Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for marking orthodontic products. The method includes the steps of coupling the orthodontic product with the anode of a power source, placing an electrolyte in electrical contact with the cathode of the power source, and selectively exposing portions of the orthodontic product to be marked to the electrolyte. The apparatus includes a hand marker connected to the cathode of a power source. A sponge pad soaked with an electrolyte is attached to the hand marker. A workplate provided for holding the orthodontic product is coupled to the anode of the power source. A stencil is also provided to enable selective portions of the orthodontic product to be exposed to the electrolyte and thereby be marked.

Abstract: A method of bonding ceramic brackets to teeth using silane coupling where the bond strength can be controlled by the application of a layer of organic paint. The method comprises the application of a silane coupling agent to the base surface of a bracket and the application of an organic paint to the entirety or a portion of the silane coupling agent such that when an organic adhesive is applied to the base surface of the bracket, the organic paint partially shields the silane coupling and thereby lowers the bond strength. The organic paint can be applied in different configurations to the silane coupling agent on the base surface of the bracket such that bond strength is decreased only over select areas of the base surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic arch wire is provided for applying corrective forces to a patient's dental arch. The orthodontic arch wire is an arch shaped wire capable of exerting forces on the dental arch that gradually vary in magnitude along the wire.