Abstract: A system for long term releasing of medication in the mouth, and especially an intra-oral fluoride releasing system (IFRS) for releasing fluoride over a long term for inhibiting the formation of caries in the teeth. The system uses a holder for retaining and protecting intra-oral fluoride tablets or other intra-oral medicament in the form of fluoride releasing devices (IFRD). The holder has a plate with retaining sides and retaining posts or a carrier. The tablet will fit within the holder. The tablet may be located in the carrier, or ligature bands can be tied around the tablet in order to releasably hold the IFRD within the holder. The system causes a level of fluoride to be maintained over a long term within the mouth which has been found chemically effective for caries control and without causing severe irritation to oral tissues.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is made from crystalline alumina, preferably crystalline alpha-alumina. The bracket comprises a base member for attaching to a tooth and a body member extending from the base member. The body member includes walls that define an archwire groove. The walls comprise crystalline alumina. The bracket has sufficient strength to withstand normal torquing forces imparted by an archwire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feeding-bottle device with an adjustable air inflow, comprising a feeding bottle, a teat and a ring clamping the teat onto the feeding bottle. The teat has an annular collar intended to be retained between the rim of the feeding bottle and a flange of a clamping ring screwed onto the feeding bottle. The collar bears on the rim by means of ribs betwen them delimiting air-inlet passages. Opposite a localized annular zone of the rim, each rib has an interruption arranged in correspondence with a moulding for the bearing of the flange on the collar. Thus, by screwing the clamping ring into the feeding bottle to a greater or lesser extent, the effective cross-section of the air-inlet passages can be adjusted, deforming the collar as a result of a lever effect exerted between the moulding and the ribs, especially until the air inlet passages are closed. Leaks of the liquid contained in the feeding bottle when the child stops sucking can thus be prevented.

Abstract: Aa system for long term releasing of medication in the mouth, and especially an intra-oral fluoride releasing system (IFRS) for releasing fluoride over a long term for inhibiting the formation of caries in the teeth. The system uses a holder for retaining and protecting intra-oral fluoride tablets or other intra-oral medicament in the form of fluoride releasing devices (IFRD). The holder has a plate with retaining sides and retaining posts or a carrier. The tablet will fit within the holder. The tablet may be located in the carrier, or ligature bands can be tied around the tablet in order to releasably hold the IFRD within the holder. The system causes a level of fluoride to be maintained over a long term within the mouth which has been found chemically effective for caries control and without causing severe irritation to oral tissues.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is made from crystalline alumina, preferably crystalline alpha-alumina. The bracket comprises a base member for attaching to a tooth and a body member extending from the base member. The body member includes walls that define an archwire groove. The walls comprise crystalline alumina. The bracket has sufficient strength to withstand normal torquing forces imparted by an archwire.

Abstract: A system for long term releasing of medication in the mouth, and especially an intra-oral fluoride releasing system (IFRS) for releasing fluoride over a long term for inhibiting the formation of caries in the teeth. The system uses a holder for retaining and protecting intra-oral fluoride tablets or other intra-oral medicament in the form of fluoride releasing devices (IFRD). The holder has a plate with retaining sides and retaining posts or a carrier. The tablet will fit within the holder. The tablet may be located in the carrier, or ligature bands can be tied around the tablet in order to releasably hold the IFRD within the holder. The system causes a level of fluoride to be maintained over a long term within the mouth which has been found chemically effective for caries control and without causing severe irritation to oral tissues.

Abstract: An instrument for opening and closing a dental bracket where the bracket has a cover for an archwire slot. The instrument contains projections rotating about the archwire, a key fitting behind the cover and causes the cover to telescope into the bracket.

Abstract: A debonding tip for electrothermal debonding device is disclosed. This debonding tip fits around the mesio distal sides and into the saddle slot of a dental bracket. The debonding tip causes rapid heating of the dental bracket and weakens the adhesive bond used to bond brackets to teeth. With the increased viscosity, the bracket is able to be rotated around and pulled off the tooth.

Abstract: Novel sunscreen compositions containing titanium dioxide having a particle size less than 10 m.mu. are described as well as methods of protecting the skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A medical dressing comprising an embossed, thin polymeric film coated on one side with a medical grade, pressure-sensitive adhesive. The embossed film has a low coefficient of friction, preferably less than about 0.6, on the outer adhesive free surface which makes the film particularly resistant to unintentional removal by rubbing forces. The film is intended primarily for use as a blister dressing, but may also be provided with an absorbent pad for use as a wound dressing.

Abstract: A stable and clear aqueous solution of zinc salt useful as a mouthrinse and a gel dentifrice. In a preferred embodiment the aqueous solution comprises zinc chloride codissolved with a complexing agent of sodium gluconate, in a naturally derived anionic polymer of sodium carboxymethylcellulose. This solution is advantageous because it maintains clarity and chemical stability in temperatures of from about 4.degree. to about 50.degree. C. and may be alcohol-free. The anionic polymer acts as a buffer to provide a solution with a pH in a desirable range of from about 5.7 to about 6.5, which limits astringency and tartness.

Abstract: A holder for dental brackets having a frame which has an adhesive face on one side. The frame is foldable around a central line. Within each part of the frame is a transparent plastic. Thus, the dental brackets fit within the transparent plastic pouch formed by the frame and are manageable, identifiable, and remain sanitarily safe during transport. In addition, the stackable nature of the frame makes them easier to store.

Abstract: An oval cheek retractor enclosing an oval work area and attached to a handle. The cheek retractor has a pair of lip extenders at either oval end so that the user can either push or pull the cheeks without changing the hand being used.

Abstract: This invention relates to detergent compositions comprising at least one surfactant, at least one water-soluble nitrogen-containing polymer and a water-soluble, non-particulate substance capable of imparting a desired residual effect to a specific substrate such as the scalp or skin.