Abstract: A glass material of the invention contains SiO.sub.2, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and TiO.sub.2 as main components in amounts of 40-65% by weight of SiO.sub.2, 9-30% by weight of MgO, 8-31% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and 6-15% by weight of TiO.sub.2, and satisfies expression I: {100-(A+S+T)}/S.gtoreq.0.340 wherein A, S and T are contents in % by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2, and TiO.sub.2, respectively, and Expression II: (S+M)/4>100-(S+M+A+T) wherein M is a content in % by weight of MgO, and is substantially free of fluorine. It is used in the preparation of a living tissue replacement or orthodontic part. A living tissue replacement and orthodontic part which experience a minimal loss of material properties in a deleterious environment as in the oral cavity and should have a complex shape as in the case of a dental crown repair, high strength and aesthetic appearance can be briefly prepared in a safe manner without using a special manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A multiarch assembly comprises first and second parallel archwires, each formed into a segment of an orthodontic archform spanning a plurality of a patient's teeth, a multiarch bracket having a bracket body defining reentrant archwire slots along opposite occluso-gingival sides of the base for receiving and seating the first and second archwires in a base portion therein, the base portions of the slots having a predetermined center-to-center occluso-gingival spacing; and an interarch connector having a connector body formed of a resilient material with first and second archwire openings spaced apart along an occluso-gingival axis of elongation and sized for the first and second archwires to be threaded therethrough, the connector body being resiliently deformable along the axis of elongation to enable the archwires to be spread apart and then to urge the archwires toward one another in a direction of contraction along the axis of elongation; the holes in the interarch connector being spaced center-to-center a

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a configuration which makes it difficult for dental plaque to be deposited thereon and which prevents lateral movement of an arch wire as well as precisely preforming a torque shift without an auxiliary attachment wire. The orthodontic appliance is used in dental treatment includes a bracket having an arch wire passage formed therein to extend substantially horizontally and a lock pin insertion passage for insertion of a lock pin therethrough, the lock pin being substantially vertically oriented between the surface of a tooth and the arch wire passage for pressing the arch wire toward a side further from the tooth surface to thereby position the arch wire. The lock pin insertion passage has a bow-shape jetting toward the tooth surface and the lock pin is bow-shaped such that the following mathematical expression is satisfied:R.sub.P .ltoreq.R.sub.Lwherein R.sub.P is a radius of curvature of the lock pin insertion passage and R.sub.

Abstract: A bond card for mounting prepasted orthodontic appliances that includes a substantially rigid planar substrate and a flexible adhesive-releasing film attached to the substrate and having a plurality of unmounted or unattached portions serving as sites for the appliances that are capable of being lifted from the surface of the substrate to facilitate removal of the appliance for mounting on a tooth.

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

Abstract: An orthodontic attachment, in particular a bracket, which is made of metal, consists of a foot section which is made of titanium or of a corrosion-resistant alloy consisting substantially of titanium, for bonding to a tooth, and of a functional section, which is made of stainless steel and which is mounted on the foot section.

Abstract: An edgewise orthodontic bracket with relief on one of the wing tips of a tie wing is disclosed. This relief is provided on that surface of the tie wing which defines the mesial or distal end of the bracket. The relief in the illustrated embodiment is a chamfer provided on that corner of the tie wing tip which is disposed along the archwire slot on the corresponding mesial or distal end of the bracket to provide a space between the ligature and the tie wing to facilitate engagement of the ligature by a ligature cutter.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic bracket having a bracket body that is either translucent or transparent. The bracket body is coated with a colored layer of water insoluble material that contrasts sharply with the color of teeth. As a result, when the orthodontic brackets are affixed to the teeth, they are easy to see and can be readily aligned by an orthodontic practitioner. The layer of water insoluble material coating the orthodontic brackets is highly soluble in alcohol. As a result, the color coating can be removed from the orthodontic brackets by rinsing the mouth with a mouth wash that contains alcohol. As such, after the orthodontic practitioner has applied the orthodontic brackets to the teeth, the colored layer of material can be dissolved away leaving only the translucent or transparent bracket body behind.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly including an orthodontic appliance and a region composed of a matrix material having a plurality of reinforcement structures distributed throughout, with some of the reinforcement structures being exposed on an exterior surface of the assembly, as well as an associated method of fabrication. In one embodiment, the entire orthodontic appliance is composed of the noted reinforcement structures and matrix material. In another embodiment, the noted region is actually a layer which is attached to a separately formed appliance, such as a bracket. Nonetheless, the reinforcement structures may be exposed in a variety of locations, such as on the base and/or arch slot. Moreover, this region may be formed by forming the appliance from the reinforcement structures and matrix material in a manner which produces skin on its exterior surface, and removing the skin from the desired areas to expose reinforcement structures partially contained within the matrix material.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets made of a light-transmissive material such as plastic or ceramic have a removable, water-based colorant to facilitate identification of the bracket and alignment of the bracket on the patient's tooth. The colorant is received in a ligature channel of the bracket and is visible through adjacent tiewings of the bracket. The colorant is protected by the overlying tiewings from inadvertent damage or removal as might otherwise occur during initial handling and placement of the bracket.

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.

Abstract: Luminescent orthodontic appliances, such as brackets, archwires, bands and the like, having a luminescent pigment or mixture of luminescent pigments are described. In a preferred form, the luminescent pigment is a phosphorescent pigment comprising zinc sulfide doped with copper. The pigment gives the appliance a natural appearance in daylight and causes it to emit a greenish-white light in the dark after having been energized by an excitation light source. If desired, the luminescent orthodontic appliance may be made with a fluorescent pigment or a combination of fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments. If a fluorescent pigment is used, the bracket will exhibit a luminescence in daylight; whereas if a mixture of fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments are used, the appliance will luminesce in the dark after having been exposed to a light source, in addition to exhibiting a luminescence in the daylight.

Abstract: A wide, shallow slot (60) is machined in the posterior surface (48) of a ceramic bracket (20). Thereafter a narrow, deep slot (70) is formed in the bracket (20). An elastomeric member (80) is positioned in the slot (70), and a plate (82) is secured in the slot (60) to close the slot (70). After the bracket (20) is mounted on the tooth (T) of a patient, the elastomeric member (80) is removed and is replaced by an appliance (A).

Abstract: A zirconia-based sinter containing a boron compound and stabilized with a rare earth metal oxide is provided which has excellent fracture toughness, mechanical strength and thermal stability. A zirconia-based sinter comprising ZrO.sub.2 as the main component, one or more rare earth metal oxides, R.sub.2 O.sub.3, selected from Yb.sub.2 O.sub.3, Er.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ho.sub.2 O.sub.3, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, and Dy.sub.2 O.sub.3, and a boron compound or a boron compound and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and/or SiO.sub.2, wherein the molar proportion of R.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 is from 1.3/98.7 to 2/98, excluding 2/98, and the content of boron components is from 0.05 to 8% by mole in terms of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 or in addition thereto the content of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is from 0.1 to 5% by mole and/or the content of SiO.sub.2 is from 0.05 to 1.5% by mole. A grinding part material and a bracket material for dental correction constituted of the zirconia-based sinter are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic component part made of a plastic, which consists of a thermoplastic or a thermoset plastic which is cured to a great extent and by means of which the polyaddition is terminated at least at body temperature.

Abstract: A twin edgewise orthodontic bracket having an engagement mechanism for retaining an archwire, comprising a base having a pair of tie wing sets with an archwire slot and a slidable locking shutter or clip which in closed position retains the archwire in the archwire slot without the need for an elastic ligature and in open position allows placement and removal of the archwire.

Abstract: A supplementary device is provided for sliding operation for use in a device for correcting teeth irregularities. The supplementary device abuts a bracket, and has a wire-engaging slit having the same shape as a slit in the bracket so that a wire engaged in the bracket can also be engaged in the slit. The supplementary device has a pair of protrusions which forms a T-shape. The projections are used to anchor a rubber band. The supplementary device is slidable along the wire and slides until stopped, for example by the bracket.

Abstract: A miniature orthodontic bracket having a slender aspect ratio and small base area. The bracket may be partially tapered in the occlusal half, with sides joining at a point and forming an acute angle. A deflecting tip may be provided on an occlusal extension of the base, and the archwire slot may be located in the gingival one half.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a plastic orthodontic bracket reinforced with a metal insert having rotation wings. The bracket includes a protrusion extending into the archwire slot and having an upper end elevated above the bottom wall of the archwire slot. The upper end of the protrusion is adapted to contact the underside of an orthodontic archwire located in the archwire slot and to support at least a portion of the archwire above the bottom wall of the archwire slot.

Abstract: An at least aesthetically integral orthodontic appliance which is formed from an orthodontic base and a separately formed orthodontic body, as well as a method for making the same. In one embodiment, a base and body are separately formed by metal injection molding, the upper surface of the base having a pair of preferably mesio-distally extending alignment rails formed thereon. The lower portion of the body is positioned between these rails and forced into engagement with the base. The resulting assembly is thereafter heat treated to form an at least aesthetically appearing and preferably structurally integral orthodontic appliance by an amorphous blending of the interface between the base and body.

Abstract: A dental care material comprising a titanium sintered body has no harmful effects on the human body and easily produces products with complicated shapes having a high level of strength. A mixture of titanium powder and an organic binder is injection molded and subjected to binder removal and sintering processes to form a bracket for orthodontic or dental implant materials. Pure titanium powder, with an average granule diameter of no more than 40 .mu.m, a carbon content by weight of no more than 0.3%, and an oxygen content by weight of no more than 0.6%, preferably is used to produce a titanium sintered body of combined carbon and oxygen content by weight of no more than 1.0%. Colored layers can be formed on the surface of the titanium sintered body using various methods as needed.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a base with a front face and spaced tie wings, with a generally central recess provided between the tie wings. With non-metal brackets, a separate jig or insert may be positioned between the tie wings. The jig or insert includes a central recess. The orthodontic brackets are designed to be positioned on an individual's tooth with the aid of a conventional bracket positioning gauge having a guide which is received in the recess of a bracket or the recess of a jig or insert. In alternate embodiments, one or more grooves may be provided between the tie wings to both assist in bracket positioning and to reduce friction between a bracket and the archwire which extends between brackets.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided to assist in aligning with the occlusal plane in the tooth long axis of a patient's tooth when mounting the bracket on the tooth. The orthodontic bracket has a tie wing recess having a rhomboidal configuration and an archwire slot recess also having a rhomboidal configuration. Vertical sight lines are used to assist in aligning with the tooth long axis and the horizontal sight lines are used to assist in aligning with the occlusal plane. The archwire slot recess also reduces friction between the archwire slot and the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a load bearing framework embedded in a plastic body. The framework includes archwire-engaging end portions that are coplanar with a lingual side of an archwire slot. The end portions faciliate control of movement of the bracket and the associated tooth. A buccolabial surface of the bracket is roughened to enhance aesthetics.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to rectangular wires and brackets for use in orthodontic treatment methods as well as to a system of treatment comprising these wires and brackets. The wires according to the invention have a smaller cross-section than conventional wires, and the cross-section of the slots of the brackets is also smaller than in conventional systems and can be so adjusted to the cross-section of the wires that the wires have sufficient play in the slots so as to allow selective three-dimensional tooth movement with biologically acceptable forces. The invention also relates to orthodontic methods using such wires and brackets.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic appliance is described which includes a main body manufactured from a polymeric material. A polycrystalline diamond coating is deposited on the main body. The coating has a thickness greater than 0.5 microns and is substantially transparent to the visible light spectrum and is deposited at a temperature of less than 140.degree. C.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately positioning and orienting an orthodontic appliance relative to individual teeth of a patient is provided, preferably in the form of a pivot action jig, preferably of two parts pivotally linked together. Preferably, one part releasably engages an orthodontic bracket relative to a pivot axis at which the two parts are connected, preferably by fitting between spaced vertical tie wings of the bracket with a blade fitting in a bracket slot. The second jig part []includes a tooth-engaging surface configured to the shape of the crown of the tooth. Where the bracket itself is configured to pivotally attach to the jig, the jig may be formed of only the tooth engaging part. Preferably, the tooth-engaging surface uniquely fits over the occlusal end of the crown and includes a slight over center end, opposite the pivot connection, and may include a three-dimensional cap.

Abstract: A computerized method of designing custom orthodontic appliances based on the individual anatomy of the individual patient is used in a further method of statistically processing the appliance design parameters to produce standardized appliances, particularly orthodontic brackets, for patient groups or classes of patients that share certain features of dental anatomy, common treatment problems or similar preferred treatment goals. Standardized brackets are provided in various combinations for patients of racial or other anthropological groups, including bracket combinations and bracket sets for Asian patients and for Caucasian patients. Methods for treating patients and providing group specific appliances to patients are also provided.

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

Abstract: Bond strengths of orthodontic appliances are enhanced by applying heat to heat softenable projections of a bonding base of the appliance, and then moving outer portions of the projections in lateral directions to present overhanging regions. The overhanging regions provide undercut areas that mechanically interlock with adhesive when the appliance is bonded to a tooth and the adhesive hardens. The method is useful for plastic appliances as well as other appliances that are made of materials exhibiting thermoplastic characteristics during at least one phase of their manufacture.

Abstract: A low profile orthodontic appliance and method of designing custom and standard low profile orthodontic appliances are provided. The archwire of the appliance is not parallel to the dental archform but converges toward the archform preferably in the vicinity of the incisors. Slotted brackets on either the laterals, the cuspids or the first bicuspids have mesially rotated slots to support the archwire in sloped relation to the teeth. For standardized appliances, the slot rotation may be provided only in brackets for the upper laterals and the lower cuspids. For Caucasians, the preferred rotation angles are 4.5 and 6 degrees respectively. For Asians, the rotation angles are preferably distributed over brackets for the laterals, cuspids and first bicuspids. Tooth to archwire spacing is not more than 0.05 inches for all teeth but the upper laterals.

Abstract: A multiarch assembly comprises first and second parallel archwires, each formed into a segment of an orthodontic archform spanning a plurality of a patient's teeth, a multiarch bracket having a bracket body defining reentrant archwire slots along opposite occluso-gingival sides of the base for receiving and seating the first and second archwires in a base portion therein, the base portions of the slots having a predetermined center-to-center occluso-gingival spacing; andan interarch connector having a connector body formed of a resilient material with first and second archwire openings spaced apart along an occluso-gingival axis of elongation and sized for the first and second archwires to be threaded therethrough, the connector body being resiliently deformable along the axis of elongation to enable the archwires to be spread apart and then to urge the archwires toward one another in a direction of contraction along the axis of elongation;the holes in the interarch connector being spaced center-to-center a d

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket (10) comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings (12, 14) which define an archwire slot (18) therebetween. Notches (20) are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg (28) of each T-shaped tie wing (12, 14) for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches (20) are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings (12, 14) and comprise sloped portions (24) that extend labially towards the archwire slot (18). Convex sidewall portions (42) and convex floor portions (44) are provided in the archwire slot (18) adjacent to the notches (20). An auxiliary slot (70) may be centrally disposed under the center legs (28) of the opposing T-shaped tie wings (12, 14). Alternatively, twin auxiliary slots (80) may be disposed under the convex archwire slot floor portions (44).

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket, preferably in the form of a buccal tube, is provided for connecting an orthodontic archwire to each mandibular first molar of a patient. The bracket has an archwire groove oriented to maintain the archwire at a positive rotation angle relative to the point on the surface of the molar at which the bracket is connected. The rotation angle is preferably approximately 2.degree. for Caucasian patients and approximately 4.degree. for Asian patients. The groove, while inclined to a positive (distal) rotation angle of greater than zero, may additionally be inclined mesially relative to the wire to account for smaller cross-sectional dimensions of the wire relative to the groove. In making a custom orthodontic appliance, a computer designs such buccal tubes with the grooves rotated to an angle optimally calculated for the patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system includes a plurality of rectangular wires having a plurality of different sizes and a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets include an upper bicuspid bracket, an upper cuspid bracket, an upper lateral bracket, an upper central bracket, a lower bicuspid bracket, a lower cuspid bracket, and a lower anterior bracket. Each of the plurality of brackets includes a 0.020 inch width slot aligned at a selected torque angle for receiving the rectangular wire therein. The upper central bracket applies any actual torque force to an upper central tooth in a range of actual torque forces from about 0.degree. to about +10.degree.. The upper lateral bracket applies any actual torque force to an upper lateral tooth in a range of actual torque forces from about 0.degree. to about +6.degree.. The upper cuspid bracket applies any actual torque force to an upper cuspid tooth in a range of actual torque forces from about 4.degree. to about +4.degree..

Abstract: An arch wire of T-shape cross section in the gingival occlusal transverse plane so as to have a labial lingual extending foot and a gingival occlusal extending crossbar is operative with a bracket having a mesial distal extending arch wire slot. The crossbar is urged against the bracket body by a ligature, usually an elastic ligation loop, until its lingual surfaces, which preferably are flat and coplanar, are in full butting engagement with the slot bordering portions of the bracket labial surface, which preferably are also flat and coplanar. At this time the foot is fully inserted in the slot and the optimum relative position and attitude of the bracket and the wire is determined for both tipping and rotation by this butting engagement. The function of the foot is primarily to guide the wire into this engagement and it can therefore fit with good clearance in the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic device comprises a ceramic tooth attachment comprising a base body having an in-line transmittance of visible light in the range of 5% to 60% through a thickness of 0.5 mm and the base body consisting of polycrystalline grains comprising a substance selected from the group of high purity zircon, high purity yttrium oxide, lead titanate zirconate and an aluminum oxide, and X-ray visible precipitations arranged on grain boundaries between the polycrystalline grains, the precipitations comprising ytterbium fluoride in a concentration range of 3 to 150 ppm.

Abstract: A self-locking orthodontic bracket includes a base for attachment to a tooth or tooth band. Transversely spaced tying lugs project from the base and include opposed extensions for orthodontic attachment purposes. The tying lugs present an anterior surface interrupted by an archwire slot. A closure mounted on the bracket includes a movable cover slidably engaging the anterior surface of the bracket. The cover spans the full width of the tying lugs and has a perpendicular width greater than the width of the archwire slot across the anterior surface. The closure is supported on the bracket by a pair of guides that slidably engage opposed side surfaces of the tying lugs for opening and closing the cover. The closure can also be designed to complement the archwire slot structure between the lugs, forming a complete tube encircling the archwire across the full width of the bracket when the cover is in its closed position.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having mesial and distal sections is debonded from a tooth by pivoting the sections toward each other in respective arcs about a central reference axis extending in an occlusal-gingival direction. The mesial and distal sections are discrete and spaced apart from each other, or alternatively integrally joined by a relatively thin web that bends and optionally fractures upon debonding. A metallic archwire slot liner interconnects the mesial and distal sections and enhances sliding mechanics of the bracket. A pliers-like debonding tool includes jaws with stops for limiting the lingual depth of engagement of the jaws with the mesial and distal sides of the bracket, to facilitate pivoting of the mesial and distal sections during debonding.

Abstract: In order to improve the mechanical strength of an orthodontic aid produced on a plastics basis, without having to tolerate any appreciable reduction in the transparency of the bracket, it is suggested that a reinforcement increasing the mechanical strength be arranged at least in those areas acted upon by tooth correction forces, this reinforcement being produced with the use of a ceramic material.

Abstract: A machined orthodontic bracket has a hook integrally formed with a gingival tiewing of the bracket. The hook includes a square shank, and a head with a cylindrical surface. The hook is machined by an end mill or formed cutter, and is achieved in part by changing the orientation of the bracket midway through the machining operation.

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

Abstract: An arch wire is provided with one or more sleeves, each of which is a close fit on the wire and in turn fits closely into the bracket slot in which it is inserted. The wire/sleeve combination and the bracket cooperate to produce the desired rotation and tipping of the tooth while, if required, the sleeve/bracket combination can slide freely along the wire. This permits the use of very light moving forces and the use of a wire of uniform cross-section along its length while permitting changes of the wire cross-section for each and any bracket to provide the desired orthodontic action. Preferably the wire and sleeve cross-sections cooperate to hold the sleeve against rotation about a mesial-distal axis. The ends of the sleeve may be splayed to limit its endwise movement in the bracket slot. A sleeve may extend over more than one bracket. The sleeve may be a continuous tube, or it may be slit mesially-distally along its lingual face that is within the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket, such as a bracket made of ceramic material, is provided with a liner that enhances sliding mechanics between the bracket and an archwire. A portion of the liner projects beyond the bracket body and optionally includes an occlusal, gingival or lingual section that extends over a mesial or distal side of the bracket body. A bottom surface of the liner is located a distance from a bottom wall of a channel receiving the liner, and the distance optionally varies along the length of the archwire slot in order to urge the attached tooth to rotate as needed about its long axis. The liner is bonded to the bracket body in such a manner that the bracket body is thereafter held by the liner in compression.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orthodontic appliance comprising of a plurality of brackets and molar tubes for the correction of malocclusion of teeth. The bracket features a horizontal rectangular slot in the gingival surface for securing round arch wires and rectangular arch wires in ribbon-arch mode. The bracket allows free tipping, controlled tipping or bodily movement of the tooth depending on the mode of securing the arch wire to the slot. The molar tube features at least one rectangular tube which is vertical in cross-section, corresponding to the arch wire slot of the bracket. The tube provides better control over the molar tooth leading to stronger anchorage. The appliance allows different tooth movements with total control for precise positioning of all the teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a ceramic body having an elongated channel, and a metallic archwire slot liner that is received in the channel. The liner is affixed to the ceramic body by a brazing process using a brazing material such as platinum, silver, an active metal or a mixture of molybdenum and manganese. Alternatively, the liner is formed in situ in the bracket body.

Abstract: By using titanium, titanium based alloys, or related metals or alloys, an orthodontic bracket can be manufactured which is lighter and stronger than any conventional type of bracket made of stainless steels, plastics and even ceramics. Ti based brackets have shown excellent corrosion resistance and possess good biocompatibility. Surface treatments including nitriding, diamond coating, pre-oxidation or shot-peening on the slot bottom surface of such brackets reduce the friction coefficient against the orthodontic archwire. Furthermore, the bonding strength may be enhanced by shot-peening, ion beam etching or reactive ion etching on the tooth contact surface of the base portion of the bracket.