A radiopaque composite wire for medical applications has a core comprising a rare earth metal, an outer layer comprising a nickel-titanium alloy disposed over the core, and a controlled diffusion zone between the core and the outer layer. The controlled diffusion zone includes at least one compound phase comprising (a) the rare earth metal and (b) nickel and/or titanium.

A hybrid temporary anchorage device implant system and method of use is disclosed. A temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant includes an external hex head, a cupped inner portion, a threaded core, a platform, and an implant portion. A first abutment is installed on the implant portion. The first abutment may include a graduated portion, a screw-retained healing collar, and a threaded portion. A second abutment may be installed over the first abutment. The second abutment may include a graduated head, a bulbous base, and an inner canal.

Provided herein are compositions for applying a reference marker pattern or grid to the surface of an object to be imaged three-dimensionally. These compositions can be quick drying for ease of use. Methods of use of the compositions are also provided as well as devices and kits for the application of the compositions.

An oral appliance may be used to stabilize a subject during radiation therapy. The body of the oral appliance may be configured to be secured within the subject's mouth in an as-used position. A handle of the oral appliance may extend from the subject's mouth during use. The body may comprise a first portion configured to engage maxillary teeth, a second portion configured to engage mandibular teeth, a tongue positioning component, and/or other components. The tongue positioning component may be configured to receive the subject's tongue when the oral appliance is in the as-used position and to facilitate positioning the subject's tongue in a predetermined location and/or orientation with respect to the oral appliance when in use. One or both of the first portion or second portion may be configured to displace corresponding mandibular teeth or maxillary teeth away from the body and/or tongue positioning component in the as-used position.

Embedded sensors and onboard or off-board processing in an aligner case can detect aligner material and/or quality. Material detection can be used for counterfeit detection, or to trigger material specific events. Quality detection can include detection of common aligner failures or defects. A case for a dental appliance may include a tray for supporting the dental appliance, a cover coupled to the tray, and at least one sensor to detect a deformation of the dental appliance. A case for a dental appliance may include a tray for housing the dental appliance, a cover coupled to the tray, and at least one sensor configured to detect a change in material of the dental appliance.

Acid-stable glass fillers and self-adhesive dental composite cements with good transparency containing them. X-ray opaque glass filler with the following composition (wt. %): SiO.sub.2: 54.0-64.0; Al.sub.2O.sub.3: 10.0-25.0; B.sub.2O.sub.3: 0.0-10.0; La.sub.2O.sub.3: 0.1-10.0; WO.sub.3: 5.0-14.0; ZrO.sub.2: 0.1-7.0; MgO: 1.0-7.9; CaO: 0.1-6.0; ZnO: 0-6.0; SrO: 0-6.0, and radically polymerizable composition comprising, in addition to the radiopaque glass filler, at least one radically polymerizable monomer without an acid group, at least one radically polymerizable monomer containing an acid group, and at least one initiator for the radical polymerization. The glass filler is characterized by a high acid stability.

A hybrid temporary anchorage device implant system and method of use is disclosed. A temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant includes an external hex head, a cupped inner portion, a threaded core, a platform, and an implant portion. A first abutment is installed on the implant portion. The first abutment may include a graduated portion, a screw-retained healing collar, and a threaded portion. A second abutment may be installed over the first abutment. The second abutment may include a graduated head, a bulbous base, and an inner canal.

The present invention provides a stereotactic medical procedure performed on an anatomy of a patient, and a system used for the procedure. Two or more references such as fiducial markers are used sequentially or consecutively in the medical procedure. In an embodiment, the invasive affixation of those references and the invasive portion of the medical procedure can be consolidated in a short and compact operation. The trauma and pain suffered by a patient is thus alleviated. Moreover, the present invention can expand the application of image guiding technique to many medical procedures that would otherwise preclude such application.

A scan body for intraoral scanning includes a snap-in retention capability for engagement with a dental implant having a first engagement section. The second engagement section is configured for a snap-in or frictional fit with the first engagement section to releasably secure the scan body to the implant.

An attachment member for mating with a dental implant includes a non-rotational structure and a body. The non-rotational structure is configured to mate with a corresponding non-rotational feature of the dental implant. The body extends from the non-rotational structure. The body has (i) an exterior side surface configured to at least partially engage gingival tissue adjacent to the dental implant, (ii) an exterior top surface that is exposed through the gingival tissue, (iii) a screw access bore for receiving a screw that attaches the attachment member to the dental implant in a removable fashion, and (iv) a set of radiopaque information markers that is located internal to the exterior side surface and the exterior top surface. The set of radiopaque information markers indicates information regarding the dental implant that is revealed in response to a scan from a computerized tomography (CT) scanner.