Abstract: A process for straightening teeth using super-elastic NiTi arch wires of the same diameter but having different recovery forces is carried out by using NiTi wires that have a transition temperature below body temperature with brackets on the teeth. The different recovery force is set for each wire by heat treating the wires at different temperatures and/or for different periods of time. In this manner the forces applied to the teeth can be changed while still using arch wires of the same diameter.

Abstract: A dental amalgam alloy containing selenium includes one or two or more of powders of chemically synthesized copper selenides (CuSe, Cu.sub.2 Se), silver selenide (Ag.sub.2 Se), gold selenide (Au.sub.2 Se.sub.3), nickel selenide (NiSe), palladium selenides (PdSe, PdSe.sub.2), platinum selenides (PtSe.sub.2, PtSe.sub.3), zinc selenide (ZnSe), mercury selenide (HgSe), indium selenide (In.sub.2 Se.sub.3) and tin selenide (SnSe) added to and mixed with a dental amalgam alloy powder with the resulting powder mixture containing selenium regulated to an amount of 0.05 to 5 weight %.

Abstract: Selenium-containing amalgam alloys for dental restoration comprises 0.1-50% by weight of any one of the following alloy powders (A), (B) and (C) mixed with 50-99.9% by weight of the following amalgam alloy powders (D).(A): Silver alloy powders containing no less than 50% by weight of silver and 0.01-10% by weight of selenium,(B): Copper alloy powders containing no less than 50% by weight of copper and 0.01-5% by weight of selenium,(C): Alloy powders mix of (A) with (B) wherein the total amount of silver and copper is adjusted to no less than 50% by weight, and the amount of selenium to 0.01-10% by weight, and(D): Silver-tin-copper amalgam alloy powders.At least one of the any one of (A), (B) and (C) and (D) may be pre-amalgamated with mercury in an amount of no higher than 3% by weight based on the total weight thereof.

Abstract: Selenium-containing amalgam alloys for dental restoration comprises 0.1-50% by weight of any one of the following alloy powders (A), (B) and (C) mixed with 50-99.9% by weight of the following amalgam alloy powders (D).(A): Silver alloy powders containing no less than 50% by weight of silver and 0.01-10% by weight of selenium,(B): Copper alloy powders containing no less than 50% by weight of copper and 0.01-5% by weight of selenium,(C): Alloy powders mix of (A) with (B) wherein the total amount of silver and copper is adjusted to no less than 50% by weight, and the amount of selenium to 0.01-10% by weight, and(D): Silver-tin-copper amalgam alloy powders. At least one of the any one of (A), (B) and (C) and (D) may be pre-amalgamated with mercury in an amount of no higher than 3% by weight based on the total weight thereof.

Abstract: A novel setting composition for dental purposes comprises a dental silver amalgam alloy composed mainly of silver and tin, and including one or more of copper, zinc, indium, palladium and gold; mercury in an amount sufficient to amalgamate said alloy: and selenium. The selenium may or may not be coated with a metal showing an affinity for mercury, such as silver. The amount of selenium contained is in a range of 0.005 to 5% by weight.