Abstract: An orthodontic separator, dimensioned such that it can be inserted between adjacent teeth. The separator is characterized in that it exhibits an increase in compressive force after insertion between adjacent teeth in the oral environment. The separator, after insertion, exerts sufficient force on the adjacent teeth to push the teeth apart.

Abstract: An orthodontic brace includes a set of appliances that are connected to respective teeth of the patient. At least some of the appliances include a latch that is operable to release an archwire from the appliance whenever the force exerted by the archwire exceeds a certain value. This value is higher for appliances connected to certain teeth than the value associated with appliances connected to other teeth, in accordance with the particular malocclusion encountered. The brace is constructed to ensure that the goals of the treatment program are carried out in an efficient manner while reducing the likelihood of inadvertent release of the archwire during the course of treatment.

Abstract: Orthodontic adhesives and packaged articles including an orthodontic appliance having a base for bonding the appliance to a tooth are disclosed. In the packaged articles, an adhesive is on the base of the appliance, and a container at least partially surrounds the orthodontic appliance having adhesive on the base thereof.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for a molar tooth has a latch that is movable between an open position to admit or release an archwire into an archwire slot and a closed position to retain the archwire in the archwire slot. In one aspect of the invention, the appliance lacks tiewings and has a mesial archwire guide that is spaced from a distal archwire guide by a channel that extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction across the appliance. In another aspect of the invention, the appliance includes a flange with at least one groove for retaining a wire segment or other item in place.

Abstract: A water-repellent sheet has a water-repellent layer that is effectively protected from friction damage by a protective film which does not deadhere during compression bonding of the water-repellent sheet to an application surface. The protective film is easily removable after completion of compression bonding application of the water-repellent sheet to an application surface. The water-repellent sheet with a protective film contains a base layer 3 and a water-repellent layer 4 fixedly disposed on one surface of the base layer 3. A protective film 5 is bonded to the other major surface of the water-repellent layer 4. The water-repellent layer 4 contains a fluorocarbon-based polymer binder and a fluorocarbon-based resin powder dispersed in the fluorocarbon-based polymer binder and the protective film 5 is removable in such a way that a water-repellent layer 4 remains on the base layer 3 after removal of the protective film.

Abstract: An orthodontic force module is made of an elastomeric material and includes one or more eyelet segments along with one or more connector segments coupled to the eyelet segments. The configuration of the eyelet segments and the connector segments is arranged so that a substantially constant cross-sectional area is provided throughout the working length of the force module. As a result, the resistance to elongation is substantially uniform throughout the working range of the force module and premature degradation and failure due to relatively high, concentrated stresses are avoided.

Abstract: An orthodontic coupling includes a first portion and a second portion that are resiliently interconnected for movement toward and away from each other. The second portion is adapted for insertion into a passage of an orthodontic appliance, and the resilient connection between the first portion and the second portion releasably secures the coupling in place. The coupling is particularly useful for connecting force modules such as Class II correctors to buccal tube appliances.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has an overall, low profile shape. The appliance includes a base having a thickness that is less in regions adjacent the archwire slot as compared to remaining regions. In certain embodiments, the base is provided with protrusions that extend into the archwire slot for controlling rotation of the associated tooth. The resulting low profile of the appliance enhances its aesthetic appearance and helps to avoid impingement of the appliance and the attached archwire on adjacent soft tissue in the oral cavity.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance that is adapted for bonding directly to the enamel surface of a patient's tooth has structure for enhancing placement of the appliance on the tooth surface. The structure facilitates gripping the appliance by a hand instrument so that the appliance does not unduly shift or rock during a bonding procedure. In certain aspects of the invention, the placement enhancement structure comprises one or more protrusions located along sides of the appliance, and optionally some of the protrusions are located within a recess that extends along an occlusal or gingival side of the appliance.

Abstract: Films are closely conformed to substrates by reducing the air pressure to a subatmospheric level in at least one airflow pathway that is present in the film or the substrate. The reduced air pressure enables the film to tightly contact the substrate in locations where protrusions or depressions on the substrate are present. The method is particularly useful for conforming film containing graphics to a variety of substrates such as the sides of semi-trailers or concrete block walls, even in instances where the semi-trailer sides include rivets and/or grooves and where the concrete block wall is relatively rough.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes a band having a reference mark that is placed at certain orientation. An appliance connected to the band is oriented relative to the mark so that a proper, precise orientation of the appliance with respect to the band can be achieved. Optionally, the assembly may be made with automated techniques using robotic equipment, a vision system and a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A display film is capable of displaying different images between under a condition with luminous source and under a condition with a luminous source in a small space and capable of clear display by emission under a condition without a luminous source. The display film comprises: a first display layer which has a phosphorescent agent 5 or a shade agent 6 on at least a part of a surface of an opaque and nonporous substrate sheet 4 composed of a phosphorescent material as necessary and on which a first image 10 visible under a condition without a luminous source, a second display layer including a porous sheet 7 having a plurality of pores, which is disposed on the first display layer 1 in a condition such that the second display layer 2 partially conceals the first image 10 and on which a second image 11 visible under a luminous source is formed on the other hand, and a transparent protective layer disposed on the second display layer 2.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic article that includes a fluoropolymer and that exhibits at least 0.001% transmittance at 546 nm when measured according to the Transmittance Test Procedure.

Abstract: An article includes a polymer coating extending over a region of an exterior surface of the article and a laser engraved identification mark formed within the coating. The polymer coating has a color that contrasts with the color of the exterior surface, resulting in an identification that is distinct and easy to read. Optionally, the laser engraved identification mark represents species data pertaining to the article while the polymer coating can be used to create a second identification mark that represents genus data pertaining to the article, consequently facilitating visual differentiation of various articles by the consumer while also reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A container and applicator assembly includes an applicator with a handle and a dispensing tip, and a container with a chamber that detachably receives at least part of the applicator. The container has an inner surface with a plurality of protrusions that extend in the chamber along side portions of the tip. The protrusions facilitate distribution of the composition across the tip and also help to prevent unintentional movement of the composition to other areas.

Abstract: A wet-slip resistant sheet comprises a substrate having a front surface, a back surface and a plurality of tapered protrusions, one end of each of which is bonded to the front surface of the substrate. The tapered protrusions are regularly arranged on the front surface of the substrate with a repeating pattern and each of said protrusions is surrounded with grooves which intersect each other. The wet-slip resistant sheet provides good wet-slip resistance and exhibits good clean recovery properties, and the BPN value of the sheet can be easily controlled.

Abstract: Dental articles including at least one optical surface formed of a multilayer optical film including layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material are disclosed. The multilayer optical films included in the dental articles is preferably post-formed into desired non-planar shapes in manners that result in some deformation of the optical stack of the multilayer optical films. A variety of dental implements can be constructed with multilayer optical film including dental mirrors, light guides for use in connection with photo-curing dental materials, and matrix bands for use in molding photo-curing dental restoratives.

Abstract: A convenient dental tray spacer for use in forming a thin reservoir space between teeth and a dental tray, during tray fabrication. Shim (10) segments are connected by small links (12) to form a spacer (16). The lengths of the links are readily variable. Retention to the teeth is provided by adhesive on rear adhesive surfaces (22). Alternatively, an elastic loop (24) can retain a spacer (16?). Spacer (16), or spacer (16?), remain on the teeth while the dental tray is formed, and then is pulled free from inside the formed dental trays.