Abstract: The present invention is an instrument (10) which includes a tubular section (12) having a wall (13) made of a material exhibiting superelastic characteristics and a delivery tube (14) having a bore (15) through which the tubular section (12) passes. The instrument (10) may be adapted for use in medical/dental and non-medical procedures. The superelastic character of the wall material is used in combination with the delivery tube (14) to alternately restrict the shape of the wall (13) and allow it to change to its unconstrained shape. Thus, the wall (13) can be sufficiently deformed to permit the tubular section (12) to pass in and out of and through the delivery tube (14) while at the same time enabling the tubular section (12) to have a shape when extended outside of the delivery tube (14) that is sufficiently bent or curved to be suitable for performing a desired function, for example a medical or dental procedure inside a patient's body.

Abstract: A medical/dental apparatus utilizing the properties of shape memory materials to variably control the spatial relationship between two or more elements having portions which are proximately disposed and overlapping relative to one another. Another portion of each element is connectable to part of a patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention is a prosthesis (10) for replacing a body part which includes a first element (16) adapted to receive at least a portion of a second element (18) in an operative manner. The present prosthesis (10) also includes a variable locking ring (20) made of a shape memory material having a transformation temperature range ("TTR"). The locking ring (20) is used to allow insertion of the second element (18) into the first (16) at least at temperatures below the TTR and to lock the elements (16, 18) together at least at temperatures above the TTR. With it at a temperature below its TTR, the locking ring (20) is positioned between the two elements (16, 18). With it so positioned, the locking ring (20) is adapted to interlock the elements (16, 18) together at temperatures above its TTR by at least attempting to change its shape.

Abstract: Coil springs for use in orthodontic appliances which are made from wire of a beta-phase titanium alloy wound into a plurality of turns forming a coil having an outside diameter in the range of about 0.040 inches (1.016 mm) to about 0.075 inches (1.905 mm). These coil springs may be designed for use in tension as well as compression for a number of orthodontic applications.

Abstract: Method and device for fracturing the interface between dental structures that have been secured together, and for adhesive removal and cleaning of the teeth. The device comprises an ultrasonic tool for providing hi-directional movement of a preferred amplitude and frequency. The tool is applied against one of the dental structures at an acute angle with respect to a plane in which the interface between the dental structures lies. Alternatively, the dental tool is applied against the adhesive on the tooth surface for removal thereof. In another alternative, the dental tool is utilized with a liquid layer to provide cavitation of the liquid, thereby cleaning and polishing the enamel surface.

Abstract: Transpalatal orthodontic appliances are disclosed which utilize a shape-memory or superelastic alloy member as the force-supplying member of the device. Suitable alloys include the nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys, the titanium-molybdenum alloys (TMA), and any other alloy composition which possesses superelastic or shape-memory characteristics. The alloy composition may preferably have a working rang of at least about 30% and a modulus of elasticity not exceeding about 15.times.10.sup.6 psi.

Abstract: Medical/dental pliers made from titanium based alloy material having jaws for gripping objects with gripping faces which are coated with a hard and wear resistant material of sufficient thickness to be structurally self-supportive when the pliers are used to grip an object which is harder than the titanium based alloy material underlying the coating. The surface of each coating has good gripping characteristics.

Abstract: By using titanium, titanium based alloys, or related metals or alloys, an orthodontic bracket can be manufactured which is lighter and stronger than any conventional type of bracket made of stainless steels, plastics and even ceramics. Ti based brackets have shown excellent corrosion resistance and possess good biocompatibility. Surface treatments including nitriding, diamond coating, pre-oxidation or shot-peening on the slot bottom surface of such brackets reduce the friction coefficient against the orthodontic archwire. Furthermore, the bonding strength may be enhanced by shot-peening, ion beam etching or reactive ion etching on the tooth contact surface of the base portion of the bracket.

Abstract: Method for fracturing the interface between dental structures that have been secured together. The device comprises an ultrasonic tool for providing bi-directional movement of a preferred amplitude and frequency. The tool is applied against one of the dental structures at an acute angle with respect to a plane in which the interface between the dental structures lies.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance made of a shape memory alloy comprising of a nickel, titanium, and copper composition which is formulated to provide the desired loading and unloading forces to the bracket.