Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for monitoring the performance of an orthodontic appliance for repositioning a patient's teeth. An orthodontic appliance may include a plurality of teeth receiving cavities shaped to reposition the patient's teeth from an initial arrangement towards a target arrangement, and one or more sensors configured to determine tooth movement (based on position and/or orientation) and/or forces applied to the teeth. The sensor may be distributed between attachments and aligners that mate with the attachments.

Abstract: A mounting device for directly bonding brackets to the tooth surface includes a tray and a mounting rack. Each mounting rack is used for mounting a bracket, and the mounting rack includes a support and a positioning clamp. The tray is used as the support base for installing the mounting rack. The support is used as the fixed supporting part, with one end connected and fixed to the lingual or lip side of the tray. The positioning clamp is used as the rotating part to connect with the bracket and adjust the position of the bracket. The positioning clamp includes a damping rotation shaft, the damping rotation shaft matches with the support, the positioning clamp rotates around the support through the damping rotation shaft, and the support and the tray adopt an integrally formed structure or detachable structure.

Abstract: A method for modeling a dental arch of a patient. Creation of a historical library including more than 1000 historical tooth models, and assignment, to each historical tooth model, of a value for at least one tooth attribute value. Analysis of at least one analysis image of the dental arch by means of a deep learning device so as to determine at least one analysis tooth zone and at least one tooth attribute value. For each analysis tooth zone determined in the preceding step, search, in the historical library, for a historical tooth model exhibiting a maximal proximity with the analysis image. Arrangement of all of the optimal tooth models so as to create an assembled model which exhibits a maximal proximity. Some optionally steps are possible.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a positioning member configured to position an orthodontic appliance during installation in the patient's mouth. The positioning member may comprise a first portion configured to be coupled to the patient's teeth and a second portion extending away from the first portion. The second portion may be configured to be detachably coupled to the orthodontic appliance. While the positioning member is coupled to the orthodontic appliance, the positioning member is configured to be positioned in the patient's mouth and coupled to the patient's teeth, thereby positioning the orthodontic appliance at a desired location adjacent a patient's oral anatomy.

Abstract: A positioning guidance method for tooth brackets is provided. The positioning guidance method includes: obtaining, via an image capturing unit, an oral image; obtaining, via a processor, a position of a candidate tooth according to the contour of a plurality of teeth in the oral image; obtaining, via the processor, a bracket setting position corresponding to the candidate tooth by accessing dental model information from a storage device according to the position of the candidate tooth; obtaining, via the processor, a bracket image corresponding to a bracket from the oral image; and displaying, via the processor, guidance indication on a display unit according to a bracket position corresponding to the bracket image and the bracket setting position.

Abstract: A method for assessing the shape of an orthodontic aligner. Acquisition of at least one analysis image at least partially representing the aligner in a service position in which it is worn by a patient. Analysis of the analysis image by means of a deep learning device, trained by means of a learning base, so as to determine a value. For at least one tooth attribute of an analysis tooth zone representing, at least partially, a tooth on the analysis image, the tooth attribute relating to a separation between the tooth represented by the analysis tooth zone, and the aligner represented on the analysis image. For an image attribute of the analysis image, the image attribute relating to a separation between at least one tooth represented on the analysis image, and the aligner represented on the analysis image.

Abstract: The orthodontic bracket positioning instrument is designed to engage an orthodontic bracket for precisely positioning a center of an orthodontic bracket on a center of the crown while maintaining an open visual field of the bracket and relevant structures of the tooth. The positioning instrument includes a key that is configured to mate with a receiving aperture formed in the bracket. A proximal side of the key is supported by a base that extends along a length of the key. An alignment notch is defined within a proximal side of the base to indicate the center of the bracket, as well as the horizontal axis of the bracket. A handle extends from the proximal side of the base. The handle may extend from the base at an angle to provide a clear line of sight to the base, the bracket, and supporting tooth.

Abstract: A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an orthodontic digital bracket using a digital library, including: loading an oral scan image and extracting one virtual orthodontic template corresponding to each of tooth images that are virtually adjusted according to a preset consecutive tooth arrangement structure from a digital library; aligning and disposing each of virtual brackets and a virtual wire of the extracted virtual orthodontic template corresponding to the consecutive tooth arrangement structure of each of the tooth images that are virtually adjusted; and designing each of digital brackets configured to include a jig portion assembled with a top of each of the virtual brackets to surround a top of each of the tooth images, and a grip protrusion portion configured to protrude from a top end of the jig portion while being integrated therewith, and three-dimensionally printing each of the digital brackets based on design data.

Abstract: A method of making a physical mockup the method comprises the steps of providing a virtual dental arch, a virtual set of orthodontic brackets for the virtual dental arch and a virtual set of analogs. Each analog is associated with a virtual bracket of the virtual set of brackets and the shape of at least one of the analogs differs from the shape of the associated bracket. The method further comprises the steps of providing a virtual mockup in which the virtual dental arch and the set of virtual analogs are merged, and manufacturing the physical mockup based on the virtual mockup. The physical mockup represents a shape composed of the shape the dental arch and the shape of the set of analogs. The invention facilitates bonding of brackets to a patent's teeth.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing digital brackets for orthodontics, including: loading an oral scan image obtained corresponding to an internal profile of an oral cavity of a subject and extracting one virtual orthodontic template corresponding to each of tooth images virtually adjusted according to a preset consecutive tooth arrangement structure from a digital library, aligning and disposing each of virtual brackets and a virtual wire of the extracted virtual orthodontic template corresponding to the consecutive tooth arrangement structure of each of the tooth images, and designing each of digital brackets configured to include a jig portion assembled with a top of each of the virtual brackets to surround a top of each of the tooth images and a grip protrusion portion configured to protrude from a top end of the jig portion while being integrated therewith, and three-dimensionally printing each of the digital brackets based on design data.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an orthodontic condition and providing information regarding orthodontic treatment can include analyzing patient data, which can include online activity of an individual, an image of an individual and a combination thereof, receiving at least a portion of patient data onto a server, accessing one or more databases that comprises or has access to at least one of information derived from orthodontic treatments, information derived from a website, and a combination thereof, and instructing at least one computer program to analyze at least a portion of the patient data and identify at least one diagnosis of an orthodontic condition. A system can include one or more computer programs configured to perform a method according to the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to computer-implemented methods of making a transfer tray using rapid prototyping techniques, where the gingival edge of the tray is defined to intersect with at least one receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance. This tray configuration helps to minimize the travel distance of the tray when placing the tray over a patient's teeth, while also preserving a high degree of mechanical retention for retaining the appliance until such time that the appliance is bonded to the tooth. Other aspects of the tray and associated methods of bonding are directed to a frangible web that extends over the gingival portion of the receptacle and fractures to facilitate tray removal after bonding.

Abstract: A virtual health-care electronic commerce community includes a network to communicate information relating to the community; one or more patients coupled to the network; one or more treating professionals coupled to the network; and a server coupled to the network, the server storing data for each patient and performing patient data visualization in response to a user request.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of indirect positioning of orthodontic brackets wherein a positive tooth model is utilized which comprises a model tooth, a mock bracket and a place holder for the mock bracket. The positive tooth model can be used for making a transfer tray for accommodating and transferring a bracket onto a tooth of a patient, wherein said transfer tray comprises a form-fitting cavity for the distal portion of the bracket. Further provided are transfer trays and positive tooth models for use in said method.

Abstract: An elastic mounting ring installation tool for connecting braces to brackets attached to the teeth of a patient has a housing with a barrel section, at the front end of which a magazine holder with a magazine provided with elastic rings for placement onto brackets provided on the teeth is arranged for mounting the braces to the teeth by the elastic mounting rings and a rod with wire fingers is movably supported in the barrel section for scooping up the elastic rings and transferring them to tooth brackets of the patient. The magazine holder is supported so as to be movable away from the wire fingers in a direction normal to the axis of the rod for pulling an elastic ring engaged by the wire fingers in a sideward direction for disconnecting the elastic ring from the magazine.

Abstract: A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to computer-implemented methods of making a transfer tray using rapid prototyping techniques, where the gingival edge of the tray is defined to intersect with at least one receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance. This tray configuration helps to minimize the travel distance of the tray when placing the tray over a patient's teeth, while also preserving a high degree of mechanical retention for retaining the appliance until such time that the appliance is bonded to the tooth. Other aspects of the tray and associated methods of bonding are directed to a frangible web that extends over the gingival portion of the receptacle and fractures to facilitate tray removal after bonding.

Abstract: A method, device and system for modifying the gingival margin of a patient is disclosed. A method includes obtaining an electronic model of the dentition of a patient, determining an incision path along the gingival surface based on the electronic model, generating and fabricating a guide arrangement to assist in cutting the gingival surface of the patient, mounting the guide arrangement to the dentition of the patient, and cutting the gingival surface of the patient with the assistance of the guide arrangement. A guide arrangement includes a mounting portion and a template portion coupled to the mounting portion along the gingival surface of the guide arrangement and positioned to provide a desired incision path. A system includes a three dimensional scanner, a computer system and a fabricating device.

Abstract: An orthodontic device-setting tool is provided with: a fitting section having a fitting surface, which covers and fits together with at least one of the incisal margin, the dental cusp, or the occlusal surface of a tooth; a foundation section, which has a back surface that adheres closely to the labial/buccal surface or the lingual surface of the tooth and has, on the surface opposite the back surface, a front face on which the orthodontic device is mounted; and a connecting section that connects the fitting section and the foundation section. The tool has a frame section, which protrudes from the front face of the foundation section and can fit together with the orthodontic device.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray includes a least on tooth position each tooth portion includes an occlusal surface that conforms to an occlusal surface of an associated tooth of a patient's dentition. At least one of bracket arm includes a bracket arm tip configured to engage an orthodontic bracket. The at least one bracket arm movably attached to at least one tooth portion to move between a first position and second position relative to a bonding surface of the associated tooth. In the second position, the bracket arm is in a position configured to hold an orthodontic bracket in a predetermined treatment position relative to the bonding surface of the associated tooth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for adjusting a tooth position. A system for adjusting a tooth position can include an attachment configured to be attached to a tooth to be moved, a dental appliance including a guide slot configured to receive the attachment and to define an adjustment trajectory of the tooth, and an adjustment band to generate force on the tooth to move the tooth along the adjustment trajectory.

Abstract: A method of removing a dental adhesive may comprise locating the position of the dental adhesive, directing radiant energy into the dental adhesive causing the dental adhesive to weaken a bond formed with the dental adhesive, and breaking the bond by applying a suitable force to overcome the weakened bond. A dental adhesive may comprise a polymer and a dye or pigment, The dental adhesive may be formulated to cure to form a bond that is weakened in response to the dye or pigment absorbing radiant energy subsequent to curing.

Abstract: A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.

Abstract: A set of orthodontic appliances is releasably connected to wall portions of a bonding tray that is used in an indirect bonding procedure. A quantity of dental sealant is applied to wall portions of the tray, and is subsequently transferred to enamel surfaces of the patient s teeth when the bonding tray is placed in position over one of the patient s dental arches. The dental sealant tends to reduce the formation of plaque in regions of the patient s tooth surfaces adjacent the orthodontic appliances.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for modifying a virtual model of a physical structure with additional 3D data obtained from the physical structure to provide a modified virtual model.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clear aligner, a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool for a traction device for a clear aligner. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clear aligner (10), a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool (40) for a traction device for a clear aligner, wherein the clear aligner can improve orthodontic effects by increasing a correction force by traction of a clear aligner using an elastic band when it is impossible to correct teeth only with the clear aligner due to uneven teeth.

Abstract: Indirect bonding trays and methods for making and using the same may include an indirect bonding tray which is created by use of a three-dimensional printer or similar functioning device. The indirect bonding trays may include flex hinges or tear-away areas for facilitating removal from a set of teeth. The method of making the indirect bonding tray may include obtaining a digital representation of the teeth; placing one or more digital brackets on the teeth and printing or otherwise forming an indirect bonding tray based on the digital representational of the teeth and digital brackets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for adhering an orthodontic bracket, comprising: a pair of bracket holding portions for holding a bracket to be bonded to teeth while approaching or separating from each other; and a pair of handle portions connected to the pair of bracket holding portions, for controlling the bracket holding portions to allow the same to approach or separate from each other, wherein a scale for measuring the height of a bracket for the end of teeth is formed in at least any one of the pair of bracket holding portions. Therefore, an operation is convenient, measurement is easy and measurement time can be reduced since the tool has a simple and uncomplicated structure. In addition, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment since a bracket can be bonded by precisely setting the height of the bracket.

Abstract: A tool bit for removing orthodontic brackets includes a handpiece-engaging portion, a shaft portion, a curved portion and a working end portion. The curved portion provides sufficient offset to present the end portion in a substantially co-planar relationship with a tooth surface. The working end portion includes at least one beveled cutting surface for cutting away the adhesive and at least one blunt/flat polishing surface for polishing away any residual adhesive that may remain after bracket removal. The tool bit may also include a cooling fluid delivery port. Edges of the beveled surfaces may be serrated. Beveled surfaces and the top surface may be coated with an abrasive material such as diamond grit. These cutting surfaces are used to cut through the adhesive layer bonding the bracket to the tooth. The tool has a blunt/flat second edge surface for polishing away any remaining adhesive after bracket removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic tool for opening a self-ligating bracket, having a body (10) which carries on its end a tappet (12) for displacing a clamp (5) of the bracket out of its closed position and into its open position, an annular groove (13) being situated between the tappet and the body, in which an upper edge of the bracket engages in displacement of the clamp (5) out of its closed position and into its open position between the tappet (12) and the body (10) for axial positioning of tappet (12) with respect to the bracket to be opened. The invention also relates to a system having such a tool and a self-ligating bracket.

Abstract: Delivery systems suitable for dispensing orthodontic chains. Such a delivery system includes a housing assembly adapted to enclose an orthodontic chain within an interior cavity of the delivery system defined by and between individual components of the housing assembly. The delivery system further includes an advancement mechanism adapted to engage the orthodontic chain within the interior cavity and dispense the orthodontic chain from the delivery system, a cutting mechanism adapted to cut the orthodontic chain while disposed within the interior cavity, and an exit through which the orthodontic chain exits the interior cavity.

Abstract: A curable orthodontic FFM resin rope appliance connecting orthodontic anchoring and custom appliances affixed to teeth, TADs and/or tooth positioning appliances, which serve in moving and stabilization if teeth by connecting said appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. The FFM resin rope appliance is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity and positioned to be secured between any type of fasteners including mechanical fasteners, which accept the FFM resin rope in an uncured first mode where the FFM resin rope is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners and/or flex fit wafers FFW(s) at each or one end. Once connected together the FFM resin rope is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces to hold or move teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic device-setting tool is provided with: a fitting section having a fitting surface, which covers and fits together with at least one of the incisal margin, the dental cusp, or the occlusal surface of a tooth; a foundation section, which has a back surface that adheres closely to the labial/buccal surface or the lingual surface of the tooth and has, on the surface opposite the back surface, a front face on which the orthodontic device is mounted; and a connecting section that connects the fitting section and the foundation section. The tool has a frame section, which protrudes from the front face of the foundation section and can fit together with the orthodontic device.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray includes a least on tooth position each tooth portion includes an occlusal surface that conforms to an occlusal surface of an associated tooth of a patient's dentition. At least one of bracket arm includes a bracket arm tip configured to engage an orthodontic bracket. The at least one bracket arm movably attached to at least one tooth portion to move between a first position and second position relative to a bonding surface of the associated tooth. In the second position, the bracket arm is in a position configured to hold an orthodontic bracket in a predetermined treatment position relative to the bonding surface of the associated tooth.

Abstract: A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions.

Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods comprising: producing a real model, comprising a reproduction of at least sections of at least two tooth crowns of teeth in a jaw and contains bracket reproductions or brackets associated with the reproductions of the tooth crowns; and producing at least two trays by producing at least one impression of the real model, wherein the trays each comprise an impression of at least one tooth crown part of the at least two tooth crowns and at least one bracket part of the at least two bracket reproductions or brackets, wherein the at least one bracket part, viewed from the occlusal surface of the associated tooth crown, extends vertically to at most the end of the wire guide and/or the end of the first undercut of the bracket and/or bracket reproduction, which is arranged after the upper wing in the view from the occlusal surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clear aligner, a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool for a traction device for a clear aligner. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clear aligner (10), a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool (40) for a traction device for a clear aligner, wherein the clear aligner can improve orthodontic effects by increasing a correction force by traction of a clear aligner using an elastic band when it is impossible to correct teeth only with the clear aligner due to uneven teeth.

Abstract: A system for scanning a dental arch of a patient includes a reference element having a reference pattern thereon; a holding mechanism configured to hold the reference element in a fixed position inside the patient's oral cavity adjacent to and spaced from the dental arch, wherein the holding mechanism is configured to be installed on the patient without contacting an occlusal surface of the dental arch; and an intra-oral scanner configured to scan the dental arch and an adjacent portion of the reference element to obtain a scanned image comprising the scanned portion of the dental arch and the scanned adjacent portion of the reference pattern.

Abstract: Vibrating dental devices and accessories are provided, including a unique snap fit dental plate and vibrator connection; risers for adjusting the thickness of a dental plate; a pointer or wand that can be clamped onto a dental plate to reach even severely misaligned teeth; a cushioned dental plate having a non-Newtonian fluid therein that allows conformation of the cushion to the dentition, but hardens on use to allow the transmission of vibration to the teeth. Accessories such as carrying cases and docking stations are also provided.

Abstract: A system providing transitional bracket and transfer jig modules that have been custom designed to address a rotated or partially erupted tooth in advance of applying a computer aided bracketing system to the tooth. The transfer jigs and brackets are used until the problem tooth is moved into a position that will allow positioning of the “ideal” bracket. Once the ideal brackets are position, the treatment plan can proceed as it would with existing systems to reach the final ideal position. The transitional modules are integrated into the customized treatment plan such that the orthodontist just follows the digitized plan, including correction of misaligned teeth. The computer system that assists with defining the treatment plan takes into account the starting position of the teeth and can adjust the plan, as well as use of transitional brackets, to accommodate many more patients that have one or more problem teeth needing correction.

Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic bracket-positioning device includes an adjustable bracket-positioning jig, a positioning vernier and a dental crown vernier. First, using the crown vernier to measure the crown height value of patients' tooth, then labeling the measured center height value of clinical dental crown on the positioning vernier, correctly position the adjustable bracket-positioning jig in the groove shaped base of the positioning vernier, and finally use the adjustable bracket-positioning jig to bond MBT bracket.

Abstract: Delivery systems suitable for dispensing orthodontic chains. Such a delivery system includes a housing assembly adapted to enclose an orthodontic chain within an interior cavity of the delivery system defined by and between individual components of the housing assembly. The delivery system further includes an advancement mechanism adapted to engage the orthodontic chain within the interior cavity and dispense the orthodontic chain from the delivery system, a cutting mechanism adapted to cut the orthodontic chain while disposed within the interior cavity, and an exit through which the orthodontic chain exits the interior cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus related to a dental shield. Light may be filtered or blocked through the dental shield to delay the curing of a light-cured adhesive or cement. The shield has an elevated portion designed to provide clearance sufficient for a bracket as well as a nose relief and breathing passages.

Abstract: A single small elastic disk, which may or may not include a central perforation, is dispensed from the storage cavity of the device into a holding channel at the edge thereof so that it can be threaded onto a fishhook to serve as a bait retainer. The lateral movement of the hook from the edge of the dispenser removes the retainer from the channel, so that is placing firmly on the shaft of the fishhook. The central portion, being opened by the fishhook tip before removal from the dispenser, will exert a gripping force when disposed on the shaft or shank portion of a fish hook. Preferably, the disk portion of one such retainer when placed against adjacently threaded bait or lures will retain them on the hook during use until the bait or lure is intentionally removed.