Abstract: Methods of using a dental composition having a photobleachable dye and an acidic component with a pKa of less than 4.5 are disclosed. The photobleachable dye is selected from the group consisting of aminoanthraquinone dyes, azo dyes, and combinations thereof. The aged color of the dental composition is substantially the same as the color of the dental composition immediately after hardening.

Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus for orthodontic bonding procedures includes a tray having inner wall sections defining a channel for receiving the patient's dental arch. A number of orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the tray along the channel, and each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to the tooth. The wall sections include at least one groove extending along the base of at least one appliance in order to provide a space between the wall sections and the patient's tooth structure when the tray is received on the patient's dental arch. The space hinders the flow of oral fluids such as saliva in directions toward the base in order to help ensure that the fluids do not adversely affect the strength of the resulting adhesive bond between the appliance and the tooth.

Abstract: The present invention provides assemblies, kits, and methods including a compressible material. Optionally, a hardenable dental composition (e.g., an adhesive or primer) is in contact with the compressible material for bonding a dental article (e.g., an orthodontic appliance) to a tooth structure. Removal of excess hardenable and/or hardened dental composition, if desired, can be facilitated for embodiments in which the hardenable dental composition is an unfilled or a lightly filled composition.

Abstract: A method of making transfer apparatus for use in indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances includes the act of applying a spacer material over a dentition replica. The spacer material includes at least one cavity for releasably receiving an orthodontic appliance, and a base of the appliance is in contact with one of the teeth of the dentition replica. A tray is formed over the spacer material and the spacer material is then removed. Subsequently, a quantity of matrix material is directed into the space between the tray and the dentition replica in order to releasably hold the appliance for an indirect bonding procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dental compositions that can be used as adhesives for bonding a dental material to a dental structure surface and/or as a dental restorative material. The dental composition is preferably applied to a dental structure surface under conditions effective to etch the dental structure surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes an appliance placement device such as an indirect bonding transfer tray or a jig. A number of orthodontic appliances such as brackets are releasably connected to the placement device. The assembly also includes a dispensing unit that is adapted to receive the placement device and apply a quantity of adhesive to the bases of the appliances simultaneously.

Abstract: A packaged orthodontic assembly includes a container with a chamber and an orthodontic appliance received in the chamber. A quantity of a first orthodontic adhesive material is applied by the manufacturer to the base of the orthodontic appliance. A second orthodontic adhesive material is also received in the chamber in initially spaced relationship to the first orthodontic adhesive material. The practitioner can elect to bring the first orthodontic adhesive material into contact with the second orthodontic adhesive material when desired.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances includes a tray with a channel and a matrix material received in the channel. At least one stop member is connected to the tray and is made of a relatively rigid thermoset material. Each stop member helps to facilitate accurate positioning of the tray in the patient's oral cavity during a bonding procedure, a particular advantage when the matrix material is relatively flexible.

Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus for orthodontic bonding procedures includes a tray having inner wall sections defining a channel for receiving the patient's dental arch. A number of orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the tray along the channel, and each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to the tooth. The wall sections include at least one groove extending along the base of at least one appliance in order to provide a space between the wall sections and the patient's tooth structure when the tray is received on the patient's dental arch. The space hinders the flow of oral fluids such as saliva in directions toward the base in order to help ensure that the fluids do not adversely affect the strength of the resulting adhesive bond between the appliance and the tooth.

Abstract: A digital orthodontic treatment planning system provides a practitioner with a digital representation of at least a part of a tooth of a patient within a three-dimensional environment. The practitioner may provide input indicative of a desired movement for a tooth of a patient via a user interface. Based on the desired movement for the tooth, a position of a virtual orthodontic appliance is calculated. The digital representation of the tooth may be moved in accordance with the adjusted position of the virtual orthodontic appliance. In this way, the system provides the practitioner with the perception that the input is being directly applied to the tooth, whereas the input is being indirectly applied to the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes an appliance placement device such as an indirect bonding transfer tray or a jig. A number of orthodontic appliances such as brackets are releasably connected to the placement device. The assembly also includes a dispensing unit that is adapted to receive the placement device and apply a quantity of adhesive to the bases of the appliances simultaneously.

Abstract: Articles including an orthodontic bracket having a base for bonding the bracket to a tooth are disclosed. A first part of an at least two-part adhesive is on the base of the bracket and a release substrate is in contact with the adhesive.

Abstract: Transfer apparatus is constructed for applying an orthodontic composition such as a bonding composition to selected areas of multiple teeth simultaneously. The selected areas of the teeth that receive the composition substantially correspond to areas of the teeth that subsequently receive orthodontic appliances. As a result, contact of the composition with other regions of the oral cavity such as the gingival tissue is avoided.