Abstract: An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

Abstract: An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

Abstract: An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

Abstract: An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

Abstract: A handle for releasably retaining tubular sleeve-like crimpable stops is disclosed. The handle includes an elongated body with opposed ends and at least one receptacle positioned at one end of the body. The receptacle has an inside surface and defines an entry opening. The receptacle may be configured to mechanically retain the stop, or the stop may be releasably bonded to the receptacle by sticky substances like wax, any suitable adhesive or techniques such as heat bonding. The handle is molded from plastic in a color contrasting with the oral environment, such as orange. The handle aids in handling and positioning crimpable stops during installation of archwire assemblies in the oral environment. A stop retained in the disclosed handle is highly visible and can be handled without tools.

Abstract: A handle for releasably retaining tubular sleeve-like crimpable stops is disclosed. The handle includes an elongated body with opposed ends and at least one receptacle positioned at one end of the body. The receptacle has an inside surface and defines an entry opening. The receptacle may be configured to mechanically retain the stop, or the stop may be releasably bonded to the receptacle by sticky substances like wax, any suitable adhesive or techniques such as heat bonding. The handle is molded from plastic in a color contrasting with the oral environment, such as orange. The handle aids in handling and positioning crimpable stops during installation of archwire assemblies in the oral environment. A stop retained in the disclosed handle is highly visible and can be handled without tools.

Abstract: A precious metal alloy for dental restorations which develops a light oxide upon firing, on a percentage weight basis at makeup, consists of 60-95 precious metal(s) selected from the group consisting of 60-855 palladium, 0-10 gold, 0-10 platinum, 0-12 silver, and mixtures thereof; 1-15 tin; 2-7 zinc; 0.005-0.2 boron; 0-2 gallium; 0-2 cobalt; 0-15 indium; 0-0.2 of a deoxidant selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, magnesium, aluminum, lithium, tantalum and mixtures thereof; and 0-1.0 of a grain refiner selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridium, rhenium, and mixtures thereof. The alloy has a liquidus temperature of not more than 1400.degree. C., and the alloy has a tensile yield strength of at least 250 Mpa and an elongation of at least 2 percent. Restorations having a porcelain coating fired on castings of the alloy evidence a light oxide color.

Abstract: A noble metal dental casting alloy for use in making dental restorations comprises 35-70 percent by weight palladium, 25-50 percent by weight silver, 0.5-10 percent by weight manganese, and 1-30 percent of at least one modifier element selected from (i) the group of gold, platinum, copper, tin, gallium, zinc, indium and cobalt in amounts of up to 15 percent by weight each, and (ii) the group of ruthenium, rhenium, aluminum, germanium, lithium, silicon, iridium, boron, tantalum and niobium in amounts of up to 5 percent by weight each. The alloy has a solidus temperature of at least 1100.degree. C., a liquidus temperature of not more than 1400.degree. C., tensile elongation of at least 2 percent, thermal expansion coefficient of at least 14.0.times.10.sup.-6 per .degree.C., Vickers hardness of at least 150, and offset yield strength at 0.2 percent of at least 250 MPa.

Abstract: Reinforced composite aluminum-matrix articles containing silicon carbide fibers or particles, are produced by a casting process wherein the silicon carbide fibers or particles are mixed with dehydrated sodium tetraborate and mixed with molten aluminum or aluminum alloy whereby wetting of the reinforcing material and ready dispersal thereof in the aluminum matrix alloy is facilitated.