Abstract: An improved bondable molar tube is provided having a base and a tube structure supported on the base, where the base is configured having a first portion that is to be bonded to a mesial cusp of a molar and second portion that is bonded to a distal cusp of the molar, and where the tube structure is provided to be located on the mesial cusp on the first portion of the base, and where the second base portion that is provided on the distal cusp does not have a tube structure thereon and, preferably, is substantially free of structure thereon that may interfere with surrounding teeth.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic tensioning device having an elastomeric resilient body portion and first and second connectors which are securely attached to the elastomeric resilient body portion and have elements for connecting with a connecting structure. The orthodontic tensioning device preferably is applied by the orthodontist thus eliminating any dependency on the patient to faithfully wear his elastics. This provides control by the dental professional, and generally may improve results by reducing or eliminating tendencies of those who fail to replace or use elastics.

Abstract: A composition and method for administering a treatment agent to a tooth, such as fluoride to improve the tooth's resistance to dental caries with a composition which can be selectively removed, the composition comprising a lac based compound with a treatment agent such as fluoride for applying to a tooth, and a method including selecting the color to be applied, preparing the colorized compound with the treatment agent to be applied to a tooth, exposing the tooth to be covered, applying the treatment containing a colorized compound to the enamel surface of the tooth, and allowing the compound to dry on the tooth, and selectively removing the compound from the tooth. Stencil apparatus can be used to create a design on the tooth using a covering compound.

Abstract: A composition and method for administering a treatment agent to a tooth, such as fluoride to improve the tooth's resistance to dental caries with a composition which can be selectively removed, the composition comprising a lac based compound with a treatment agent such as fluoride for applying to a tooth, and a method including selecting the color to be applied, preparing the colorized compound with the treatment agent to be applied to a tooth, exposing the tooth to be covered, applying the treatment containing a colorized compound to the enamel surface of the tooth, and allowing the compound to dry on the tooth, and selectively removing the compound from the tooth. Stencil apparatus can be used to create a design on the tooth using a covering compound.

Abstract: A composition and method for administering a treatment agent to a tooth, such as fluoride to improve the tooth's resistance to dental caries with a composition which can be selectively removed, the composition comprising a lac based compound with a treatment agent such as fluoride for applying to a tooth, and a method including selecting the color to be applied, preparing the colorized compound with the treatment agent to be applied to a tooth, exposing the tooth to be covered, applying the treatment containing a colorized compound to the enamel surface of the tooth, and allowing the compound to dry on the tooth, and selectively removing the compound from the tooth. Stencil apparatus can be used to create a design on the tooth using a covering compound.

Abstract: A composition and method for administering a treatment agent to a tooth, such as fluoride to improve the tooth's resistance to dental caries with a composition which can be selectively removed, the composition comprising a lac based compound with a treatment agent such as fluoride for applying to a tooth, and a method including selecting the color to be applied, preparing the colorized compound with the treatment agent to be applied to a tooth, exposing the tooth to be covered, applying the treatment containing a colorized compound to the enamel surface of the tooth, and allowing the compound to dry on the tooth, and selectively removing the compound from the tooth. Stencil apparatus can be used to create a design on the tooth using a covering compound.

Abstract: A composition and method for altering the appearance of teeth, including whitening or otherwise colorizing teeth, to cover discolorations and stains, or to provide a fashionable color on the tooth which can be selectively removed, the composition comprising a lac based compound solubilized for applying on the surface of a tooth, and a method including selecting the color to be applied, preparing the colorized compound to be applied to a tooth, exposing the tooth to be covered, applying a colorized compound to the enamel surface of the tooth, and allowing the compound to dry on the tooth, and selectively removing the compound from the tooth.

Abstract: A method for altering the appearance of teeth, including whitening or otherwise colorizing teeth, to cover discolorations and stains, or to provide a fashionable color on the tooth which can be selectively removed, the method including selecting the color to be applied, preparing the colorized compound to be applied to a tooth, exposing the tooth to be covered, applying a colorized compound to the enamel surface of the tooth, and allowing the compound to dry on the tooth, and selectively removing the compound from the tooth.

Abstract: A method for attaching an orthodontic bracket having a mounting surface to the surface of a tooth comprising: (A) placing, in the presence of the saliva, a cement, which is capable of setting in the presence of saliva, between the surface of the tooth and the mounting surface; and (B) attaching the bracket to the tooth by permitting the cement to bond, in the presence of saliva, to both the surface of the tooth and the mounting surface of the bracket, a preferred class of cement for use in the present invention being a glass ionomer cement, more preferably a light-curable glass ionomer cement.

Abstract: A method is provided for sharpening a serrated cutting edge having spaced points separated by indentations. The method involves loosely supporting a plurality of rods of abrasive material and then applying the cutting edge tranversely across the rods so that the rods are forced into positions whereat they are spaced in correspondence with the indentations. The rods are locked in the resultant positions whereafter the cutting edge is wiped along the rods with the rods being positioned in the indentations. The apparatus for practicing the aforesaid methods involves a plurality of elongated rods supported on a resilient pad and clamped into position by the use of clamping devices which are adjustable to release the rods for positioning and to hold the rods in position once they are moved into the appropriate positions.

Abstract: A sharpening system is formed of a plurality of spaced, elongated, cylindrical sharpening rods formed of aluminum oxide embedded in ceramic. The rods are positioned in an open framework in parallel relationship. The rods are held at opposite ends by polygonal plates with the rods being supported at the apices of the polygons. A tightening rod is provided which holds the plates together and which permits the sharpening rods to be fixed in position or loosened for rotation when necessary.

Abstract: A dental method and apparatus wherein a plurality of tooth covers, shells, laminates or veneers are suitably configured for respective congruent facing relation with the labial surfaces of a patient's dental cast teeth, removably affixed thereto, and encompassed by a flexible mold for removal from the dental cast and transfer in proper orientation to the patient's teeth for securement thereto of the veneers and removal from the veneers of the mold.

Abstract: A switch which can be activated by a magnetic force and which includes a housing having at least two spaced apart electrical terminals thereon. Internal of the housing is contained a coil spring supported at one end thereof, and axially holding an elongated, magnetically responsive, conductive member in cantilevered fashion within the housing. The elongated member and spring can move from an aligned position to a deflected position responsive to the magnetic force. A first contact interconnects one of the electrical terminals with the supported end of the elongated member, by means of the coil spring. A second contact is interconnected to the other of the electrical terminals and contacts the cantilevered end of the elongated member in one of its two positions.

Abstract: A dental apparatus including a pair of cheek retractor elements for engaging respective opposite sides of a patient's mouth and yieldably urged apart to maintain cheeks retracted and afford mounting means for a saliva collector.

Abstract: In the adhesive attachment of foil of a burglar alarm system in a rectangular or other shaped pattern along the periphery of a storefront window, a tool for facilitating the making of corners or crossovers in the foil which tool, positioned over the foil folded back on itself at said crossover, includes an angularly oriented changing-direction edge over which the foil is again folded upon itself with two significant results. First, the foil adhesive surface is again faced toward the window preparatory to adhesive contact therewith. Second, the remaining foil length is properly oriented in the contemplated changed direction completing the crossover.

Abstract: In the application of orthodontic brackets to teeth by the indirect method employeing a transfer tray, the use of adhesive activating radiant energy passing through the transfer tray or mold and apparatus for conducting the radiant energy from the mold or exteriorly thereof, through the latter to the bracket adhesive to be activated.