Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance and method of forming such appliance are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the orthodontic appliance can include an arch member including an arch member body and an arch member coupling connected to the body. The orthodontic appliance can also include an anchor including an anchor coupling and a base adapted to connect the anchor to a surface of a tooth. The arch member coupling can be releasably connectable to the anchor coupling, and the anchor can be adapted for displacement relative to the arch member body when the anchor is connected to the surface of the tooth and the arch member coupling is connected to the anchor coupling.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance and method of forming such appliance are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the orthodontic appliance can include an arch member including an arch member body and an arch member coupling connected to the body. The orthodontic appliance can also include an anchor including an anchor coupling and a base adapted to connect the anchor to a surface of a tooth. The arch member coupling can be releasably connectable to the anchor coupling, and the anchor can be adapted for displacement relative to the arch member body when the anchor is connected to the surface of the tooth and the arch member coupling is connected to the anchor coupling.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes providing a first set of digital data corresponding to an upper arch image of at least a portion of an upper dental arch of a patient, providing a second set of digital data corresponding to a lower arch image of at least a portion of a lower dental arch of the patient, providing bite alignment data representative of the spatial relationship between the upper dental arch and the lower dental arch of the patient, and aligning the upper and lower arch images relative to one another based on the bite alignment data until an aligned upper and lower arch image is attained. The aligned upper and lower arch images are moved towards each other until a first contact point is detected and at least one of the upper and lower arch images is moved relative to the other in one or more directions to a plurality of positions for determining optimal occlusion position of the lower and upper dental arches.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-layer adhesives and methods that are useful for bonding orthodontic appliances to a tooth structure. The multi-layer adhesives can be precoated on an orthodontic appliance, or alternatively, they can be provided on an adhesive delivery system for transfer to an orthodontic appliance. The multi-layer adhesives and methods preferably provide a useful balance of properties for bonding orthodontic appliances to the tooth structure.

Abstract: Provided are customized archwires that facilitate wire insertion into fixed appliances and sliding mechanics during the course of orthodontic treatment. These archwires are harmonized with lingual appliances by modifying the archwire shape to alleviate the adverse effects of bends and archwire length discrepancy while maintaining the overall archwire shape. This in turn can be accomplished by selecting one or more segments of an archwire shape from a library, strategically adjusting arch length, performing morphing or smoothing operations on a wire configuration intended for final occlusion, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymerizable dental compositions that contain a water scavenger, such as a molecular sieve, to increase the shelf life of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-layer adhesives and methods that are useful for bonding orthodontic appliances to a tooth structure. The multi-layer adhesives can be precoated on an orthodontic appliance, or alternatively, they can be provided on an adhesive delivery system for transfer to an orthodontic appliance. The multi-layer adhesives and methods preferably provide a useful balance of properties for bonding orthodontic appliances to the tooth structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-layer adhesives and methods that are useful for bonding orthodontic appliances to a tooth structure. The multi-layer adhesives can be precoated on an orthodontic appliance, or alternatively, they can be provided on an adhesive delivery system for transfer to an orthodontic appliance. The multi-layer adhesives and methods preferably provide a useful balance of properties for bonding orthodontic appliances to the tooth structure.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes providing a first set of digital data corresponding to an upper arch image of at least a portion of an upper dental arch of a patient, providing a second set of digital data corresponding to a lower arch image of at least a portion of a lower dental arch of the patient, providing bite alignment data representative of the spatial relationship between the upper dental arch and the lower dental arch of the patient, and aligning the upper and lower arch images relative to one another based on the bite alignment data until an aligned upper and lower arch image is attained. The aligned upper and lower arch images are moved towards each other until a first contact point is detected and at least one of the upper and lower arch images is moved relative to the other in one or more directions to a plurality of positions for determining optimal occlusion position of the lower and upper dental arches.

Abstract: An orthodontic separator, dimensioned such that it can be inserted between adjacent teeth. The separator is characterized in that it exhibits an increase in compressive force after insertion between adjacent teeth in the oral environment. The separator, after insertion, exerts sufficient force on the adjacent teeth to push the teeth apart.

Abstract: A shock absorber of a monotube type utilizes a mechanically fixed base valve to regulate oil flow between the compression and compensation chambers, and a compressible bladder in the compensation chamber to allow volume compensation, which, together, eliminate the need for pressurized gas and a floating piston found in conventionally known monotube dampers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic article that includes a fluoropolymer and that exhibits at least 0.001% transmittance at 546 nm when measured according to the Transmittance Test Procedure.

Abstract: An orthodontic separator, said separator dimensioned such that it can be inserted between adjacent teeth, said separator being characterized in that when inserted between adjacent teeth in the oral environment, it exhibits an increase in compressive force, wherein the separator exerts sufficient force on the adjacent teeth to push the teeth apart.

Abstract: This invention provides light transmissive crystalline ceramic dental mill blanks and prostheses having a Contrast Ratio value of less than about 0.7. The dental mill blank is suitable for fabricating into an aesthetic restoration or prosthesis.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes providing a first set of digital data corresponding to an upper arch image of at least a portion of an upper dental arch of a patient, providing a second set of digital data corresponding to a lower arch image of at least a portion of a lower dental arch of the patient, providing bite alignment data representative of the spatial relationship between the upper dental arch and the lower dental arch of the patient, and aligning the upper and lower arch images relative to one another based on the bite alignment data until an aligned upper and lower arch image is attained. The aligned upper and lower arch images are moved towards each other until a first contact point is detected and at least one of the upper and lower arch images is moved relative to the other in one or more directions to a plurality of positions for determining optimal occlusion position of the lower and upper dental arches.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of orthodontic appliance selection includes providing data representative of one or more teeth of a patient and providing data representative of a set of orthodontic appliances. Each orthodontic appliance of the set of orthodontic appliances has an appliance parameter that varies from the other orthodontic appliances of the set. At least one geometrical parameter of the one or more teeth of the patient is determined using the data representative thereof. The geometrical parameter is compared to the data representative of the set of orthodontic appliances and one orthodontic appliance of the set is selected based on the comparison. The set of orthodontic appliances may be a set of orthodontic bands with each band of the set having a different size. Further, such bands may be precoated with an adhesive material.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of creating a dental model for use in dental articulation includes providing a first set of digital data corresponding to an upper arch image of at least a portion of an upper dental arch of a patient, providing a second set of digital data corresponding to a lower arch image of at least a portion of a lower dental arch of the patient, and providing hinge axis data representative of the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower dental arches relative to a condylar axis of the patient. A reference hinge axis is created relative to the upper and lower arch images based on the hinge axis data. Further, the method may include bite alignment data for use in aligning the lower and upper arch images. Yet further, the method may include providing data associated with condyle geometry of the patient, so as to provide limitations on the movement of at least the lower arch image when the arch images are displayed.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube is made of a stainless steel alloy that includes chromium, nickel and precipitates of titanium. The alloy imparts a relatively high strength to the appliance and is resistant to corrosion. Optionally, the appliance has structural sections that are smaller than corresponding sections of comparable appliances when made of conventional stainless steel alloys used in orthodontic appliances. As a consequence, the appliance is more aesthetic when mounted on a tooth of a patient undergoing treatment.

Abstract: A release substrate is releasably placed across a layer of adhesive that has been coated onto the base of an orthodontic appliance such as an orthodontic bracket. The release substrate enhances separation from the adhesive coated on the appliance such that the shape of the adhesive is essentially undisturbed and preferably substantially all of the adhesive remains on the base of the appliance when the substrate is detached from the adhesive. The release substrate is particularly suitable for use with adhesives that have a relatively low viscosity, adhesives that are more tacky and/or adhesives that have less cohesive strength than adhesives conventionally used with precoated orthodontic appliances.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of creating a dental model for use in dental articulation includes providing a first set of digital data corresponding to an upper arch image of at least a portion of an upper dental arch of a patient, providing a second set of digital data corresponding to a lower arch image of at least a portion of a lower dental arch of the patient, and providing hinge axis data representative of the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower dental arches relative to a condylar axis of the patient. A reference hinge axis is created relative to the upper and lower arch images based on the hinge axis data. Further, the method may include bite alignment data for use in aligning the lower and upper arch images. Yet further, the method may include providing data associated with condyle geometry of the patient, so as to provide limitations on the movement of at least the lower arch image when the arch images are displayed.