Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic bracket placement device comprising a horizontal bracket engaging element for engaging an orthodontic bracket; and a vertical shaft extending from the horizontal bracket engaging element, the shaft including a plurality of indicia for aligning with the incisal edge of a tooth when the bracket placement device is used to place an orthodontic bracket engaged by the engaging element on the tooth. A method is also provided for placing an orthodontic bracket on a tooth comprising placing the orthodontic bracket on the tooth at a particular vertical position on the tooth using a bracket placement device by engaging a horizontal bracket engaging element of the device with a bracket and aligning one of a plurality of indicia on the bracket placement device with the incisal edge of the tooth; and adhering the orthodontic bracket to the tooth. Kits comprising bracket placement devices of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method of reducing dentin sensitivity comprising: applying an effective amount of an acid to a dentin surface to form a treated surface; and administering an effective amount of an acidic oxalate to the treated surface so as to occlude dentinal tubules beneath the dentin surface. The method may optionally comprise the subsequent application of a suitable bonding agent. The invention further provides a kit for the treatment of dentin sensitivity, comprising a first container of an acid treatment composition, and a second container of an acidic oxalate composition.

Abstract: A fluoride-releasing dental amalgam composition for a tooth restoration comprising a dental amalgam alloy material and an fluoride-containing, the glass particulate powder component of a fluoride-leachable acid-etchable glass ionomer cement. The invention further provides a method for using the composition to prevent or reduce secondary caries in an existing tooth restoration, which is classified as a dental amalgam in nature.

Abstract: A fluoride-releasing dental amalgam composition for a tooth restoration comprising a dental amalgam alloy material and an fluoride-containing, the glass particulate powder component of a fluoride-leachable acid-etchable glass ionomer cement. The invention further provides a method for using the composition to prevent or reduce secondary caries in an existing tooth restoration, which is classified as a dental amalgam in nature.

Abstract: A method of reducing dentin sensitivity comprising: applying an effective amount of an acid to a dentin surface to form a treated surface; and administering an effective amount of an acidic oxalate to the treated surface so as to occlude dentinal tubules beneath the dentin surface. The method may optionally comprise the subsequent application of a suitable bonding agent. The invention further provides a kit for the treatment of dentin sensitivity, comprising a first container of an acid treatment composition, and a second container of an acidic oxalate composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing an adhesive resin by use of light in which the resin is disposed between a bottom surface of an orthodontic bracket and a tooth surface, wherein a curing tip enhancer of the present invention directs the light onto the adhesive when the bracket is disposed within a portion of the curing tip enhancer. Preferably, the light is directed onto the adhesive resin in a direction substantially parallel to the tooth surface. A portion of the interior surface of the bore of the curing tip enhancer is disposed at an angle so that the light is reflected onto the resin. A light-reflective interior surface of the bore increases the effectiveness of the curing tip enhancer because more radiant energy is reflected onto the resin.