Abstract: The invention concerns a mounting arrangement for mounting an orthodontic bracket on a tooth. The mounting arrangement comprises an orthodontic bracket and a mounting aid, wherein the mounting aid can be detachably connected to the orthodontic bracket with positive engagement by pushing it onto the bracket in such a way that long sides of the side pieces of the mounting aid engage in guide grooves of the bracket.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray for orthodontic bonding procedures has moisture control structure that is located next to the patient's teeth when the tray is placed over the patient's dental arch. The moisture control structure tends to draw moisture away from the adhesive used to bond the appliances to the teeth. As a consequence, the probability that the resulting bond between the appliances and the teeth is adversely affected by the presence of moisture, blood or other fluids in the patient's mouth is decreased.

Abstract: An orthodontic cantilever arm includes a wire segment with an outer end portion having a generally “C”-shaped configuration. One leg of the outer end portion is received in a passageway of an orthodontic anchorage device such as a temporary implant and the other leg bears against an outer surface of the anchorage device. The cantilever arm also includes an elongated arm portion, and the two legs of the outer end portion cooperate with each other to restrict certain types of movements of the arm portion.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental adhesive materials that can create a reversible bond. In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental impression materials that can be used to accurately and efficiently obtain a dental impression. Moreover, example embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for use with the hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials disclosed herein. The hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials can provide dental professionals with dental materials that are more effective, efficient, and easier to use when compared to conventional dental adhesive materials and conventional dental impression materials.

Abstract: An automatic Maxillary Expander, which is a bone-borne distractor for expanding the maxillary bone in adult and adolescents having transversal maxillary hypoplasia. It fixes itself to the palatal vault in a way without any need for screwing, by the asymmetrical triangular prism-shaped spikes on the anterior, posterior columns. Both being hygienic and not wasting a bulky space in the mouth, it provides a high patient comfort. The maxillary expanding process does not interrupt orthodontic treatment of patients and minimizes damage to the texture of the mouth. An automatic Maxillary Expander Transferring Apparatus enables the practitioner to place the Automatic Maxillary Expander into the palatal surface with ease and precision into the palate under local anesthesia quickly, without any surgical operation. In addition, this apparatus is composed of a very simple mechanism. It has rounded ends in order not to hurt the practitioner or patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic system includes a tap, a screw and a tool. A user can maneuver the tool to drive the tap and screw. The tap is used to make a hole in an alveolus bone. The screw is used for firm insertion in the alveolus bone through the hole made with the tap.

Abstract: A system for revising a set of teeth including a bracket for revising a set of teeth and a bracket positioning jig is provided. The bracket positioning jig includes a cap at the lower portion of which a groove contacting tooth is formed, and which has a throughhole to lengthy direction on the upper portion of a cap body, and a connector one side of which has a fixed protrusion which is detachably inserted into and fixed to the throughhole of the cap, and the other side of which is bent toward the lower end of the body and has a coupler which is combined on a slot of an orthodontics treatment bracket for revising a set of teeth. An individual prescription value which is the most appropriate for an individual patient is given to the bracket positioning jig on a computer program to thus manufacture a desired jig, so that a non-prescription bracket as well as a bracket having a given prescription value can be used.

Abstract: A dental arch template includes a transparent fitting plate having a perimeter shaped to fit inside the human mouth of a patient with the fitting plate being Y-shaped with a stem and a pair of spaced side legs extending away from said stem, and at least one image of an arch wire formed in a U-shape that generally conforms to the dental arch of a human imposed on said pair of spaced side legs of said transparent fitting plate.

Abstract: A clip release tool with a first and second projection, for releasing a clip from a main bracket body of an orthodontic bracket while regulating movement or deformation of the clip, and a related method, and a method of attaching a clip to an orthodontic bracket main body using a clip release tool.

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: An orthodontic aligner removal tool, kit, and method of using the same. An embodiment of the tool includes a shaft including a proximate end and a distal end. A C-shaped portion is positioned at the proximate end of the shaft. The C-shaped portion includes a top hook and a bottom hook. The top hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the bottom hook. The bottom hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the top hook. A handle portion is positioned at the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for use in bonding a plurality of brackets and/or tubes to a specific patient's teeth which includes a resilient orthodontic indirect bonding tray having at least one lingual surface. The plurality of brackets and/or tubes is selectively arranged and configured in the tray for bonding to the specific patient's teeth. At least one standoff is disposed in the tray to urge the lingual surface of the tray away from the teeth while the lingual surface is passing over the teeth and prior to the tray assuming an intended final position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering an orthodontic retainer system wherein pairs of magnets are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth. The retainer system may include a pair of dental modules, in the form of mutually attracted members, that are temporary retained on a delivery member and positioned on a patient's teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the dental modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and a sloped lingual surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery member is substantially L-shaped. Advantageously, the substantially L-shape of the delivery member allows an orthodontist to enter only a small portion of the patient's oral cavity to position the dental modules on a patient's teeth. Further, the substantially L-shape of the delivery member eases the orthodontist's delivery of the dental modules into a patient's mouth by substantially eliminating the need for the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move the patient's lips, tongue, and/or cheeks.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray places orthodontic appliances in precise, predetermined positions on the teeth of a patient. The indirect bonding tray includes a first matrix material that extends over a set of appliances and a second matrix material that extends over the first matrix material. The indirect bonding tray also includes at least one occlusal stop member that is connected to the second matrix material for firm, relatively hard contact with the occlusal tips of the patient's teeth when the tray is received in place over the patient's dental arch.

Abstract: Locating desired placement locations of brackets for a patient's teeth includes obtaining an array of data points from a cast of the teeth and generating a virtual model from the array of scanned data points. Individual teeth from the virtual model can be manually severed or “cut” and manually dragged from a start position to a finished position to determine a treatment plan. The orthodontist virtually marks the position on the virtual model where a physical bracket is desired. Brackets can then be automatically placed onto a cast of the teeth at corresponding positions.

Abstract: Ligature systems retain an arch wire within a slot of an orthodontic bracket. According to some embodiment, the ligature system retains an arch wire within a slot of an orthodontic bracket by means of a retaining element which is capable of being unidirectionally mechanically locked within the slot of the orthodontic bracket to retain an arch wire therewithin. The retaining element may comprise a pair of opposed outwardly projecting retaining edges. In some embodiments, the retaining element comprises a planar or curved retaining plate. The ligature system may include a central block in which the retaining plate is embedded such that the retaining edges extend outwardly therefrom. The ligature system may also include spike protruding outwardly from such central block so as to engage with the arch wire positioned subjacently thereto.

Abstract: A method for removing an archwire from a slot of an orthodontic bracket having at least one retentive component involving creating a gap either between portions of a retentive component or between the retentive component and another component of the bracket and removing the archwire from the slot through the gap. The present invention is also directed to wire disengagement tools. Each tool includes a handle and a head portion which engages the retentive component. When the orthodontist applies a force, such as a rotational or plier-like motion, to the handle of the tool, the head portion exerts a force on the retentive portion to create a gap between portions of the retentive component or between the retentive component and another component of the orthodontic bracket. Each tool also includes a side arm, which lifts the archwire from the slot through the gap created by the head portion.

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: An apparatus and method for bending or shaping orthodontic archwires or other medical devices into a complex, patient individual shape is described. The apparatus comprises of two moveable, compact, manipulators with, in total, at least three revolute joints defining three rotation axes and at least three prismatic joints defining at least three translation axes. Gripping tools are provided on the manipulators. The two manipulators are arranged to allow a relative movement in six degrees of freedom. A reduced complexity embodiment is also described having only one or two revolute joints.

Abstract: A bonding device for bonding orthodontic brackets on teeth. The device includes a positioning element having one or more bracket holders mounted to be movable relative to the positioning element. The positioning element fits on a set of teeth so that the bracket holders may be moved into a desired position on the teeth for positioning and bonding brackets in place on the teeth.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mounting device for a pair of orthodontic retainer elements intended for attachment to a pair of adjacent teeth in a dental arch during passive orthodontic treatment. The retainer elements include approximal surfaces formed complementary to each other so as to form contact surfaces capable of stabilizing each other when the pair of retainer elements is attached to the pair of adjacent teeth, thereby also stabilizing the pair of teeth. The mounting device comprises a jig to which the pair of retainer elements is releasably connected and is maintained in a specific spatial relationship, which allows the approximal surfaces to form the stabilizing contact surfaces when mounted on the pair of teeth. The invention also concerns a method of maintaining a correct spatial relationship between the pair of retainer elements, especially when attaching them to the pair of teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer jig for a bracket or a tube to perform an orthodontic operation to an actual tooth of a patient by an indirect attachment using an electronic mold, the transfer jig comprising a fixing unit which has a fixing base including a contact surface corresponding to the actual teeth; and a moving unit which has a first side coupled with the fixing unit and a second side detachably attached to at least one of the bracket and the tube. That is, the fixing unit is manufactured by a small/high precision CNC equipment installed in individual dental clinics. The moving unit is attached to a slot of the bracket or tube in the same direction as the coupling direction of the arch wire. The moving unit is rotatably coupled with the fixing unit.

Abstract: An orthodontics assisting system includes index members which indicate respective reference positions of a pre-correction dentition model and a post-correction predictive dentition model; an arranging device 6 for arranging the index members; an image data generating means for generating image data by imaging the pre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictive dentition model; a screen display means for screen-displaying a pre-correction dentition image and a post-correction predictive dentition image respectively based on the image data; a position adjusting means for adjusting mutual display positions of the pre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictive dentition image; and a tooth position adjusting means for adjusting the display position of a teeth image.

Abstract: Containers for photocurable materials are made of a polymer and metallic particles. The containers are particularly useful for storing materials having dyes that are highly sensitive to light. The containers are especially useful for storing dental materials such as orthodontic adhesives, including adhesives in syringes and cartridges as well as adhesives that are precoated onto the base of an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: This invention refers to a MEASURING APPARATUS FOR THE PROGRAMMING AND WELDING OF ADJUSTABLE BRACKETS permitting the electrical spot welding with a great accuracy of the elements of an adjustable bracket, in this manner being able to adjust or to program the information that the orthodontist wants to incorporate in the bracket in regard to inclination, angulation and rotation. In order to achieve this aim I developed two attachments: THE POSITION MEASURING ACCESSORY and the WELDING ACCESSORY. THE POSITION MEASURING ACCESSORY has the function of recording or measuring accurately the dental position as for inclination, angulation and rotation on dental casts. This measurement is performed by means of a template system that allows the recording a tooth position in relation to its osseous basis and the occlusal plane.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided for positioning at least one orthodontic element (300) on a dentition (100) by means of an orthodontic element holder (500) for holding at least one orthodontic element (300). The device (10) comprises a positioning template (101) for fitting on at least a part of the dentition (100). The positioning template (101) has at least one open area (200) for allowing an orthodontic element (300) to contact the dentition (100). The positioning template (101) has an inner surface (102) for contacting the at least a part of the dentition (100). The positioning template (101) is further provided with at least one guide (400) coupled to and extending from the positioning template (101) in a direction away from the dentition (100) when the inner surface (102) is in contact with the dentition (100).

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an electronic model image representing teeth of a patient; determining a desired bracket arrangement for one or more brackets on the teeth; designing an electronic model image of an alignment device based in part on the desired bracket arrangement; and fabricating the alignment device based on the electronic model image of the alignment device. The desired bracket arrangement includes a surface location, a tip orientation, and a torque orientation of each bracket. The alignment device defines at least one slot through which a bracket can be placed at a surface location and an orientation indicator to indicate a desired tip orientation and a desired torque orientation of each bracket.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an orthodontic appliance for accelerating the tooth aligning effect and shortening the treatment period, and has an object to provide an appliance which can bring about higher aligning effect than usual ways by giving vibration to tooth to be aligned to activate bone remodeling of the targeted tooth and the alveolar bone and enhance the shift of the tooth. This appliance includes a vibrating element and a dental mouthpiece having the vibrating element built therein. The provision of the vibrating element in the dental mouthpiece facilitates the application of vibration and handling, and continues the treatment safely even at home. The inner shape of the dental mouthpiece serves aligning treatment as well as acceleration of the effect.

Abstract: There is provided an intermaxillary fixation releasing devise in which intermaxillary fixation can be released without a special tool, and the labor of the practitioner and the burden on the patient are reduced. The intermaxillary fixation releasing devise comprises a maxillary joint composed of a first synthetic resin; a mandibular joint composed of a second synthetic resin; and a connector composed of an elastomer, wherein the maxillary joint is provided with an upper-side interlocking part and an upper-side support part; the mandibular joint is provided with a lower-side interlocking part and a lower-side support part; the elastomer forming the connector is incompatible or substantially incompatible with the first synthetic resin and the second synthetic resin; and the maxillary joint and the mandibular joint are joined with the connector in a state in which the upper-side support part and the lower-side support part are embedded in the connector.

Abstract: There is disclosed an assembly comprising: a brace for correcting the position of teeth and/or molars, and an ornamental element. The assembly comprises an ornamental element which is provided with means for engagement with the brace. The engaging means are provided with one or more toothings configured to be detachably clamped to the brace, in particular to the part of the brace that is present between adjacent teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic retainer system including retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth, and a method and apparatus for delivering the system. The retainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attracted members, such as magnets, that are temporary coupled on opposites sides of a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and sloped and curved lingual surfaces, and may include a magnet that is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that has the same shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistant biocompatible material.

Abstract: A tool for rotating a component on a mechanism, to achieve linear and rotational movement of an element on the mechanism, involves three subassemblies mounted on the tool. Firstly, a reference unit that can engage with the mechanism to establish a stationary datum. Secondly, a drive assembly that can be rotated relative to the datum. Thirdly, an engagement member, selectively engaged between the component and the drive assembly for rotation of the component.

Abstract: A method and systems for capturing digital intra-oral images, while automatically determining a location of an intra-oral sensor placed within a mouth of a patient, is disclosed. A spatial frame-of-reference is established with respect to teeth within the mouth of the patient. An intra-oral digital imaging sensor is placed within the mouth of the patient adjacent to at least one tooth within the mouth that is to be imaged using the intra-oral sensor. Spatial location information is automatically generated such that the spatial location information defines how the intra-oral sensor is placed with respect to the spatial frame-of-reference. A digital image of the at least one tooth is acquired using the intra-oral sensor and the spatial location information is automatically associated with the acquired digital image.

Abstract: A wire disengagement tool for removing an archwire from an archwire slot of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket, including a handle, a center arm, and at least one side arm for grasping a portion of the archwire extending laterally from the bracket. The center arm includes a head portion having an engagement surface for contacting inner flanges of upper portions of at least one tie wing of the bracket. In use, the tool is placed on a bracket so that the side arm engages the archwire along side of the bracket and the head portion of the center arm contacts a retentive component of the bracket, such as a tie wing. An orthodontist then applies a downward force, and the head portion yields a lateral wedge-like force on the retentive component so that the retentive component flexes laterally and outwardly to provide access to the archwire. The archwire is grasped between the side arms and the head portion of the center arm and easily lifted from the archwire slot.

Abstract: The present application is related to a method for marking an intended position on a surface where an orthodontic element is to be placed and fixed.

Abstract: A method and a system including templates (1,5,7) for the making of non cylindrical bores in organic tissues or the like and with a surgical tool is provided, wherein each template (1,5,7) includes an annular member (2) having a substantially elliptical or “O” elongated shape, and an elongated member (3) to be inserted in the tissue and having a predetermined length which defines the depth of the bore in the tissue, the elongated member being integrally connected at an end thereof to the annular member (2) and at the opposite end being shaped with a concave end part (4).

Abstract: This invention refers to a MEASURING APPARATUS FOR THE PROGRAMMING AND WELDING OF ADJUSTABLE BRACKETS permitting the electrical spot welding with a great accuracy of the elements of an adjustable bracket, in this manner being able to adjust or to program the information that the orthodontist wants to incorporate in the bracket in regard to inclination, angulation and rotation. In order to achieve this aim I developed two attachments: THE POSITION MEASURING ACCESSORY and the WELDING ACCESSORY. THE POSITION MEASURING ACCESSORY has the function of recording or measuring accurately the dental position as for inclination, angulation and rotation on dental casts. This measurement is performed by means of a template system that allows the recording a tooth position in relation to its osseous basis and the occlusal plane.

Abstract: A clip release tool with a first and second projection, for releasing a clip from a main bracket body of an orthodontic bracket while regulating movement or deformation of the clip, and a related method, and a method of attaching a clip to an orthodontic bracket main body using a clip release tool.

Abstract: A dental medical tool comprises a coupler and a hollow grip correspondingly connected with each other, wherein the coupler contains a groove for receiving a dynamo therein, and includes an air inlet and an air outlet both communicating with the groove, and the dynamo couples with a light emitting element and includes a fan pivotally secured at the distal end thereof for utilizing the air inlet and the air outlet to generate an inclined interaction during air flowing, such that the dynamo is actuated to let a power connector output voltage for activating the light emitting element; the grip includes a treatment tool pivotally disposed thereon, and in the predetermined position thereof corresponding to the treatment tool is provided with a window, the grip further includes a light guiding element arranged thereon and extendedly coupling with the window and the light emitting element.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes an appliance placement device such as an indirect bonding transfer tray or a jig. A number of orthodontic appliances such as brackets are releasably connected to the placement device. The assembly also includes a dispensing unit that is adapted to receive the placement device and apply a quantity of adhesive to the bases of the appliances simultaneously.

Abstract: Orthodontic hand tools and methods for using the orthodontic hand tools in conjunction with self-ligating orthodontic brackets. The orthodontic hand tool includes a tip configured to contact a contact point on a bracket body of the bracket and to also contact a contact point on a movable member coupled with the bracket body. When the tip is used, the tip applies a force to the first and second contact points effective to move the movable member relative to the bracket body with negligible force transferred from the tip to the patient's tooth.

Abstract: A constructive disposition introduced in supporting pieces for orthodontic elastics such that the present invention is related with a stem (1) of those types used by professionals in the orthodontic field to house elastics (E) in ligatures and other purposes. Said stem (1) is a metallic piece with a thickness that is compatible to maintain its rigidity and it may be provided with varied section. The stem (1) is provided with a flatted finishing (2a) in at least one of its ends (2d), thus forming a tab (2b) so as not to allow the elastics (E) to slip out of place. The stem ends (2d) are robust and round shaped, thus preventing accidents like glove perforations and other inconveniences.

Abstract: This invention relates to bending tool and to a method of manufacturing a bending tool, in particular to a bending tool for bending a dental pin. The bending tool comprises a shaft with two elements projecting from the shaft, the elements having facing surfaces, the facing surfaces being curved, the facing surfaces being separated by a distance at least as great as the diameter of the dental pin. The method comprises the steps of providing a shaft, drilling two holes into the end of the shaft, the holes being separated by a distance slightly greater than the diameter of the dental pin, and securing an element in each of the drilled holes.

Abstract: Described are orthodontic devices intended to be attached to a tooth and in particular to the positioning and handling of equipment intended to be fastened to the tooth. The orthodontic device includes a component adapted to be attached to a tooth and a placement jig. The placement jig is attached to the component at a connection so that the jig may be turned or twisted at the connection. The connection is adapted to be easily disconnected when the component is attached to the tooth. In another embodiment, an orthodontic device is provided with a holding stick which may aid in either positioning the orthodontic device or, in case of a self ligating bracket, opening a lid. The device is in particular useful for orthodontic devices to be placed at the lingual side of a tooth.

Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic bracket including an body member for fixing orthodontic arch wire in a position such that a predetermined stress is generated and applied to the tooth to be treated; a bonding base member for bonding the bracket to a buccal or lingual surface of a tooth to be treated; and a bendable element, wherein the bendable element connects the body member to the bonding base member. The body member includes a slot for the arch wire, wherein the bendable element enables to adjust accurate angles of the slot. The bendable element can be rigid or flexible wherein in the flexible form, a holding device is further included. The present invention further provides tools to band and/or rotate the adjustable orthodontic bracket of the present invention.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances includes a tray with a channel and a matrix material received in the channel. At least one stop member is connected to the tray and is made of a relatively rigid thermoset material. Each stop member helps to facilitate accurate positioning of the tray in the patient's oral cavity during a bonding procedure, a particular advantage when the matrix material is relatively flexible.

Abstract: A driver device (10) inserts orthodontic miniscrews for orthodontic procedures. The driver device (10) has a handle portion (12) for gripping by an orthodontic professional and a driver (20) for applying a predetermined torque to an orthodontic miniscrew. The handle portion (12) includes a plurality of displays for providing a variety of feedback concerning the operation of the device and a plurality of controls to control operation of the device. Indicia, such as color indicators, on the orthodontic screws and the driver device (10) correspond to particular zones on the patient's skull and jaw where the orthodontic screw maybe implanted, as correlated by an atlas of the skull and jaw utilizing corresponding indicia.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a clip which is curved substantially in U-shape as covering at least one part of an opposite side to a base in an arch wire slot. Catching end portions which are provided at an upper end part of the clip may be caught to enable to creep under a cover portion supported by the bracket main body. The clip is formed at the upper end part thereof with a concave portion as a recess portion which enables to catch a clip release tool for releasing the clip.

Abstract: Locating desired placement locations of brackets for a patient's teeth includes obtaining an array of data points from a cast of the teeth and generating a virtual model from the array of scanned data points. Individual teeth from the virtual model can be manually severed or “cut” and manually dragged from a start position to a finished position to determine a treatment plan. The orthodontist virtually marks the position on the virtual model where a physical bracket is desired. Brackets can then be automatically placed onto a cast of the teeth at corresponding positions.

Abstract: A method for applying a desired shape to an orthodontic archwire includes the steps of obtaining a numerical description of the desired shape of an orthodontic archwire, generating a description of the design of a fixture basing on the numerical description, manufacturing a fixture basing on this description of the design, constraining a wire into the fixture and applying an adequate treatment to the wire in order to cause it to adopt the shape dictated by the fixture.