Releasable and removable palatal expander apparatuses for expanding a patient's palate (“palatal expanders”) and methods of using and making them. These releasable palatal expanders are adapted for ease in removal by the patient or caregiver, and may include a breach region configured to predictably bend or break when a pulling force is applied. The palatal expander apparatuses described herein may include one or more locks for locking the palatal expander onto the patient's teeth. The lock(s) may be unlocked to release the palatal expander from the teeth. A lock may include a control for manually unlocking the lock. Unlocking the locks may allow the palatal expander to automatically disengage from the patient's teeth.

The invention relates to an orthodontic device which is particularly economical and as small as possible, and which has hooks and a small tube, produced from a sheet metal plate using stamping and bending techniques and without the use of welding or soldering. The orthodontic device comprises a base plate having a flat region with a gingival and an occlusal edge. An occlusal rolling forms the small tube. The gingival edge has a counter-directional rolling. Concave cuts are formed in the side edges in order to form wing-shaped hooks. Both rollings can hold an applicator/protector, with which the orthodontic device is protected during adhesion, and can then be applied to a tooth in the correct orientation.

A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.

A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.

A computer-aided method for designing a surgical template for dental and/or orthodontic implants comprises acquiring a first 2D or 3D image of the oral cavity and of the overlying anatomical structures of a patient, processing the first image for defining one or more second 2D images showing corresponding views or sections of the oral cavity, realizing a digital model of the upper dental arch and of the palate of the patient to identify one or more suitable sites for inserting a corresponding implant, selecting one or more slices of the digital model at one or more sagittal or parasagittal planes passing through respective insertion sites, overlapping the slices with corresponding second 2D images for generating a third 2D image, providing a digital library of implants for the selection thereof and for their virtual positioning into the third image in order to allow the adjustment of the inclination and/or the deepness of insertion. A surgical template for dental and/or orthodontic implants suitable to be manufactured with the above method.

A computer-aided method for designing a surgical template for dental and/or orthodontic implants comprises acquiring a first 2D or 3D image of the oral cavity and of the overlying anatomical structures of a patient, processing the first image for defining one or more second 2D images showing corresponding views or sections of the oral cavity, realizing a digital model of the upper dental arch and of the palate of the patient to identify one or more suitable sites for inserting a corresponding implant, selecting one or more slices of the digital model at one or more sagittal or parasagittal planes passing through respective insertion sites, overlapping the slices with corresponding second 2D images for generating a third 2D image, providing a digital library of implants for the selection thereof and for their virtual positioning into the third image in order to allow the adjustment of the inclination and/or the deepness of insertion. A surgical template for dental and/or orthodontic implants suitable to be manufactured with the above method.

The present invention relates in a first aspect to an adhesion material for use in an individual containing encapsulated phase-change material. In particular, the adhesion material is for cosmetical or medicinal use in the body of an individual. The adhesion material contains encapsulated phase-change material having preferably a phase transition temperature above 40° C., like above 55° C. The adhesion material is particularly useful for adhering elements, like dental restorations, e.g. crowns or bridge, or brackets on elements in the body of an individual, like teeth or implants. That is, the adhesion material is particularly useful for adhering material in dental applications. In another aspect, a method is provided allowing removing a bracket, a crown or bridge, from implants, abutments or teeth. Furthermore, dental implant restoration systems and kits for permanent fixation of implants allowing improved removal thereof are provided.

Colored dental floss and a method for using colored dental floss. The colored dental floss includes an elongated filament having a plurality of segments, wherein each segment is a distinct color. The elongated filament is disposed within an interior volume of a container. The container includes an aperture for the elongated filament to pass therethrough. The method of using colored dental floss includes the steps of preparing a lingual side of a plurality of teeth for application of a bonding agent, applying the bonding agent to the lingual side, threading the elongated filament between a desired number of adjacent teeth in sections such that the elongated filament forms a plurality of loops on the lingual side, placing a wire through the plurality of loops, tensioning the elongated filament, applying the bonding agent to a contact point between the lingual side and the wire, curing the bonding agent, and removing the elongated filament.

The invention is directed to a composition that safely removes a cured dental cement or resin from metal brackets, metal braces, and enamel surfaces of teeth. It contains eugenol, isoeugenol, methyl-eugenol or an isomer thereof. A method for removing orthodontic fixtures adhered with a dental cement or resin to the enamel surfaces of teeth from these surfaces by contacting the dental cement or resin with a composition containing eugenol.

A storage case for a dental appliance includes a storage portion, a cover, and a location device. The storage portion includes a compartment that is configured to store a dental appliance of a user. The cover is coupled to the storage portion and configured to selectively move between an open position and closed position. The cover permits access to the compartment when in the open position and restricts access to the compartment when in the closed position. The location device includes a communications device and a speaker. The speaker is configured to generate a sound based on the communications device receiving a signal from a mobile device of the user.