Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for displaying a plurality of alphanumeric characters on a display device that is connected to an automated device having a processor, a memory, and an input device. The automated device executes a plurality of instructions that configure the processor to provide a reading focus tool on the display device. The reading focus tool includes a first section and a rectangular window within the first section and a notch section. The reading focus tool overlays the plurality of alphanumeric characters and aligns at least one line of alphanumeric characters within at least one of the rectangular window and the notch section. Further, a user is enabled to move the reading focus tool to a selection of alphanumeric characters to be read.

Abstract: A packaged assembly includes a container with a chamber and an orthodontic appliance received in the chamber. The assembly also includes a quantity of orthodontic adhesive material that is received on a release surface in the chamber. The appliance is detachably mounted on a support and is relatively movable when desired in order to bring a base of the appliance into contact with the adhesive material for transfer of the adhesive material to the appliance.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions that include radiation-to-heat converters, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. Upon irradiating, the hardened compositions increase in temperature, which can be useful for reducing the bond strengths of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions that include thermally responsive additives, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. Upon heating, the hardened compositions are useful for reducing the bond strengths of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. In some embodiments, the hardenable dental compositions include an acid-generating component and an acid-reactive component including one or more acid-reactive groups. Upon irradiating, and optionally heating, the hardened compositions are useful, for example, for reducing the bond strength of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. The hardenable dental compositions include a thermally labile component including one or more thermally labile groups. Upon heating, the hardened compositions are useful, for example, for reducing the bond strength of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: An assembly for use in orthodontic treatment includes at least two articles, and each article includes an orthodontic appliance as well as an adhesive that extends across the base of each appliance. The adhesive of at least one article differs from the adhesive of at least one other article in terms of composition, properties or characteristics, such that the adhesive can be tailored to enhance the bond between the particular selected appliance and its intended tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic set-up tray includes at least two sections, and each section includes at least one receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance. A coupling movably connects the sections together to enable relative movement between the sections. The coupling advantageously permits the overall size of the set-up tray to be reduced or enlarged as may be desired by the practitioner. Optionally, the coupling is a releasable coupling that enables the sections to be detached from one another.

Abstract: An assembly for use in orthodontic treatment includes at least two articles, and each article includes an orthodontic appliance as well as an adhesive that extends across the base of each appliance. The adhesive of at least one article differs from the adhesive of at least one other article in terms of composition, properties or characteristics, such that the adhesive can be tailored to enhance the bond between the particular selected appliance and its intended tooth.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-layer adhesives and methods that are useful for bonding orthodontic appliances to a tooth structure. The multi-layer adhesives can be precoated on an orthodontic appliance, or alternatively, they can be provided on an adhesive delivery system for transfer to an orthodontic appliance. The multi-layer adhesives and methods preferably provide a useful balance of properties for bonding orthodontic appliances to the tooth structure.