Abstract: An orthodontic archwire is configured to be inserted into an archwire slot of an orthodontic bracket and is configured to be elastically compressed in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane of the arch form of the archwire. The archwire may include a first exterior surface, a second exterior surface spaced from the first exterior surface, and a resilient element disposed between the first and second exterior surfaces, wherein the resilient element is elastically deformable such that a distance between the first and second exterior surfaces may be decreased upon application of a compressive force on the archwire.

Abstract: A zirconia sintered body having not only high strength but also excellent aesthetic properties. A colored translucent zirconia sintered body, characterized by containing an iron compound and from 2 to 4 mol % of yttria, showing a lightness L* of from 51 to 80 in L*a*b* color system, and having a relative density of at least 99.80%. The colored zirconia sintered body preferably has a total light transmittance of at least 20% as measured at a sample thickness of 1 mm and with a D65 light source. The colored translucent zirconia sintered body has aesthetic properties equivalent to those of natural teeth and is particularly suitable for a zirconia sintered body to be used for dental applications, and further, suitable for a mill blank such as an artificial tooth material or the like, and an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for rib stabilization. The system may comprise a clip member having a bridge region and a pair of leaf portions connected to each other by the bridge region. The clip member may be configured to be placed on a rib bone with the leaf portions disposed on opposite sides of the rib bone. The system also may comprise a securing member, such as a suture, to attach the clip member to the rib bone, with the securing member extending at least twice between the leaf portions.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliance systems including self-ligating orthodontic brackets and/or orthodontic brackets that include a prescription-altering insert that is configured to be removably coupled to the bracket. The prescriptive insert may be optional in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the prescriptive insert may define and/or alter the prescription of the bracket, such as a prescription defined by the bracket when the insert is not utilized. A plurality of prescriptive inserts may be provided, with each insert defining a unique orthodontic prescription when coupled to the bracket. In some embodiments, the bracket is a self-ligating bracket that includes a base and a repositionable closure for selectively obstructing an opening in an archwire passage of the bracket. In some embodiments, the closure defines more than one side, or wall, of the archwire passage and/or is pivotally coupled to the base by a floating hinge or other displaceable positioning mechanism.

Abstract: The appliance of the present invention is a customized wire device for orthodontic alignment of the mal-aligned teeth. The final position and orientation of the brackets are assessed by simulating the desired aligned stage. Once the final position and orientation of the brackets is known from the simulated aligned stage, this bracket position and orientation is preserved by passing a wire passively through these brackets at the desired aligned stage. This passive wire essentially forms a template of final aligned stage; when securely engaged in the brackets on the mal-aligned stage this wire needs to be deflected and generates forces that align the teeth to its designed aligned stage due to elastic recoil of the wire.

Abstract: This invention is an adjustable orthodontic bracket system which allows brackets to be adjusted for the particular angulations required for each individual tooth of any patient, while continuously attached to the tooth surface. The orthodontist manually adjusts the relationship of the bracket component with the frame and bracket base during treatment eliminating the necessity of repositioning bracket components due to erroneous positioning. The bracket component is positioned such that it can move completely in all directions to achieve the proper angulation for tooth repositioning. The base of the bracket component and the interior surface of the bracket compartment are textured to provide friction and secure the components once positioned for proper tooth movement. The exterior of the bracket component is also textured to provide more secure attachment to the surface of the tooth. This system will lead to lower treatment cost and quicker adjustments of the orthodontic bracket system.

Abstract: A method for positioning orthodontic braces includes scanning a patient's teeth by a computer in which installation locations of orthodontic braces for the teeth to be cured are arranged; carving out by a carving machine a denture mold and positioning members at the installation locations of the orthodontic braces on the denture mold to attach monomer substrata bound with the orthodontic braces or the orthodontic braces connected serially by connection members onto the denture mold one by one; connecting the monomer substrata together by light curing resin; attaching the serially connected monomer substrata and orthodontic braces directly onto the patient's teeth, and removing flexible members binding the monomer substrata and monomer substrata or the connection members connecting the orthodontic braces serially to secure the orthodontic braces on the surfaces of teeth, which installs the orthodontic braces more conveniently and efficiently.

Abstract: Orthodontic anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to teeth, TADS and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.

Abstract: An oral illumination apparatus configured for placement in a mouth. The oral illumination apparatus includes a housing configured to be coupled to a structure in the mouth. The housing including a processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the housing and configured to detect a characteristic from within the mouth, wherein the sensor provides a feedback signal indicative of the characteristic to the processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus includes a light source coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus further includes a power source coupled to the housing. The processing circuit is configured to control the light source in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions adapted for coupling one each to a corresponding plurality of brackets to increase a bracket bonding surface area for greater securement of each of the plurality of brackets to each of a corresponding plurality of teeth.

Abstract: A bracket system for orthodontic appliances including a bracket combinatorial library having a plurality of brackets each interchangeably fixedly mountable to each of a plurality of teeth within a dentition group in a dental arch, whereby the plurality of brackets can be configured to provide incremental variation in tipping force moments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments over the entire useful range of orthodontic mechanics, allowing an orthodontic practitioner to prescribe a combination of tipping force moments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments unique for each tooth in relation to the plurality of teeth of a patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic connector assembly 10 including a plurality of substantially identical connecting members, such as members 12, 14 which include a movable but biased portion 20 which is adapted to selectively and removably receive a pocket portion 44 which is deployed on at least one bracket, such as bracket 40. In an alternative embodiment, the members, such as member 12, 14 each include a ridge, such as ridge 212, which is selectively, removably, and frictionally placed within slot 236.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a portion made of a shape memory alloy having a base alloy composition of at least two different metallic elements and a treated region having an alloy composition that is depleted in at least one of the metallic elements. The base alloy may include a nickel titanium alloy (NiTi), a copper chromium nickel titanium alloy (CuCrNiTi), or a copper aluminum nickel (CuAlNi) alloy. The treated region may be depleted in at least one of copper, aluminum, nickel, and titanium relative to the base alloy composition by exposing the base alloy to a source of energy. The base alloy composition has a first austenitic finish temperature and the treated region has an austenitic finish temperature that may be different than the first austenitic finish temperature. The treated region may form a part of an archwire, a stop, a hook, a crown, a band, or an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A customized orthodontic device for the treatment of a patient and a method for producing the same. The customized orthodontic device includes a plurality of bracket assemblies which each include a bracket with at least one groove. The groove is configured to receive an arch wire. The bracket assemblies are digitally designed to include the bracket, a base, and an intermediate component. The base is configured to be placed on a face of a tooth. The intermediate component extends between the bracket and the base.

Abstract: A green metal body includes metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth.

Abstract: A subject of the invention relates to providing a powder for a translucent zirconia sintered body which is necessary for the production of a zirconia sintered body having a high sintered-body density and high strength and giving an excellent sense of translucency, without conducting any special sintering, such as HIP sintering. The invention relates to a technique for obtaining, through normal-pressure sintering, a translucent zirconia sintered body characterized by comprising zirconia which contains 2-4 mol % yttria as a stabilizer and has an alumina content of 0.2 wt % or lower, and by having a relative density of 99.8% or higher and a total light transmittance, as measured at a thickness of 1.0 mm, of 35% or higher. It is preferred that a powder containing 0-0.2 wt % alumina with a particle diameter of 0.01-0.5 ?m, having a BET specific surface area of 5-16 m2/g and an average particle diameter of 0.3-0.7 ?m, and having a rate of sintering shrinkage in normal-pressure sintering (??/?T; g/cm3·° C.) of 0.

Abstract: Described herein are aqueous and substantially non-aqueous oral compositions comprising a cationic steroidal compound and methods of making and using the same.

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: A vibrating dental device vibrates a specific tooth in a dentition attached with a bracket, a wire or a mouthpiece as an orthodontic appliance. The vibrating dental device includes a vibration source, a connector connected to the orthodontic appliance, and a vibration transmitter, which transmits vibration generated by the vibration source to the connector. The connector is detachably attached to the orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: Orthodontic assemblies and related methods are provided where an adhesive coated orthodontic appliance is received in a container that includes a substrate and a lid having a retaining member. When the lid is closed, the retaining member is complemental to the shape of the appliance and engages with the appliance. By conforming to the shape of the appliance, the retaining member constrains the appliance from shifting in lateral and vertical directions within the container. When the lid is opened, the associated retaining member disengages from the appliance, thereby facilitating user access to the appliance.

Abstract: Base for an orthodontic appliance, comprising a base surface adapted to be attached to a tooth and a plurality of protrusions protruding from said base surface and extending along a first direction substantially from a first edge of the base surface to a second edge of the base surface, a second direction being defined as perpendicular to said base surface, wherein the distance between two of said protrusions in a plane substantially perpendicular to said first direction along at least a portion of said protrusions is smaller than the distance between said two protrusions at the base surface, and wherein the distance between two of said protrusions in planes substantially perpendicular to said second direction at said first edge and said second edge is larger than a distance between said two protrusions in a plane between said first and said second edge.

Abstract: Provided are orthodontic appliances and related methods in which at least one region of at least one sidewall of an archwire slot is tapered relative to an opposing sidewall. This feature can allow the archwire slot to conform to the slight twist that occurs in the archwire when the archwire is placed in asymmetric torque. Advantageously, this feature can distribute the contact stress between the archwire and appliance over a much larger surface area compared with conventional appliances, leading to a dramatic and surprising increase in torque strength and providing other ancillary benefits.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for multifunctional denture systems. In one example, among others, a multifunctional oral prosthetic system includes an oral prosthetic device that may be located in an oral cavity. The oral prosthetic device includes a plurality of sensors and an internal module in communication with the plurality of sensors. The internal module is configured to provide sensor data corresponding to at least one of the plurality of sensors to an external processing unit when located in an oral cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tooth top part for a tooth correction means (1), with a base body (2) at which a tooth support surface (5, 25, 45) is formed for being fixed at a tooth surface (3) by bonding, and which is provided with a guide recess (12, 32, 52) which is formed for receiving a connecting means (4, 24, 44) for coupling neighboring tooth top parts (2, 22, 42) and which passes through the base body (2) in spaced relationship to the tooth support surface (5) along a guiding axis (17). According to the invention, the base body (2) comprises a substantially triangular or circular section shaped cross section (11, 11a, 31, 51) in a cross sectional plane (10) normal to the guiding axis (17).

Abstract: A zirconia sintered body having not only high strength but also excellent aesthetic properties. A colored translucent zirconia sintered body, characterized by containing an iron compound and from 2 to 4 mol % of yttria, showing a lightness L* of from 51 to 80 in L*a*b* color system, and having a relative density of at least 99.80%. The colored zirconia sintered body preferably has a total light transmittance of at least 20% as measured at a sample thickness of 1 mm and with a D65 light source. The colored translucent zirconia sintered body has aesthetic properties equivalent to those of natural teeth and is particularly suitable for a zirconia sintered body to be used for dental applications, and further, suitable for a mill blank such as an artificial tooth material or the like, and an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A ceramic coated aesthetic orthodontic appliance is described as well as methods for making one. The appliance can be an archwire or a bracket. The ceramic coated aesthetic appliance can include an orthodontic archwire having a surface, an aesthetic coating covering at least a portion of the surface, and a ceramic coating layer covering at least a portion of the aesthetic coating. The aesthetic coating can be an aesthetic polymer coating and the ceramic coating layer can be deposited using a low temperature process such as ion beam assisted deposition. An ion beam surface cleaning step may also be added to enhance the adhesion of the ceramic coating layer.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances and related methods are provided, including a fast-dissolving and humidity-resistant coating, containing a colorant and a binder selected from a polyamide, cellulose derivative, or homopolymer/copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide). The coating can facilitate appliance identification and serve as a reference marking to assist the practitioner in appliance placement. Advantageously, the composition of these coatings allows the color marking to be rinsed off quickly, and yet the color of the coating does not bleed during storage even in high humidity environments. The fast-dissolving nature of these coatings also allows the coating to be deposited in concave and recessed areas of the appliance, such as the archwire slot and vertical slot, since these coatings can be removed prior to archwire installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a sintered body obtained by subjecting a primary sintered body having a relative density of 95% or higher produced from a fine yttria-containing zirconia powder to HIP sintering at a temperature of 1,200-1,600° C. and a pressure of 50 MPa or higher. This sintered body is either a sintered body which has a total light transmittance, as measured at a thickness of 0.5 mm, of 43% or higher and a three-point bending strength of 1,700 MPa or higher or a zirconia sintered body which has a total light transmittance, as measured at a thickness of 1 mm, of 40% or higher and a three-point bending strength of 500 MPa or higher and which combines high strength and total light transmission.

Abstract: A dental appliance including a concave trough conforming to a plurality of teeth when placed over the plurality of teeth. The concave trough is configured to transition from a first shape to a second shape if a deforming force is applied. The concave trough further includes a shape memory material. The shape memory material is configured to restore the concave trough to an approximate first shape upon an application of an external stimulus. The first shape is configured to apply a first force on a tooth when the trough conforms.

Abstract: Interactive/passive bracket system developed to provide orthodontic treatment in a more comfortable, efficient and faster manner. Its function with the orthodontic wire may be determined by an orthodontist in order to make it interactive or only passive. It is something innovative because no bracket system can provide these two features in the same bracket. The presence of two convertible slots which is also a significant differential feature will simplify the tooth movement in the class I, II and Angle III relations. Besides, the rounded design makes the Revolution systems more comfortable and traps less food, thus facilitating brushing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for correcting facial features and oral function in a subject. Also provided are a plurality of intra-oral appliances, which make up the system. The intra-oral appliances each include an appliance body configured for engaging one or more of the gingival-buccal area, the gingivolabial area, and the vestibular area of the subject's mouth, and include one or more extensions for at least partly defining the cavity in the vestibule of the subject's mouth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthodontic bracket. According to one embodiment, the orthodontic bracket includes a mounting base for attachment to a tooth surface and an archwire slot formed upon the base and sized for receiving an orthodontic archwire. The bracket body has a facially curved slot lingual sidewall that causes the archwire to contact the bracket body. The bracket embodiment has a mesial and distal convexity contoured bracket base and slot lingual sidewall such that there is no contact by an archwire when an archwire is placed in an aligned dental arch. Additional features of the improved design are occlusal and gingival convex contouring of the tie wings such that there are no sharp corners on the archwire slot.

Abstract: A surface coating method for an orthodontic corrective bracket is provided, in which each orthodontic bracket formed of ceramic is covered with a titanium coating layer having a predetermined thickness so as to be able to minimize a frictional force and to increase surface hardness and durability while a wire fitted into slots of the brackets applies orthodontic tension to teeth. Accordingly, when the teeth are corrected using the ceramic orthodontic brackets on whose surfaces the titanium coating layer having a predetermined thickness is formed, the frictional force can be minimized while the wire fitted into the slots of the brackets is applying the orthodontic tension to the teeth, and thus it is possible to realize a tooth movement path desired by an orthodontist and to shorten a treatment period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an attachment intended to form part of an orthodontic appliance and comprising a recess for receiving an orthodontic arch. During a first step, an attachment blank is produced, comprising an attachment portion of standardized configuration and dimensions and a base portion. During a second step, the base portion is shaped in order to provide the attachment with a customized configuration developed in accordance with the configuration of the tooth on which the attachment is to be placed and the desired position of the recess after the attachment has been secured to the tooth. Once it has been manufactured, the attachment has an attachment portion and a base. The invention also relates to the resulting attachment blank and attachment and to an orthodontic appliance including said attachment.

Abstract: Method for producing at least one patient-specific modular bracket (1) having a pad (3) and a bracket body (7), which comprises the following steps: a) providing a raw pad library (19) of raw pads (5), b) providing at least one bracket body library (23) of A raw bracket body (9), c) generating a patient-specific set-up, in particular made of plaster, of the teeth to be treated of an upper jaw and/or of a lower jaw of a patient, d) selecting a raw pad (5) from the raw pad library (19) for each of the patient's teeth to be treated, e) forming a patient-specific glued surface (3K) on each raw pad (5) for producing a pad (3), f) selecting a bracket body (7) from the bracket body library (23) for each pad (3) for respective connecting with the pad (3), g) connecting one pad (3) each to the corresponding bracket body (7) thereby producing a bracket (1) for each of the patient's teeth to be treated.

Abstract: Method for producing a patient-specific bracket body (7) for a modular bracket (1) having a pad (3) and a bracket body (7), which comprises the following steps: a) providing a raw bracket body (9) having a spacer section (9d), b) establishing a first parameter for cutting through the spacer section (9d), a distance of a resulting cut surface of the spacer section (9d) from the slot (11), in order to establish a suitable height of the bracket body (7), c) establishing a second parameter for cutting through the spacer section (9d), a cutting angle to a mesio-distal axis, in order to establish a suitable torque value of the bracket body (7), d) establishing a third parameter for cutting through the spacer section (9d), a cutting angle to an occlusal-gingival axis, in order to establish a suitable rotation value of the bracket body (7), e) cutting through the spacer section (9d) according to the three established parameters, whereby a bracket body (7) is produced.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for use in orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic appliance is selected from the group consisting of an orthodontic bracket, an orthodontic archwire, an orthodontic tool, and a discrete component thereof. The orthodontic appliance is made of a metallic glass. The orthodontic appliance may be an orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth. The orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket body including an archwire slot, the bracket body being made of a metallic glass. The orthodontic bracket further comprises a movable member made of a metallic glass and operatively coupled to the bracket body and movable between an opened position in which the archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the movable member retains the archwire in the archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket further comprises a pin coupling the movable member to the bracket body.

Abstract: Methods and devices utilizing a dental appliance having a resilient portion are disclosed. One such appliance is a removable dental positioning appliance that includes, a plurality of shell portions each having one or more cavities shaped therein to receive one or more teeth and wherein each of the plurality of shell portions is formed to be separate from each of the other plurality of shell portions; a resilient component attached to a side of at least two shell portions; and wherein at least one of, the resilient component and one or more of the shell portions, provides one or more forces to reposition one or more teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation.

Abstract: A fluoride treated medical implant, such as a dental component, is provided, the medical implant comprising fluorinated metal oxide on the substrate surface. A method for the preparation of such treated implants is also provided, the method involving exposure of the medical implant to a fluorine-containing reagent. A dental structure is also provided, which includes a first dental component comprising a fluorinated metal oxide layer on its surface, a silane coupling agent, a dental cement, and a second dental component having a surface bonded to the dental cement. An additional dental structure, which includes a first dental component comprising a fluorinated metal oxide layer on its surface, a dental cement, and a second dental component having a surface bonded to the dental cement is also provided.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket portion including a receiving slot extending across at least a portion of the bracket portion and configured to receive an arch wire. The bracket includes a metal mesh bonded to the ceramic bracket portion on a side of the ceramic bracket portion opposite the receiving slot. Another orthodontic bracket includes a metal core coated with a tooth-colored coating. Methods of attaching and aligning the brackets are provided as well as a tool for aligning the brackets. Inserts are also described for reinforcing the brackets and/or increasing a surface area for enhancing bonding strength.

Abstract: An appliance for orthodontic hardware in the form of a cap sized to fit over a bracket and arch wire braces system. The cap includes a hollowed, mound shaped body with a bottom edge defining an opening on one side of the body. The cap also includes multiple tabs extending from the edge and partially over the opening. The bottom edge also defines two channels aligned opposite each other and extending from the bottom edge. With this arrangement, the cap can be positioned over a bracket with the tabs engaging the bracket and retaining the cap thereto while the channels defined in the body prevent the cap from engaging the arch wire.

Abstract: Because fracture toughness and translucency of translucent colored alumina sintered body of the past were low, the alumina sintered body was not suitable for uses such as dental materials, which require high toughness. The present invention relates to providing a translucent colored alumina sintered body that contains transition metal oxides, and with which the fracture toughness is 4.5 MPa·m0.5 or more and the maximum value of total forward transmittance (sample thickness 1 mm) to a wavelength of 300-800 nm is 60% or more. The present invention relates to obtaining a sintered body, at least 20% of which contains anisotropic grains with a long axis length of 10 ?m or greater and an aspect ratio of 1.

Abstract: A green metal body includes metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket mountable on a tooth for use in retraction mechanics to facilitate movement of teeth along an arch, which includes an archwire-receiving member rotatably mounted on a base and structured to freely rotate when tipping a tooth during sliding of the bracket along an archwire thereby minimizing friction between the archwire and bracket to significantly decrease the required retraction force, and treatment time, thereby minimizing the possibility of root resorption and maintaining the integrity of the root and surrounding bone. A locking pin for locking the member against rotation is employed when uprighting the tooth from a tipped position.

Abstract: An orthodontic connector assembly 10 including a plurality of substantially identical connecting members, such as members 12, 14 which include a movable but biased portion 20 which is adapted to selectively and removably receive a pocket portion 44 which is deployed on at least one bracket, such as bracket 40. In an alternative embodiment, the members, such as member 12, 14 each include a ridge, such as ridge 212, which is selectively, removably, and frictionally placed within slot 236.

Abstract: The invention features computer based methods and systems for obtaining information about tooth movement caused by at least one orthodontic element fixed on a dentition. The invention also features computer programs for generating, when executed, a method for obtaining information about tooth movement caused by at least one orthodontic element fixed on a dentition, as well as non-transitory machine readable storage media containing such computer programs.

Abstract: An orthodontic fixing apparatus is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a linear fixing body, bisymmetrically defined, having a plurality of connection grooves in each left and right sides thereof, and a plurality of cylindrical fixing rings arranged on the upper and lower sides of the central portion of the fixing body with a connection member being placed between the upper and lower sides, wherein a screw is inserted, to thereby fix the fixing body to the palate. Each fixing ring may protrude by a width of 0.1 mm to 4 mm in a direction of contact with the palate to minimize the contact of the fixing ring or the fixing body with the palate. The fixing ring may include a taper having a diameter that gradually decreases from an inlet to an outlet along an insertion direction of the screw, wherein an internal thread is arranged in the fixing ring.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic appliance of discrete plastic sleeves, each being receivable over a corresponding tooth of a patient. Lingual clips are fastened to the corresponding tooth and which are engageable with corresponding structure of the sleeves for removably retaining each of said plastic sleeves to the corresponding tooth of the patient. Buccal brackets are fixably carried on a side of each of the sleeves positionally corresponding to a buccal surface of the corresponding tooth to which each of the sleeves is receivable. An arch wire is ligated to each of the buccal brackets to extend therebetween. The system can be conveniently removed for cleaning and adjustment.

Abstract: A method of producing a customized orthodontic appliance (1), including brackets (12) fixed to teeth (13) of a dental arch of a patient and an orthodontic archwire (11). Each bracket (12) is fixed to a surface of a tooth (13) of the dental arch by a bracket bonding pad (121) of the bracket, and the orthodontic archwire (11) is fixed to the brackets in a housing (123) of a bracket body (122) of each bracket. The bracket is produced with a blank (50) having at least two volumes (51, 52), one volume representative of an envelope volume of a bracket bounding pad and an envelope volume of a bracket body.

Abstract: An orthodontic brace system includes brackets having a diamond-shaped tie-wing configuration that defines two parallel, horizontal slots, each of which is adapted to receive an archwire. Each slot is angled with respect to the base of the bracket to produce a specific, maximum torque value, and generally, the maximum torque value of the gingival slot is less than the maximum torque value of the incisal slot. The brackets provide multiple force vectors in different directions simultaneously, which decreases the amount of time required for a patient to wear braces, reduces the number of costly and time consuming visits to an orthodontist, and reduces time and effort required of an orthodontist for installation and adjustment of the braces on a per visit basis.