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

Abstract: A plurality of strands are disposed in a braided relationship to form a multi-strand filament. Each of the strands is formed from a material having substantially fifty five percent (55%) titanium and forty five percent (45%) nickel by weight. The strands have the properties of being formed to any desired configuration in an arched relationship at a suitable temperature such as approximately 490.degree. C. The multi-strand configuration is then bent from the desired configuration at a temperature below a particular temperature such as 10.degree. C.-15.degree. C. to conform to the actual configuration of the teeth in the patient's mouth and is attached to the patient's teeth in this bent configuration. The multi-strand filament returns to the desired configuration while attached to the patient's teeth, thereby causing the position of the teeth in the patient's mouth to become disposed in the desired configuration. In another embodiment, the multi-strand braid envelopes a centrally disposed wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic tensioning thread comprising a plurality of elastomeric strands braided together, the combined effect of the braid providing significantly improved tensile strength, elasticity retention, tieability and knot retention as compared to prior art monofilaments of comparable circumference.

Abstract: Attachment of an orthodontic appliance by direct bonding to a tooth utilizing a composite base with a porous tooth-abutting face and various methods for making the device, such as casting as a unitary structure, or forming the composite base by rolling a mesh, in strip form, so as to form flats on at least one surface of the mesh where the mesh is to be in contact with a solid base portion, then bonding the mesh to the base. In the latter embodiment, the metal base is a metal foil to which the appliance is attached and the mesh and foil form a composite strip, from which individual composite pads are formed.

Abstract: A process for making orthodontic assemblies such as brackets and buccal tubes which permits simultaneous heat treating of the assembly while brazing the assembly together. The process consists of assembling a plurality of aligned bases with caps and a brazing insert. The caps are then tack welded (temporarily fastened) to the bases to produce a strip of orthodontic assemblies which can be easily handled. The strips are then heat treated to a brazing temperature in a specified atmosphere. The individual orthodontic assemblies are either automatically separated during the heat treatment or may be easily separated by cutting after removal from the furnace. The bases and caps for the buccal tube assemblies are of a unique design which is readily adaptable to the multiple strip brazing process.

Abstract: Attachment of an orthodontic appliance by direct bonding to a tooth utilizing a composite base with a porous tooth-abutting face and various methods for making the device, such as casting as a unitary structure, or forming the composite base by rolling a mesh, in strip form, so as to form flats on at least one surface of the mesh where the mesh is to be in contact with a solid base portion, then bonding the mesh to the base. In the latter embodiment, the metal base is a metal foil to which the appliance is attached and the mesh and foil form a composite strip, from which individual composite pads are formed.

Abstract: A process for making orthodontic assemblies such as brackets and buccal tubes which permits simultaneous heat treating of the assembly while brazing the assembly together. The process consists of assembling a plurality of aligned bases with caps and a brazing insert. The caps are then tack welded (temporarily fastened) to the bases to produce a strip of orthodontic assemblies which can be easily handled. The strips are then heat treated to a brazing temperature in a specified atmosphere. The individual orthodontic assemblies are either automatically separated during the heat treatment or may be easily separated by cutting after removal from the furnace. The bases and caps for the buccal tube assemblies are of a unique design which is readily adaptable to the multiple strip brazing process.

Abstract: A two-part orthodontic appliance having a pedestal which is relatively permanently attached to a tooth, as by direct bonding or by a tooth band, and a bracket which is firmly but removably secured to the pedestal. A wide variety of lug configurations may be provided on the bracket, so that the appropriate bracket may be selected for the particular patient and tooth in question, as the orthodontic treatment proceeds over the weeks and months. The bracket may be readily replaced with one of another configuration to accommodate the changing forces that are needed to bring about the orthodontic correction. The bracket is secured to the pedestal by a locking member or detent formed from the bracket, which snaps into place over a detent edge formed on the pedestal. Removal of the bracket from the pedestal is accomplished by forcing the locking member back over the edge, and sliding the bracket off the pedestal.