Abstract: An orthodontic arch wire comprises a wire having the same dimensions as previously used orthodontic arch wires. The wire is coated with an opaque coating of a composite material having a thickness of no more than 35 microns, and preferably less than 12 microns. The composite material comprises a resin binder loaded with filler particles for strengthening the coating and making it approximately tooth colored. The composite coating is sufficiently adherent to the arch wire for bending from a straight wire to a curved arch wire installed in a patient's mouth while retaining the aesthetic coating, and to prevent stripping as the arch wire moves through the arch wire slot in an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A method of making an orthodontic appliance such as a bracket includes the step of forming a preform of molding material while a portion of the molding material is in contact with a textured portion of a web. The web is subsequently degraded by a thermal or solvent degrading process to leave a witness impression on the underside of the preform. The web optionally serves as a conveyor to move the preform from one processing area to another, and optionally has the appearance of a woven material such that the resulting appliance resembles a mesh base appliance having undercut regions.

Abstract: An instrument for debonding orthodontic brackets from teeth has a pair of arms with pulling sections adapted to engage the bracket behind occlusal and gingival tie wings. The arms are connected to a lever, and movement of the lever enables the arms to simultaneously exert a pulling force on both of the wings along substantially their entire mesial-distal width in order to lift the bracket from the tooth in straight-line fashion. A pair of reaction supports for engagement with the tooth during the debonding operation extend in an occlusal-gingival direction and have a length less than the occlusal-gingival height of the bracket so that the instrument can be rocked to ensure that the pulling sections are in firm contact with the bracket during the time that the bracket is debonded from the tooth.

Abstract: A case for holding and dispensing small components such as orthodontic O-rings. Most of the component is fictionally or otherwise retained within the case, and only a small component portion extends from the case to be accessible to and grasped by the tips of a plier-like extraction tool. The case prevents the tool tips from closing over the entire component which would require component repositioning before placement.

Abstract: Debonding of cemented orthodontic brackets from teeth by application of a quick twisting force to fracture the adhesive bond. A torquing tool has slotted ends making a close slip fit over mesial and distal side surfaces of the bracket, and has a flattened center section providing a good tactile sense of applied force. The method and tool are especially useful with brackets made of brittle ceramic material.