from proteins having at least two cysteines. In one embodiment, a protein with a disulfide linkage is reduced to provide two free cysteines for reaction with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant, linking the sulfur atoms of the two cysteines together. The ketone inserted between the sulfur atoms is then used to form a Schiff base to an aminated payload molecule, thus conjugating the protein to a payload. In another embodiment, two cysteine residues are tied together by reaction with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant. The linkage between the sulfur atoms in each case holds the protein or peptide in a constrained conformation, while also providing a convenient place for attaching a payload with good specificity and efficiency.

An intraoral multisensor device includes a mouthpiece, a plurality of sensors at least one of attached to or integrated with the mouthpiece, and a data communications unit configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors. The mouthpiece has a form to permit stable arrangement at least partially within a person's mouth such that it can remain for hands-free sensing of a plurality of biological parameters. Also, an intraoral multisensor system includes an intraoral multisensor device and a data processing device adapted to communicate with the intraoral multisensor device.

An intraoral multisensor device includes a mouthpiece, a plurality of sensors at least one of attached to or integrated with the mouthpiece, and a data communications unit configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors. The mouthpiece has a form to permit stable arrangement at least partially within a person's mouth such that it can remain for hands-free sensing of a plurality of biological parameters. Also, an intraoral multisensor system includes an intraoral multisensor device and a data processing device adapted to communicate with the intraoral multisensor device.

An imaging device including a support, a mouth retractor fastened to the support and defining a retractor opening and structure for fastening an image acquisition apparatus to the support in a position in which the acquisition apparatus is oriented so as to receive an image of the retractor opening.

An imaging device including a support, a mouth retractor fastened to the support and defining a retractor opening and structure for fastening an image acquisition apparatus to the support in a position in which the acquisition apparatus is oriented so as to receive an image of the retractor opening.