Abstract

Improved dental appliances and polymeric sheet compositions are disclosed. The polymeric sheet compositions are useful for making dental appliances having outer layers comprised of a material having an increased glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than 110°C. In multi-layer appliances, the outer layers may have an increased Tg in combination with a greater thickness than an inner elastomeric layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• B32B 27/36 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyesters
• B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
• B32B 7/022 - Mechanical properties
• A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

Abstract

A method of treating a polymeric material includes exposing the polymeric material to ultrasonic energy in a liquid medium at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the polymeric material for a time sufficient to modify one or more properties, or to reduce surface or internal stress, of the polymeric material, the one or more properties including stress relaxation, shape recovery, glass transition temperature, and crystallinity.

IPC Classes  ?

• C08J 3/28 - Treatment by wave energy or particle radiation
• B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
• C08L 101/00 - Compositions of unspecified macromolecular compounds

Abstract

Improved dental appliances and polymeric sheet compositions are disclosed. The polymeric sheet compositions are useful for making dental appliances having outer layers comprised of a material having a modulus of from about 1,000 MPA to 3,000 MPA ("hard") and an inner core comprised of elastomeric material or materials having a modulus of from about 25 MPa to 500 MPa ("soft") and a thickness of greater than about 250 microns, which exhibit improved flexibility and strength, and better stain and tear resistance than currently available materials and dental appliances.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
• A61L 27/14 - Macromolecular materials
• A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

Abstract

Improved thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided that exhibit a combination of moderate elastic modulus, high elongation to yield, high elongation to break, high optical clarity, good stain resistance, good elastic recovery, and excellent force retention in the presence of water at moderate temperatures.

IPC Classes  ?

• C08G 18/32 - Polyhydroxy compoundsPolyaminesHydroxy amines
• C08G 18/72 - Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates
• C08G 18/18 - Catalysts containing secondary or tertiary amines or salts thereof
• C08G 18/22 - Catalysts containing metal compounds
• C08G 18/24 - Catalysts containing metal compounds of tin

Abstract

Improved dental appliances and polymeric sheet compositions are disclosed. The polymeric sheet compositions are useful for making dental appliances having outer layers comprised of a material having a modulus of from about 1,000 MPA to 2,500 MPA ("hard") and an inner core comprised of elastomeric material or materials having a modulus of from about 50 MPa to 500 MPa ("soft"), which exhibit improved flexibility and strength, and better stain and tear resistance than currently available materials and dental appliances.

IPC Classes  ?

• B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
• A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
• B32B 27/30 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising vinyl resinLayered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising acrylic resin
• B32B 27/32 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
• B32B 27/36 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyesters
• B32B 27/40 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyurethanes

Abstract

Improved separator film compositions, methods and systems for use in producing thermoformed dental appliances are disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 33/68 - Release sheets
• C08J 5/18 - Manufacture of films or sheets
• B32B 27/32 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
• C08K 3/013 - Fillers, pigments or reinforcing additives
• B29C 51/00 - Shaping by thermoforming, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawingApparatus therefor
• B29C 51/14 - Shaping by thermoforming, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawingApparatus therefor using multilayered preforms or sheets
• A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
• A61C 5/00 - Filling or capping teeth
• A63B 71/08 - Body-protectors for players or sportsmen
• A61C 19/06 - Implements for therapeutic treatment

Abstract

Improved dental appliances and polymeric sheets are disclosed. The dental appliances and polymeric sheets are useful for making dental appliances having outer layers comprised of a material having a modulus of from about 1,000 MPA to 2,500 MPA ("hard") and an inner core comprised of elastomeric material or materials having a modulus of from about 50 MPa to 500 MPa ("soft"), which exhibit improved flexibility and strength and better stain resistance than currently available materials and dental appliances.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
• A63B 71/08 - Body-protectors for players or sportsmen
• A61F 5/56 - Devices for preventing snoring
• B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
• B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
• B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
• B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
• B32B 27/30 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising vinyl resinLayered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising acrylic resin
• B32B 27/32 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
• B32B 27/34 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyamides
• B32B 27/36 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyesters
• B32B 27/40 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyurethanes

Abstract

Disclosed are improved dental materials and appliances made therefrom that provide a natural appearance to the teeth, have a range of flexibility and strength, and exhibit improved comfort effectiveness in orthodontic and other treatment.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
• A61C 13/08 - Artificial teethMaking same
• A61K 6/00 - Preparations for dentistry
• C09K 11/06 - Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent, materials containing organic luminescent materials

Abstract

Described are improved dental materials and appliances made therefrom that have a range of flexibility and strength and exhibit improved comfort and effectiveness in orthodontic and other treatment.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
• B32B 25/00 - Layered products essentially comprising natural or synthetic rubber
• A61K 8/00 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations

Abstract

Polymeric shells which fit over natural teeth to change the perceived color of the teeth, and optionally to provide orthodontic support. The shells are prepared by thermoforming selected polymeric sheets which contain optical additives; the optical additives cause the combination of the shell and the teeth to have a desired appearance. The shell preferably has transparency of greater than 75%, particularly greater than 85%.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
• A61C 8/00 - Means to be fixed to the jaw-bone for consolidating natural teeth or for fixing dental prostheses thereonDental implantsImplanting tools
• A61C 13/00 - Dental prosthesesMaking same
• A61K 6/083 - Compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• C08J 5/18 - Manufacture of films or sheets
• B29C 35/02 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising

Abstract

The use, in corrosion protection systems, dewatering systems, and systems to reduce biofouling, of an anode which comprises a conductive polymer composition comprising a polymer and, mixed with the polymer, a conductive filler which comprises an exfoliated graphite.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23F 13/16 - Electrodes characterised by the combination of the structure and the material

Abstract

The subject matter described herein relates to thermoresponsive switching materials that undergo a thermal transition over a narrow temperature range and to devices, such as actuators, indicators, and sensors, prepared from such compositions.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
• G01K 11/06 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using melting, freezing, or softening