Abstract: The present invention accordingly provides for an orthodontic bracket having a plurality of tiewings and a plurality of posts extending in the mesial/distal direction. The plurality of tiewings may be located on the occlusal side of the orthodontic bracket, and may include a center post between the tiewings, for placement reference and ligation of the orthodontic bracket. A hook may be provided on the gingival side of the orthodontic bracket for anchorage and ligating of the orthodontic bracket, and the tiewings may be provided on the occlusal and gingival side of the orthodontic bracket. The posts may be provided on the gingival side, or on the occlusal and gingival sides of the orthodontic bracket, to assist in bracket placement and to direct a ligature over or under an archwire occupying the archwire slot during treatment, as desired.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for providing traction to an impacted tooth, the bracket having a base portion adapted to be fixed to the exposed tooth surface, and a plurality of attachment points adapted to be attached to one or more traction ligatures (e.g., elastic modules), which in turn are adapted to be attached to an arch wire in order to provide traction forces to the tooth.

Abstract: This appliance comprises metal housings which are fastened by their base being glued to a defined tooth and of which those for the incisors, canines and premolars comprise a horizontal groove for receiving the arch wire, said groove issuing in the direction of the occlusal plane and being formed in an intermediate bridge connecting the base to an anterior wall, and ties, such as elastic rings, for tying the arch wire.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an orthodontic article, a method of making an orthodontic article and an apparatus for making the orthodontic article. The orthodontic article is made by laser welding the work piece, comprising a bracket body and a the pad, together. The article thus formed includes a laser-welded seal around the perimeter of the adjoining areas between the pad and the bracket body. In an exemplary embodiment the apparatus of the invention, makes a series of closely spaced spot welds. The spot welds, in an exemplary embodiment, are significantly overlapped that they form a seal around the entire perimeter of the work piece adjoining areas. The spot welds, in an exemplary embodiment, are significantly overlapped that they form a hermetic seal between the pad and the bracket body. In other exemplary embodiments, the process of manufacturing orthodontic articles is automated and controlled by a computer and computer software.

Abstract: A bite opener for use during orthodontic treatment has a base for mounting on a lingual side of a tooth, as well as at least one occlusal portion for contact with an opposing tooth so that other teeth (such as molar teeth) can be extruded. In one embodiment, the bite opener has a channel extending between a mesial section and a distal section, so that the sections can be squeezed together when desired to debond the bite opener from the patient's tooth. In other embodiments, the bite opener includes a bite plate connected to the body, and the bite plate is made of a material softer than the body to enhance patient comfort when the jaws are closed. Optionally, the bite plate is detachably connected to the body so that the bite plate can be removed before debonding the body from the tooth.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthodontic bracket having a base portion configured for attachment to a mounting device such as a bonding pad that is directly secured to the tooth of a patient. A central portion of the bracket adjacent the base portion has a pair of sides that taper to a minimum diameter at a midline of the central portion, preferably giving the bracket an hourglass shape. A pair of single tie wings extend in gingival and occlusal directions respectively from the central portion, which tie wings define outer end portions that are wider than the central portion and have undersurfaces positioned for mounting archwire retaining bands therein. An outwardly opening archwire slot elongated in the mesial direction is formed in the central portion, which slot extends at an acute angle relative to an imaginary line extending in a buccal-lingual direction such that the slot opens closer to the gingival tie wing than the occlusal tie wing.

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

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for providing traction to an impacted tooth, the bracket having a base portion adapted to be fixed to the exposed tooth surface, and a plurality of attachment points adapted to be attached to one or more traction ligatures (e.g., elastic modules), which in turn are adapted to be attached to an arch wire in order to provide traction forces to the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base (1) and at least one holder (3, 4) which is arranged on the base (1). A covering (2) which covers over the base (1) and the holder (3, 4) is secured to the base (1).

Abstract: An orthodontic device for aligning and displacing teeth comprises an attachment which can be applied to a tooth and having a vestibular surface and being characterized in that the vestibular surface comprises two or more slots for receiving each an orthodontic wire.

Abstract: In orthodontic element made of a bracket composed of polycrystalline ceramics, a glass liner is furnished in an archwire slot furnished in the bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has a latch for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The latch releases the archwire from the archwire slot whenever the archwire exerts a force in a generally buccolabial direction on the appliance that exceeds a certain minimum value. The minimum value is less than about one-half of the force required in the same direction to debond the appliance from the tooth, and thus reduces the likelihood that the appliance will unintentionally debond from the tooth during the course of orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base (1) and at least one holder (3, 4) which is arranged on the base (1). A covering (2) which covers over the base (1) and the holder (3, 4) is secured to the base (1).

Abstract: A dental article coated with a friction-reducing coating and methods for coating dental articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the dental device first is coated with an adhesion layer, followed by application of a friction-reducing coating. The friction-reducing coating is selected to create a hard, inert, friction-reducing layer on the device. The presence of the continuous outer coating of on the device reduces adhesive wear and friction on the device, and significantly improves its frictional properties.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube is made of a stainless steel alloy that includes chromium, nickel and precipitates of titanium. The alloy imparts a relatively high strength to the appliance and is resistant to corrosion. Optionally, the appliance has structural sections that are smaller than corresponding sections of comparable appliances when made of conventional stainless steel alloys used in orthodontic appliances. As a consequence, the appliance is more aesthetic when mounted on a tooth of a patient undergoing treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for straightening a tooth, has a base member adapted for attachment to the tooth to be straightened, and has a pair of spaced-apart upstanding walls each of which is provided with a slot for receiving a brace arch wire. The upstanding walls have retainer means which are engageable with a retainer band to hold in place the arch wire. In one embodiment, one of the slots in one wall has a ridge or narrowed portion on its bottom surface, which portion is so located with respect to the side faces of the wall that it facilitates any required bending of the arch wire. The elastic arch wire that is associated with the bracket can be easily bent over the ridge or narrowed portion due to the increased height provided by the same, for the purpose of applying a rotating force to the tooth to which the bracket is attached.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic component (1) with a base body (2) made from plastic (3), having a visible face (5), a base surface (6) spaced at a distance therefrom and side faces (7 to 10) extending between the latter. At least one slot-shaped recess (11) is arranged in the base body (2), which extends, starting from the visible face (5) in a direction towards the base surface (6) and between two oppositely lying side faces (7, 8). Arranged in the recess (11) is an insert element (4), which has a hardness value which is at most as high as the hardness value of the plastic (3) of the base body (2) of the component (1).

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

Abstract: A method of brazing a first component of an orthodontic appliance to a second component of the orthodontic appliance, comprising the step of brazing the first component to the second component using a brazing medium comprising a boron-free brazing alloy that includes at least about 50 weight percent nickel. The brazing alloy of the present invention can also comprise chromium, and/or other elements such as silicon, phosphorous, and/or the like. The method provides strong, corrosion resistant joints with a good color match with stainless steel appliance components.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical implant or device fabricated, in any manner, from a niobium (Nb)—titanium (Ti)—zirconium (Zr)—Molybdenum (Mo) alloy (NbTiZrMo alloy). The implant or device has components at least partially fabricated from a metal alloy comprising a) between about 29 and 70 weight percent Nb; b) between about 10 and 46 weight percent Zr; c) between about 3 and 15 weight percent Mo; and a balance of titanium. The inventive alloy provides for a uniform beta structure which is corrosion resistant, and can be readily processed to develop high-strength and low-modulus, with the ability for conversion oxidation or nitridization surface hardening of the medical implant or device.

Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base and at least one holder which is arranged on the base. A cover which covers over the base and the holder is secured to the base.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having opposite nonparallel surfaces and further incorporating one or more gripping portions to provide stability in gripping and handling. The gripping portion or portions may be formed as various types of small notches or shelves in the bracket body and preferably enable gripping to take place on opposite parallel surfaces even though surrounding surfaces are nonparallel and may be convergent. Methods of installation and removal involve gripping the appliance with a tool having movable jaws with at least one jaw engaging a gripping portion.

Abstract: A cap is releasably connected to an orthodontic bracket and covers tips of occlusal bracket tiewings in order to prevent contact of the bracket with the enamel of opposing dentition. The cap includes a section that extends at least partially along a channel of the bracket extending in a generally occlusal-gingival direction in order to help retain the cap in its intended position and prevent the cap from rotating relative to the bracket. In preferred embodiments, the cap is made of a stain-resistant aesthetically pleasing material. Optionally, the cap serves as a ligature in order to retain an archwire in an archwire slot of the bracket.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic bracket includes a bonding pad for attaching said bracket to a lingual side of a tooth. A base member is connected to the bonding pad, and opposing first and second wings are connected to the base member for engaging opposite end portions of an O-ring. An archwire slot is defined in the base member between the first and second wings and has an entrance in a direction of the second wing, opposing first and second walls, and a base wall positioned opposite the entrance in a direction of the base member. The archwire slot is configured to receive an archwire in a direction substantially directed from the second wing to the base member at an acute angle to a plane of the bonding pad. A pair of O-ring slots are defined in opposite lateral sides of the base member at a location where the base member connects to the second wing in such a manner that the connection between the base member and the second wing forming a T-shaped member in plan view.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance of the present invention has a combination of a bracket with a hook and a bracket without a hook. The bracket with a hook includes a metal body formed with a groove therein adapted for being engaged with an arch wire and provided with a hook thereon, the hook is integrally formed with the metal body; and a synthetic resin housing for accommodating the metal body therein such that inner surface of the groove is exposed and at least top portion of the hook projects from the synthetic resin housing. The bracket without a hook includes a metal body formed with a groove therein adapted for being engaged with an arch wire; and a synthetic resin housing for accommodating the metal body therein such that inner surface of the groove is exposed.

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

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

Abstract: The orthodontic appliance is metal injection molded as a unitary bracket, and is a made of a Stellite cobalt chromium alloy composition formulated to be substantially nickel-free, containing less than 1% nickel, in order to alleviate nickel allergic reactions experienced by a small fraction of the population to nickel. While nickel improved hardness of the bracket, the elements of chromium and molybdenum in the proposed alloy for the bracket also contribute to hardness of the alloy. The orthodontic bracket comprises a unitary metal injection molded body including a bonding base adapted to adhere to a tooth surface, and an archwire slot adapted for receiving an archwire. The preferred composition consists essentially of 59-69% by weight cobalt, 26-30% by weight chromium, 4-8% by weight molybdenum, and 2% or less by weight trace elements. The bonding base has a bottom base pattern in the form of a plurality of rectangular or square pockets that are approximately 0.005 to 0.015 inch in size.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprising a base plate having an edge configuration in which the mesial and distal edges are formed to extend in parallel to mesial and distal secants of the tooth crown. Those secants extend close to the mesial and distal edges of the tooth's crown when seen in front view between the mesial and distal junctions of the enamel, respectively, and the cement at the gingival edge of the tooth and the junction of the incisal edge or cusp and the mesial and distal edge, respectively, of the tooth's crown. Thereby, the positioning of the bracket in conformity with the anatomy of the tooth's crown is facilitated.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic accessory for transmitting corrective forces from a corrective force generation device to an orthodontic bracket securable on a tooth generally includes a pin interconnected at one end with a channel defining member. The pin is insertable in a pin receiving slot of an orthodontic bracket also having a primary arch wire slot for receiving an arch wire therethrough. The bracket may be an Edgewise orthodontic bracket and the pin receiving slot may extend vertically. The channel defining member defines a channel, which extends laterally in at least one of a mesial and a distal direction and which may be closed, for receiving a corrective force generation device therethrough. Corrective forces applied by the corrective force generation device to the channel defining member are transmittable to the orthodontic bracket by the pin.

Abstract: A method of indirect bonding used in orthodontic treatment includes the steps of placing a first component of an adhesive on base structure of an orthodontic appliance and a second component of the adhesive on portions of a patient's tooth. The appliance is connected to a transfer tray, and the transfer tray is placed over the tooth such that the first component and the second component contact each other and react to provide a bond for securing the appliance to the tooth. The bond has sufficient strength within two minutes and preferably within 1.5 minutes of the time that the first component contacts the second component to enable removal of the tray from the tooth without significantly changing the position of the appliance on the tooth.

Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly includes a plurality of brackets. Each bracket is attachable to a front face of a tooth such that the bracket is positionable in series relation to one or more other of the brackets. Each bracket is continuously adjustable in at least three planes and, preferably, in six planes of motion without a need to replace any parts thereof. The adjustment of each bracket in one of the planes of motion can be accomplished without affecting the adjustment of the bracket in any of the other planes of motion. Specifically, each bracket is capable of adjustment in at least three and, preferably, all of vertical, lateral and mesio/distal translational planes of motion and tip, torque and circular rotational planes of motion. Also, the assembly includes an arch wire extending between and retained on the brackets.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances in accordance with the present invention are formed from amorphous alloys having a supercooling liquid region. The appliances have high corrosion resistance, high durability and high strength. The appliances are particularly useful when changes and adjustments in the orthodontic state become necessary in the course of orthodontic treatment. The present invention also provides improvements in the base surfaces of orthodontic appliances adapted to be bonded to tooth surfaces. The appliances can consequently be securely affixed to tooth surfaces.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances formed of a titanium alloy which substantially avoids toxic or allergic reactions in patients containing a .beta.-stabilizing element including at least 12 wt % molybdenum to produce a stable .beta.-monophase at body temperature are disclosed. The yield strength of the titanium alloy is within the range 1150 to 1450 MPa. The tensile strength of the titanium alloy is within the range 1350 to 1950 MPa. The elongation of the titanium alloy is within the range 10 to 14%. The titanium alloy may also contain about 5 wt % zirconium as another .beta.-stabilizing element. It may also contain about 3 wt % aluminum to improve age hardenability by strengthening the .alpha.-phase.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets having tubular passages are bonded to at least six teeth in an upper or lower human dental arch, including at least two teeth other than molars, and a superflexible archwire is extended through all of the passages. The orthodontic brackets are non-metallic thin veneer bodies having tubular passages for receiving the archwire. Custom veneer bodies are fabricated using information obtained from a model or a sectioned model of a patient's dental arch, or from digital mapping of the patient's tooth surfaces or the facsimile tooth surfaces in the model. The orientation of each tubular passage in each bracket depends upon the desired final position of each tooth, and upon the degree of torque, tip and angulation required for achieving such position. Contrary to the prior practice of making orthodontic brackets as small as possible, the veneer bodies have a large bonding surface area that covers much of a tooth facial surface and corresponds with the facial surface shape of the tooth.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances in accordance with the present invention are formed from amorphous alloys having a supercooling liquid region. The appliances have high corrosion resistance, high durability and high strength. The appliances are particularly useful when changes and adjustments in the orthodontic state become necessary in the course of orthodontic treatment. The present invention also provides improvements in the base surfaces of orthodontic appliances adapted to be bonded to tooth surfaces. The appliances can consequently be securely affixed to tooth surfaces.

Abstract: An orthodontic wire supporting device, for example, in the form of a bracket improved so that the bracket can be reliably held on teeth during a period of orthodontic treatment but easily detached from teeth, if it is desired, for exchange of the bracket with a fresh one. A base of the bracket destined to be bonded to the tooth plane by means of an adhesive layer is formed adjacent four corners with anchoring holes each defined by a truncated cone having its diameter on the upper side smaller than its diameter on the lower side of the base. The lower side of the base is coated with the adhesive layer, and then the base is pressed against the tooth plane with an appropriate force so that the adhesive layer is partially forced to pass through the respective anchoring holes and to project from the upper side of the base.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket apparatus for attachment to a tooth, consisting of a flexible attachment pad having dimensions that are commensurate with a designated area of the tooth to which the apparatus is to be secured. The apparatus has a pair of brackets permanently mounted on adjoining areas at one side of the pad in spaced relation to each other, such brackets being maintained in their attached positions and separated by an elongate, narrow hinge portion of the pad, which portion is free from direct attachment to the brackets. The narrow hinge portion of the ductile pad enables an initial easy, relative arcuate adjusting movement of the brackets to be effected with respect to each other, thereby to obtain a closer fit of the entire pad to the surface contours of the tooth which is to have the apparatus affixed to its surface.

Abstract: For a dental implant (10) which can be inserted into the jaw bone (1) and which is intended principally as a support for a crown or another superstructure, an anchoring base (30) which s can be fitted releasably on the implant (10) was created for the purpose of preliminary orthodontic treatment. The vertical outer sides of the anchoring base (30) are designed as fastening surfaces (31). A bracket (50) can be fixed on a selected fastening surface (31) by means of a bonding layer (60). Orthodontic apparatus components (70, 71) are fastened on this bracket (50). The anchoring base (30) is screwed onto the implant (10) using an occlusal screw (80) and in the process can be locked in a finely adjustable position of rotation. The eccentrically arranged bore (37) promotes adaptation to the spatial conditions and to the orthodontic task. The anchoring base (30) is suitable for a wide range of types of implants (10) and brackets (50).

Abstract: Plastic orthodontic appliances having improved bonding characteristics are described. The appliances have a polymeric base with projecting structure extending outwardly therefrom and an applied coating of a chemically activatable material. The projecting structure includes a broadened outer extremity and undercuts proximate the outer extremity which form mechanical bonds with a bonding adhesive. The chemically activatable material applied to the projecting structure increases the chemical bond between the structure and the bonding adhesive and thereby enhances the overall bonding characteristics of the appliance. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method of enhancing the bond strength of plastic orthodontic appliances. The method includes applying a chemically activatable material layer by sputtering, plasma deposition, or other deposition process, to a plastic orthodontic appliance having projecting structure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a plastic orthodontic appliance having projecting structure extending outwardly from a bonding base. The projecting structure includes a broadened outer extremity and undercuts proximate the outer extremity which form mechanical bonds with a bonding adhesive. In one application, a plurality of appliances in the form of slotted brackets is provided for cooperating with an archwire to apply corrective forces to a patient's teeth on which the brackets are mounted. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method of making plastic orthodontic appliances suitable for mechanical bonding. The method includes molding a plastic orthodontic appliance having undeformed projecting structure and subsequently softening and compressing the outer extremity of the projecting structure to form undercuts. In a preferred embodiment, the projecting structure is a plurality of posts.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket in two parts includes firstly a base adapted for adhesion to a front of a tooth and including an elongate aperture therethrough, and secondly an elongate, undulated anchor sized for placement by a force fit within the elongate aperture of the base. On opposite ends of the anchor are respectively placed a head having a wire slot that is open on one side passing transversely therethrough, and a lip oriented in the direction of the open side of the bracket and adapted to extend outwardly from the elongate aperture towards the tooth when the anchor is placed within the aperture. The head may have various torque angles so as to provide varying degrees of torque to a tooth upon which applied.

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

Abstract: An insert for reinforcing a nonmetallic orthodontic appliance is provided including a metal core member having a ceramic outer surface. In one preferred form, a ceramic coated metallic insert having a tooth enamel color is disposed within the archwire slot of a plastic bracket to form an aesthetically pleasing, reinforced plastic orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided including a plastic bracket main member (1) having a wire slot (2) and tie-wings (3). A reinforcing member (11) having a retention groove (14) is embedded in the bracket main member (1) such that the wire slot (2) is reinforced by the retention groove (14) of reinforcing member (11). An orthodontic arch wire used in orthodontic treatment is retained by the retention groove (14) of the reinforcing member (11). The reinforcing member (11) also includes a groove (16) delineating a vertical slot for receiving auxiliary apparatuses such as uprighting springs and rotation springs such that orthodontic treatment requiring such apparatuses can be suitably performed using plastic brackets.

Abstract: A base for an orthodontic attachment such as a bracket for incorporating torque or rotation in the bracket, which includes a body of wedge shape that may be suitably oriented on and attached to the backside of an orthodontic attachment for selectively incorporating torque or rotation into the bracket. The base may be stamped from a strip of material having a varying thickness such that the base will have a wedge shaped cross section.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided including a plastic bracket body and a metal reinforcement member partly embedded in the bracket body. The bracket body includes a slot extending substantially along a mesial-distal axis of the bracket body for receiving an arch wire. The reinforcement member includes a holding notch having a width that is smaller than that of the slot of the bracket body. The holding notch is positioned inside the slot and spaced-apart from the slot surfaces to form an arch wire holding mechanism for engaging the arch wire and to substantially avoid contact between the arch wire and the surfaces of the slot. The bracket body may further include removable markings on the lingual and/or labial surfaces to facilitate positioning of the bracket.

Abstract: A dental-care device is constructed from a planar base and a wire receiving part positioned on the top surface of the planar base. Slots extending straight horizontally are formed at the center of the wire receiving part, and wire is passed through these slots. The device is preferably manufactured by a metal powder injection molding method, and is composed of metal material which contains Ti as the base component, C in an amount of from about 0.03-0.5 wt % by weight of the metal material, O in an amount of from about 0.08-0.8 wt % by weight of the metal material, and N in an amount of from about 0.03-0.6 wt % by weight of the metal material. A large number of pores may be scattered at least in the vicinity of the surface of the metal material. This device can be easily manufactured, has a good surface wetness characteristic, and has functional portions, such as portions of low friction and portions of superior adhesiveness.