Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an orthodontic system and a method of using the same to perform orthodontics. In one example, an orthodontic system is presented. The orthodontic system includes a tube having at least one sidewall and two opening ends, and a luting agent. The luting agent is disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the at least one sidewall of the tube and a portion of a surface of a tooth onto which the tube is directly attached or adhered. The two opening ends of the tube remain substantially open so that a wire can move along the tube.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus includes a printed assembly conforming to the tooth with a separation line or zone defined therein having a configuration adapted to facilitate removal of the printed assembly. The separation zone or line takes the form of a slit, slot, serration, thinned indentation, a horizontal or vertical separation line or zone or a combination thereof, and an open slot defined in a cross configuration into the printed assembly with a vertical slot and intersecting horizontal slot, the vertical slot extending to the lower edge of the assembly. The assembly includes at least two separate portions, a buccal portion and a lingual portion conformed to the tooth, the separation line or zone being defined on at least one of the two separate portions. A three dimensional structural fixture may also be defined in the printed assembly for engagement with a tool.

Abstract: A medical apparatus having a bar, the bar having a slot extending laterally along the bar; and a plurality of hooks, wherein the bar is an arch bar that is configured to be attached to a mandible or a maxilla. Such medical apparatuses may also have a plurality of arch bar fasteners, wherein each arch bar fastener is a bone screw having a threaded shaft and a compound head, the compound head having a threaded bore configured to receive a set screw. The medical apparatus may be used in methods to fixate a maxillary or mandibulary arch, or to aid in reducing a fracture of the mandible or maxilla.

Abstract: A medical apparatus having a bar, the bar having a slot extending laterally along the bar; and a plurality of hooks, wherein the bar is an arch bar that is configured to be attached to a mandible or a maxilla. Such medical apparatuses may also have a plurality of arch bar fasteners, wherein each arch bar fastener is a bone screw having a threaded shaft and a compound head, the compound head having a threaded bore configured to receive a set screw. The medical apparatus may be used in methods to fixate a maxillary or mandibulary arch, or to aid in reducing a fracture of the mandible or maxilla.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for ligating an archwire includes a bracket body defining an archwire slot configured to receive the archwire, a movable member movable relative to the archwire slot, and an actuator coupled to at least one of the bracket body and the movable member. The actuator includes a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy and is configured to move the movable member when exposed to a magnetic field. A method of orthodontic treatment using a self-ligating orthodontic bracket having an archwire slot configured to receive an archwire therein and including a ferromagnetic shape memory includes exposing at least a portion of the orthodontic bracket to a magnetic field such that the ferromagnetic shape memory alloy at least partially transforms to a martensitic phase from an austenitic phase, and at least one of inserting an archwire into the archwire slot and removing an archwire from the archwire slot.

Abstract: A dental spacer that is adjustable and attaches to a tooth. The dental spacer may include a ring with an inner surface and an outer surface. A screw may be secured to the ring to compress and expand the ring size. A spacer may be attached to the outer surface of the ring and may abut against an adjacent tooth. Therefore, the space between two teeth adjacent to a removed tooth may be preserved.

Abstract: Devices for applying orthodontic forces. A device includes an adaptor having a housing section configured to fit directly onto a sheath of a molar band and a tube section having an elongated bore. The device also includes a pin having a head portion and a tail portion, where the tail portion is slidably mounted into the elongated bore of the tube section. The head portion of the pin is adapted to slide into the sheath to thereby detachably lock the adaptor to the molar band.

Abstract: An orthodontic device includes a generally U-shaped metal wire whose two ends are at different vertical heights and which therefore has a 3-dimensional recumbent S shape in front view. The U-shaped metal wire is secured, by an elastic band or a cover, to each of a plurality of orthodontic brackets cemented respectively to a patient's teeth, and due to the difference of height between the two ends of the U-shaped metal wire, a resilient restoring force is generated to individually adjust the row of teeth on the upper or lower jaw to the normal heights and thereby correct the occlusal cant and craniofacial anomalies.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthodontic or dental appliances with a substrate, at least certain regions of which are provided with a coating containing titanium dioxide and/or titanium nitride, as well as a coating formulation and a method of applying the coating formulation to the orthodontic or dental appliances.

Abstract: An orthodontic device comprising an elongated flexible band for wrapping around a tooth. The band comprises an inner surface for contacting the tooth and an outer surface having a wire holding mechanism affixed thereto. The device further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a slot located at a first end of the band and a series of stopper elements protruding from the outer surface of the band. A second end of the band and at least a portion of the stopper elements are insertable through the slot for tightening the band around the tooth. The band further comprises a marking for indicating a preferred location for separating the portions of the band comprising the locking mechanism components from the portion of the band comprising the wire holding mechanism. Each marking is situated on one of each sides of the wire holding mechanism.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed invention is directed to anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions comprising an effective amount of a selenium compound, kits containing same, and methods of producing and using said anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions.

Abstract: A protective odontogenic device is provided as a malleable, cushioning material which is installed proximate the front and back region of at least the front teeth of a patient. The material helps protect against damage to the front teeth of a patient by a surgical armamentarium. The malleable, cushioning material may be contained in a carrier substrate prior to installation against the teeth of a patient. The carrier substrate may be provided in a generally horseshoe shaped form.

Abstract: The present invention is a device (18) and method for applying posteriorly directed pressure to a patient's upper posterior tooth, and anteriorly directed pressure to the lower teeth and lower jaw (50). The device includes a tooth attachment (22) fixed to a lower posterior tooth. A mounting base (20) is connected to the tooth attachment, and serves to mount a bumper unit (62), which extends from the lower posterior tooth to the upper posterior tooth. The bumper unit includes a bite bumper (32), for contacting the upper tooth. In the patient's retruded or uncorrected jaw position, the obstruction surface (38) of the bite bumper strikes the occlusal surface (41) of the upper posterior tooth, obstructing full closure of the jaws. Because this obstruction causes discomfort to the patient, the lower jaw is protruded into the forward or corrected jaw position. During protrusion, the bite bumper slides forwardly and upwardly into the adjacent opening (54) immediately anterior to the upper posterior tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes a band having a reference mark that is placed at certain orientation. An appliance connected to the band is oriented relative to the mark so that a proper, precise orientation of the appliance with respect to the band can be achieved. Optionally, the assembly may be made with automated techniques using robotic equipment, a vision system and a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: An article includes a polymer coating extending over a region of an exterior surface of the article and a laser engraved identification mark formed within the coating. The polymer coating has a color that contrasts with the color of the exterior surface, resulting in an identification that is distinct and easy to read. Optionally, the laser engraved identification mark represents species data pertaining to the article while the polymer coating can be used to create a second identification mark that represents genus data pertaining to the article, consequently facilitating visual differentiation of various articles by the consumer while also reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes a band having a reference mark that is placed at certain orientation. An appliance connected to the band is oriented relative to the mark so that a proper, precise orientation of the appliance with respect to the band can be achieved. Optionally, the assembly may be made with automated techniques using robotic equipment, a vision system and a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic band conforms around teeth of varied sizes. The band may be elastic or a superelastic alloy, and elastically expands under force to fit different teeth. Or the band has shape memory, e.g. shape memory metal alloy, with variable circumference under applied energy such as heat. The band may be solid heat shrink or elastomeric polymer, or metal alloy. Or, interconnected struts are separated by voids that may receive cement or are covered with elastomer. Adjustability may vary along the band. A kit of adjustable bands has varied adjustable size ranges, and may include no more than about 8 or fewer bands together covering an overall range of up to 30% or more difference in circumference. One band having at least a 30% range of adjustable circumference also may be provided for each tooth type. The adjustable bands are pre-coated with cement, and are pre-packaged in a UV and moisture protective container. Estimated size is all that is required to choose the correct band for most teeth.

Abstract: The invention proposes a novel device for processing orders for supplying orthodontic bands having orthodontic functional parts fitted as specified in the orders, comprising: a computer unit having a memory for managing basic data for the unequipped orthodontic bands, basic data for the functional parts that are to be welded on, and data for the bands equipped with one or more functional parts specifically as well as graphics data sets allocated to the unequipped and equipped bands and to the functional parts; an input device for inputting the data for an order for a band having a functional part fitted as specified in the order or functional parts fitted as specified in the order; and a printer unit for printing out an order acknowledgement and for printing labels with order data and a graphical representation of the band equipped as specified in the order.

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: In an orthodontic device, a main body (1) has an opening (1a) formed to permit detachable passage of a principal wire and a flange (2) formed in a mesiodistal direction so that the device is fixed via said extension flange (2) to an band to be fitted over the crown of molar. The width (W) of the extension flange (2) in an occluso-gingival direction is made greater than the width (B) of said main body (1) in the same direction.

Abstract: A syringe assembly for applying a bonding agent to an inner surface of an orthodontic band includes a syringe and a hollow dispensing tip. The dispensing tip is detachably coupled to the syringe and is discarded after each patient, so that the risk of cross-contamination is substantially reduced. The dispensing tip provides a convenient extension of the syringe and facilitates application of the bonding agent in a continuous ribbon directly onto an inner surface of the orthodontic band without the use of an auxiliary hand instrument such as a spatula or the like.

Abstract: A device and method for mandibular fixation are disclosed. The bondable bracket brace includes a cloth-like body having a first surface for attachment to a tooth surface and a plurality of attachment points on the cloth-like body. The cloth like body may be made of Kevlar.RTM., nylon, fine metal mesh, or combinations thereof The bondable bracket brace may also include lift points for removing the bondable bracket brace, and may also include fiber straps for securing the bondable bracket brace to a tooth surface. A method of mandibular fixation includes the steps of: (1) preparing a surface of the teeth, (2) applying a first adhesive layer to the prepared surface; (3) positioning a bondable bracket brace with a cloth-like body on the first adhesive layer, (4) curing the adhesive; and (5) securing an object to the bondable bracket brace with a linking member.

Abstract: An orthodontic band (10) for placement on a molar tooth including a strip of flexible material (11), such as a stainless steel strip, having co-operating locking means (12, 13) located adjacent each end of the strip. Alternatively, the strip (6) may have an elongated tongue (62) formed at one end and slots (63, 64) for receiving the tongue at the other end. In use, the band is formed into a shape that will fit over a tooth and placed over the tooth. The band is then tightened to cause the band to closely fit to the tooth. An orthodontic cement is placed between the band and the tooth. The locking means (12, 13) on the band provides a frictional fit that may be sufficiently strong to hold the band in the desired configuration until the cement has set. Alternatively, the clamp may need to stay in place until the band and cement can provide a permanent set.

Abstract: Dental appliance to be worn in the mouth consisting of a meltable material, this appliance having a bonding surface to be bonded to a tooth region in a form-locking and substance-bonding manner, this surface possessing at least retention areas with recesses produced by melting the material by means of a laser beam, at least some of these recesses forming undercuts, wherein for achieving a high bonding strength the retention areas have next to the recesses a plurality of irregular elevations which are formed by the material melted during the formation of the recesses and of which at least some likewise form undercuts, wherein at least some of these elevations each have a volume equal to a fraction of the volume of the largest of these recesses.

Abstract: An orthodontic band having a patterned surface formed with a pattern of indentations for securing the band to a tooth to enhance retention, wherein the patterned surface is formed by a metal displacement operation.

Abstract: A one package, shelf-stable, light-curing orthodontic band cement is disclosed. That cement comprises about 35 to about 80 weight percent finely divided inorganic filler, about 15 to about 45 weight percent of one or more dimethacrylate esters, zero to about 30 weight percent of one or more diluent mono- or trimethacrylate esters, about 5 to about 25 weight percent of one or more dimethacrylate esters containing two carboxylic acid groups and a photo-curing system present in an amount sufficient to effect cure within about two minutes or less upon direct irradiation of the cement with light. The cement's weight ratio of the dimethacrylate ester portion plus diluent mono- or trimethacrylate ester portion to the two carboxylic acid-containing dimethacrylate ester portion is about 3:1 to about 1.5:1. All of the methacrylates present constitute about 20 to about 65 weight percent of the cement. A process for using the cement to affix an orthodontic band to a tooth is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly that includes a band and an attachment has one or more spot welds to secure the band to the attachment. The spot welds are characterized by the lack of any outer surface weld deformation that is circular in shape, or that is visible to the naked eye when viewed at a distance of twenty-four inches. Apparatus for welding the attachment to the band includes a subframe that is swingable in an arc to follow the inner contour of the band in order to provide automated welding on mesial and distal sides of the attachment.

Abstract: An adjustable band for orthodontic use which is formed of a strip of relatively soft material, such as annealed metal or flexible plastic, is provided. In one embodiment, one end of the band contains tabs which are formed into a shackle and flexible projections. The other end of the band comprises a tang which contains rectangular indentations into which the projections fit. In another embodiment of the invention, the band is formed in a one-piece construction of molded plastic. The band of the second embodiment comprises a strip having a tang portion on one end and a shackle portion on its opposite end, where the shackle incorporates a slot through which the tang can be inserted. In both embodiments, when the tang is placed into the shackle, a cylindrical loop is formed which can be placed over a tooth and drawn into approximately the diameter of the tooth. Further tightening creates forces which shape the band around the tooth to match the contour of the tooth.

Abstract: A device for the orthopedic treatment of jaw fractures or tooth displacements has ring-shaped dental bands which surround the teeth and are detachably secured to at least two teeth of a jaw. In order to attach the dental band to the tooth in a secure and detachable manner, at least two tensioning blocks are integrally shaped on the dental band. The tensioning blocks are arranged in pairs at a distance from each other, aligned bores and/or threaded holes are created in both tensioning blocks and the gap may be reduced by means of at least one tensioning screw held in the bores or threaded holes.

Abstract: The invention provides dental devices (including implants, abutments, bridges, screws, and orthodontic appliances) that are fabricated from low modulus, biocompatible, non-toxic Ti-Nb-Zr alloys. The dental implants provide a biomaterial-to-bone interface that results in significant attachment between implant and bone. The implants may be supplied with a porous coating or macro-texture to further promote bone attachment and stabilization of the implant in the jaw bone. Other orthodontic appliances such as brackets and wires have improved elastic toughness and corrosion resistance so that they provide superior performance and corrosion characteristics.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for use in the mouth which includes an annealing process to provide a marking area. A laser is used to surface anneal an orthodontic appliance, such as an orthodontic bracket, for identification purposes and to withstand a number of recycling processes for sterilization purposes. The surface annealing process does not remelt the marking area and is an advantage over the prior art in that the marking area is not rough or weakened by remelting the structure.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly that includes a band and an attachment has one or more spot welds to secure the band to the attachment. The spot welds are characterized by the lack of any outer surface weld deformation that is circular in shape, or that is visible to the naked eye when viewed at a distance of twenty-four inches. Apparatus for welding the attachment to the band includes a subframe that is swingable in an arc to follow the inner contour of the band in order to provide automated welding on mesial and distal sides of the attachment.

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: An orthodontic band having a textured inner surface for enhancing the adhesive bonding to a tooth, wherein the textured surface is formed by photoetching a pattern of pockets, indentations, or raised portions.

Abstract: Auxiliary orthodontic appliance, namely expansion screw for the maxilla or mandible, bracket or buccal tube, which in order to improve its properties consists of titanium or an alloy on the basis of titanium and the surfaces of which are formed by a titanium oxide skin.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improvement is provided in an annular orthodontic band for encircling the crown of a molar or bicuspid tooth wherein an antitip rest extends inwardly from a location along the mesial portion of the occlusal edge for a distance which is sufficient for the rest to be engageable with the occlusal surface of the tooth to prevent the mesial side of the band from sliding past the mesial ridge of the tooth. Additional antitip rests can be provided along the occlusal edge of one or more of the buccal, lingual and distal portions of the band for additional bodily support for proper positioning of the band. A ledge can be provided on the band for engagement by an instrument to seat the band on the tooth. A ball hook can be positioned on the gingival side of the ledge of a band for an upper tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic band has a laser engraved mark with a white, frosty appearance. The mark is characterized by an absence of dark surface oxides, and is aesthetic and easy to read.

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 dental article 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 system for long term releasing of medication in the mouth, and especially an intra-oral fluoride releasing system (IFRS) for releasing fluoride over a long term for inhibiting the formation of caries in the teeth. The system uses a holder for retaining and protecting intra-oral fluoride tablets or other intra-oral medicament in the form of fluoride releasing devices (IFRD). The holder has a plate with retaining sides and retaining posts or a carrier. The tablet will fit within the holder. The tablet may be located in the carrier, or ligature bands can be tied around the tablet in order to releasably hold the IFRD within the holder. The system causes a level of fluoride to be maintained over a long term within the mouth which has been found chemically effective for caries control and without causing severe irritation to oral tissues.

Abstract: A disposable cap for use by dentists for facilitating the cementation process of orthodontic banding. The cap includes a two-piece construction employing an adhesive base portion with a peel-off cover. The base element contains the surface adhesive only in a central area where the orthodontic band should make contact with the cap. The cap further includes a pair of tabs that extend from opposite sides which are not coated with adhesive to facilitate use by a practitioner wearing rubber gloves.

Abstract: A tooth-anchored beneficial agent delivery device comprising an anchor-member that is semipermanently attached to a tooth, such as by an adhesive, bonding or a tooth-encircling band, and one or more agent-carrying cartridges that are removably connected to the anchor member such as by a ball-and-socket mechanism.

Abstract: A preformed molar band is provided for use in human dentition correction which includes a wire extension preformed to lie against the lingual surface of the posterior teeth including the canine which has a more easily bendable portion anterior to the canine to permit the wire to be bent in the mouth to wrap around the mesial surface of the canine.

Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic band incorporating a soft-metal ribbon and mechanism for independently stretching the upper and lower halves of the ribbon so as to better conform to anatomical shape of the tooth.

Abstract: For orthodontists a band carrier assembly for orthodontic bands is provided which consists of a carrier plate with an arrangement of pins on to which the bands may be fitted.

Abstract: A coated metallic dental crown and orthodontic appliances which are coated with a thin layer tooth-colored polymer which resembles the normal tooth. The appearance of temporary dental crowns and orthodontic appliances is metallic and the coated crowns and appliance blend with the teeth to give a more pleasing appearance in the mouth.

Abstract: An improved means of providing adjustable relative pressure between teeth in a fixed-type formative orthodontic appliance employed to increase dental arch size in a treatment plan to overcome crowding or malocclusion is defined. The mechanism is attached to a tooth band means and includes a special screw and arm assembly which is connected to an appropriate tooth pressure-applying clasp. Adjustment of the device may be accomplished by other than a skilled practitioner due to the tooth-band-mounting of the adjustment mechanism. Incorporation of the mechanism in an orthodontic appliance permits desirable reduction in the required bulk of the appliance.

Abstract: A continuous force control arch expander for use in orthodontics is provided comprising a set of anchor bands with expansion wires rigidly and tangentially attached to said anchor bands.

Abstract: The element is adapted to be fitted as an annular band around a tooth and to be secured to a dental appliance to hold the same in position. It includes a strip metal element having two end portions, which are adapted to overlap in the annular band, a first slide-snap fastener part, which is carried by one of the end portions and includes a tunnel member defining a tunnel passage extending longitudinally of the strip metal element, and a detent spring secured to the tunnel member and extending longitudinally in the passage, a second slide-snap fastener which is carried by the other of the end portions and includes a plurality of barblike oblique detent teeth spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the strip metal element and movable relative to the first fastener part in a closing direction into the tunnel passage.

Abstract: An orthodontic band and band seating tool therefor includes a seamless tubular band dimensioned to closely encircle a tooth. The band is provided with a plurality of integrally formed protrusions spaced thereabout with the integrally formed protrusions having an engagement surface adapted to cooperate with the band seating tool during the installation of the band about the tooth. The band seating tool provides an elongated handle and a seating element rotatably affixed to one end of the elongated handle, the seating element having a surface for cooperating with the engagement surface of the integrally formed protrusions.