Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an orthodontic element with a ceramic main body, which has a base surface for fixing the element to a tooth. In order to develop the method in such a way that the main body can, on the one hand, be fastened to the tooth with a high adhesive force and, on the other hand, can easily be detached from the tooth at the end of an orthodontic treatment, it is proposed according to the invention that a laser beam is guided along the base surface in an impingement area, the base surface in the impingement area is superficially heated locally by means of the laser beam and microscopic particles are broken free from the base surface by means of crack development.

Abstract: To provide an orthodontic fastening element, in particular a bracket, comprising a molding made of a non-metallic material, the fastening element having increased acceptance, particularly among younger patients, by virtue of the fact that it has at least in a partial region a lasting colored tint that is distinctly different from the color of the teeth, it is proposed according to the invention that the fastening element comprises an ion-doped ceramic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass ceramic in which mica and ZrO.sub.2 are present in crystallized form, containing:K.sub.2 O: 0-9% by weightNa.sub.2 O: 0-9% by weight with the condition that Na.sub.2 O and K.sub.2 O together make up at least about 4% by weight,SiO.sub.2 : 35-60% by weightMgO: 10-25% by weightAl.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 7-30% by weightZrO2: 4-12% by weightF.sup.- : 2-10% by weight which is essentially free of lithium, calcium, strontium and barium, to a process for its production and to its use as a tooth replacement.