Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing photocurable dental materials involve a solid state light emitter and a source of electrical current connected to the light emitter. The source of electrical current provides a current to the light emitter that is sufficient to reduce the lifetime of the light emitter to less than 10 hours. The intensity of light from the light emitter is substantially increased and the apparatus can be conveniently disposed of after use on a single patient. A light guide that includes two conical optical surfaces collects light from the solid state light emitter and optionally directs the light to a third optical surface which has the shape of an elongated, curved tube.

Abstract: A dental article having a lyophilic ionic cement component on at least one surface thereof. Also contemplated are methods of using a dental article having a lyophilic ionic cement component on at least one surface thereof, and methods of making such articles.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes one or more orthodontic brackets that are releasably received in a tubular carrier. The carrier has arms with outer end sections that are spaced apart from each other to present a channel therebetween. The outer end sections of the arms are received in occlusal and gingival recesses of each bracket in order to support the bracket in suspended relation. The carrier is particularly useful for holding brackets during a manufacturing operation or during transport of the brackets from manufacturing operation to another. The carrier is also useful for supporting brackets in a package for shipment to the end user, especially when the brackets are precoated with a layer of adhesive.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a base with a central opening, and a body with a passage aligned with the opening. A curing light assembly includes an outer end portion that is removably received in the passage for curing adhesive beneath the central section of the bracket body. Once the adhesive beneath the central section of the bracket body has cured to temporarily tack the bracket base to the patient's tooth, adhesive extruded from the peripheral edge of the bracket base can be readily removed without dislodging the bracket from its intended position.

Abstract: A package for an adhesive precoated dental appliance such as an orthodontic bracket includes a container having a well and a flange, and a cover that extends over an opening of the well. A pressure sensitive adhesive releasably connects the cover to the flange along a first region, and a hermetic seal extends between the cover and the flange along a second region that is located between the first region and the opening of the well. The hermetic seal cooperates with the pressure sensitive adhesive to provide a reliable, easily openable package. The hermetic seal also prevents volatile components of adhesive on the dental appliance from contacting the pressure sensitive adhesive and thereby decreases loss of the volatile components from within the package in order to extend the expected shelf life of the adhesive precoated appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket is made of a polymeric material with reinforcing fiber structure embedded in the polymeric material. The reinforcing fiber structure includes relatively long filaments that extend about the perimeter of the bracket including the periphery of an archwire slot. In one embodiment, a method for making the bracket includes the steps of placing a tubular fiber preform in a mold assembly in an orientation aligned with a mesial-distal axis of the resultant bracket, and then closing the mold assembly in directions toward a central axis of the preform.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket is made of a polymeric material with reinforcing fiber structure embedded in the polymeric material. The reinforcing fiber structure includes relatively long filaments that extend about the perimeter of the bracket including the periphery of an archwire slot. In one embodiment, a method for making the bracket includes the steps of placing a tubular fiber preform in a mold assembly in an orientation aligned with a mesial-distal axis of the resultant bracket, and then closing the mold assembly in directions toward a central axis of the preform.

Abstract: An orthodontic archwire is coated with a hard carbon coating of polycrystalline diamond, diamond-like amorphous hydrogen-free carbon, diamond-like hydrogenated amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. The hard carbon coating presents a barrier to nickel and chromium that might otherwise diffuse from an underlying metal substrate, and as such is useful for patients exhibiting sensitivity to nickel and chromium.

Abstract: A dental article is coated with a hard carbon coating of polycrystalline diamond, diamond-like amorphous hydrogen-free carbon, diamond-like hydrogenated amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. The hard carbon coating presents a barrier to nickel and chromium that might otherwise diffuse from an underlying metal substrate, and as such is useful for patients exhibiting sensitivity to nickel and chromium.

Abstract: Cured epoxy resins having reduced susceptibility to mechanical and thermal shock are prepared from a composition comprising a curable epoxide compound and elastomeric particles colloidally dispersed therein, the particles having been prepared by in situ polymerization in the epoxide compound in the presence of a stabilizer.