Abstract: A force imparting orthodontic appliance system is provided wherein the components thereof are formed from fiber reinforced composite material comprising a polymeric matrix and at least five percent of a reinforcing fiber embedded in the matrix.

Abstract: A manufacture for orthodontic bracket application and removal, employing an orthodontic bracket adhesive containing a non-toxic, inorganic filler which is insoluble in mouth fluids and has a Mohs hardness less than about 4.5, together with an abrasive for removal of the adhesive. The abrasive is a non-toxic, inorganic material having a Mohs hardness greater than that of the adhesive filler but less than about 5.

Abstract: The adhesion of crystalline alumina to adhesives is enhanced by coating the surface of the alumina that is to be in contact with the adhesive, with a very thin coating of a siliceous material such as sputter coated silica.

Abstract: A direct-bonded fixed lingual orthodontic appliance system is provided which comprises a plurality of metal or plastic attachments which are designed to be cemented directly to the lingual surfaces of the teeth of a patient, of either the mandibular or maxillary arches, and an arch wire intercoupling the attachments extending around the lingual side of the teeth. The surface of the base of each of the attachments contacting the corresponding tooth is particularly configured so as to have intimate contact with the tooth. The attachments are shaped to provide maximum inter-bracket space, especially for the mandibular anterior teeth, so as to facilitate the insertion and securement of the arch wire. The wider the interbracket space the more expression of the arch wire can be achieved resulting in gentler pressures being applied at longer force moments. The thickness of each bracket combined with base thickness is designed to reduce the requirement for in-and-out bends in the arch wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprising: an orthodontic channel bracket having two channels therein at right angles to each other in adjacent sides of the bracket; an orthodontic tube bracket providing the static components of a spring latch or locking mechanism; a supplemental tube bracket providing the movable components of a spring latch or locking mechanism, and removable and replacable molar tube components of an orthodontic appliance; and an orthodontic arch wire movable spring latch component mechanism.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket with reinforced retentive forces is provided by forming, in the undersurface of the bracket, a plurality of fine grooves in one direction and a plurality of fine grooves in the other direction crossing the first-mentioned direction. These fine grooves are formed by a cutting machine having a plurality of rotatable thin circular cutter blades. The grooves are of relatively deep square or rectangular cross section and capable of firmly retain relatively large quantity of adhesives. The bracket of the invention, when bonded to the tooth surface by the use of adhesives, is not subject to separation of adhesives from the metal surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for use with an archwire to impart corrective forces to a tooth, including a base portion attachable directly to a tooth, a bonding pad or a band and at least one tie wing extending from the base portion which includes gingival and occlusal tips and an archwire slot opening buccolingually and extending mesiodistally. The buccolingual profile of the bracket is rhomboidal, wherein the backside of the base portion and the front face are parallel and the occlusal and gingival sides are parallel, while an obtuse angle is defined between the outer face of the bracket and one of the occlusal or gingival sides depending upon the tooth on which the bracket is mounted and the torque desired.

Abstract: The invention comprehends the use of a bracket having a non-conforming base portion, mountable to a tooth in a preestablished position and angular orientation through the formation of an associated contoured shim, and a head portion symmetrically opposite to the base portion, the head portion having a slot therein adapted and oriented to receive a conventional dental arch wire. A fixture is formed to fit over a tooth replica on which a bracket and shim is affixed, this fixture having an internal cavity which matches the shape and contour of the tooth, such as lingual surface, incisal edge and the labial surface, and includes the head portion of the bracket so as to align the conforming surface of the contoured shim with the same anatomical tooth surface as the labial or lingual surface matched by the fixture. The contoured shim formed to surround the non-conforming surface of the base of the bracket completes the matching of the appropriate labial or lingual surface of the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance and method is described for the correction of malocclusions of teeth. Light, continuous force, with torque being absent, is applied to the dental arch. Round arch wires are secured within brackets having symmetrically and continuously curved grooves. Under the influence of elastomerically applied force, the arch wire guides the teeth into a pre-selected alignment with no torquing forces being necessary.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket containing a thin metallic coating on the bracket base; the coating being applied onto the bracket base by thermally spraying a molten metallic powder.

Abstract: A custom lingual retainer is construced by custom fitting a preformed base into the lingual fossa of a tooth. A wire, which extends beyond the tooth, is attached thereto. A custom lingual retainer so produced is bonded by applying a bonding adhesive to a surface of the metal base of the retainer and positioning the metal base in the lingual fossa of the tooth.

Abstract: A cast orthodontic appliance for bonding to a tooth having an appliance portion with an archwire slot and a pad or base portion with a curved tooth-conforming bonding surface. The bonding surface is formed with a plurality of horizontal or vertical grooves or slots opening lingually. The grooves on each side of center diverge.

Abstract: Bonding to calcified tissues, including human teeth, tooth dentine and bone, is achieved through the medium of crystal growth adhered to the tissue. The crystals preferably comprise gypsum crystals which are formed by contacting the tissue surface with a mildly acidic solution containing sulphate ions. An uncured liquid resin is applied to the crystal growth and is cured to achieve adhesion by micromechanical interlock with the crystal growth and by superficial penetration of the tissue surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two piece, adjustable, orthodontic bracket system to which a flexible archwire is tied. The distortions at various points along the archwire are automatically set by specially-oriented archwire slots cut into the face of interchangeable working brackets. Maintenance or modifying of any desired tooth position during treatment is done through the use of these working brackets which are inserted and removed from their bracket support bases as case needs dictate. The dentist or orthodontist, as a result need not make bends in the wire or change bracket positions on the teeth as in prior art.From the amount and direction of the local distortion at each bracket, tooth moving forces are derived which are of the correct magnitude and direction to achieve in time the proper orientation of the teeth.

Abstract: The adhesion of crystalline alumina to adhesives is enhanced by coating the surface of the alumina that is to be in contact with the adhesive, with a very thin coating of a siliceous material such as sputter coated silica.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic appliance system for edgewise orthodontic therapy incorporating twin type brackets with single bracket interbracket width. Brackets for anterior teeth incorporate three tie wings in T-shaped orientation and brackets for bicuspids have two pairs of twin tie wings. Molar tube brackets retain the terminal extremities of the archwire and provide hooks for closing loops, tie-back loops, etc. In each case the archwire slot opens toward the occlusal permitting simple and efficient insertion and positioning of the archwire within the various brackets of the appliance system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wire-tensioning and/or -fixing orthodontic device comprising a bracket having preferably a bearing eye, a wire-engaging shoulder, and a retaining member which is rotatably mounted in the bearing eye and adapted to retain a correcting wire in engagement with said wire-engaging shoulder. For use in the lingual technique, the orthodontic device can be further miniaturized in that the base portion of the bracket has no flange arms and is secured to a backing pad and the latter is provided on the side opposite to the bracket with a metal fabric adapted to be adhesively fixed to a tooth. The backing pad comprises outwardly extending side arms (rotation-inducing arms, adaptation-inducing arms and activating arms), which are adapted to be activated by being bent.

Abstract: An orthodontic direct bond appliance has a body with a base. The base includes a rim extending from its periphery at an angle between about 90.degree. and 170.degree. so as to define a recess for receipt of bonding material. The rim shears off any excess flash.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the position of a series of teeth in the mouth includes a thin, conformable wire spanning the series of teeth and secured to the surfaces of the teeth by a plurality of individual bonding pads placed over the conformable wire and bonded one each to each tooth to secure the conformable wire in place and to stabilize the position of the series of teeth.

Abstract: A combination single/twin edgewise orthodontic bracket incorporating twin tie wings to promote twin ligating capability and over-rotation capability, and also incorporating an intermediate section of single bracket width that defines a precision archwire slot for receiving an edgewise archwire of rectangular cross sectional configuration to promote orthodontic treatment with the edgewise orthodontic technique. Relief grooves between the upper and lower tie wings extend outwardly from the ends of the precision archwire slot and are relieved in both width and depth as they traverse each tie wing mesially and distally to provide for efficient over-rotation control. The relief grooves cooperate with the central bracket section to permit the fullest expression of the advantages of interbracket width.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system for edgewise orthodontic therapy which is adapted for attachment to the lingual surface portions of a patient's teeth. The lingual orthodontic bracket system of this invention is designed to permit occlusal and mesial insertion of an edgewise archwire into precision archwire slots that are defined by the respective brackets of incisors, cuspids, bicuspids and molars. At least some of the lingual orthodontic brackets incorporate fulcrum controlled twin tie wing systems to permit efficient controlled rotation of the teeth as well as archwire tipping and torque activities. The lingual bracket system of this invention also incorporates a molar tube that is designed for mesio-occlusal insertion of the end portion of the edgewise archwire and also permits pivoting or rotation of the archwire about the molar tube structure so as to bring the archform portion thereof occlusally into properly seated relation with respect to the archwire slots of other brackets.

Abstract: Powdered dental material of a sintered mixture of calcium aluminum fluorosilicate glass and precious metals (or alloys thereof with each other or with up to 40% non-precious metals), which may optionally contain polycarboxylic acid and/or a chelating agent and/or further powdered precious metal. The dental material can be prepared by sintering a mixture of the glass and the precious metal at a temperature greater than 600.degree. C., grinding the sintered product to a powder and admixing the optional further components. Use of the self-hardening glass ionomer cements for dental filling purposes gives fillings having excellent resistance to wear, most notably at the edges and corners in the molar region.

Abstract: A dental bondable lingual retainer including a plurality of bonding pads or bases interconnected by bar members or links and a method of making same, wherein the retainer is made from a sheet of fused metal foil and mesh, and the connecting bar members or links have the mesh filled with a suitable material for enhancing the strength of the bar members or closed by attaching a foil to the mesh side.

Abstract: A method for transferring brackets for the teeth from a prepared carrier tray system to the teeth of the patient using an improved two tray system. The brackets are fitted over the teeth of the patient with the intention of using these brackets as a base for attaching other orthodontic equipment. The first tray is of a flexible nature which can be made to retain its original shape after placing brackets on the teeth in a predetermined ideal position. The second tray is a more rigid tray which is inserted over the first tray. The second tray stabilizes the seating of the brackets during seating or drying of the cement securing the brackets.

Abstract: There is provided a method of bonding orthondontic brackets to teeth with an adhesive comprised of a mixture of an aromatic or hydroaromatic and aliphatic methacrylate or acrylate, an alpha, .beta.-diketone and a tertiary amine and, optionally, organic or inorganic fillers, polymerization stabilizers and other additives, such adhesive being cured by a light source having white-light output of no less than 25,000 foot candles. The light is applied to the occlusal surface of the tooth or the side opposite to the side on which the bracket is placed. Thus the adhesive is irradiated indirectly.

Abstract: An aesthetic orthodonic appliance comprised of a shell molded from a tooth colored material. The rear surface of the appliance substantially conforms to the front surface of the tooth and is bonded thereto. The front surface of the shell generally follows the contour of the tooth surface and aesthetically blends to meet the tooth surface. The shell has a horizontal slot for accommodating an archwire and two tubular apertures through the shell to receive a ligation wire.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets or other dental attachments are provided with particulate material on the tooth engaging surface thereof to improve the bonding of bracket to a tooth surface.The particulate material consists of metal spheres joined to each other and to the tooth engaging surface at their points of contact therewith.

Abstract: A partial denture for the mandibular region is at least partially supported by brackets bonded to the lingual surfaces of one or more of the mandibular anterior teeth. The support brackets are mounted on the lingual tooth surfaces which are prepared by grinding a small horizontal ledge and a generally planar support surface for bonding the brackets to the tooth surfaces for transferring forces in a generally vertical direction directly to the teeth and along a line relatively close to the longitudinal vertical axis of the tooth. The support brackets are provided with a U shaped recess forming spaced apart upstanding legs to maximize the distribution of supporting loads between the bracket and the tooth.

Abstract: A method and manufacture for orthodontic bracket application and removal, employing an orthodontic bracket adhesive containing a non-toxic, inorganic filler which is insoluble in mouth fluids and has a Mohs hardness less than about 4.5, together with an abrasive for removal of the adhesive. The abrasive is a non-toxic, inorganic material having a Mohs hardness greater than that of the adhesive filler but less than about 5.

Abstract: A novel extracoronal dental splint and procedure comprises a thin, flat, slightly malleable perforated strip or mesh which is adhered to the patient's inner dental arch and then covered with a thin layer of resin or composite material, which when hardened firmly bonds the strip to the patient's teeth stabilizing any mobile teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket assembly for bonding to the surface of a tooth is disclosed. The assembly includes a pad and an archwire bracket. A plurality of cavities are provided in the tooth abutting surface of the pad. The walls of the cavities are provided with an irregular surface texture to enhance the bonding between the tooth and the orthodontic bracket. In the preferred embodiment the bracket is cast. The external surface of the bracket is smoothed in a tumbling operation in which the particle size of the abrasive is chosen so that the cavity walls are not subjected to treatment but are left in their irregular, as-cast state. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the mold to produce the cavities in the tooth-abutting surface of the pad.

Abstract: A direct-bonded fixed lingual orthodontic appliance system for the mandibular arch is provided which comprises a plurality of metal or plastic attachments which are designed to be cemented directly to the lingual surfaces of the mandibular teeth, and an arch wire intercoupling the attachments extending aroumd the lingual side of the teeth. The surface of the base of each of the attachments contacting the corresponding tooth is particularly configured so as to have intimate contact with the tooth. The attachments are shaped to minimize trauma, and to provide for an arch wire configuration which does not require in-and-out bends, as the arch wire is inserted into the attachments. The attachments are also constructed to incorporate built-in angulation corrective properties for the corresponding teeth.

Abstract: Bonding to calcified tissues, including human teeth, tooth dentine and bone, is achieved through the medium of crystal growth adhered to the tissue. The crystals preferably comprise gypsum crystals which are formed by contacting the tissue surface with a mildly acidic solution containing sulphate ions.

Abstract: Adhesives and methods are provided for fixed prosthesis by bonding a pontic to abutment teeth. The adhesive is preferably a methacrylate based resin adhesive comprising 2.5-30% of an elastomer which is a polymer of a substituted or unsubstituted butadiene monomer. A preferred etchant for preparing the abutment for adhesive bonding is 2-15% HCl. The prosthesis technique does not irreversibly affect the abutment teeth. The preferred adhesive may also be used for immobilizing injured or periodontically affected teeth or for stabilizing teeth in order to retain the results of orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket assembly for bonding to the surface of a tooth is disclosed. The assembly includes a pad and an archwire bracket. A plurality of cavities are provided in the tooth abutting surface of the pad. The walls of the cavities are provided with an irregular surface texture to enhance the bonding between the tooth and the orthodontic bracket. In the preferred embodiment the bracket is cast. The external surface of the bracket is smoothed in a tumbling operation in which the particle size of the abrasive is chosen so that the cavity walls are not subjected to treatment but are left in their irregular, as-cast state. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the mold to produce the cavities in the tooth-abutting surface of the pad.

Abstract: A method for affixing a dental appliance to teeth characterized by effecting a layer of bonding resin and catalyst on the teeth, effecting a layer of a substantially uniform admixture of only two reactants of a three-reactant system, the two reactants including the bonding resin and one of the other reactants, on the teeth; effecting a second layer of a substantially uniform admixture of a second two reactants of said three reactant system, said second two reactants including the bonding resin and the other of the reactants, on the dental appliance to be affixed to the teeth; positioning the portion of the dental appliance adjacent the teeth with the bonding resin, catalyst, and initiator in situ to effect polymerization and bonding on the surface of each of the teeth. After a predetermined cure time, the remainder of the dental appliance is affixed.

Abstract: In an adhesive having two curable components designed to be coated in separate layers on one or more of two surfaces to be joined, and cured upon contact of the layers with each other, one component is a curable liquid primer having a viscosity of at least 800 cps but no more than about 50,000 cps at 23.degree. C., and the second component is a paste having a viscosity of at least 100,000 cps at 23.degree. C. The primer is formulated with a curable liquid monomer component of which at least 30% is an alkoxy alkyl methacrylate, any balance of curable monomer in the primer comprising monomer that is capable of copolymerizing with the first-named monomer and/or cross-linking with it. Also covers the method for joining together two irregular surfaces, utilizing such an adhesive formulation. Particularly intended for orthodontic adhesive applications.

Abstract: A direct-bonded fixed lingual orthodontic appliance is provided which comprises a plurality of metal or plastic brackets and tubes, which are designed to be cemented directly to the lingual surfaces of the teeth of the maxillary arch, and an arch wire extending around the lingual side of the arch intercoupling the brackets and tubes. The brackets are made with smooth angles and low profile to prevent irritation to the tongue, and to assure that the action of the tongue will not be impeded in any way. The base of each bracket is shaped to adapt it to the normal lingual surface of the corresponding tooth so as to provide good retention. An edgewise transverse slot is provided in each bracket with the proper bucco-lingual depth, mesio-distal tips and occlusal root torques to provide an appliance which accepts a smooth curved arch wire with the only in-and-out bend requirement being between the bicuspids and first molars.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance, such as a buccal tube, an edgewise bracket or an edgewise bracket having rotating pads thereon, is molded either from a ceramic material or metal. When a ceramic material is used, the color of the appliance may be coordinated with that of a tooth. The appliance has a domed outwardly facing surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width directions and which is free of angular edge surfaces. The appliance may be adapted either for bonding directly to a tooth surface or for welding to a tooth and circling band. When the appliance is bonded directly to the tooth surface, a bonding material is employed. When bonded directly to the tooth, the appliance has an aperture formed with an undercut portion therein at the point of bonding which forms the bonding material contained within the aperture thereby causing the bonding material and appliance to be mechanically interlocked.

Abstract: A multi-purpose orthodontic bracket has first and second arch wire receiving openings formed therein, the first arch wire receiving opening being larger than the second arch wire receiving opening. An arch wire contact surface is defined over a minor portion of the width of the bracket and is in communication with the second arch wire receiving opening. A support is provided on at least one of the front and rear portions of the bracket for at least partially defining the first arch wire receiving openings, the support including at least a plurality of support areas distributed along at least a major portion of the width of the bracket for receiving and supporting an arch wire thereon. The bracket further includes a retaining pin receiving slot which extends substantially perpendicularly to the arch wire receiving openings. Further disclosed are retaining pin structures and a further novel bracket configuration which has an integral bent-up arch wire contact surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic method and appliance for treating malocclusion comprising the steps of forming a model of the patient's teeth in the form of a dental arch with the replicas of the teeth in idealized locations, establishing on the labial and buccal surfaces of the replicas locations which conjointly define an idealized dental arch configuration, providing on each selected surface at the established location an orienting embossment, and forming onto the crown and surface, including such embossment, in intimate conforming engagement, of each selected replica a plate-like fixture which has an exterior provided with a locating boss corresponding to the shape of the embossment and a mounting surface surrounding the boss which corresponds to the replica surface. A bracket is provided having a socket which intimately fits over the boss thereby to be oriented with respect to the fixture.

Abstract: The bracket comprises a base which has an upwardly exposed portion and is free from resistance spot-weldable projections at its lower edges. Two anchoring means are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of said base and rise therefrom on opposite sides of said central portion. Said anchoring means define a longitudinal groove. In the appliance, a mounting strap is connected to the underside of said base by a soldered joint under said anchoring means and by at least one spot weld.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is disclosed which is suitable for supporting a wire during treatment. The appliance is adapted to be directly adhered to the surface of the patient's tooth and includes on the base thereof a plurality of indentations which have the surfaces thereof roughened so as to provide a mechanical lock with the adhesive and facilitate direct adherence of the appliance to the tooth's surface with a superior bonding action.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is molded either from a ceramic material or metal. When a ceramic material is used, the color of the appliance may be a coordinated with that of a tooth. The appliance has a domed outwardly facing surface which is entirely curved in both the length and width directions and which is free of angular edge surfaces. The appliance may be adapted either for bonding directly to a tooth surface or for welding to a tooth encircling band.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets are adhered to the surface of tooth enamel by activating the surface of an adhesive patch and applying the activated surface to the enamel. The adhesive patch may be preformulated and prefabricated into a solid film sandwiched between easy release protective liners and the film can be applied to the bracket by surface activation as discussed above. The invention also includes removal of the bracket by a deactivation of the surface of the adhesive patch.

Abstract: A method and composition for the use of a cyanoacrylate resin and a silane-treated inorganic powder in direct bonding mount/bracket structures to teeth and other dental applications. The method and composition inhibit caries formation about the tooth structure interface and the adhesive is easily removed.

Abstract: A bonding material is disclosed for use in securing an orthodontic device, such as an orthodontic bracket, to a tooth. A pre-measured amount of an alphacyanoacrylate resin is provided in a syringe-like collapsible container. A pre-measured amount of an inert, finely divided particulate filler is provided in a bi-layered open-scrim cellulose package. In use, the filler package is placed between the orthodontic device and the tooth, and the resin is applied to the filler and filler package. Heat can be applied to shorten the resin cure time.