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CPC Definition - Subclass A61C

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Last Updated Version: 2024.01
A61C
DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE (non-driven toothbrushes A46B; {tongue scrapers A61B 17/24;} preparations for dentistry A61K 6/00; preparations for cleaning the teeth or mouth A61K 8/00, A61Q 11/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes that are specially adapted for, or limited to use in, creating artificial teeth, mounting artificial teeth, supporting artificial teeth, or repairing artificial teeth or their supports (e.g. denture articulators), and wherein the dental prostheses made or fixed by the apparatus or process are used exclusively for humans or both humans and animals.

Apparatus or methods utilized to prevent, discourage, or cure oral diseases (i.e. diseases occurring exclusively within the oral cavity such as enamel caries or periodontitis) in humans or both humans and animals.

Apparatus, devices, or methods used for one or more of the following:

  • correcting abnormalities or injuries that prevent the proper or desired bringing together of the cooperating surfaces of natural teeth, or their artificial replacements that are permanently affixed within the mouth, located on opposite jaws;
  • preserving or rectify the appropriate or desired relative positioning, separation gaps, or alignment of natural teeth; or
  • preventing or repairing damage to natural teeth or their appropriate or desired relative positioning, separation gaps, or alignment (e.g. devices that surround or cover teeth to prevent grinding).

Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes that are specially adapted for, or limited to use in, the treatment, reconstruction, removal, insertion, replacement, repair, transfixing or testing of either natural teeth, artificial teeth that are permanently affixed within the oral cavity, gums, or other portions of the oral cavity having an effect on their operation (e.g. portions of jawbone supporting teeth), and wherein the apparatus or processes are used exclusively for humans or both humans and animals.

Apparatus, devices, or methods used for

  • sanitizing the oral cavity or dental prostheses (e.g. gargling devices, washing means);
  • removing foreign matter (e.g. food) or undesirable naturally occurring matter (e.g. plaque, calculus) from the surfaces of teeth, gums, or dental prostheses; or
  • stimulating gums.

Dental prostheses devices or artificial dental implant devices per se or their components (e.g. artificial teeth, mounting or attaching means for artificial teeth, devices for supplementing jawbones, crowns) used within the oral cavity.

Dental implants formed from biological material or consisting of oral cavity parts originating either from a donor source or from the patient that are intended to be introduced, or reintroduced, into the patient's oral cavity to correct a dental or oral hygiene problem (e.g. modified natural teeth or jawbone material from a donor).

Adjunct, auxiliary, or supplementary means or structures that contribute to the effectiveness or safety of dental procedures or their products and are specially adapted to be used either:

  • during dentistry procedures (e.g. saliva removers, medication suppliers, drainage treatment);
  • with the products of dental procedures (e.g. artificial teeth supports); or
  • during the making of dental prostheses (e.g. stands for impression trays).

Specially adapted components of apparatus having structural features limiting them to use with at least one of the dental apparatus types specified above (e.g. dust collectors, illumination devices).

Accessories specially adapted for use with at least one of the above types of apparatus, means, or structures (e.g. devices for measuring the length of the root canal of a tooth).

Relationships with other classification places

Subclass A46B covers manually moved or powered brushes, and in particular toothbrushes, used for cleaning that are not specifically provided for elsewhere. It also covers arrangements of brush bristles per se and the handle structure for brushes.

Subclass A61D covers devices used by individuals to remove foreign matter from the surface of the teeth of animals or enhance the appearance of the teeth of animals when the device is not specifically provided for elsewhere and is limited to use solely on animals.

Subclass A61G covers dental work stands and dental or operating chairs.

Subclass A61K covers preparations that are used for medical, dental, or cosmetic purposes in the oral cavity.

Subclass A61Q covers preparations for care of the teeth, of the oral cavity or of dentures e.g. toothpastes,mouth rinses.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Positioning or arrangements of toothbrush bristles per se for manual or powered toothbrushes

A46B 9/04

Tongue scrapers

A61B 17/24

Dental work stands

A61G 15/14

Dental hypodermic syringes

A61M 5/178

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Apparatus for passive exercising

A61H 1/00

Gum massage

A61H 13/00

Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body

A63B 23/00

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Oral cavity

The part of human or animal mouth that includes the inside lining of the lips and cheeks (buccal mucosa), the teeth or their artificial permanently affixed replacements, the gums, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth below the tongue, the bony roof of the mouth (hard palate), and the area immediately behind the wisdom teeth (retromolar trigone).

Dental machines for boring or cutting {; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Dental hand-pieces used by the dentist;

the control system of said hand-pieces;

the power and fluid supply to said hand-pieces;

the design of said hand-pieces;

the mechanical drive of said hand-pieces;

accessories and details of said hand-pieces.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Dental working tool itself (e.g. drill, burr)

A61C 3/02

Handpiece holder

A61G 15/16

{Control devices or systems (fluid temperature control in air and water supply systems of dental machines or apparatus A61C 1/0069)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Fluid temperature control in air and water supply systems of dental machines or apparatus

A61C 1/0069

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Control means or display unit for bone cutting tools

A61B 17/1626

Dental chair control

A61G 15/02

{Electrical systems}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The electrical or electronic control systems.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Control means or display unit for bone cutting tools

A61B 17/1626

Driving circuit for apparatus generating mechanical vibrations

B06B 1/0207

{Foot control}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Pedal operated surgical instruments

A61B 2017/00973

Controlling members actuated by foot

G05G 1/30

{Dental lasers (surgical lasers A61B 18/20; working by laser beam in general B23K 26/00; lasers per se H01S 3/00)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Surgical lasers

A61B 18/20

Working by laser beam in general

B23K 26/00

Lasers per se

H01S 3/00

{Air and water supply systems; Valves specially adapted therefor (A61C 1/052 takes precedence; rinsing or air-blowing devices A61C 17/02)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Duck for supplying driving or cooling fluid

A61C 1/052

Rinsing or air-blowing devices

A61C 17/02

{Sterilising operating fluids or fluid supply elements such as supply lines, filters (sterilisation of liquid substances in general A61L 2/18)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Sterilisation of liquid substances in general

A61L 2/18

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Filters in general

B01D 61/00

{Supply units, e.g. reservoir arrangements, specially adapted pumps}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Container filling apparatus for tooth cleansing handpieces with fluid jets

A61C 17/0205

with electric drive
Relationships with other classification places

Electrical motors H02K.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electromotors casing

H02K 5/08

Electromotors

H02K 29/00

with vibratory drive, e.g. ultrasonic
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Vibrating working tool itself

A61C 3/03

Vibrating tooth cleaning device, e.g. ultrasonic toothbrush

A61C 17/20; A61C 17/32

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Vibrating surgical tool in general

A61B 17/320068

{Positioning or guiding, e.g. of drills}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanical or electronic device to assist positioning of the tool in the jaw.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Root canal depth control

A61C 5/44

Guide for jaw with no dental, orthodontic or dental prosthesis/implant purpose

A61B 17/176

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Surgical tool tracking system

A61B 34/20

Surgical abutting means

A61B 2090/033

Surgical depth measuring means

A61B 2090/062

{of implanting tools}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Guiding/positioning means for dental implanting purpose.

Relationships with other classification places

Marker e.g. radio-opaque A61B 90/39.

{Illuminating devices or attachments (for examination of the mouth A61B 1/24 and A61B 1/06)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illuminating devices for the dental handpiece.

Relationships with other classification places

Light guide G02B 6/00.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Dental laser

A61C 1/0046

Dental curing device by radiation

A61C 19/004

Diagnostic using light for oral/dental tissue e.g. carry detection

A61B 5/0088

Illuminating arrangement in general ceiling or like overhead structure

F21S 8/026

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Instrument for medical examination of mouth / with illuminating arrangements

A61B 1/24, A61B 1/06

Instrument for medical examination of the mouth

A61B 1/24

Device for illuminating surgical field (in relation with image producing)

A61B 90/30, A61B 90/36

{Operating tool blocking means}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Enabling torque transmission without clamping the tool

A61B 17/162

{constricting the operating tool, e.g. chuck}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Systems for clamping the tool.

{Instruments or accessories for tool holders}
Definition statement

This place covers:

For instruments not being part of the tool holder, e.g. separate instrument for removing the tool.

Protecting caps for hand-pieces or angle-pieces
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices for protecting hand-pieces,e.g. covers to prevent cross-contamination.

Flexible shafts; Clutches or the like; {Bearings or lubricating arrangements; Drives or transmissions} (flexible shafts in general F16C; clutches in general F16D)
Relationships with other classification places

Flexible shafts in general F16C.

Clutches in general F16D.

{Bearings or lubricating arrangements, e.g. air-cushion bearings}
Relationships with other classification places

Bearing F16C.

{Jewel bearings}
Definition statement

This place covers:

media0.png

Dental tools or instruments (implanting tools A61C 8/00; tools for fastening artificial teeth A61C 13/12; visual inspection devices, e.g. dental mirrors, A61B 1/24)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Implanting tools

A61C 8/0089

Tools for fastening artificial teeth

A61C 13/12

Visual inspection devices, e.g. dental mirrors

A61B 1/24

{Brushes for applying dental compositions}
Relationships with other classification places

Brushes in general A46B.

Instruments operated by vibration
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Vibration producing handpiece

A61C 1/07

Chiselling scalers

A61C 17/18

Ultrasonic dental scalers

A61C 17/20

Tooth grinding or polishing discs; Holders therefor {(prophylactic cups A61C 17/005)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Prophylactic cups

A61C 17/005

Filling or capping teeth
Definition statement

This place covers:

Implements for filling or restoring the teeth, e.g. onlays, inlays.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Prophylactic cups

A61C 17/005

Pins; Mounting tools or dispensers therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Pins fixing the filling to the rest of the natural crown. The following drawing shows dental anchors.

media16.png

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Root pins

A61C 13/30

Implements for surgical treatment of the roots or nerves of the teeth; Nerve needles; Methods or instruments for medication of the roots
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Measuring instruments for measuring the length of the root canal of a tooth

A61C 19/041

Devices for measuring the length of the root canal of a tooth

A61K 6/00

Files for root canals; Handgrips or guiding means therefor
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Guiding of dental instruments e.g. of drills

A61C 1/082

Depth control

A61C 5/44

Protective casings, e.g. boxes for instruments; Bags

A61C 19/02

Means for controlling working depth, e.g. supports or boxes with depth-gauging means, stop positioners or files with adjustably-mounted handles
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Stops for surgical instruments

A61B 2090/033

Stops for drill

B23B 49/005

Implements for filling root canals; Methods or instruments for medication of tooth nerve channels
Definition statement

This place covers:

Instruments, devices for filling/sealing a root canal, pins made of gutta percha.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Fastening of peg-teeth in the mouth

A61C 13/30

Rinsing tooth nerve channels

A61C 17/02

Composition of the fillings

A61K 6/80

Devices specially adapted for pressing or mixing capping or filling materials, e.g. amalgam presses
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Brushes for applying dental materials

A61C 3/005

Trays for mixing substances

A61C 19/005

Applicators, e.g. syringes or guns
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dispenser for dental impression materials

A61C 9/0026

for multi-component compositions
Relationships with other classification places

Mixing of materials B01F.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Two barrel syringes

B65D 81/325

Tooth crowns; Making thereof
Definition statement

This place covers:

Structure, shape of crowns.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dental implants

A61C 8/00

Superstructures for dental implants

A61C 8/0048

Creation of the colour of crowns

A61C 13/082

Methods or devices for soldering, casting, moulding or melting dental prostheses

A61C 13/20

Methods or devices for making crowns
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods or devices specifically for manufacturing crowns.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Making bridge-work, inlays, implants or the like

A61C 13/0003

Computer-assisted sizing or machining of dental prostheses

A61C 13/0004

Methods or devices for soldering, casting, moulding or melting dental prostheses

A61C 13/20

Dams; Holders or clamps therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Dental dams or holders or clamps. The following illustration shows an example of a dental dam and clamp.

media17.png

Filling bands, e.g. matrix bands; Manipulating tools therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Filling bands or manipulating tools for filling bands. The following illustration shows an example of a matrix filling band.

media18.png

Wedges
Definition statement

This place covers:

Wedges for tooth crowns or for making tooth crowns. The following illustration shows an example of a tooth crown wedge.

media19.png

Oral protectors for use during treatment, e.g. lip or mouth protectors (A61C 5/82 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Dams or Holders or clamps for tooth crowns

A61C 5/82

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth for medical examinations

A61B 1/24

Mouthpieces for tracheal tubes

A61M 16/0488

Tools for manipulating or working with an orthodontic appliance {(tools for placement of brackets A61C 7/146; instruments for attaching elastic bands A61C 7/306)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Tools for placement of brackets

A61C 7/146

Instruments for attaching elastic bands

A61C 7/306

Mouthpiece-type retainers {or positioners, e.g. for both the lower and upper arch (arch-shaped medicament applicators for teeth or gums A61C 19/063; mouthguards for protecting the teeth of sportsmen A63B 71/085)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Arch-shaped medicament applicators for teeth or gums

A61C 19/063

Anti-snoring devices, bruxism protective devices

A61F 5/566

Exercising devices

A63B 23/032

Mouthguards for protecting the teeth of sportsmen

A63B 71/085

Brackets (A61C 7/28 takes precedence); Fixing brackets to teeth
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Connection of arch wires to brackets

A61C 7/28

{Brackets with two or more recesses for arch wires}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Brackets with two or more slots for receiving arch wires.

Arch wires (A61C 7/28 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Connection of arch wires to brackets

A61C 7/28

Means to be fixed to the jaw-bone for consolidating natural teeth or for fixing dental prostheses thereon; Dental implants; Implanting tools (fastening of peg-teeth in the mouth A61C 13/30)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Fastening of peg-teeth in the mouth

A61C 13/30

{Impression means for implants, e.g. impression coping}
Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Analog

transfer copings

{Periodontal tissue or bone regeneration (support means for endoprosthetic bone substitute or bone graft implants A61F 2/2846)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Instruments for sinus lifting

A61C 8/0092

Sinus surgical tool

A61B 17/1688

Compression or distraction mechanisms for jaw bones

A61B 17/663

Bone prostheses for mandibular reconstruction

A61F 2/2803

Support means for endoprosthetic bone substitute or bone graft implants

A61F 2/2846

Tools for implanting bone graft

A61F 2/4601

{Consolidating prostheses or implants, e.g. by means of stabilising pins (A61C 8/0031 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Juxtaosseous implants

A61C 8/0031

{Multiple implanting technique, i.e. multiple component implants introduced in the jaw from different directions}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Implants which are introduced laterally.

{characterised by the material or composition, e.g. ceramics, surface layer, metal alloy (use of specific materials A61K 6/00)}
Relationships with other classification places

Materials for dental implants A61K 6/00.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Special external bone-contacting surfaces, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth

A61F 2/30767

Materials for coating prostheses

A61L 27/28

{with a surface layer, coating}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Roughness aspects

A61C 2008/0046

{being a conversion layer, e.g. oxide layer}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Dental implants with an outer surface treated chemically.

{Self-screwing (A61C 8/0028 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Threaded dental implants.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Pins, needles; Head structures therefor

A61C 8/0028

{Pins, needles; Head structures therefor (A61C 8/0004, A61C 8/0009 take precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

For consolidating natural teeth

A61C 8/0004

For stabilising dental implants

A61C 8/0009

{Textured surface, e.g. roughness, microstructure (A61C 8/0013 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Implants with microthreadings

A61C 8/0022

{Connecting the upper structure to the implant, e.g. bridging bars (A61C 8/0028 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The upper structure is the part connected on top of the abutment or implant head; the "upper structure" can be the prosthesis (crown, bridge, etc) or an intermediate part connecting the prosthesis to the abutment/implant head.

media5.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Connection to the remaining teeth

A61C 13/225

{Connecting devices for joining an upper structure with an implant member, e.g. spacers}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Dental implant abutments connecting the upper structure with the implant.

media6.jpg

{Abutment monobloc with restoration}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The abutment and the prosthesis form a one-piece element.

{Implant heads specially designed for receiving an upper structure (if separable from the implant A61C 8/005)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Monobloc implants; abutment being integral with the implant.

media7.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Separable abutments

A61C 8/005

{with platform switching, i.e. platform between implant and abutment}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media8.png

{for sinus lifting}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Sinus surgical tool

A61B 17/1688

Impression cups, {i.e. impression trays}; Impression methods {(computer-assisted sizing A61C 13/0004; instruments for determining occlusion A61C 19/05)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Computer-assisted sizing

A61C 13/0004

Instruments for determining occlusion

A61C 19/05

{Means or methods for correctly replacing a dental model, e.g. dowel pins; Dowel pin positioning means or methods}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Means for repositioning cut teeth of a dental model on a base.

{Syringes or guns for injecting impression material; Mixing impression material for immediate use}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Flow mixers

B01F 25/00

Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles

B01F 27/00

{non-pivoting}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Articulators with non-pivoting upper model supporting part.

{with height adjustments thereof}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The distance between the upper and the lower dental casts is adjustable.

{with tracing devices}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Pens or drawing devices mounted on the articulator for drawing marking lines.

{with an occlusal plate}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Occlusal guide plate.

{Computer-assisted sizing or machining of dental prostheses}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Digitized impressions

A61C 9/004

Computer assisted design

G06F 30/00

Image analysis

G06T 7/00

Healthcare informatics

G16H

{using sand blasting}
Relationships with other classification places

Abrasive blasting B24C.

{using laser}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Stereolithographic techniques

A61C 13/0013

{Linings}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Layer of a denture contacting the soft tissue or palate of a user.

{Cosmetic aspects, e.g. inlays; Determination of the colour (A61C 19/10 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Shade guides

A61C 19/10

Porcelain or ceramic teeth {(A61C 13/081 takes precedence; preparations A61K 6/80)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Preparations

A61K 6/80

{Ceramic coating on metallic body}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Forming processes of shaped ceramic products

C04B 35/622

{Methods or apparatus for mounting, holding or positioning a set of teeth}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Palates made by casting

A61C 13/04

Tools for fastening artificial teeth; Holders, clamps, or stands for artificial teeth {(A61C 8/0089 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Tools for dental technicians to make or work with prostheses (not for use in the mouth).

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Dust removing on dental workplaces

A61C 19/007

Vulcanising devices for artificial teeth ({by radiation A61C 19/003}; apparatus for curing, e.g. vulcanising, of plastics or substances in a plastic state, in general B29C 35/00)
Relationships with other classification places

Apparatus for curing, e.g. vulcanising, of plastics or substances in a plastic state B29C.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Curing by radiation

A61C 19/003

Methods or devices for soldering, casting, moulding or melting {(A61C 13/04, A61C 13/081 take precedence)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Sintering of metal powders

B22F 3/10

Oven for dental parts

F27B 17/025

Fastening prostheses in the mouth (securing tooth crowns in capping teeth A61C 5/30)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Securing tooth crowns in capping teeth

A61C 5/30

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Fastening on dental implants

A61C 8/0048

Magnetic fastening ({A61C 8/0081 takes precedence}; magnetic implants A61C 8/00)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Magnetic dental implant retention systems

A61C 8/0081

Fastening by suction {, i.e. total dentures (A61C 8/00, A61C 13/235, A61C 13/28 take precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Implants supported restorations, connecting bars

A61C 8/0048

Magnetic fastening

A61C 13/235

Fastening by spring action between upper and lower denture

A61C 13/28

Fastening of peg-teeth in the mouth
Definition statement

This place covers:

Pins or posts for fixing a prosthesis like an artificial crown to a natural tooth root.

Toothpicks
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Interdental cleaning band without sharp tip

A61C 15/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Brushes fitted with a toothpick

A46B 15/0069

{Dental floss (chemical aspects A61Q 11/00)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Chemical aspects

A61Q 11/00

{Containers, dispensers, or the like, e.g. with cutting means (A61C 15/046 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Containers integrated in a flossing tool

A61C 15/046

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Packages and dispensers for sutures

A61B 17/06114

Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses (instruments acting like a sandblast machine A61C 3/025; tooth polishing discs or holders therefor A61C 3/06; devices for cleaning between the teeth A61C 15/00); Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Instruments acting like a sandblast machine

A61C 3/025

Tooth polishing discs or holders therefor

A61C 3/06

Devices for cleaning between the teeth

A61C 15/00

{Devices for dental prophylaxis}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Cups to put pastes in, e.g. abrasive paste, fluoride paste; tools for rotating the cups.

Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets {or comprising liquid medication} (combined with receptacles for spittle A61C 17/14; combined with power-driven cleaning or polishing devices A61C 17/16)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Combined with receptacles for spittle

A61C 17/14

Combined with power-driven cleaning or polishing devices

A61C 17/16

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Air and water supply systems in dental machines

A61C 1/0061

Instruments acting like a sandblast machine

A61C 3/025

{combined with means providing suction (A61C 17/0211 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Specially adapted for rinsing the teeth of at least one jaw simultaneously

A61C 17/0211

{Cleaning devices for dental prostheses removed from the oral cavity}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Manual brushes for cleaning dentures

A46B 2200/1073

Cleaning in general by methods involving liquid and sonic or ultrasonic vibrations

B08B 3/12

{characterised by provisions for processing the collected matter, e.g. for separating solids or air}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Similar devices for medical use

A61M 1/79

Aspiration nozzles
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Aspiration combined with rinsing or liquid medication

A61C 17/0208

{with light sources}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Illuminating devices for the dental handpiece

A61C 1/088

{with mirrors}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dentists' mirrors for medical examination of the mouth

A61B 1/247

Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Other power driven brushes

A46B 13/02

Chiselling scalers (A61C 17/20 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Cleaning or polishing devices using ultrasonics

A61C 17/20

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Instruments operated by vibration

A61C 3/03

using ultrasonics
Definition statement

This place covers:

Ultrasonic dental scalers, ultrasonic toothbrushes.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dental handpieces producing vibrations

A61C 1/07

Vibrating dental tools

A61C 3/03

with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like (brush bodies, e.g. arrangements of the bristles A46B)
Relationships with other classification places

Brush bodies, e.g. arrangements of the bristles A46B.

{Control arrangements therefor}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Time brushing control

A46B 15/0008

Control of brush life

A46B 15/001

Controlling pressure applied to the teeth

A46B 15/0012

{Brush body details, e.g. the shape thereof or connection to handle}
Relationships with other classification places

Arrangements of bristles A46B.

Material aspects of bristles A46D.

{with reservoirs, e.g. for toothpaste}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Manual toothbrushes with reservoirs

A46B 11/00

Power driven brushes with reservoirs

A46B 13/04

rotating continuously (A61C 17/40 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

With a nutating movement

A61C 17/40

driven by hydraulic motor, e.g. water motor
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Power driven brushes

A46B 13/06

{characterized by the movement of the brush body}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Power toothbrushes characterized by movements of the oscillating brush body.

{Rotation around the axis of the toothbrush handle}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media9.jpg

{Rotation around the axis perpendicular to the axis of toothbrush handle and in the plane defined by the bristle holder}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media10.jpg

{Rotation around the axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the bristle holder}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media11.jpg

{Translation along the axis of the toothbrush handle}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media12.jpg

{Translation along the axis perpendicular of the axis of toothbrush handle and in the plane defined by the bristle holder}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media13.jpg

{Translation along the axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the bristle holder}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media14.jpg

{with combined movements of the brush body}
Special rules of classification

Brushes with combined motions are classified in A61C 17/3472 (but not A61C 17/3418 - A61C 17/3463) and are given separate Indexing Codes (A61C 17/3418 - A61C 17/3463) for each movement.

{Vibrating brush body, e.g. by using eccentric weights}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media15.png

{with multiple brush bodies}
Special rules of classification

The movements of the individual brush bodies are classified with the Indexing Codes (A61C 17/3418 - A61C 17/3463) and not the classes (A61C 17/3418 - A61C 17/3463).

Dental auxiliary appliances (dental chairs or accessories therefor, working stands whether or not combined with chairs A61G 15/00)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Dental chairs or accessories therefor, working stands whether or not combined with chairs

A61G 15/00

Model tooth/jaw for teaching

G09B 23/283

{Holders for absorbent pads (absorbent pads per se A61F 13/00)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Absorbent pads per se

A61F 13/00

{Cleaning devices specially adapted for dental instruments (disinfecting A61L 2/00; cleaning in general B08B)}
Relationships with other classification places

Cleaning in general B08B.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Cleaning of devices for surgical instruments

A61B 90/70

Disinfecting

A61L 2/00

Protective casings, e.g. boxes for instruments; Bags {(A61C 5/44 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Boxes for endodontic files

A61C 5/44

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Support for drills

A61C 3/04

Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry ({A61C 5/44 takes precedence; testing vitality of teeth A61B 5/0534;} radiation diagnosis specially adapted for dentistry A61B 6/51)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Means for controlling working depth

A61C 5/44

Testing vitality of teeth

A61B 5/0534

Radiation diagnosis specially adapted for dentistry

A61B 6/51

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Detecting caries with light

A61B 5/0088

Detecting tooth mobility

A61B 5/1111

Measurement of masticatory force

A61B 5/228

combined with anaesthetising implements (dental hypodermic syringes A61M 5/00)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Dental hypodermic syringes

A61M 5/00

Supports for artificial teeth for transport or for comparison of the colour
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Measuring colour of teeth

G01J 3/00