Abstract: An orthodontic bracket made of a partially crystallized amorphous glass material and method for making same. The orthodontic bracket has a thin compressive outer crystalline layer.

Abstract: Medical/dental pliers made from titanium based alloy material having jaws for gripping objects with gripping faces which are coated with a hard and wear resistant material of sufficient thickness to be structurally self-supportive when the pliers are used to grip an object which is harder than the titanium based alloy material underlying the coating. The surface of each coating has good gripping characteristics.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method of making same. The bracket comprises a main body portion made of a rigid plastic material having a filler for improved strength. The bracket further includes a rigid reinforcement molded into the body for strengthening the archwire slot. The method comprises forming at least one insert in a blank sheet of metal, forming the insert to its final configuration, placing the insert in a mold cavity and forming the bracket around the insert, removing the bracket from the mold and separating the bracket from the sheet of metal at a predetermined point.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, it is provided an orthodontic bracket having a base portion for attachment to a tooth. The base portion is provided with a substantially monolayer of substantially uniform size particles. The particles are secured to the bonding base through the use of an adhesive.In another aspect, there is provided a method of making an orthodontic bracket having a bonding base for attachment to the surface of a tooth, comprising the steps of:(a) applying a curable adhesive layer to the bonding base;(b) applying a substantially monolayer of particles of substantially uniform size to the bonding base; and(c) curing the adhesive so as to bond the particles to the bonding surface.In yet another aspect there is provided an orthodontic bracket having a bonding base for attachment to the surface of a tooth. The bonding base having means for minimizing removal of enamel from the tooth during removal of the bonded bracket from the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a base portion for attachment to a tooth. The base portion is provided with a substantially monolayer of substantially uniform sized particles. The particles may have a size in the range of 5 to 200 micron.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket made of a partially crystallized glass material and method for making same. The orthodontic bracket has a thin compressive outer crystalline layer.

Abstract: An orthodonic archwire and method of making same. The archwire through a unique combination of physical and material properties can be activated for providing a variety of teeth corrective forces simultaneously. The archwire is provided with a pair of loop structures substantially equidistant from the center line of the arch form., The posterior sections of the archwire are curved in two directions so as to provide both toe in forces, for rotation of the posterior teeth, and forces for extrusion of the posterior teeth and bite opening. The method of manufacturing the archwire is such that substantially no residual torque is present in the finally formed archwire.

Abstract: A crystalline orthodontic bracket which has been subjected to a machining operation having improved fracture toughness and a heat treatment method for obtaining such improved fracture toughness. The method includes the steps of placing the machined orthodontic bracket in an oven and heating the bracket at an elevated temperature above normal annealing temperatures and slightly below the melting point of the brackets which is capable of healing surface microcracks. The bracket is maintained at this temperature for a predetermined period of time so as to heal microcracks on the surface. The bracket is then removed and allowed to cool to room temperature.

Abstract: Method for fracturing the interface between dental structures that have been secured together. The device comprises an ultrasonic tool for providing bi-directional movement of a preferred amplitude and frequency. The tool is applied against one of the dental structures at an acute angle with respect to a plane in which the interface between the dental structures lies.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method of making same wherein the bracket has at least one tie wing integrally formed with a base portion. In one form of the invention the bracket is provided with at least one longitudinally extending groove which extends into the base portion, the groove having at least a portion extending beyond at least a portion of the groove opening. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making an orthodontic bracket using only ultrasonic machining techniques.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a base portion for attachment to a tooth. The base portion is provided with a substantially monolayer of substantially uniform sized particles. The particles may have a size in the range of 5 to 200 micron.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance made of a shape memory alloy comprising of a nickel, titanium, and copper composition which is formulated to provide the desired loading and unloading forces to the bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket made of a partially crystallized glass material and method for making same. The orthodontic bracket has a thin compressive outer crystalline layer.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method of making same wherein the bracket has at least one tiewing integrally formed with a base portion. In one form of the invention the bracket is provbided with at least one longitudinally extending groove which extends into the base portion, the groove having at least a portion extending beyond at least a portion of the groove opening. In another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making an orthodontic bracket using ultrasonic machining techniques.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method of making same wherein the bracket has at least one tiewing integrally formed with a base portion. In one form of the invention the bracket is provided with at least one longitudinally extending groove which extends into the base portion, the groove having at least a portion extending beyond at least a portion of the groove opening. In another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making an orthodontic bracket using ultrasonic machining techniques.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method of making same wherein the bracket has at least one tiewing integrally formed with a base portion. In one form of the invention the bracket is provided with at least one longitudinally extending groove which extends into the base portion, the groove having at least a portion extending beyond at a least a portion of the groove opening. In another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making an orthodontic bracket using ultrasonic machining techniques.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method of making same wherein the bracket has at least one tiewing integrally formed with a base portion. In one form of the invention the bracket is provided with at least one longitudinally extending groove which extends into the base portion, the groove having at least a portion extending beyond at least a portion of the groove opening. In another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making an orthodontic bracket using ultrasonic machining techniques.