Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has an overall, low profile shape. The appliance includes a base having a thickness that is less in regions adjacent the archwire slot as compared to remaining regions. In certain embodiments, the base is provided with protrusions that extend into the archwire slot for controlling rotation of the associated tooth. The resulting low profile of the appliance enhances its aesthetic appearance and helps to avoid impingement of the appliance and the attached archwire on adjacent soft tissue in the oral cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthodontic facebow of the type having an inner bow consisting of two inner arms, each including an end portion, and an interconnected outer bow consisting of outer arms, characterized in that the free end portions of each inner arm is split and fitted with a ratchet type enlargement so as to allow it to be easily inserted into a tube connected to a band affixed to a tooth, while preventing disengagement therefrom without the enlargements being squeezed together.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance that is adapted for bonding directly to the enamel surface of a patient's tooth has structure for enhancing placement of the appliance on the tooth surface. The structure facilitates gripping the appliance by a hand instrument so that the appliance does not unduly shift or rock during a bonding procedure. In certain aspects of the invention, the placement enhancement structure comprises one or more protrusions located along sides of the appliance, and optionally some of the protrusions are located within a recess that extends along an occlusal or gingival side of the appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprises a base, a main body equipped on one side of the base, an archwire slot furnished to the main body, a convertible cap closing the archwire slot along the length direction, and stepwise portions provided at ends of the archwire slot for receiving ends of the convertible cap. The convertible cap is fixedly soldered with a silver soldering material containing Ag 90% or more.

Abstract: An orthodontic buccal tube includes an elongated buccal tube body having a first end weld flange integral with the tube body extending from a first end of the buccal tube body, and a second end weld flange integral with the tube body extending from a second end of the buccal tube body. At least the first end flange has a maximum width greater than the width of the tube body end adjacent the first flange. In one variation, the second end weld flange buccal tube likewise has a maximum width greater than the width of the tube body end adjacent the second flange. The amount of the end flange widening is to a degree sufficient to allow sufficient room for welding without substantial splashing of weld material at the end openings of the tube. The tube preferably has a diameter (or minimum diameter, if not of uniform diameter) of less than about 0.06 inch.

Abstract: A molar tube having a first face portion that is adapted to be adhered to a molar tooth, a second face portion, and a mesial-distal length dimension. There is a body portion disposed on the second face portion of the base portion, and the body portion comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The body portion further comprises a lumen that is adapted to receive an archwire, wherein the lumen has an axis which substantially coincides with the mesial-distal length dimension of the base portion. The body portion further comprises a boss comprising a threaded bore that is adapted to receive a setscrew, wherein the threaded bore has an axis. The axis of the threaded bore intersects with the mesial-distal length dimension to form an angle of any degree between 15 degrees and 55 degrees, including every degree therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic article that includes a fluoropolymer and that exhibits at least 0.001% transmittance at 546 nm when measured according to the Transmittance Test Procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to uses of glasses and glass-ceramics in dental and orthodontic applications.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance that is adapted for bonding directly to the enamel surface of a patient's tooth has structure for enhancing placement of the appliance on the tooth surface. The structure facilitates gripping the appliance by a hand instrument so that the appliance does not unduly shift or rock during a bonding procedure. In certain aspects of the invention, the placement enhancement structure comprises one or more protrusions located along sides of the appliance, and optionally some of the protrusions are located within a recess that extends along an occlusal or gingival side of the appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes a band having a reference mark that is placed at certain orientation. An appliance connected to the band is oriented relative to the mark so that a proper, precise orientation of the appliance with respect to the band can be achieved. Optionally, the assembly may be made with automated techniques using robotic equipment, a vision system and a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A molar tube having a first face portion that is adapted to be adhered to a molar tooth, a second face portion, and a mesial-distal length dimension. There is a body portion disposed on the second face portion of the base portion, and the body portion comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The body portion further comprises a lumen that is adapted to receive an archwire, wherein the lumen has an axis which substantially coincides with the mesial-distal length dimension of the base portion. The body portion further comprises a boss comprising a threaded bore that is adapted to receive a setscrew, wherein the threaded bore has an axis. The axis of the threaded bore intersects with the mesial-distal length dimension to form an angle of any degree between 15 degrees and 175 degrees, including every degree therebetween.

Abstract: An appliance used in orthodontic treatment includes a retaining groove that is located directly adjacent a base of the appliance. The retaining groove is useful for keeping a wire segment or other item in place and in contact with a body of the appliance so that the item does not detach from the appliance during the course of treatment. The retaining groove is particularly useful for keeping tieback loops and other items having a thread-like configuration in a captive, compact and snug relationship with the appliance.

Abstract: An appliance used in orthodontic treatment includes a retaining guide that extends outwardly in an occlusal and/or a gingival direction. The retaining guide presents a smoothly contoured, domed shape having a relatively low profile for avoiding contact with opposing dentition or orthodontic appliances that are connected to opposing dentition. The retaining guide is useful for keeping a wire segment or other item in place and in contact with a body of the appliance so that the item does not detach from the appliance during the course of treatment. The retaining guide is particularly useful for keeping tieback loops and other items made from wire segments in place.

Abstract: A convertible buccal tube is disclosed which includes an arch wire slot covered by a separable cover. The cover includes a mesial or front flared portion to facilitate placing the end of an arch wire therein without undesirably stressing the cover. The cover is further secured to the buccal tube body by integral seams, brazing or other adhesive means that are varied in strength mesially-distally, with about 50% greater force being required to separate the cover at the mesial end thereof. The cover and increased strength seams provide that the cover is not prematurely separated from the buccal tube, particularly during installation of an arch wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprises a base, a main body equipped on one side of the base, an archwire slot furnished to the main body, a convertible cap closing the archwire slot along the length direction, and stepwise portions provided at ends of the archwire slot for receiving ends of the convertible cap. The convertible cap is fixedly soldered with a silver soldering material containing Ag 90% or more.

Abstract: An orthodontic coupling includes a first portion and a second portion that are resiliently interconnected for movement toward and away from each other. The second portion is adapted for insertion into a passage of an orthodontic appliance, and the resilient connection between the first portion and the second portion releasably secures the coupling in place. The coupling is particularly useful for connecting force modules such as Class II correctors to buccal tube appliances.

Abstract: A convertible buccal tube is disclosed which includes an arch wire slot covered by a separable cover. The cover includes a mesial or front flared portion to facilitate placing the end of an arch wire therein without undesirably stressing the cover. The cover is further secured to the buccal tube body by integral seams, brazing or other adhesive means that are varied in strength mesially-distally, with about 50% greater force being required to separate the cover at the mesial end thereof. The cover and increased strength seams provide that the cover is not prematurely separated from the buccal tube, particularly during installation of an arch wire.

Abstract: A molar tube having a first face portion that is adapted to be adhered to a molar tooth, a second face portion, and a mesial-distal length dimension. There is a body portion disposed on the second face portion of the base portion, and the body portion comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The body portion further comprises a lumen that is adapted to receive an archwire, wherein the lumen has an axis which substantially coincides with the mesial-distal length dimension of the base portion. The body portion further comprises a boss comprising a threaded bore that is adapted to receive a setscrew, wherein the threaded bore has an axis. The axis of the threaded bore intersects with the mesial-distal length dimension to form an angle of any degree between 15 degrees and 175 degrees, including every degree therebetween.

Abstract: An appliance used in orthodontic treatment includes a retaining groove that is located directly adjacent a base of the appliance. The retaining groove is useful for keeping a wire segment or other item in place and in contact with a body of the appliance so that the item does not detach from the appliance during the course of treatment. The retaining groove is particularly useful for keeping tieback loops and other items having a thread-like configuration in a captive, compact and snug relationship with the appliance.

Abstract: An appliance used in orthodontic treatment includes a retaining guide that extends outwardly in an occlusal and/or a gingival direction. The retaining guide presents a smoothly contoured, domed shape having a relatively low profile for avoiding contact with opposing dentition or orthodontic appliances that are connected to opposing dentition. The retaining guide is useful for keeping a wire segment or other item in place and in contact with a body of the appliance so that the item does not detach from the appliance during the course of treatment. The retaining guide is particularly useful for keeping tieback loops and other items made from wire segments in place.

Abstract: A bondable orthodontic appliance such as a molar tube bondable to a tooth by use of a light-cure adhesive for bond sites at the posterior of the mouth wherein the bonding pad of the appliance includes a light-cure adhesive bonding face.

Abstract: A new structure is provided for orthodontic devices comprising a bracket or a convertible buccal tube, both of which have a body with a mesial-distal extending arch wire receiving slot therein. Both have a slot closure member, also referred to as a jamming shutter, pivotally mounted by the body for movement between slot open and closed positions and consisting of a pivot portion including an arm portion with a mesially-distally extending slot closure portion at its end. The slot closure portion has a part that closes the slot and mesially-distally extending parts that in the slot closed position engage an adjacent body surface with an interference jamming fit sufficient to retain the slot closure member in slot closed position. Any movement of the slot closure member to and from the slot closed position involves flexing of these engaged parts away from the device body against the elasticity of the material, removing the need for latches or retaining springs.

Abstract: A convertible buccal tube which includes a base and a body extending from the base. The body includes an elongated first archwire slot and a cover plate extending across and enclosing a buccal side of the first archwire slot. The cover plate is integrally formed with the body. and includes perforated longitudinal connections which form two lines of weaknesses adjacent to the side walls of the archwire slot. The cover plate can be removed to convert the buccal tube to an edgewise bracket.

Abstract: A new structure is provided for orthodontic devices comprising a bracket or a convertible buccal tube, both of which have a body with a mesial-distal extending arch wire receiving slot therein. Both have a slot closure member, also referred to as a jamming shutter, pivotally mounted by the body for movement between slot open and closed positions and consisting of a pivot portion including an arm portion with a mesially-distally extending slot closure portion at its end. The slot closure portion has a part that closes the slot and mesially-distally extending parts that in the slot closed position engage an adjacent body surface with an interference jamming fit sufficient to retain the slot closure member in slot closed position. Any movement of the slot closure member to and from the slot closed position involves flexing of these engaged parts away from the device body against the elasticity of the material, removing the need for latches or retaining springs.

Abstract: An orthodontic dental distractor was invented for rapid orthodontic tooth movement and leveling treatment. The molars at two side of patients teeth are mounted respectively with a barrel band which fastens to a steel wire which in turn engages with the brackets adhered to the front teeth like a conventional orthodontic treatment does. However the dental distractor further includes a front joint member which has a holding member to engages with one end of the steel wire, a rear joint member which has a hook to engage with the barrel band and a screw bar which engage with the front end and rear joint member. Turning the screw bar, the front joint member will be moved toward the rear joint member for pulling or pushing the bracket, consequently moving the front teeth toward or away from the molar for leveling the teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube is made of a stainless steel alloy that includes chromium, nickel and precipitates of titanium. The alloy imparts a relatively high strength to the appliance and is resistant to corrosion. Optionally, the appliance has structural sections that are smaller than corresponding sections of comparable appliances when made of conventional stainless steel alloys used in orthodontic appliances. As a consequence, the appliance is more aesthetic when mounted on a tooth of a patient undergoing treatment.

Abstract: In an orthodontic device, a main body (1) has an opening (1a) formed to permit detachable passage of a principal wire and a flange (2) formed in a mesiodistal direction so that the device is fixed via said extension flange (2) to an band to be fitted over the crown of molar. The width (W) of the extension flange (2) in an occluso-gingival direction is made greater than the width (B) of said main body (1) in the same direction.

Abstract: A low friction orthodontic appliance in the form of a solid one-piece buccal tube or a convertible buccal tube, which includes a lumen having a close-fit control portion at one end for receiving torque forces from an archwire and a loose-fit relieved portion at the other end providing clearance between at least three sides of the archwire and the appliance to reduce sliding friction.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire and a hook for receiving an elastic member. The hook is movable from a first position when the elastic is not positioned about the hook to a second position when the elastic member is positioned about the hook. In one embodiment, the orthodontic appliance includes a clamp pivotable about the arch wire, a tube connected to the clamp and to the hook, and a second wire connected to the tube and to at least one of the brackets. In another embodiment, magnets are secured to the arch wire. One of the magnets can pivot about the arch wire and includes a hook attached thereto. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire, a clamp secured to the arch wire, a hook and a wire. The wire is secured to the clamp and the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire, a hook and a wire segment.

Abstract: An orthodontic dental distractor for rapid orthodontic tooth movement into a fresh extraction socket. The device includes a screw bar and a screw nut fixedly engaged with one end of the screw bar, a first joint engageable with one end of the screw bar next to the screw nut and a first hook engageable with a canine band mounted on a canine. A second joint is engageable with another end of the screw bar and has a second hook engageable with a molar band mounted on a molar. By turning the screw nut, the screw bar will move the first joint towards the second joint, thus moving the canine rearward toward the molar.

Abstract: A lock for orthodontic treatment comprises a holding member fixed to a molar band, and a spring wire having an end removably held by the holding member. The holding member is configured such that the end of the spring wire is held on the holding member by being moved axially along the holding member. One of the holding member and the spring wire has elasticity in a direction perpendicular to its axis. The holding member includes a first engagement portion for preventing the movement of the end of the spring wire in a mounting direction, and a second engagement portion for preventing the movement of the end of the spring wire in a removing direction. The spring wire includes a first locking portion for engaging with the first engagement portion of the holding member, and a second locking portion for engaging with the second engagement portion of the holding member.

Abstract: Buccal tube consisting of a body (1) with a base section (2) which is to be attached to a tooth face, and of at least two tubular elements providing seats for corresponding archwires, which features a groove (5) on the vestibular side into which orthodontic instruments can be introduced to position the base section (2) on the corresponding tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes one or more orthodontic appliances that are releasably received in a 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 recesses of each appliance in order to support the appliance in suspended relation. The carrier is particularly useful for holding appliances during a manufacturing operation or during transport of the appliances from manufacturing operation to another. The carrier is also useful for supporting appliances in a package for shipment to the end user, especially when the appliances are precoated with a layer of adhesive.

Abstract: A dental tube and post combination is disclosed, wherein the dental tube and post have, respectively, a mating projection and indentation so that when the mating portions are fitted together, it is unlikely that the tube and post will be inadvertently separated from one another. However, the combined tube and post combination of the present invention can be readily separated by a dental technician using conventional dental tools. Moreover, each of the tube and post portions of the present invention can be used with conventional posts and tubes without compatibility concerns.

Abstract: The orthodontic appliance is metal injection molded as a unitary bracket, and is a made of a Stellite cobalt chromium alloy composition formulated to be substantially nickel-free, containing less than 1% nickel, in order to alleviate nickel allergic reactions experienced by a small fraction of the population to nickel. While nickel improved hardness of the bracket, the elements of chromium and molybdenum in the proposed alloy for the bracket also contribute to hardness of the alloy. The orthodontic bracket comprises a unitary metal injection molded body including a bonding base adapted to adhere to a tooth surface, and an archwire slot adapted for receiving an archwire. The preferred composition consists essentially of 59-69% by weight cobalt, 26-30% by weight chromium, 4-8% by weight molybdenum, and 2% or less by weight trace elements. The bonding base has a bottom base pattern in the form of a plurality of rectangular or square pockets that are approximately 0.005 to 0.015 inch in size.

Abstract: A buccal sheath for conducting orthodontic procedures for alignment or movement of a patient's teeth permits anterior-posterior and/or lateral expansion of a palatial arch of the patient. The buccal sheath has a slot located in the body of the sheath, the slot running longitudinally, i.e., horizontally from an anterior end of the buccal sheath a portion of distance, generally about 80 to 90% of the distance, between the anterior and posterior end of the buccal sheath an adapted to receive and retain therein various archwires for either anterior-posterior movement, lateral (palatial) movement, or simultaneous movement in both the anterior-posterior direction or in lateral directions. The slot receives the archwires but prevents them from passing through the buccal sheath.

Abstract: An improved pivotal mounting boss for attachment to front or rear orthodontic bands on a mandibular arch expander and a maxillary arch expander. The pivotal mounting boss includes a base casing that is soldered or welded to the orthodontic band. A screw is threadedly engaged in the base casing. The base casing has an opening formed therein for the insertion of an arch wire. The opening can be preangulated to assist in root angulation when the arch wire is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and procedure for straightening and leveling of teeth anterior to the molar (chewing) teeth. The procedure utilizes a blocked tube having a channel and an extension and blocking wall. The extension extends from the blocked tube and is substantially parallel to the channel, and the blocking wall extends upward from an end of the extension and is substantially perpendicular to the extension. The blocking wall extends to a same height as the channel with respect to a bottom of the blocked tube. The procedure further uses conventional brackets and wires. The wires are ligated to the brackets and threaded through the channel of the blocked tubes. The wires are cut and contact the blocking wall of the blocked tube.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets having tubular passages are bonded to at least six teeth in an upper or lower human dental arch, including at least two teeth other than molars, and a superflexible archwire is extended through all of the passages. The orthodontic brackets are non-metallic thin veneer bodies having tubular passages for receiving the archwire. Custom veneer bodies are fabricated using information obtained from a model or a sectioned model of a patient's dental arch, or from digital mapping of the patient's tooth surfaces or the facsimile tooth surfaces in the model. The orientation of each tubular passage in each bracket depends upon the desired final position of each tooth, and upon the degree of torque, tip and angulation required for achieving such position. Contrary to the prior practice of making orthodontic brackets as small as possible, the veneer bodies have a large bonding surface area that covers much of a tooth facial surface and corresponds with the facial surface shape of the tooth.

Abstract: A device for moving a tooth by combining translational motion with angular movement, comprising a holder attached to the tooth and provided with a device for attaching a pivotable element cooperating with a force exerting device. The pivotable element comprises plane sloping sides for engaging the holder and thereby limiting the angular movement of the tooth to a predetermined value. A cuneal member for adjusting the angle of slope may also be provided.

Abstract: A buccal tube has a base part and at least one tube, and it is formed from a metal material comprising Ti or Ti alloy, using a metal injection molding method. The buccal tube can be formed from a metal material which contains Ti as a base component, from 0.03 to 0.5 wt % C, from 0.08 to 0.8 wt % O and from 0.03 to 0.6 wt % N. The total C, O and N content in the metal material is preferably from 0.14 to 1.1 wt %. Furthermore, pores of average diameter from 0.5 to 50 .mu.m are preferably dispersed in at least a surface region of the buccal tube, and the porosity of the holes is preferably from 0.05 to 5.0 vol %. The buccal tube may further comprises at least one engaging part which is preferably formed into a hook or engaging piece for example.

Abstract: A buccal tube for an archwire wherein the tube includes a lumen having a control portion at the mesial end and a relieved portion toward and at the distal end which reduces the force required for mesial withdrawal of the archwire after the archwire has been bent, and may also permit distal crown tipping of the tooth on which the tube is mounted.

Abstract: An orthodontic buccal tube device adapted to cooperate with an arch wire and comprising a base member for attachment to a tooth, and a body member which is fixed to the base member and which comprises a bore adapted to accommodate an end portion of the arch wire. The device comprises an auxiliary member fixed to or integral with either the base member or the body member and is adapted for cooperation with an end of the wire protruding from the bore to either limit the rearward movement of the wire, or exert a force bringing to the development of a moment in the wire, or both. The auxiliary member is also useful in forming an abutment in the direction of the buccal-mucosa, for ensuring appropriate distance between the buccal-mucosa and the end of the wire so as to avoid injuries to said mucosa.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic appliance repositions misaligned anterior teeth with a plurality of springs and a labial wire each secured to an acrylic palatal fitting. Each spring has a head portion in the shape of an eyelet which is positioned on the lingual side of an anterior tooth and a foot portion secured to the fitting. The springs provide lingual-to-labial force to the teeth, and the labial wire provides labial-to-lingual force to the teeth. A spring may engage the lingual surface of a tooth to provide active force to urge the tooth labially into a proper position, or may be spaced away from a tooth at a desired position to engage the tooth as it move lingually. The springs may be positioned on a mesial or a distal surface of a tooth to induce rotation. Further, the springs may provide passive resistance to maintain a properly positioned tooth in place. Each spring is made of a single strand of wire which has one end terminating at the head portion and the other end terminating at the foot portion.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a flared orthodontic buccal tube having an internally tapered mesial section. In a preferred embodiment, the buccal tube includes a base adapted to be secured to a tooth, and a tubular body connected to the base. The tubular body has mesial and distal sections connected at a mesial-distal interface, and mesial and distal bores communicating at a mesial bore-distal bore interface. The mesial section is tapered, with the mesial opening of the mesial bore having cross sectional dimensions exceeding the cross sectional dimensions of the exterior surface of the distal section.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion arch and sheath and sheath insert are provided for use in applying maxillary and mandibular lingual orthodontic appliances for expansion of the arches. The sheath permits use of appliances employing multiple wires composed of non-weldable metal alloys in a more convenient manner and in a greater variety of appliances.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket, preferably in the form of a buccal tube, is provided for connecting an orthodontic archwire to each mandibular first molar of a patient. The bracket has an archwire groove oriented to maintain the archwire at a positive rotation angle relative to the point on the surface of the molar at which the bracket is connected. The rotation angle is preferably approximately 2.degree. for Caucasian patients and approximately 4.degree. for Asian patients. The groove, while inclined to a positive (distal) rotation angle of greater than zero, may additionally be inclined mesially relative to the wire to account for smaller cross-sectional dimensions of the wire relative to the groove. In making a custom orthodontic appliance, a computer designs such buccal tubes with the grooves rotated to an angle optimally calculated for the patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion arch and sheath and sheath insert are provided for use in applying maxillary and mandibular lingual orthodontic appliances for expansion of the arches. The sheath permits use of appliances employing multiple wires composed of non-weldable metal alloys in a more convenient manner and in a greater variety of appliances.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orthodontic appliance comprising of a plurality of brackets and molar tubes for the correction of malocclusion of teeth. The bracket features a horizontal rectangular slot in the gingival surface for securing round arch wires and rectangular arch wires in ribbon-arch mode. The bracket allows free tipping, controlled tipping or bodily movement of the tooth depending on the mode of securing the arch wire to the slot. The molar tube features at least one rectangular tube which is vertical in cross-section, corresponding to the arch wire slot of the bracket. The tube provides better control over the molar tooth leading to stronger anchorage. The appliance allows different tooth movements with total control for precise positioning of all the teeth.

Abstract: A buccal tube insert including a frusto-conically shaped main body having a predetermined cross-sectional dimension and which defines a longitudinally disposed passageway which extends substantially therethrough, the main body disposed in friction fitting relation within a lumen defined by a buccal tube.