Abstract: A model of the teeth in a patient's mouth and a prescription of desired positionings of such teeth are provided by the patient's orthodontist. The contour of the teeth in the patient's mouth is determined, preferably digitally, from the model. Calculations, preferably digital, on the contour and the desired positionings of the patient's teeth are then made to determine the geometry (e.g. grooves) to be provided in brackets for receiving an arch wire to form an orthodontic brace. Such geometry is intended to provide for the disposition of the arched wire on the brackets in a progressive curvature in a horizontal plane and a substantially linear configuration in a vertical plane. The geometry of the brackets is altered (e.g. by cutting grooves in the brackets at individual positions and angles and with particular depths) in accordance with such calculations of the bracket geometry. The brackets may be disposed on the model of the patient's teeth at positions dependent upon such calculations.

Abstract: A polyurethane article and method of making same wherein the surface of the article had been subjected to a high energetic treatment wherein the surface characteristics has been modified.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, it is provided an orthodontic bracket having a base portion for attachment to a tooth. The base portion is provided with a substantially monolayer of substantially uniform size particles. The particles are secured to the bonding base through the use of an adhesive.In another aspect, there is provided a method of making an orthodontic bracket having a bonding base for attachment to the surface of a tooth, comprising the steps of:(a) applying a curable adhesive layer to the bonding base;(b) applying a substantially monolayer of particles of substantially uniform size to the bonding base; and(c) curing the adhesive so as to bond the particles to the bonding surface.In yet another aspect there is provided an orthodontic bracket having a bonding base for attachment to the surface of a tooth. The bonding base having means for minimizing removal of enamel from the tooth during removal of the bonded bracket from the tooth.

Abstract: An improved rotor blade assembly and method of making same. The rotor blade includes protective layers which comprise a metal tail having a mesh bonded to its inside surface. The protective layer is pre-shaped and applied to the forward surface of the blade.

Abstract: A model of the teeth in a patient's mouth and a prescription of desired positionings of such teeth are provided by the patient's orthodontist. The contour of the teeth in the patient's mouth is determined, preferably digitally, from the model. Calculations, preferably digital, on the contour and the desired positionings of the patient's teeth are then made to determine the geometry (e.g. grooves) to be provided in brackets for receiving an arch wire to form an orthodontic brace. Such geometry is intended to provide for the disposition of the arched wire on the brackets in a progressive curvature in a horizontal plane and a substantially linear configuration in a vertical plane. The geometry of the brackets is altered (e.g. by cutting grooves in the brackets at individual positions and angles and with particular depths) in accordance with such calculations of the bracket geometry. The brackets may be disposed on the model of the patient's teeth at positions dependent upon such calculations.

Abstract: A crystalline orthodontic bracket which has been subjected to a machining operation having improved fracture toughness and a heat treatment method for obtaining such improved fracture toughness. The method includes the steps of placing the machined orthodontic bracket in an oven and heating the bracket at an elevated temperature above normal annealing temperatures and slightly below the melting point of the brackets which is capable of healing surface microcracks. The bracket is maintained at this temperature for a predetermined period of time so as to heal microcracks on the surface. The bracket is then removed and allowed to cool to room temperature.

Abstract: An orthodontic tensioning device and method of assembly. The device comprises at least one elastic tensioning member and a second tensioning member made of a non-elastic material provided for cooperation with the elastic tensioning member so as to provide a predetermined tensioning member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for photopolymerizing a material using a pulsed radiation source, preferably in the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A plurality of strands are disposed in a braided relationship to form a multi-strand filament. Each of the strands is formed from a material having substantially fifty five percent (55%) titanium and forty five percent (45%) nickel by weight. The strands have the properties of being formed to any desired configuration in an arched relationship at a suitable temperature such as approximately 490.degree. C. The multi-strand configuration is then bent from the desired configuration at a temperature below a particular temperature such as 10.degree. C.-15.degree. C. to conform to the actual configuration of the teeth in the patient's mouth and is attached to the patient's teeth in this bent configuration. The multi-strand filament returns to the desired configuration while attached to the patient's teeth, thereby causing the position of the teeth in the patient's mouth to become disposed in the desired configuration. In another embodiment, the multi-strand braid envelopes a centrally disposed wire.

Abstract: Dispensing device for dispensing orthodontic O-rings wherein the O-rings are individually dispensed and are easily accessible.

Abstract: An orthodontic dispensing device for dispensing orthodontic appliances formed in an elastomeric strip of material. The device comprises a housing having a discharge opening and a guide bar adjacent thereto. A drive reel is provided for moving the strip around the guide bar is provided so as to present the orthodontic appliance for dispensing thereof.

Abstract: A device for dispensing elastomeric orthodontic appliances. The device has a mounting section having a rigid support structure and an outer layer. The outer layer has integrally formed therewith a plurality of orthodontic appliances detachably connected thereto. The outer layer and appliances are made of a material having a stiffness substantially less than that of the support structure. The device also has a finger gripping section attached at one end of the mounting section and preferably made integral with the rigid support structure.

Abstract: An elastomeric orthodontic tensioning device having improved stain resistance qualities.

Abstract: A trifunctional methacrylate or acrylic terminated urethane resin of the following chemical structure: ##STR1## Where: R.sub.1 is --H, --CH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3,R.sub.2 is (--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O--).sub.n or ##STR2## where: n=2 to 10, R.sub.3 is a divalent organic radical obtained by removal of two isocyanato groups from an organic diisocyanate,R.sub.4 is methylene, ethylene or propylene, andR.sub.5 is --H, or --CH.sub.3.

Abstract: An orthodontic tensioning thread comprising a plurality of elastomeric strands braided together, the combined effect of the braid providing significantly improved tensile strength, elasticity retention, tieability and knot retention as compared to prior art monofilaments of comparable circumference.