Abstract: A wound closure device having a filamentary element having a proximal end and a distal end, and a stop element coupled thereto and having a leading edge area defined by thickness and a width and having a total surface area. The leading edge area is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the filamentary element. The device may have a ratio of the leading edge area to the total surface area that is less than 10%, a ratio of the length to the maximum thickness of the stop element that is at least 4, or a ratio of the length to the width of the stop element is at least 1 for any given thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bracket for self-ligating correction fixed to teeth and used for orthodontic treatment. The disclosed bracket for self-ligating correction includes a bracket body having a slot into which a wire is inserted and formed in a first direction, and a guide part formed in a second direction crossing the first direction, a door reciprocally installed on the guide part of the bracket body to open and close the slot, and a clamper that moves the door while elastically deforming when a predetermined force is applied to the door in the second direction. The clamper includes a coupling pin installed on the bracket body so as to allow one end to protrude onto the guide part, and an elastic loop installed on one side of the door facing the guide part and including a hollow single closed curve.

Abstract: A removable dental appliance that includes an appliance body configured to at least partially surround a plurality of teeth of a dental arch of a patient. The appliance body including a first and second shell shaped to receive a first and second respective tooth; and at least one jumper including an elongated structure having a first end coupled to the first shell and a second end coupled to the second shell. The at least one jumper is configured to apply a force between the first and second shells to cause a movement of at least one of the first and second teeth toward a desired position when the removable dental appliance is worn by the patient.

Abstract: A method of forming an arch member comprising an arch member body and an arch member coupling integral with the body, comprising: providing a substrate comprising a resilient material; and removing a portion of the substrate to form the arch member. The arch member body including a cross-sectional geometry that varies along a length of the body. Also a method of designing an orthodontic appliance comprising: providing a proposed specification of the orthodontic appliance, wherein the orthodontic appliance comprises an arch member comprising an arch member body and an arch member coupling integral with the body, and a set of anchors, providing a first digital image representing a first dental arrangement associated with the orthodontic appliance; deriving a target digital image representing a target dental arrangement; revising the proposed specification of the orthodontic appliance based in part on the target digital image; and forming the orthodontic appliance based on the revised proposed specification.

Abstract: Systems and methods of repositioning teeth, using one or more appliances for installing on a patient's teeth are described. The appliance includes an arch shaped member; a plurality of spring members coupled to or provided on the arch shaped member; and a plurality of securing members for securing to a corresponding plurality of the patient's teeth on a one-to-one basis, the securing members being supported by the arch shaped member. The arch shaped member and the plurality of springs, together, comprise a two dimensional structure having a length dimension and a width dimension with varying widths along the length dimension, that is bent into a three dimensional structure.

Abstract: System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided, including a backend surface, a frontend surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a passageway. The backend surface is adapted for attachment and is opposite the frontend surface. The first and second side surfaces are connected between the backend surface and the frontend surface. The passageway extends from the first side surface to the second side surface. The cross-section of the passageway includes an access opening, an archwire slot, a path portion, and at least one rotation portion. The access opening is configured to allow the archwire to enter the passageway. The archwire slot is configured to receive the archwire. The path portion connects the access opening and the archwire slot. The rotation portion is provided in the path portion to allow the archwire to change its orientation.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a portion made of a shape memory alloy having a base alloy composition of at least two different metallic elements and a treated region having an alloy composition that is depleted in at least one of the metallic elements. The base alloy may include a nickel titanium alloy (NiTi), a copper chromium nickel titanium alloy (CuCrNiTi), or a copper aluminum nickel (CuAlNi) alloy. The treated region may be depleted in at least one of copper, aluminum, nickel, and titanium relative to the base alloy composition by exposing the base alloy to a source of energy. The base alloy composition has a first austenitic finish temperature and the treated region has an austenitic finish temperature that may be different than the first austenitic finish temperature. The treated region may form a part of an archwire, a stop, a hook, a crown, a band, or an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a customized orthodontic appliance includes a setup model forming step of preparing a setup model corresponding to teeth after ideal orthodontic treatment for a patient, an arch wire forming step of preparing an arch wire corresponding to a dental arch of the setup model while being disposed to closely approach tooth surfaces of teeth of the setup model, and an orthodontic bracket forming step of forming a bracket body corresponding to each of the teeth with reference to the arch wire. Through this, the customized orthodontic appliance capable of minimizing the distance between the tooth surface and the arch wire to accurately perform the ideal orthodontic treatment is fabricated. Also, convenience and accuracy of procedure is improved, and irritating sensation in the oral cavity is minimized.

Abstract: An orthodontic retention system includes a fixed component that remains on teeth and a component that attaches to this fixed component. The fixed component and the component have mating or interlocking parts. The component that mates with the fixed component can be removable. The component that mates with the fixed component can be adjustable. The retention system also can include magnetic retention components to retain the removable component with respect to one or more teeth. The retention system also can include an element that replaces as tooth.

Abstract: System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

Abstract: System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

Abstract: System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.

Abstract: Disclosed are an orthodontic wire of giving orthodontic force to anterior teeth in order to correct bimaxillary protrusion, and an orthodontic system with the same. The orthodontic wire for correcting bimaxillary protrusion includes a lingual arch wire which is curved corresponding to a set of the anterior teeth so as to be fitted to a lingual side of the anterior teeth; a traction wire which is provided in the lingual arch wire for connection with a traction member of giving lingual traction force; and a pair of support wires which is extended backward from the lingual arch wire so as to provide the lingual arch wire with reaction to the lingual traction force.

Abstract: A connecting wire is a wire having a circular cross-section and made of shape memory alloy or the like. Individual blocks have a cross-section configured to engage with an orthodontic bracket and have a through hole to insert the connecting wire. Because a torque is applied separately to each of the individual blocks after the connecting wire and individual blocks are formed according to an arch form on a Monson sphere, the torque can be applied keeping a three-dimensional curve such as the Monson sphere.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a portion made of a shape memory alloy having a base alloy composition of at least two different metallic elements and a treated region having an alloy composition that is depleted in at least one of the metallic elements. The base alloy may include a nickel titanium alloy (NiTi), a copper chromium nickel titanium alloy (CuCrNiTi), or a copper aluminum nickel (CuAlNi) alloy. The treated region may be depleted in at least one of copper, aluminum, nickel, and titanium relative to the base alloy composition by exposing the base alloy to a source of energy. The base alloy composition has a first austenitic finish temperature and the treated region has an austenitic finish temperature that may be different than the first austenitic finish temperature. The treated region may form a part of an archwire, a stop, a hook, a crown, a band, or an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A customized orthodontic device for the treatment of a patient and a method for producing the same. The customized orthodontic device includes a plurality of bracket assemblies which each include a bracket with at least one groove. The groove is configured to receive an arch wire. The bracket assemblies are digitally designed to include the bracket, a base, and an intermediate component. The base is configured to be placed on a face of a tooth. The intermediate component extends between the bracket and the base.

Abstract: A wire used in the medical field for guiding purposes, as well as in other fields, such as in the field of orthodontics for teeth aligning purposes. The wire, when prepared for use in such applications, exhibits an innovative blend of advantageous properties, including enhanced kink resistance over stainless steel wires and enhanced stiffness over Nitinol wires, which enhance its use as a medical guidewire or stylet, and further, as an arch wire in orthodontia applications.

Abstract: A curable orthodontic FFM resin rope appliance connecting orthodontic anchoring and custom appliances affixed to teeth, TADs and/or tooth positioning appliances, which serve in moving and stabilization if teeth by connecting said appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. The FFM resin rope appliance is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity and positioned to be secured between any type of fasteners including mechanical fasteners, which accept the FFM resin rope in an uncured first mode where the FFM resin rope is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners and/or flex fit wafers FFW(s) at each or one end. Once connected together the FFM resin rope is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces to hold or move teeth.

Abstract: Described herein are aqueous and substantially non-aqueous oral compositions comprising a cationic steroidal compound and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: An oral illumination apparatus configured for placement in a mouth. The oral illumination apparatus includes a housing configured to be coupled to a structure in the mouth. The housing including a processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the housing and configured to detect a characteristic from within the mouth, wherein the sensor provides a feedback signal indicative of the characteristic to the processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus includes a light source coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus further includes a power source coupled to the housing. The processing circuit is configured to control the light source in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating mal-alignment of teeth using super-elastic nickel titanium, heat activated nickel titanium coated or uncoated orthodontic wires with composite resins in order to effectuate desired tooth alignment. The composite resin is formed into beads that hold the wire in place preferably on the lingual surface of the teeth. Alternate embodiments using composite brackets are disclosed. The overall purpose of this invention is to provide a close contact, low profile orthodontic system, in particular, a lingual orthodontic system that is significantly more comfortable than existing orthodontic systems, completely concealed and effective.

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 orthodontic archwire is configured to be inserted into an archwire slot of an orthodontic bracket and is configured to be elastically compressed in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane of the arch form of the archwire. The archwire may include a first exterior surface, a second exterior surface spaced from the first exterior surface, and a resilient element disposed between the first and second exterior surfaces, wherein the resilient element is elastically deformable such that a distance between the first and second exterior surfaces may be decreased upon application of a compressive force on the archwire.

Abstract: Method for shaping an orthodontic wire, made of a shape-memory material, into a target geometry in order to permit precise insertion into a patient-specific orthodontic apparatus, said method having the following steps: a) creating a patient-specific target set-up of the upper jaw or lower jaw of the patient, b) placing brackets on teeth to be treated in the target set-up, c) preparing a two-dimensional image of the target set-up with brackets in a plan view, d) loading the image into a data processor, e) identifying the position of the slots of the brackets in the image, f) exporting data on the position of the slots from the data processor, g) creating a baking mould for the shape-memory wire, wherein the data are used to help generate wire-fixing portions in the baking mould that maintain the wire in areas corresponding to the slots during the baking, h) inserting the wire into the baking mould, and i) baking the wire.

Abstract: A ceramic coated aesthetic orthodontic appliance is described as well as methods for making one. The appliance can be an archwire or a bracket. The ceramic coated aesthetic appliance can include an orthodontic archwire having a surface, an aesthetic coating covering at least a portion of the surface, and a ceramic coating layer covering at least a portion of the aesthetic coating. The aesthetic coating can be an aesthetic polymer coating and the ceramic coating layer can be deposited using a low temperature process such as ion beam assisted deposition. An ion beam surface cleaning step may also be added to enhance the adhesion of the ceramic coating layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire for straightening irregular teeth, which is not harmful to a human body and preserves the color of the teeth, is provided. The method of manufacturing a wire for straightening irregular teeth includes manufacturing a metal wire with metal alloy; physically or chemically etching a surface of the metal wire and then performing heat treatment; coating the surface of the metal wire with a metal material, Teflon, epoxy or urethane to show white or ivory and then performing heat treatment; forming a transparent parylene film on the metal material, Teflon, epoxy or urethane and then performing heat treatment; and removing one side of the foregoing coating layer from the surface of the metal wire, and then applying surface treatment to the one side with the coating layer removed.

Abstract: Provided are customized archwires that facilitate wire insertion into fixed appliances and sliding mechanics during the course of orthodontic treatment. These archwires are harmonized with lingual appliances by modifying the archwire shape to alleviate the adverse effects of bends and archwire length discrepancy while maintaining the overall archwire shape. This in turn can be accomplished by selecting one or more segments of an archwire shape from a library, strategically adjusting arch length, performing morphing or smoothing operations on a wire configuration intended for final occlusion, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bracket including a base plate on which two retaining wings are formed running parallel to one another and defining an intermediate space in which a wire arch may be held. The intermediate space has a trapezoidal structure such that the wire arch is always pushed upward under the elasticity of the bracket by the inclined retaining wings toward the retaining surfaces, such that the wire arch is held in the intermediate space in an aligned fashion without play. The cross sectional shape of the wire arch is selected such that no surface contact occurs in the intermediate space.

Abstract: A composite material for medical devices includes a superelastic shape memory alloy configured or constituting a matrix and a metal oxide which is dispersed in the matrix.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a malleable flattened rectangular lingual retainer wire that is configured to be integrally shaped and bonded to the inside surfaces of teeth for a prolonged period of time. The lingual retainer wire acts to secure the teeth to one another in a manner that provides precise root position control. The lingual retainer wire is a single strand of wire that has been flattened in order to reduce its profile allowing the lingual retainer wire to be placed on the inside of either the upper or lower incisor teeth without interfering with occlusion.

Abstract: Disclosed are an orthodontic wire of giving orthodontic force to anterior teeth in order to correct bimaxillary protrusion, and an orthodontic system with the same. The orthodontic wire for correcting bimaxillary protrusion includes a lingual arch wire which is curved corresponding to a set of the anterior teeth so as to be fitted to a lingual side of the anterior teeth; a traction wire which is provided in the lingual arch wire for connection with a traction member of giving lingual traction force; and a pair of support wires which is extended backward from the lingual arch wire so as to provide the lingual arch wire with reaction to the lingual traction force. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent an inturned tooth when the bimaxillary protrusion is corrected, and it is also possible to correct aggressive protrusion without surgical operation since traction force is transmitted to an alveolar bone.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a mono-crystalline shape memory alloy and a method for forming thereof.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for use in orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic appliance is selected from the group consisting of an orthodontic bracket, an orthodontic archwire, an orthodontic tool, and a discrete component thereof. The orthodontic appliance is made of a metallic glass. The orthodontic appliance may be an orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth. The orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket body including an archwire slot, the bracket body being made of a metallic glass. The orthodontic bracket further comprises a movable member made of a metallic glass and operatively coupled to the bracket body and movable between an opened position in which the archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the movable member retains the archwire in the archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket further comprises a pin coupling the movable member to the bracket body.

Abstract: An orthodontic device includes a generally U-shaped metal wire whose two ends are at different vertical heights and which therefore has a 3-dimensional recumbent S shape in front view. The U-shaped metal wire is secured, by an elastic band or a cover, to each of a plurality of orthodontic brackets cemented respectively to a patient's teeth, and due to the difference of height between the two ends of the U-shaped metal wire, a resilient restoring force is generated to individually adjust the row of teeth on the upper or lower jaw to the normal heights and thereby correct the occlusal cant and craniofacial anomalies.

Abstract: Dental arches of single-crystal shape memory alloys, methods of fabrication and apparatus for fabrication. The methods include drawing a single crystal of a shape memory alloy from a melt of the alloy. This is followed by heating, forming, and quenching the crystal sufficiently rapid to limit the formation of alloy precipitates to an amount which retains hyperelastic composition and properties of the crystal.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an orthodontic force to a tooth of a patient in combination with an orthodontic appliance and a temporary anchor device (TAD) for coupling to bony oral tissue of the patient. The device includes a wire having a proximal end and a distal end, an adjustable stop coupled to the wire at a selectable position between the proximal and distal ends, and a spring. The proximal end of the wire is configured to be coupled to the TAD and the distal end of the wire is configured to be coupled to the orthodontic appliance disposed on the tooth of the patient. The spring is disposed between the orthodontic appliance and the adjustable stop in order to apply the orthodontic force to the tooth. The proximal end of the wire comprises a hook shape which is configured to be coupled to the TAD.

Abstract: Method and workstation automatically designing an arch-wire including compensations for auxiliary appliances or biological constraints exerting unknown forces to achieve a pre-planned treatment goal are disclosed. The adjusted customized arch-wire is designed after an initial customized arch-wire has been used to treat a patient and is at or near equilibrium. The initial custom arch-wire is first designed by producing a 3D computer-based, geometrical model of a patient's dentition, locating brackets on the digital tooth model, moving the digital tooth models to planned final positions and orientations, and then calculating a wire which fits in the slots of the brackets while the teeth are in their planned final positions and exerts no forces on the brackets. After a period of time the teeth will move under the force of the wire and will eventually move into positions such that the forces from all appliances and biological systems are in equilibrium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bent orthodontic arch or a bent retaining arch for orthodontic treatment, comprising the bending of portions of a metal wire. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the use of an apparatus of the type intended for the production of springs, comprising bending tools and means allowing the continuous movement of the wire to be bent. The invention also relates to the device used to perform the aforementioned method, to the resulting orthodontic arch or retaining arch and to an orthodontic appliance comprising same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic system which comprises a main wire having first and second end sections and at least one looped section there between, and a support wire, the main wire further having at least one coupling means for coupling to the support wire, the coupling means being arranged on the at least one looped section, and fastening means for fastening the main wire and the support wire to a patient's teeth.

Abstract: An archwire assembly comprises an archwire with a crimpable sleeve adapted to slidably move along the archwire so as to be positioned between two adjacent brackets of orthodontic braces. The archwire assembly further includes a stop applied to the archwire and adapted to limit the movement of the sleeve along the archwire. The stop may include removable stops where the sleeve is movable along the archwire between the stops. The removable stops may be movable along the archwire with the application of a sufficient force. The stop may also include a friction-creating substance applied to either the sleeve or the archwire such that it takes a sufficient force to move the sleeve along the archwire. The stop may also include a partially crimped sleeve applied to the archwire such that it takes a sufficient force to move the sleeve along the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance applicable to traditional appliances includes a transparent brace aligner or a traditional arch wire, generally of metal, and of plates or brackets that are fixed to the vestibular or lingual wall of the teeth. The orthodontic appliance includes a wire forming a second arc or arc portion with which one or more stressing elements are integral, with an axis substantially perpendicular to the wall of the tooth the stressing elements act on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic gripping device having a body made of a superelastic metal alloy, cold worked titanium beta III, or solution heat treated and aged titanium beta III. The body has first and second, spaced apart arm portions connected to each other. Each arm portion includes a jaw portion having an inner, arch wire-gripping, surface. The inner gripping surfaces are disposed opposite one another in spaced relation with a station defined therebetween for receiving the arch wire. At least a portion of the station is sized smaller than the arch wire. The arm portions are resiliently deflectable outwardly away from each other to admit the arch wire into the station. Once seated in the station, the arch wire is tightly held by inner gripping surfaces so as to resist displacement of the gripping device relative to the arch wire.

Abstract: Low force orthodontic arch wires (100) include a core wire (102) formed of a material having shape memory that extends along a generally curved arch wire axis between a first end (102a) and a second end (102b). The arch wire (100) further includes a plurality of bracket engagement blocks (104) disposed in spaced apart relationship along the length of the core wire (102). Each engagement block (104) is configured for placement within the slot of a corresponding orthodontic bracket with which it works to move the teeth in a desired direction. The engagement blocks (104) are advantageously enlarged relative to the core wire (102), providing for better engagement and reduced play between any given engagement block (104) and its corresponding bracket slot as compared to if the engagement blocks (104) were not present. The engagement blocks (104) may be disposed relative to the core wire (102).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire arch for use in orthodontics wherein a white or tooth-colored shrink tube is shrunk onto the wire arch.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchoring screw including a threaded shank, extending prevalently along a longitudinal axis, and a head provided with a seat extending substantially along a housing direction perpendicular to the axis and intended to house a metallic wire for imposing a correction action on a tooth. The head has engagement mechanism for holding the wire in the seat, which includes two shaped appendages, each with a shaped shank having a widened head fixed on top. The heads define between them a slit for inserting the wire, extending prevalently along a transversal direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and inclined with respect to the housing direction of the seat. The shanks and the heads define together the seat, communicating with the slit to receive the wire.

Abstract: Dental implant placement may be facilitated using a guide and/or placement system. The guide may allow an appropriate position for a dental implant to be determined. The placement system may position the guide in a patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic space-closing appliance has an anterior component that can be secured to the anterior part of one of the patient's dental arches; a posterior component that is slidably connected to the anterior component and that can be secured to teeth in the patient's dental arch distal to the teeth to which the anterior component is secured; and an urging member acting on the posterior and anterior components to urge those components towards one another. The posterior component has a support block that is adapted to act against the underside of an attachment fixed to the lingual surface of the tooth to which the posterior component is attached. The support block applies force to resist tipping of the tooth as the tooth is displaced anteriorly.