Abstract: Dental and orthodontic articles comprising alloys of a material selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, Mo, Co, Nb and Be. The alloys may further include at least one secondary alloying element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Cr, Al, V, Pd, Hf and Fe. The alloys preferably comprise a primary constituent in the range of about 30-85% by weight of the alloy, a secondary alloying component in the range of about 0.5-10% by weight, and the alloy has a modulus of elasticity in the range of about 5 million to 15 million psi.

Abstract: Fabrication of metal medical instruments and devices from a shape memory alloy which provides greater flexibility in design and avoids the need for substantial cold working of the alloy which is required in other methods. The new process provides a ductile alloy for ease of forming and a unique heat treatment which renders the fabricated orthodontic and medical components highly elastic, with a high resistance to kinking and with good corrosion resistance. In addition, this new process produces orthodontic and medical components useful over the temperature range of from −20 to +40 degrees C.

Abstract: Dental and orthodontic articles comprising alloys of a material selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, Mo, Co, Nb and Be. The alloys may further include at least one secondary alloying element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Cr, Al, V, Pd, Hf and Fe. The alloys preferably comprise a primary constituent in the range of about 30-85 % by weight of the alloy, a secondary alloying component in the range of about 0.5-10% by weight, and the alloy has a modulus of elasticity in the range of about 5 million to 15 million psi.

Abstract: In an orthodontic appliance fit into the mouth, at least either one of an orthodontic bracket or an arch wire is composed of a composite resin. A reinforcing member is provided at a slot of the bracket and exposed to an inner wall surface of the slot. The reinforcing member is extended into tie wings which are formed as being extended toward the gingival side of the slot and towards the occlusal side. The composite resin is a resin, e.g., a polymer alloy, in which two or more kinds of resin having contrary capacities, i.e., durability and adhesiveness, are blended. Further, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is dispersed into a matrix resin to accomplish the strength and the solvent crack prevention, which are difficult to consist with each other. Dispersing TPE into the matrix resin is one kind of polymer alloying, and thus obtained resin is the composite resin.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for diagnosing a tooth-size discrepancy and recommending an ideal arch size based on the size of an individual patient's teeth. The computerized system includes a central processing unit, a first storage device, a second storage device, a dynamic memory device, and input/output devices. The input devices include a computerized caliper for measuring the mesiodistal width of teeth and directly inputting the measurements into the computerized system. The computerized system and method determine the existence of a tooth-size discrepancy, the necessary anatomical correction, at least one tooth responsible for the tooth-size discrepancy, and a recommended arch wire size.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a retainer wire which can solve problems of a conventional retainer wire and improve the extractive strength of the joint portion of a plastic portion and a metal wire portion. The present invention is directed to retainer wire including: a holding portion formed in the shape of a circular arc so as to be able to be in contact with a dentitition; and a metal wire metal extended from both ends of said holding, portion; wherein said holding portion is made of a synthetic resin having transparency and a specified mechanical strength; and wherein the supporting portion is formed together with the holding portion into one body.

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: Monson spherical plate has an arch chart drawn thereon for preparing an arch wire. A maxillary dental arch curve and a mandibular dental arch curve are drawn on concave and convex surfaces of a Monson spherical plate and an arch wire afforded with a Monson curve is prepared along this arch curve. It is possible to inhibit Christensen phenomenon and changes in the curve of occlusion and to smooth muscle movements around the mandible. An arch wire having a curve corresponding to the curve of occlusion can be prepared using the Monson spherical plate.

Abstract: Dental and orthodontic articles comprising alloys of a material selected from the group consisting of T, Zr, Si, Mo, Co, Nb and Be. The alloys may further include at least one secondary alloying element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Cr, Al, V, Pd, Hf and Fe. The alloys preferably comprise a primary constituent in the range of about 30-85% by weight of the alloy, a secondary alloying component in the range of about 0.5-10% by weight, and the alloy has a modulus of elasticity in the range of about 5 million to 15 million psi.

Abstract: A dental appliance, such as of the orthodontic type, to be placed in the mouth and having an inorganic antimicrobial agent on a surface, the agent preferably being a zeolite. The dental appliance may comprise metal or a polymer and the agent may be present in a coating that is applied to the surfaces of the appliance that are to be contacted by liquids or solids in the mouth. The appliance can be of a polymer resin or an elastomer incorporating the agent. A preferred antimicrobial agent is ceramic particles (e.g., zeolite particles) containing antimicrobial metal ions, e.g., silver ions, as the active agent.

Abstract: When an orthodontic appliance is attached to the lingual side (back side) of teeth which is invisible from the outside, a large difference in level of the surface between adjacent teeth requires utilization of a wire bent in a complicated fashion. It has been found, however, that the difference in level between adjacent teeth is very small in a horizontal plane at a boundary between a crown and a root, thereby making it possible to draw a smooth envelope therealong. Based on this finding, with a view to placing a wire along such an envelope, a “lingual straight archwire” having a planar configuration comprising a simple curve and straight lines smoothly connected to ends of the curve and residing in a single horizontal plane and a bracket having a configuration suitable for the placement of the archwire are provided.

Abstract: An orthodontic device includes a wire member and a fixing member. The wire member consists of on arch wire fixed through concatenation with a tooth and an engaging part fixed at positions corresponding to the points of fixation of the arch wire. The fixing member 2 fixed on the tooth is provided with a mounting groove for mounting the engaging part.

Abstract: A wire for orthodontically treating patients in the application of corrective forces to teeth made of a titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy providing a substantially constant significantly lower force than stainless steel wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic archwire with a certain cross-sectional construction has a stiffness that is less than conventional archwires having identical overall dimensions. The archwire has four corner edge portions that provide control over torquing movements and uprighting movements of the associated teeth as may be needed during the course of orthodontic treatment. The archwire is particularly useful during the early stages of orthodontic treatment when an archwire of reduced stiffness is desired and yet control over torquing and uprighting movements of the associated teeth is sought. Optionally, the archwire includes an aesthetic coating with certain characteristics that enable the majority of the coating to remain intact and provide an improved overall appearance even if certain regions of the coating are damaged and removed.

Abstract: A dental tube and post combination is disclosed, wherein the dental tube and post have, respectively, a mating projection and indentation so that when the mating portions are fitted together, it is unlikely that the tube and post will be inadvertently separated from one another. However, the combined tube and post combination of the present invention can be readily separated by a dental technician using conventional dental tools. Moreover, each of the tube and post portions of the present invention can be used with conventional posts and tubes without compatibility concerns.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance in which friction is reduced between an archwire and its archwire holding element by means of repulsive forces. The repulsive forces are due to magnetic or electrical fields. The archwire holding element may be a tube, or a pair of tie wings and a slot. The archwire holding element generates a field having a sign. The archwire generates a field proximate to the archwire holding element having an identical sign. A repulsive force is therefore produced. The repulsive force minimizes contact between the archwire holding element and the archwire. This reduces frictional binding, which reduces the treatment time and/or the force necessary for successful orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliance is made from mesoporous metals are substantially transparent or at least translucent so that they present a cosmetic appearance having a color the same as or similar to the natural dental services to which the appliance is applied. The archwires and brackets of the orthodontic appliance are fabricated from mesoporous metal and metal alloys, which have defined therein pores the diameter less than the shortest wavelength of visible light incident on the appliance and with a density of pores such that the average index of a fraction of the mesoporous metal is closer to that of air than to the solid metal from which the dental appliance is fabricated. The small size of the pores means that the dental appliance is a poor scatterer of light while the high density of pores means that the optical properties of the mesoporous metal on the average tend to match those of air as opposed to the solid metal, thus making the mesoporous metal transparent or at the very least translucent.

Abstract: A torqued archwire for use in an edgewise orthodontic bracket system. The archwire is substantially rectangular in cross-section, is made of titanium-based alloy and has a plurality of segments, including an anterior segment which is sized to cooperate with brackets attached to a person's central and lateral teeth. Torque is built into this anterior segment, being maximized at a value of over 21.degree., and preferably between 21-50.degree. at the centerpoint and adjacent the central teeth brackets and then decreasing continuously along the remaining length of the segment. Extending from the respective ends of the anterior segment is a pair of transition segments, in which the torque built into the archwire diminishes to zero. The lengths of the transition segments are such that these "zero" points occur, in use, between the corresponding adjacent lateral and cuspid brackets. Posterior segments of the archwire, which extend distally from the transition segments, generally include no built-in torque.

Abstract: An orthodontic arch stabilization device comprises a plurality of links connected to form an elongated chain is secured through selected links directly or through bracket bases to a patient's teeth which are to be stabilized. The links can be rigid and of metal, such as stainless steel or a noble metal. A method of stabilizing teeth employs the arch stabilization device and includes preparing the lingual surfaces of the teeth to be stabilized, applying adhesive to the lingual surfaces of the teeth, placing the device in passive contact with the adhesive on the lingual surfaces, and at least partially curing the adhesive.

Abstract: An archwire is comprised of an elongated wire of nickel/titanium alloy in a generally arcuate configuration and a pair of tubular metallic sleeves in spaced apart relationship at predetermined points along the length of the wire. The sleeves are crimped onto the wire, and an upstanding metallic post is bonded on each of the sleeves. The posts are seated in the crimped area of the archwire and are secured thereto by brazing. The crimp formation is then heat set.

Abstract: Dental and orthodontic articles comprising alloys of a material selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Si, Mo, Co, Nb and Be. The alloys may further include at least one secondary alloying element selected from the group consisting of Ta, Cr, Al, V, Pd, Hf and Fe. The alloys preferably comprise a primary constituent in the range of about 30-85% by weight of the alloy, a secondary alloying component in the range of about 0.5-10% by weight, and the alloy has a modulus of elasticity in the range of about 5 million to 15 million psi.

Abstract: A dispenser and method for storing and dispensing orthodontic arch wires of arcuate configuration, having first and second pairs of opposed side walls of generally rectangular disposition closed by a bottom wall and an opposed top wall to store arch wires in a stacked relationship generally parallel to the first pair of side walls, the top wall having an opening at least slightly shorter than the base width of said arch wire, such that the arch wire will protrude only a distance from the dispenser sufficient to be grabbed and pulled when removed from the dispenser through said opening and the second pair of opposed side walls constructed and arranged to maintain the apex of the stored arch wire orientated toward the dispenser opening such that the arch wires can be dispensed without contaminating the remaining arch wires.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic metal arch wire having a wire comprising a metal alloy, e.g., "shape memory" alloys, formed into an arch shape, and a metal layer provided on at least a portion of the wire such that an auxiliary part either is to or can be soldered to the metal layer. The metal layer provided on the arch wire can be a noble metal layer, e.g., gold, platinum, rhodium and palladium, or a layer of tin-nickel or palladium-nickel. An auxiliary part, such as a post, hook or loop, can then be soldered or brazed to the metal layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are profiles of fiber-reinforced polymeric plastic and a pultrusion apparatus and method for the manufacture thereof. The apparatus is preferably vertically disposed. As one or more fibers is fed into the apparatus, each fiber is spread and wetted with monomer resin in a bundle spreader, formed in a die, and then subjected in a curing chamber to a source of radiation which initiates polymerization of the monomer, resulting in a fiber-reinforced polymeric plastic exiting from the pultrusion apparatus. Suitably, the radiation is ultraviolet, the monomer resin is methacrylate resin, and the fiber is quartz. The resultant profile is long and thin like a structural steel wire, but typically will have only 1/4 the weight thereof while having a strength comparable thereto. Thus, the profile is useful as an orthodontic wire as a replacement instead of structural steel wires used as orthodontic wires.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a shape memory alloy involves shot peening of the alloy sample, thereby causing a crystal to amorphous transition of a surface layer of the sample without substantially affecting bulk characteristics of the material, particularly its shape memory behavior and biocompatibility. The method may be used for surface hardening and to reduce coefficients of friction. The method may be advantageously used for treating tissue sutures and orthodontic devices such as dental archwires.

Abstract: A release system for treatment of a broken jaw comprises an upper and lower arch bar conformable to the curvature of the dental arches. The upper arch bar presents a series of interaligned loops which presents a channel for supporting a release bar extending therethrough. Upon wiring the arch bars to the respective dental arches, the lower arch bar is wired to the release bar so as to immobilize the dental arches and associated jaw. Upon imminent vomiting the user removes the release bar from its channel so as to disengage the release bar wiring from the associated upper arch bar. The loop channel supports the release bar so as to prevent kinking and bending of the release bar during wiring and wear. Various arch bars with releasable loops attached thereto are disclosed. Hanger elements for use with individual teeth are also disclosed which define courses for the release bar in lieu of the use of the loop channel on an arch bar. Caps cover the twisted ends of ligature wires to preclude oral abrasion.

Abstract: A preadjusted orthodontic bracket system for applying torque force to a selected tooth. The system comprises an archwire of substantially rectangular cross-section having first and second side dimensions and a bracket configured to be attached to the selected tooth and including a substantially rectangular slot which edgewise receives the archwire, the slot having a predetermined width and being formed in the bracket at a built-in torque angle. The smaller of the first and second side dimensions of the archwire is less than full-size for the width of the bracket slot and the built-in torque angle of the slot is greater than a full expression of a target torque angle recommended for the tooth by a selected one of the Roth, Andrews, Alexander, Hilgers, Bench, Ricketts, Cetlin and other known preadjusted orthodontic techniques.

Abstract: A palatal arch expander assembly provides low, constant expansion forces to the palatal arch and provides individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. A shape memory or superelastic archwire can be cooled below its transition temperature so that it is easily bendable for insertion into the mouth. After insertion, the archwire warms to a temperature above its transition temperature and provides low, continual expansion forces throughout the treatment period without requiring further adjustment. A pair of adjustment wires are bendable and provide individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. The adjustment wires can be readjusted at any point during the treatment period. The archwire can be formed from a nickel-titanium alloy wire or superelastic material and the adjustment wires can be formed from nicoloy, stainless steel, or similar metal wire.

Abstract: An esthetic orthodontic wire comprising a composite material which includes a biocompatible inorganic fiber and a thermoplastic resin. The inorganic fiber is glass fiber formed linearly continuous and having a generally circular or oval cross-sectional shape. The inorganic fiber has a diameter ranging from 1 to 100 .mu.m. The biocompatible inorganic fiber is produced from a mixture of calcium oxide, diphosphorus pentoxide, silicon dioxide and aluminium oxide. The inorganic fiber is biocompatible, in which a molar ratio of calcium/phosphorus is within a range of from 0.5 to 3.0, wherein total of calcium oxide and diphosphorus pentoxide is within a range of from 20 to 65% by weight relative to the glass fiber, and total of silicon dioxide and aluminium oxide is within a range of from 35 to 80% by weight relative to the glass fiber. The content of the glass fiber is within a range of from 5 to 70% by volume of the orthodontic wire.

Abstract: A torqued archwire for use in an edgewise orthodontic bracket system. The archwire is substantially rectangular in cross-section, is made of titanium-based alloy and has a plurality of segments, including an anterior segment which is sized to cooperate with brackets attached to a person's central and lateral teeth. Torque is built into this anterior segment, being maximized at the centerpoint and adjacent the central teeth brackets and then decreasing continuously along the remaining length of the segment. Extending from the respective ends of the anterior segment are a pair of transition segments, in which the torque built into the archwire diminishes to zero. The lengths of the transition segments are such that these "zero" points occur, in use, between the corresponding adjacent lateral and cuspid brackets. Posterior segments of the archwire, which extend distally from the transition segments, generally include no built-in torque.

Abstract: Luminescent orthodontic appliances, such as brackets, archwires, bands and the like, having a luminescent pigment or mixture of luminescent pigments are described. In a preferred form, the luminescent pigment is a phosphorescent pigment comprising zinc sulfide doped with copper. The pigment gives the appliance a natural appearance in daylight and causes it to emit a greenish-white light in the dark after having been energized by an excitation light source. If desired, the luminescent orthodontic appliance may be made with a fluorescent pigment or a combination of fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments. If a fluorescent pigment is used, the bracket will exhibit a luminescence in daylight; whereas if a mixture of fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments are used, the appliance will luminesce in the dark after having been exposed to a light source, in addition to exhibiting a luminescence in the daylight.

Abstract: A wire for orthodontic treatment comprises an orthodontic wire made of a Co--Ni based alloy. The orthodontic wire is manufactured by subjecting it to a final cold reduction of 60 to 90%. The wire is worked into a linear shape by, for example, a mechanical straightening method, in order to correct waviness of the wire resulting from the final cold reduction. The wire is then aged at a temperature of 500.degree. through 600.degree. C. to provide an orthodontic wire which has a high mechanical strength, an excellent corrosion resistance and a superior toughness.

Abstract: Orthodontic archwires and methods of making such archwires. The archwire includes a shape memory alloy having a preset shape for exerting forces on teeth during orthodontic treatment. The alloy, which preferably is comprised of at least three elements (e.g., Ni, Ti and Cu), has a transformation temperature (A.sub.f) greater than about 25.degree. C., whereby the orthodontic archwire produces forces at normal mouth temperature which are greater than the forces produced at normal room temperature. The orthodontic archwire also preferably has a variable modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: An orthodontic arch wire, comprising a continuous wire having a generally parabolic shape defining a principal plane, the wire having a bend extending substantially in the principal plane, the bend being located approximately midway along a length of the wire, and an orthodontic appliance employing the wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to rectangular wires and brackets for use in orthodontic treatment methods as well as to a system of treatment comprising these wires and brackets. The wires according to the invention have a smaller cross-section than conventional wires, and the cross-section of the slots of the brackets is also smaller than in conventional systems and can be so adjusted to the cross-section of the wires that the wires have sufficient play in the slots so as to allow selective three-dimensional tooth movement with biologically acceptable forces. The invention also relates to orthodontic methods using such wires and brackets.

Abstract: A device for correcting teeth irregularities includes a bracket to be fixed on a tooth. The bracket has a slit, and a base plate is interposed between the bracket and the surface to be fixed to the tooth. A wire is inserted into the slit and engaged with the bracket. The base plate has a thickness which is in a range of 0.5 to 5 mm, and the base plate is composed of an easily plastically deformable resin on a surface to be fixed to the tooth. The base plate is capable of deforming to allow the bracket to be inclined at an angle relative to the vertical direction.

Abstract: An orthodontic wire for applying torque forces to a patient's teeth. The inventive device includes a wire having a substantially rectangular cross section with longitudinal grooves extending along exterior surfaces of the wire. The wire is more flexible than standard square or rectangular wires, yet still retains the ability to apply a torquing force absent in round wire.

Abstract: An elastomeric orthodontic device such as a ligature, rotation wedge or force module is made of a composition selected from one or more classes of materials, such that the device has certain physical properties useful for orthodontic treatment and also is resistant to staining by common foods and beverages such as mustard, tea and coffee.

Abstract: Coordinated orthodontic archwires are provided based on a method of designing custom orthodontic appliances based in individual patient anatomy and, based on a plurality of such custom designs, designing and manufacturing a standardized appliance for patients of average dental anatomy. From such method, a relationship is established for coordinating one archwire to another of any given design. The coordinated archwires so provided include an upper archwire that is an expansion of a lower archwire, and in addition, when the shapes of the archwires are superimposed, are spaced apart more in the vicinity of the cuspids and first bicuspids than in the vicinity of the incisors and, preferably, also the second bicuspids. The spacing difference is at least 0.005 inches, particularly for an appliance with low profile brackets, and is up to 0.025 or 0.035 inches for an appliance with the more conventional brackets. The spacings are determined as a function of the length of the wire from the midline of the wire.

Abstract: An arch wire of T-shape cross section in the gingival occlusal transverse plane so as to have a labial lingual extending foot and a gingival occlusal extending crossbar is operative with a bracket having a mesial distal extending arch wire slot. The crossbar is urged against the bracket body by a ligature, usually an elastic ligation loop, until its lingual surfaces, which preferably are flat and coplanar, are in full butting engagement with the slot bordering portions of the bracket labial surface, which preferably are also flat and coplanar. At this time the foot is fully inserted in the slot and the optimum relative position and attitude of the bracket and the wire is determined for both tipping and rotation by this butting engagement. The function of the foot is primarily to guide the wire into this engagement and it can therefore fit with good clearance in the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic arch wire comprises a wire having the same dimensions as previously used orthodontic arch wires. The wire is coated with an opaque coating of a composite material having a thickness of no more than 35 microns, and preferably less than 12 microns. The composite material comprises a resin binder loaded with filler particles for strengthening the coating and making it approximately tooth colored. The composite coating is sufficiently adherent to the arch wire for bending from a straight wire to a curved arch wire installed in a patient's mouth while retaining the aesthetic coating, and to prevent stripping as the arch wire moves through the arch wire slot in an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A method for treatment of orthodontic wire located in a patient's mouth, the wire containing a titanium alloy having either an alpha/beta crystalline structure or a near alpha crystalline structure. The alloy preferably comprises greater than 5% alpha stabilizing components and is maintained below its beta transus. The wire is exposed to an aqueous hydrogen contributing substance over a period of time in the patient's mouth so as to progressively harden or stiffen the wire over that period of time to maintain or increase the force applied by the wire on teeth of the patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic wire for selectively moving teeth is provided. The wire comprises a first layer made from a first metallic material, and a second layer made from a second material, wherein the wire exhibits a predetermined degree of springback suitable for the selective movement of teeth. The first layer is preferably of a material which, because of its mechanical properties, would be suitable for use as an orthodontic wire by itself, and wherein the second layer is preferably of a material which has less elasticity than the material of the first layer, and this wire is capable of delivering a light, substantially continuous force to teeth when used in orthodontic treatment. The wire further has a cross-sectional area, and, when used in the orthodontic treatment of teeth, the wire can deliver a force which is lighter than that delivered by a wire of identical cross-sectional area made solely from the first layer. A method for selectively moving teeth is also provided, and utilizes the same wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion arch and sheath and sheath insert are provided for use in applying maxillary and mandibular lingual orthodontic appliances for expansion of the arches. The sheath permits use of appliances employing multiple wires composed of non-weldable metal alloys in a more convenient manner and in a greater variety of appliances.

Abstract: A new multi-strand orthodontic arch wire comprises a plurality of wire strands of superelastic shape recovery metal alloy wrapped helically parallel to one another along the length of the wire, the ratio of the longitudinal pitch P of the wire to the external diameter D of the wire being between six and twelve. Such a wire is able to slide more freely in the bracket slots, and is less likely to breakage, than the short pitch wires previously used. A wire with a hollow central core, can also operate as a compression spring by frictionally engaging it with adjacent orthodontic elements, such as brackets, and arranging that its strands are spread radially apart from a neutral configuration, or it can operate as a traction spring by arranging that its strands are closed radially inward from a neutral configuration, the spring action being produced by the urge of the strands to return to the neutral configuration. Cored wires can act as a compression spring, but not as a traction spring.

Abstract: An elastomeric orthodonic device such as a ligature, rotation wedge or force module is made of a composition selected from one or more classes of materials, such that the device has certain physical properties useful for orthodontic treatment and also is resistant to staining by common foods and beverages such as mustard, tea and coffee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an orthodontic archform and forming an archwire. The method includes positioning the model teeth in a curved archform and making a graphical representation of the archform. An archwire is superimposed over the graphical representation and archwire-segment forming templates, each having an archwire channel of a predetermined shape, are clamped onto segments of the archwire between the brackets to shape each segment so that the archwire as a whole assumes the desired shape of the archform. The archwire is then formed in that shape by heat treatment or by leaving a streamlined form of the templates on the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic archwire is coated with a hard carbon coating of polycrystalline diamond, diamond-like amorphous hydrogen-free carbon, diamond-like hydrogenated amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. The hard carbon coating presents a barrier to nickel and chromium that might otherwise diffuse from an underlying metal substrate, and as such is useful for patients exhibiting sensitivity to nickel and chromium.

Abstract: A supplementary device for use in a device for correcting teeth irregularities includes a bracket having a slit with a T-shaped section and a wire to be inserted into the slit and engaged with the bracket. The wire has an elongated projection, and the supplementary device includes a wire engaging slit having substantially the same shape as the slit in the bracket. At least one protrusion is adapted for engaging a resilient band, and the bracket is slidable along the wire.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic palatal expansion arch having a generally "M"-shaped configuration, the arch having a center segment composed of a near-stoichiometric alloy of nickel and titanium which possesses memory-retaining characteristics to simultaneously expand the bicuspids and expand, rotate, intrude and/or torque the maxillary molars, and end segments composed of an alloy of stainless steel or another biocompatible material configured for securing the archwire to lingual sheaths attached to molar bands.