Abstract: To minimize used titanium materials, a container for an implant fixture has a housing main body 1, an implant fixture holding member 2, and a cap 3, the main body 1 is made of glass or the like and has guide grooves 1a in an axial direction, the holding member 2 is made of titanium and includes a bottom part 2a contacting with a top of a dental implant fixture X, and three or more guide parts 2b surrounding the fixture X, the guide part 2b has an insertion lock part 2ba to be locked in the guide groove 1a, the cap 3 is made of a resin, has a press part 3a, and seals the upper surface of the main body 1, and the press part 3a contacts with an engagement hole Xa and/or an upper surface Xb of the fixture X to press the fixture X.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations at least one tooth-bonding-pad is directly attached to an archwire.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations at least one tooth-bonding-pad is slidably mounted to an archwire. In some implementations, the archwire passes through the at least one tooth-bonding-pad and in some other implementations, the archwire passes through at least one tubular holder that is mounted on each of the at least one tooth-bonding-pads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ligating device (1) for arch wires or orthodontic wires, comprising a bondable base (2), for coupling to the tooth, and a main body (3), said main body (3) having a slot (4), suitable for receiving a metal arch wire (5), said device (1) being characterized in that said slot (4) has its entrance on one of its gingival or occlusal sides. The invention relates also to a method for the application of an arch wire or an orthodontic wire (5), characterized in providing the insertion of said arch wire or orthodontic wire (5) in a plurality of ligating devices (1) for arch wires or orthodontic wires, along a gingival-occlusal, or occlusal-gingival direction of insertion, of said plurality of devices (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of the bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.

Abstract: This invention refers to a totally adjustable, low-friction bracket system which allows the programming of the prescription in an individualized fashion reducing the quantity of adjustments in the archwires, in order to bring the teeth into their suitable positions in orthodontic treatments.

Abstract: A dental adhesive composition comprising (i) at least one non-acidic polymerizable monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group, (ii) optionally one or more acidic compounds, (iii) at least one photoinitiator, (iv) at least one solvent, and (v) about 0-40% by weight of one or more fillers; wherein the weight ratio of non-acidic polymerizable monomers/acidic compounds in the adhesive composition is more than about 4.5; the viscosity of the adhesive composition is less than about 350 centipoise (cP) at 25° C.; and the adhesive composition excluding solvent and filler has an acid number of less than about 0.75 mmol NaOH/g. The dental adhesive composition is used with a dental primer composition, which may be provided together in a kit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dental compositions that can be used as adhesives for bonding a dental material to a dental structure surface and/or as a dental restorative material. The dental composition is preferably applied to a dental structure surface under conditions effective to etch the dental structure surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system used on the anterior lower teeth includes a plurality of alternating high-low brackets which is made up of a subplurality of high brackets and low brackets. The plurality of alternating high-low brackets are fixed to the anterior teeth, namely the subplurality of high brackets is fixed to alternately successive anterior teeth and the low brackets are fixed to other ones of alternately successive anterior teeth. A first orthodontic wire is coupled or attached to the subplurality of high brackets. A second orthodontic wire is coupled or attached to the subplurality of low brackets. The first and second orthodontic wires are selectively bent between selected brackets to which the first and second orthodontic wires are coupled, so that length of the first and second wire between each bracket to which it is coupled is increased, leaving space between brackets for bends formed in the wire.

Abstract: Orthodontic adhesives are claimed which use polymeric filler particles with defined particle size characteristics. The particle size characteristics are controlled such that these adhesives provide comparable mechanical retention and cohesive strength of conventional orthodontic adhesives when used to bond orthodontic appliances to teeth. Because polymeric fillers are generally softer than inorganic fillers, these adhesives are easier to remove from the tooth than conventional adhesives after debonding an orthodontic appliance. Embodiments of the invention include both self-curing and two-part adhesives, packaged adhesive-coated orthodontic appliances, and methods for removing a cured adhesive from a tooth surface.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental adhesive materials that can create a reversible bond. In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental impression materials that can be used to accurately and efficiently obtain a dental impression. Moreover, example embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for use with the hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials disclosed herein. The hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials can provide dental professionals with dental materials that are more effective, efficient, and easier to use when compared to conventional dental adhesive materials and conventional dental impression materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for planning a bracket system (1) for the correction of malpositions of teeth (2), comprising a plurality of brackets (3) and an arch (4) wherein at least one platelet (6) per tooth is mounted on certain tooth surfaces (5) of the teeth to be corrected (2), a three-dimensional optical image (50) of the tooth region to be treated is created, the platelets (6) have registration elements (10) comprising registration points (11) and the registration points (11) have a characteristic form for registration in the three-dimensional optical image (50)

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an orthodontic bracket which can be firmly attached to a tooth surface and can also be easily detached from the tooth surface after having been used. The orthodontic bracket includes a plurality of channels formed in a bonding surface of a base. Each of the channels is formed such that it is long in a direction perpendicular to the slot, and is open at a first side surface thereof located at a side surface of the base. Long and short side surfaces of the channels are inclined to serve as a locking step when the orthodontic bracket is attached to the surface of the tooth.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthodontic composition, related methods and packaged articles that include a hardenable component, a hardener, and a heat-modified inorganic mineral filler. The composition displays improved hardened remnant cleanup compared with compositions using traditional hard mineral fillers, while maintaining acceptable handling, bond strength and mechanical properties. Bond strength enhancement is achieved by heat-modifying a soft mineral filler, a process by which water of hydration is eliminated from the microstructure of the mineral to form a non-hydrated phase. By using heat-modified mineral fillers that are soft relative to human enamel, the hardened orthodontic composition can be conveniently removed using a lowspeed abrasive disk or other mild abrasion process that is safer and more comfortable for the patient. The composition is especially beneficial for use in bonding orthodontic appliances to teeth.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic appliance is disclosed having information encoded or formed in the base of the appliance, wherein the encoded information increases the total base surface area by an amount that is effective for increasing the adhesion of the appliance to a patient's tooth. In one embodiment, the total base surface area may increase to 140% of what such surface would be without the encoded information. The encoded information may identify: a manufacturer or supplier of the appliance, a part/model number, a location and/or date of manufacturer, a composition of material, a patent number, a logo, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bracket which is intended for use in orthodontics and which is made entirely from plastic using an injection molding process. The inventive bracket comprises the basic elements of any bracket, such as the base which is fixed or cemented to the tooth, the arch groove in the mesial-distal direction and flanges for standard wire ligatures or elastomers. The invention is essentially characterised in that, as with metal brackets, the fixing base provides mechanical retention and, as such, does not have to be coated with any type of chemical additive during the cementing procedure.

Abstract: To minimize titanium materials and accurately and easily fix a dental implant fixture, a housing container includes a glass housing main body, a resin cap, and a resin implant fixture holding member, the cap includes a press part at an inner surface, the implant fixture holding member fits into the bottom side of the housing main body, the implant fixture holding member has, at an upper surface side, three or more groove parts formed radially from a center to an end side, and titanium plate-like guide parts which include, at the center side, projected portions slightly projecting from the upper surface, and include, at the radial end side, erected portions extending up to at least equal to or more than ? of a height from a tip of the dental implant fixture to erect around an outer peripheral surface of the dental implant fixture are inserted in the groove parts.

Abstract: An assembly for use in orthodontic treatment includes at least two articles, and each article includes an orthodontic appliance as well as an adhesive that extends across the base of each appliance. The adhesive of at least one article differs from the adhesive of at least one other article in terms of composition, properties or characteristics, such that the adhesive can be tailored to enhance the bond between the particular selected appliance and its intended tooth.

Abstract: Multi-piece, reusable orthodontic appliances that include a support assembly to be bonded to a tooth and a corrective assembly adapted to receive an archwire and direct corrective forces exerted by the archwire to the tooth. The support assembly is releasably engaged with the corrective assembly, such as with coupling portions that disengage responsive to a force applied to the corrective assembly exceeding a predetermined value, such as less than a force sufficient to debond the support assembly from the tooth. In response to such a force, the corrective assembly disengages from the support assembly, rather than the appliance debonding from the tooth. Self-release assemblies for use with a corrective orthodontic bracket, including either a support assembly or a corrective assembly, and an engagement assembly configured to disengage as described above, may allow a conventional set of orthodontic hardware to be retrofitted with a self-release feature.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of orthodontic brackets that each include a main body portion having at least a first tunnel extending transversely therethrough. The main body portion is adapted to be bonded to the facial surface of a tooth such that the first tunnel extends approximately parallel to the facial surface. None of the brackets include an open faced slot. The method further includes bonding each of the plurality of brackets to separate teeth in an arch, and threading a first archwire through the first tunnel in each of the plurality of brackets.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray places orthodontic appliances in precise, predetermined positions on the teeth of a patient. The indirect bonding tray includes a first matrix material that extends over a set of appliances and a second matrix material that extends over the first matrix material. The indirect bonding tray also includes at least one occlusal stop member that is connected to the second matrix material for firm, relatively hard contact with the occlusal tips of the patient's teeth when the tray is received in place over the patient's dental arch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arch wire that is used during orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: A packaged assembly includes a container with a chamber and an orthodontic appliance received in the chamber. The assembly also includes a quantity of orthodontic adhesive material that is received on a release surface in the chamber. The appliance is detachably mounted on a support and is relatively movable when desired in order to bring a base of the appliance into contact with the adhesive material for transfer of the adhesive material to the appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic article is provided for bonding to a tooth structure comprising an orthodontic appliance, a layer of partially hardened hardenable composition adjacent the appliance, and a bonding adhesive adjacent the partially hardened hardenable composition. A method of making an orthodontic article for orthodontic bonding is provided, comprising partially hardening a hardenable composition adjacent the base of an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: A set of customized orthodontic brackets are provided with slots that are arranged substantially parallel to the tooth surface. The archwire, in an as-manufactured condition, has a portion of substantial arcuate extent, which is canted relative to the occlusal plane. The brackets are designed on a computer as a combination of three-dimensional virtual objects comprising the virtual bracket bonding pad and a separate virtual bracket body retrieved from a library of virtual bracket bodies. The virtual brackets can be represented as a file containing digital shape data and exported to a rapid prototype fabrication device for fabrication of the bracket in wax or other material and casting the wax prototype in a suitable alloy. Other manufacturing techniques are also contemplated, including milling and laser sintering.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance of the bracket or tube type for bondable mounting on a tooth including an appliance body having a buccal/labial archwire receiving side and a lingual side and a polymer resin bonding base molded to the lingual side such that at least part of the body is embedded in the base, and wherein the base may include openings for receiving an auxiliary or a secondary archwire.

Abstract: An inter-maxillary fixation bracket having a top section having a mechanism for permitting attachment of a connection device and a base integrated with the top section where the base has grooves embedded on its underside for application of a dental adhesive such that a bracket can be fixed to a patient's tooth. An assembly includes a bracket with a connector attached to it utilizing a bracket connection mechanism, a linkage device, and another bracket and connector attached similarly. A method is also described for the immobilizing a patient's jaws including the modeling of a bracket assembly proximate to the patient's teeth to determine if the bracket assembly must be adjusted. And if so then adjustments to the linkage and connectors are made as appropriate. Adhesive is applied to bracket pads before attachment of the bracket pads to selected teeth and repeating the process for more brackets.

Abstract: A dental template formed of an ultraviolet light-blocking or chemical cure inhibition material configured to restrict the curing of excess adhesive flash during the bonding of orthodontic devices to teeth. The dental template is configured to be positioned over a patient's teeth to guide placement of brackets on the teeth. The brackets are secured to the teeth using adhesive, which is cured by exposure to ultraviolet light or chemically cured. The dental template at least partially blocks ultraviolet light or restricts the chemical cure process from fully curing the adhesive underneath the template so that any exposed adhesive “flash” underneath the template can be easily cleaned after the template is removed from the teeth. The adhesive securing the brackets to the teeth can be fully cured after the “flash” is cleaned.

Abstract: A packaged orthodontic assembly includes a container with a chamber and an orthodontic appliance received in the chamber. A quantity of a first orthodontic adhesive material is applied by the manufacturer to the base of the orthodontic appliance. A second orthodontic adhesive material is also received in the chamber in initially spaced relationship to the first orthodontic adhesive material. The practitioner can elect to bring the first orthodontic adhesive material into contact with the second orthodontic adhesive material when desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dental compositions that can be used as adhesives for bonding a dental material to a dental structure surface and/or as a dental restorative material. The dental composition is preferably applied to a dental structure surface under conditions effective to etch the dental structure surface.

Abstract: A tooth bonding pad (22) is configured for orthodontic applications and includes a main body (26) and a ligating structure (24) adjacent to the main body. The ligating structure includes a channel (48) that is configured to receive a corrective device (16) therein and to restrict the corrective device from movement relative to the tooth bonding pad. The ligating structure may, for example, be crimpable or it may take the form of a self-ligating structure. The channel (48) may be substantially closed and may include a cover (80) configured to be coupled to other portions of the ligating structure (53) to thereby partially define the channel. The channel (48) may define a longitudinal axis such that the ligating structure (24) is configured to restrict movement of the corrective device (16) in a direction along the axis. Alternatively or additionally, the ligating structure (53) may be configured to restrict movement of the corrective device (16) in a direction transverse to the axis.

Abstract: A hand instrument for detaching orthodontic brackets from a patient's teeth has first jaw, a second jaw and a blade that extends between the first jaw and the second jaw. The blade is received in a channel of a bracket during a debonding procedure, and serves to releasably clamp mesial and distal sections of the bracket to the hand instrument as the sections are detached from the tooth.

Abstract: Force magnitudes and/or directions may be determined objectively using orthodontic brackets having an elastomeric member which allows one portion of the bracket to be resiliently moveable relative to at least on other portion of the bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the brackets include a lower base member, an upper bracket member, and an elastomeric layer interposed between the lower base and upper bracket members. The orthodontic bracket is advantageously employed as part of a system whereby the orthodontic bracket includes a force indicator which distorts in response to relative movement between the at least one and other portions of the bracket to provide an indication of force applied to the bracket. An optical detector may be provided to optically detect the indicator and issue an output signal indicative of the relative resilient movement between the lower base and upper bracket members.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket, comprising a main body provided with a slot at one end of the top thereof for placing an arch wire therein and a base fixed to the bottom of the main body, is adhered to the outer surface of a tooth via the bottom of the base and is characterized in that: the main body is detachably connected with a cover, where the main body comprises a connecting part and at least an engaging part. The connecting part is located at one end near the slot and is provided with at least a track at two lateral sides respectively. The engaging part is provided at one end of the connecting part. The cover has two lateral sides that are in sliding connection with the tracks and is provided with at least a protrusion on its bottom for engagement with the engaging part. Thereby, the cover can be open or closed conveniently for users to place an arch wire into the slot or remove the arch wire out of the slot.

Abstract: A method of orthodontic treatment includes fastening a first bracket to an inside surface of a first tooth in a patient's mouth, fastening a second bracket to an outside surface of a second tooth, the second tooth being adjacent the first tooth, fastening a third bracket to an outside surface of a third tooth, the third tooth being adjacent the first tooth and generally opposite the second tooth, passing a wire between the first and second teeth, positioning the wire around the first tooth adjacent the inside surface and the first bracket, passing the wire between the first and third teeth, and connecting the wire to the first, second and third brackets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved self-ligating orthodontic bracket. According to one embodiment, the improved orthodontic bracket includes a mounting base for attachment to a tooth surface, an archwire slot formed upon the base and sized for receiving an orthodontic archwire, a channel formed upon the base and transversely oriented to the archwire slot, and a ligating slide member slideably retained within the channel and closeable over the archwire slot for retaining the orthodontic archwire therein, and wherein the ligating slide member includes at least one coplanar resilient retention mechanism for exerting retention forces coplanar with the ligating slide member for holding the ligating slide member in a closed position. In one embodiment, the improved orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket with a ligating slide member slideably retained within a dovetail shaped channel.

Abstract: A dental appliance attachment device includes a rigid, substantially non-deformable shell having a hollow interior and an exterior surface defining an external configuration of the attachment device. A curable, adhesive filler is provided in the interior of the shell. The resin is adhesively bondable to the tooth surface upon being cured so as to semi-permanently bond both the shell and the filler to the surface of the tooth. The shell, with the uncured filler material, is placed on the tooth surface at a desired site with a placement device, which may be either a placement template or an elongate placement implement. The filled shell is detachably fixed to the placement device, so that when the filled shell is placed on the tooth surface, the placement device may be removed before the filler is cured to bond the attachment device to the tooth surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system including a plurality of interchangeable ligation covers so as to allow the patient and practitioner to create a desired aesthetic look. The inventive orthodontic bracket system includes a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the bracket base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, a first interchangeable ligation cover that when releasably assembled to the bracket base can be selectively moved relative to the bracket base between an open non-ligating position relative to the arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot, and a second interchangeable ligation cover of a different color and/or formed of a different material relative to the first cover. The interchangeable ligation covers can be removed and replaced with another cover of a different color and/or different material to create a different aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides assemblies, kits, and methods including a compressible material. Optionally, a hardenable dental composition (e.g., an adhesive or primer) is in contact with the compressible material for bonding a dental article (e.g., an orthodontic appliance) to a tooth structure. Removal of excess hardenable and/or hardened dental composition, if desired, can be facilitated for embodiments in which the hardenable dental composition is an unfilled or a lightly filled composition.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance, and more particularly an orthodontic bracket to be used in conjunction with other brackets on centrals, laterals, cuspids and bicuspids for moving teeth in the orthodontic treatment of patients, and which includes a closed archwire slot that preferably functions to allow crown tipping, limiting root uprighting, and controlling torque, and a horizontally open rectangular archwire slot for controlling tip, torque and rotation in the final stage of patient treatment. The bracket is made by configuring a front section having a horizontally open rectangular archwire slot of metal, ceramic or plastic, and molding a rear or back section of a suitable plastic resin onto the front section such that the rear section preferably includes a closed mesiodistally extending archwire slot.

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 adjustable orthodontic apparatus is provided and the apparatus comprises: at least one base plate comprising opposing sides, a first side being a tooth engaging side and a second side comprising a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns of protrusions and plurality of vertical and horizontal channels created by the columns of protrusions; at least one connecting plate having opposing sides, a first side comprising a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns of protrusions and plurality of vertical and horizontal channels created by the columns of protrusions, and the protrusion designed to travel vertically and horizontally within said channel during an adjustment stage; and a securing device for locking said connecting plate to a desired position onto said base plate.

Abstract: A method of attaching an orthodontic attachment to a patient's tooth with a photo-sensitive adhesive includes placing the attachment with a photosensitive adhesive applied thereto against a surface of the patient's tooth with the photosensitive adhesive in contact with the tooth and transmitting light through a solid, transparent portion of the appliance to initiate curing of the photo-sensitive adhesive to adhere the attachment to the tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic bracket which has excellent adhesion to a tooth surface and can be easily separated from the tooth surface after orthodontic treatment is finished. The base of the orthodontic bracket comprises an adhesion surface brought into dose contact with a tooth surface; a central projection located at a center portion of the adhesion surface; and a plurality of surrounding projections arranged at regular intervals around the central projection and made of a material which allows force of adhesion to the tooth surface of an adhesive to be greater at the surrounding projections than at the central projection.

Abstract: A ceramic orthodontic bracket has a centrally located clip for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The body of the bracket includes a mesial section, a distal section, and a bridge section, wherein the bridge section extends through, and retains, the clip. The bridge section also includes a recess adjacent to the bridge section that facilitates debonding of the bracket from a patient's tooth. Preferably there are gaps on one or both sides of the clip to allow space for debonding of the bracket by applying a mesial-distal compressive force on the bracket and fracturing the bracket along the recess. This configuration allows the overall mesial-distal width of the bracket to be reduced, thereby facilitating the bonding of brackets to narrow and/or maloccluded teeth. Another embodiment includes a stop member that is connected to the base of the bracket and retains the clip on the bridge section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical device for use in orthodontics. The inventive device essentially comprises a base (2) which is cemented onto a tooth (1) and a cap or closure element (3) which is mounted on the base (2). According to the invention, the device has the following functional characteristics: an orthodontic wire insertion groove which is provided on the cap or closure element instead of at the base of the bracket as is usual; the adjustment of the wire by means of a pull mechanism which is provided on the cap or closure element; a self-closing system for the wire; an aesthetic, functional design with minimum friction on soft tissues (lips); customisation of the torque and the tip, such that suitable values can be applied according to the requirements of each case and treatment phase; and minimisation of the time required to adjust arcs in the mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes an appliance placement device such as an indirect bonding transfer tray or a jig. A number of orthodontic appliances such as brackets are releasably connected to the placement device. The assembly also includes a dispensing unit that is adapted to receive the placement device and apply a quantity of adhesive to the bases of the appliances simultaneously.

Abstract: This invention is in a package and method of packaging ready mountable or prepasted bondable dental appliances, and particularly orthodontic brackets, wherein the appliances include a body and a base, and a layer of uncured polymer resin is applied to the base. The package includes a carrier for the bondable appliances for single or multiple appliances and enclosed in a hermetically sealed bag.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for use in bonding a plurality of brackets and/or tubes to a specific patient's teeth which includes a resilient orthodontic indirect bonding tray having at least one buccal and/or lingual surface. The plurality of brackets and/or tubes is selectively arranged and configured in the tray for bonding to the specific patient's teeth. At least one standoff is disposed in the tray to urge the buccal and/or lingual surface of the tray away from the teeth while the buccal and/or lingual surface is passing over the teeth and prior to the tray assuming an intended final position.

Abstract: A packaged orthodontic assembly includes a container with a chamber and an orthodontic appliance received in the chamber. A quantity of a first orthodontic adhesive material is applied by the manufacturer to the base of the orthodontic appliance. A second orthodontic adhesive material is also received in the chamber in initially spaced relationship to the first orthodontic adhesive material. The practitioner can elect to bring the first orthodontic adhesive material into contact with the second orthodontic adhesive material when desired.