Abstract: A bonding base and method of making the base for a plastic orthodontic bracket to provide a mechanical lock that inhibits both shear and tensile forces when bonded to a tooth with a mechanical bonding adhesive. The bonding base includes a coating or layer of thermoset epoxy, urethane or acrylate chemistry having partially embedded therein a layer of textured particles that define multi-directional undercuts and projections. The method of making the bonding base includes the steps of applying a substantially uniform in thickness coating of the chosen chemistry to the tooth-attaching side of the bracket, next applying a layer of textured particles to the coating while it is wet, and then curing the coating to lock the textured particles to the bracket for producing a textured mechanical lock.

Abstract: An improved relatively flexible bonding pad or base for an orthodontic ceramic bracket to facilitate debonding the bracket from a tooth and a method of debonding wherein the base or pad is secured to the bracket and the combination bracket and base or pad is bonded to a surface of a tooth. The base or pad is of a relatively flexible material and is formed so that it can be engaged by a pliers for the application of a compressive or buckling force to cause the base or pad to buckle or distort and break the bond to the tooth without the application of any force to the bracket that might cause fracturing of the bracket. The base or pad is provided with one or more holes to enhance the bond between the bracket/pad and the tooth. Following the attachment of the flexible base or pad to a bracket and adhesively bonding the bracket and pad to the tooth, the method of debonding includes application of a compressive edge-to-edge force to the pad that would cause buckling and breaking of the bond with the tooth.

Abstract: A solution or gel for use in etching the surfaces of teeth in preparation for the application of dental restoratives. This etchant contains phosphoric acid in an amount not to exceed approximately 5% by weight.

Abstract: A dental bracket is described which comprises a non-metallic bracket, typically formed from a transparent crystalline alumina. To this non-metallic bracket there is bound a stainless steel metallic foil mesh pad which is adhesively connected to the dental bracket. The foil mesh pad can thereafter be bound to the tooth using typical adhesives, and without worrying of bonding or debonding associated with ceramic or crystallic brackets. If desired, one can make the stainless steel pad aesthetically pleasing, to obtain further aesthetic benefits from this device.

Abstract: A dental bracket is made from an alloy of nickel, beryllium and chromium. The alloy may be that designated by the trademark REXILLIUM III. A groove is disposed in one surface of the bracket to receive an arch wire. An opposite surface of the bracket is roughened to receive an adhesive which has properties of adhering to the bracket and to a patient's tooth. The bracket is formed by heating the alloy to the molten state, pouring the molten alloy into a mold with a cavity in the shape of the bracket and allowing the bracket to cool in air to room temperature. As the bracket cools, the beryllium oxide formed during the heating of the alloy is formed into dendrites. The surface receiving the adhesive is washed with an acid to remove the material in the space between the dendrites and thereby roughen the surface for the reception of the adhesive. The dental bracket is advantageous in that it is made from a single integral piece of material and in that it has properties of preventing tarnishing when scratched.

Abstract: A metal bracket is provided with a covering formed for dental porcelain. The porcelain is placed on the sides and buccal surfaces of the bracket and provides for an aesthetic appearance to the bracket. However, the high strength is provided by the metal. The exposed metallic surfaces of the archwire slot and base enable the bracket to function in the manner of a metal bracket. This porcelain fused to metal bracket enables the user to derive the best possible functions of both types of materials.

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.

Abstract: A support plate for an orthodontic anchorage fitting designed to be removably attached to a dental crown analog. The plate has curved slots at each end for passage of screws used to attach it to a sidewall of the analog, so that the plate can be adjusted on the sidewall around an axis that is between the slots. Pivot means can be provided in the sidewall and the plate for locating the plate pivotally on the sidewall. The plate is made of a material, such as stainless steel, to which an orthodontic anchorage fitting may be attached by welding.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances are disclosed which have a base portion with a chemically active bonding surface and a protective porous mesh affixed to the bonding surface to prevent contamination thereof. Fabric-type mesh materials are contemplated for use as the protective film. The protective film is preferably inert to the orthodontic adhesives utilized to affix the bracket to a tooth.

Abstract: Packaging for orthodontic brackets having a pre-dispensed adhesive. The packaging comprises light opaque compartments, each compartment sized and dimensioned to contain a bracket, and having a reservoir such that adhesive applied to a portion of the bracket will remain in contact with that portion of the bracket, and will not be distributed over other portions of the bracket. Also, a formulation of adhesive adapted for pre-dispensing to orthodontic brackets, comprising Bis/GMA, EBADMA, and at least one polymerizing agent.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, it is provided an orthodontic bracket having a base portion for attachment to a tooth. The base portion is provided with a substantially monolayer of substantially uniform size particles. The particles are secured to the bonding base through the use of an adhesive.In another aspect, there is provided a method of making an orthodontic bracket having a bonding base for attachment to the surface of a tooth, comprising the steps of:(a) applying a curable adhesive layer to the bonding base;(b) applying a substantially monolayer of particles of substantially uniform size to the bonding base; and(c) curing the adhesive so as to bond the particles to the bonding surface.In yet another aspect there is provided an orthodontic bracket having a bonding base for attachment to the surface of a tooth. The bonding base having means for minimizing removal of enamel from the tooth during removal of the bonded bracket from the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a base portion for attachment to a tooth. The base portion is provided with a substantially monolayer of substantially uniform sized particles. The particles may have a size in the range of 5 to 200 micron.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an orthodontic bracket which comprises a photopolymerization-type adhesive layered and fixed on a back surface portion of a bracket main body made of a light-transmitting material, a kit which comprises the bracket hermetically sealed in a light-shielding container, and a process for the adhesion of the bracket.

Abstract: A dental undercut application device for producing an undercut on the surface of a tooth for securing a dental appliance. The application device contains an undercut or applique with a curved front side for engagement with the surface of the tooth and a stem on the back side attached to a locator tab. The locator tab can be grasped when applying the adhesive to the front side of the undercut and for locating the undercut on the surface of the tooth while the adhesive cures. When the undercut is secured to the tooth, the stem is cut and the tab removed. The back side of the undercut may then be smoothed to match the contour of the tooth. Clasps on removable orthodontic appliances or removable partial dentures engage with the undercut to retain the dental appliance or denture in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A retention wire for a tooth which has two ends, one end being adapted to lie against the outside surface of a tooth in front of the back tooth in a plurality of teeth, the other end passing backwardly around the back tooth, then forwardly to the front of the front tooth in said plurality and around it where the second end terminates. The retention wire may include a retention wedge mounted on it comprising a planar sheet of high strength material such as stainless steel, plastic and the like adapted to be placed against the surface of a tooth. The surface which engages the tooth is covered by adhesive material to bond it to a tooth. This adhesive material preferably is in the form of a sheet which is able to bond it both to the wedge and a tooth. The retention wire extends beyond the wedge at both sides thereof. One end is adapted to go around the tooth and engage the inner surface thereof. The other end also extends beyond the side of the wedge where it terminates in a loop which may rest against the gum.

Abstract: Rails (38) project from a mesial edge (40) and a distal edge (42) of a base (28) of an orthodontic appliance (30) forming a gap between the base (28) and a surface (32) of a tooth (34). At least one post (44) projects from the base (28) between the rails (38). The rails (38) and post (44) are dimensioned to substantially preclude post/tooth contact and reduce the likelihood of appliance detachment from a curved tooth surface. The posts (44) are formed to resist shear forces associated with mastication and to facilitate the smooth flow of bonding material about the posts (44) when the base (28) is pressed against a tooth surface (32) during bonding.

Abstract: A dental cement for providing a fixing for a temporary dental prosthesis or appliance is provided. The dental cement includes a metal oxide, a metal hydroxide and an aqueous solution of a polycarboxylic acid. The cement may also include a fatty acid, a polyvinylacetate emulsion and a dimer fatty acid. One or more plasticizers may also be included. Residual dental cement may be removed from the temporary dental prosthesis or appliance when desired by using a dissolving bath containing a metal hydroxide and a chelating agent.

Abstract: A bracket for orthodontics having a bracket body made of a composite resin material and a thin layer of a synthetic resin material in a dental adhesive. The synthetic resin layer is laminated on the base surface of the bracket body in such a manner that the composite resin material of the bracket body and the synthetic resin of the thin layer are mingled with each other at the boundary therebetween. The thin resin layer is composed of polymethyl methacrylate having an average molecular weight of 1000,000 or less or a polymethacrylate copolymer.

Abstract: A method of bonding polymeric articles to tooth structures employing a light curable primer, including etching the surface of said tooth, applying a primer to the polymeric article the primer including light curable acrylate or methacrylate monomers and a volatile solvent which softens or partially dissolves the polymeric material of the article, applying light curable adhesive to the article or tooth, and applying the article to the tooth and curing the primer and the adhesive by applying light.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for attachment to a tooth having a ceramic engaging surface for attachment to the tooth. A single compliant layer having a plurality of openings is accrued to the engaging surface of the tooth. The appliance is attached to the surface of the tooth using a chemically active adhesive system.

Abstract: A bonding base and method of making a base for a ceramic orthodontic bracket to provide mechanical retention between the bracket and the tooth so that the bracket may be debonded by the failure of the mechanical bond at the bracket/bond interface when the shear strength of the bond is exceeded. The bracket bonding base includes a glass frit fired to the tooth-attaching side of the bracket and a layer of textured aluminum oxide fired to the frit. The method of making the bonding base includes controlled preparation of a glass ceramic glaze (frit) to have a coefficient of thermal expansion slightly less than that of the bracket and application of the glaze to the bracket base. Thereafter, a proper firing sequence transforms the glaze into a sintered glass ceramic. A specially prepared textured substance is then applied to the sintered ceramic glaze and the bracket is again fired under controlled conditions in order to fuse the textured substance with the glaze.

Abstract: A relatively flexible bonding pad or base for an orthodontic bracket to facilitate debonding the bracket from a tooth and a method of debonding wherein the base or pad is secured to the bracket and the base or pad is bonded to a surface of a tooth. The base or pad is of a relatively flexible material and is formed so that it can be engaged by a pliers for the application of a compressive or buckling force to cause the base or pad to buckle or distort and break the bond to the tooth without the application of any force to the bracket which would cause fracturing of the bracket. The method would include the adhesive attachment of a plastic base or pad to a bracket prior to adhesively bonding the bracket to the tooth, and thereafter debonding by applying a force to the pad that would cause buckling and breaking of the bond with the tooth.

Abstract: A method for visually highlighting the structural features of orthodontic appliances to facilitate easy discernment of difficult-to-see features, thereby simplifying and reducing the time required for therapeutic readjustment of orthodontic appliances, is disclosed, wherein a contrasting coloring agent is applied directly to the orthodontic appliances to achieve the desired results without any accompanying undesirable effects or disadvantages.

Abstract: First and second members are constructed to be disposed in an individual's body without adversely affecting the functioning of the individual's body. The first and second members may be illustratively an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic pad. An armorphous alloy is disposed between or adjacent to the first and second members in a thin layer (e.g. three thousandths of an inch (0.003")) and is bonded, as by brazing, to the first and second members. The alloy is provided with properties of not affecting the functioning of the individual's body adversely. The alloy preferably has eutectic properties and has properties of being ductile and corrosion resistant. The alloy is preferably a metallic glass in which the primary element may be palladium. The alloy may consist of palladium, nickel and silicon.

Abstract: Described is a device to fix or control the mutual position of teeth (6), comprising anchor elements each of which is to be connected by cementing to a tooth (6) and which are connected to one another by means of bars (3), where the anchor elements are designed as rings (2) or ring segments.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for securing orthodontic appliances to a tooth and an associated fabricating method. The orthodontic bracket (10) generally comprises a body (18) fabricated of a high strength plastic material (22) filled with an oxide particulate filler (24). In certain alternate embodiments the body (18) is further strengthened by dispersing reinforcing fibers (32) in the plastic material (22). The body (18) in certain embodiments is coated with a layer of organo-functional silane (28) and/or a high strength plastic (30) so as to resist staining and/or abrasion. The method of the present invention generally comprises filling the plastic fabricating material (22) with the oxide filler (28) and/or reinforcing fibers and/or whiskers (32) and molding the composite material into the desired bracket body configuration. The body (18) can then be coated with the desired protective abrasion and stain resistant coating (30).

Abstract: A lingual attachment having a base, one side of which is adhered to a tooth and the other side of which is affixed to a loop attachment member formed of wire with said loop defining an aperture therein for receipt of an orthodontic attachment member, such loop extending beyond the edge of the base and curving away therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for photopolymerizing a material using a pulsed radiation source, preferably in the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A dental tape is disclosed comprising a light-curable, non-toxic paste layered between two cover sheets, at least one of which releasably adheres to the paste, and a dental article is disclosed comprising an orthodontic bracket having a base and a light-curable, non-toxic paste sandwiched between the base and a releasably adhering substrate.

Abstract: A nonporous ceramic bracket for bonding to the external face of a tooth is made of compressed zirconium oxide particles which are partially stabilized by a transition metal oxide. The bracket has a color and translucency substantially corresponding to the tooth to which it is bonded.

Abstract: A single crystal orthodontic bracket is disclosed which is provided with an outer protective layer of a polycrystalline material so as to provide fracture toughness of the orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A method of direct or indirect bonding orthodontic brackets including metal, ceramic, sapphire, plastic and other clear brackets to teeth utilizing light curable polymer bonding agent compounds which are sufficiently viscous in an uncured state to retain a bracket in an applied position on the tooth until the bonding agent is cured and which bonding agents are curable within approximately twenty (20) seconds or less, by directing a visible and/or ultraviolet light source between the base of the bracket and the tooth to thereby thoroughly and securely bond the bracket to the tooth in the desired position. The method subsequently permits the bracket to be removed simultaneously with most of the bonding agent attached thereto thereby facilitating tooth cleaning following bracket removal.

Abstract: Ceramic orthodontic brackets are bonded to teeth with dental adhesive. Each bracket has a silica-containing layer on the tooth facing base of the bracket. A silanation layer is also applied to the base. The silanation layer is deposited from a solution containing a first silane coupling agent reactive with organic resin in the adhesive and a second silane coupling agent having a non-reactive orgainc group. Collectively the silanes occupy all of the silanation sites on the silica-containing substrate. By controlling the ratio of reactive and non-reactive silane coupling agents, the bond strength between the substrate and the adhesive can be controlled. A set of ceramic orthodontic brackets can have uniform force of removal by varying the porportions of silane coupling agents on the brackets.

Abstract: An orthodontic accessory comprising an attachment contiguous with a base and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the base to interact with the tooth and a removable backing protecting the adhesive. The removable backing is scored or perforated so that a relatively small portion can be initially removed for initial placement of the accessory and is also optionally oversized with respect to the size of the base to facilitate removal. The method of treatment includes the steps of preliminarily removing a portion of the backing and preliminarily positioning the accessory on the tooth, followed by removal of the remainder of the backing and finally positioning the accessory on the tooth and applying force to effect a bind between the accessory and the tooth.

Abstract: Dental cements and abrasives are provided which are polymerizable with visible light. Such adhesives may be applied in thinner films than heretofore possible and demonstrate superior physical properties. Processes employing such materials are disclosed wherein the polymerization of the adhesive is accomplished by transmitting visible light through tooth or other structures to effect the adhesion.

Abstract: A ceramic orthodontic apparatus for attachment to a tooth has a base portion with a tooth abutting surface. The tooth abutting surface is shaped to fit generally the morphology of a tooth and defines a plurality of spaced, radially contoured indentations for receiving adhesive material for attaching the apparatus to a tooth.

Abstract: A sapphire orthodontic bracket with enhanced tolerance to fabrication, installation and use is fabricated such that the "r" planes of the sapphire are at substantially equal angles to the longitudinal axis of the arch wire groove of the bracket.

Abstract: A triwing orthodontic bracket for mandibular teeth, and having a single wide occlusal tie wing of enhanced structural strength, and a pair of spaced-apart gingival tie wings which enable rotational tooth movement and simplified ligature installation.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets or other dental attachments are provided with particulate material on the tooth engaging surface thereof to improve the bonding of bracket to a tooth surface.

Abstract: A dental splint comprises a body member having a generally planar lower contact surface which establishes a bite plane. The body member is bonded to a single tooth along a side surface. A ligation wire is inserted through a hole extending through the body member to tie the splint to the tooth and to other splints.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for attachment to a tooth has a base portion, a base plate attached to the base portion and a plurality of layers of mesh material superimposed on the outer surface of the base plate and attached thereto. The apparatus is attachable to the surface of a tooth by applying an adhesive material to the plurality of layers of mesh material and bonding the mesh material directly to the surface of the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is molded either from a ceramic material or metal. When a ceramic material is used, the color of the appliance may be coordinated with that of a tooth. The appliance has a domed outwardly facing surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width directions and which is free of angular edge surfaces. The appliance may be adapted either for bonding directly to a tooth surface or for welding to a tooth encircling band. A cross slot extends into the body of the appliance, the cross slot having a curved surface between the bottom and sides of the cross slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic device has the form of a bracket with wings which are disposed on a base plate and which are constructed in the form of separate shaped parts and welded onto the base plate, the base plate itself forming a separately preformed component. Preferably, the separately preformed base plate is constructed in the form of an adhesive support or adhesive base, and for this purpose is constructed with undercut recesses on the underside of the base plate.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method of making same wherein the bracket has at least one tiewing integrally formed with a base portion. In one form of the invention the bracket is provided with at least one longitudinally extending groove which extends into the base portion, the groove having at least a portion extending beyond at least a portion of the groove opening. In another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making an orthodontic bracket using ultrasonic machining techniques.

Abstract: The adhesive strength of alumina brackets to acrylic adhesive cements is enhanced by forming an essentially silica coating on the bonding surface of the bracket by the steps of coating said surface with an organosilicon compound such as a silane and then pyrolyzing the organosilicon coating to volatilize the organic components thereof to thereby leave an essentially silica coating.

Abstract: Dental cements and adhesives are provided which are polymerizable with visible light. Such adhesives may be applied in thinner films than heretofore possible and demonstrate superior physical properties. Processes employing such materials are disclosed wherein the polymerization of the adhesive is accomplished by transmitting visible light through tooth or other structures to effect the adhesion.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets are made from ion exchange strengthened glass. In a preferred embodiment, the glass is a lithium alumino silicate srengthened with sodium ions.

Abstract: A compact dam clamp and its method of application is disclosed, said dam clamp having in a preferred embodiment a side attachment face and a bottom face, said side attachment face being provided with one or more apertures provided therethrough to enable the clamp to be physically locked to the tooth upon application and curing of a non permanent composite resin. The use of the present device does not result in either hard or soft tissue damage, and may be used on even partially erupted teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket of the type intended for cementing directly to a previously etched surface of the tooth enamel has on the lingual face thereof that contacts the tooth enamel surface a thin porous layer of sintered metal powder which is arranged to have a porosity such that it has keying characteristics close to that of the etched enamel and thereby facilitates the cementing adhesion of the bracket to the tooth. A particularly suitable metal powder consists of particles of the same alloy as the bracket metal and of size in the range about 10 to about 150 micons (-100 mesh), preferably from about 10 to about 50 microns (-300 mesh) applied in a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.2 mm, by means of a sintering operation that fuses the particles to the lingual face and to one another.

Abstract: A method of direct or indirect bonding orthodontic brackets including those having imperforate metal or opaque bases to teeth utilizing light curable polymer bonding agent compounds which are sufficiently viscous in an uncured state to retain a bracket in an applied position on the tooth until the bonding agent is cured and which bonding agents are curable within approximately twenty (20) seconds, by directing a visible and/or ultraviolet light source between the base of the bracket and the tooth to thereby thoroughly and securely bond the bracket to the tooth in the desired position. The method subsequently permits the bracket to be removed simultaneously with most of the bonding agent attached thereto thereby facilitating tooth cleaning following bracket removal.