Abstract: The present disclosure provides a packaged orthodontic appliance comprising an orthodontic appliance and a packaging base including first and second tie-wing support arms, wherein a first tie-wing support arm supports the first tie-wing of the orthodontic appliance, and the second tie-wing support arm supports the second tie-wing of the orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a packaged orthodontic appliance comprising an orthodontic appliance and a packaging base including first and second tie-wing support arms, wherein a first tie-wing support arm supports the first tie-wing of the orthodontic appliance, and the second tie-wing support arm supports the second tie-wing of the orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are provided for dispensing compositions having a tip (72) including an inner tapered funnel portion (74); a hollow barrel (84) including an outer tapered surface portion (86), an inner surface, an open front end, and an open back end opposite the front end; and a piston (16), where the outer tapered surface portion of the barrel aligns and releasably engages with the inner tapered funnel portion of the tip, and where the piston is in sliding engagement with the barrel. Applications include, but are not limited to, dispensing dental materials such as composites, adhesives, etchants, glass ionomers, cements, and sealants.

Abstract: Provided is a capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.

Abstract: Improved dispensing devices (100) and methods are provided that include a hollow barrel (102) containing the composition to be dispensed along with a piston (120, 220, 320, 420) received in one end (104) of the barrel (102) for dispensing the composition from the opposite end (106) of the barrel (102). At least one tortuous groove (200, 202, 204, 226, 326, 426, 436) extends across the side of the piston (120, 220, 320, 420) and communicates with the exterior of the barrel (102). The groove (200, 202, 204, 226, 326, 426, 426, 436) allows both air and the composition to travel along the side of the piston (120, 220, 320, 420) as the piston advances into the barrel (102). By permitting passage of both air and the composition, the groove (200, 202, 204, 226, 326, 426, 436) eliminates air pockets in the composition while alleviating pressure in the barrel (102) as the piston (120, 220, 320, 420) advances.

Abstract: Described herein is a housing that releasably connects a dental prosthetic device, such as a full or partial denture, to a dental implant. The housing is at least partially constructed of a resilient material, at least providing the denture with machinability relative to prior art metal housings. A method of manufacturing a housing for a dental implant and a method of retrofitting a housing for a dental implant are described.

Abstract: Provided are abrasive assemblies and related methods that combine a head portion including an integral abrasive member and a drive portion including a resilient cylindrical mandrel. The abrasive member has a receptacle that is complemental to a working end of the mandrel when both members are relaxed. As the abrasive member engages to, or disengages from, the mandrel, the receptacle resiliently expands and the working end of the mandrel resiliently compresses, each in cooperation with the other. Optionally, the abrasive member is maintained in compression in both directions parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. Advantageously, these assemblies provide for superior retention and slip resistance, ease-of-use, and high manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: A capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.

Abstract: Improved dispensing devices (100) and methods are provided that include a hollow barrel (102) containing the composition to be dispensed along with a piston (120, 220, 320, 420) received in one end (104) of the barrel (102) for dispensing the composition from the opposite end (106) of the barrel (102). At least one tortuous groove (200, 202, 204, 226, 326, 426, 436) extends across the side of the piston (120, 220, 320, 420) and communicates with the exterior of the barrel (102). The groove (200, 202, 204, 226, 326, 426, 426, 436) allows both air and the composition to travel along the side of the piston (120, 220, 320, 420) as the piston advances into the barrel (102). By permitting passage of both air and the composition, the groove (200, 202, 204, 226, 326, 426, 436) eliminates air pockets in the composition while alleviating pressure in the barrel (102) as the piston (120, 220, 320, 420) advances.

Abstract: A facepiece insert (16) that has a fluid communication component (30, 32) non-integrally joined to a supporting portion (34). The insert can be made by (a) providing at least one supporting portion (34) of a facepiece insert (16); (b) providing at least one fluid communication component (30, 32) separately from the supporting portion (34) of the facepiece insert (16); and (c) securing the at least one fluid communication component (30, 32) to the at least one supporting portion (34).

Abstract: A capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.