Dental assemblies and related methods of making are provided. The dental assemblies include a dental article with a bonding surface an adhesive having both a compressible material and at least one hardenable dental composition extending across the bonding surface. The compressible material is coupled to the dental article by a first quantity of hardened dental composition extending at least partially through the compressible material and contacting the bonding surface. The hardened dental composition extends over less than the entire bonding surface. Adjacent portions of the compressible material contain a second quantity of unhardened dental composition, preserving flexibility of the compressible material. Advantageously, this configuration was found to enhance bond reliability and facilitate manufacturing.

Systems and methods are disclosed for sterile delivery of prostheses that protect refined and/or conditioned surface properties and thereby reduce aging of surface properties in prostheses. An example of the system includes a partially custom-shaped holder that also serves as an insertion tool that holds a customized dental prosthesis in a pre-defined position inside a titanium container that is hermetically sealed. Container materials serve as a getter or catalyst with respect to the osseoconductive surface. An example of the method includes laser welding to hermetically seal a metal container as packaging for a prosthesis with a metal foil, and the sterilization of the packaged and sealed prosthesis with dry heat.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to marking orthodontic devices. In some embodiments, a carrier for orthodontic appliances comprises a base that is additively manufactured and comprising a plurality of wells configured to house orthodontic appliances and a marking integral to the base, wherein the marking identifies one or more of the orthodontic appliances and locations for the orthodontic appliances. In some embodiments, an orthodontic appliances comprises a body including features and a bonding surface, wherein the orthodontic appliance is additively manufactured and includes a marking integral to the orthodontic appliance, wherein the marking is located on one or more of the body and the bonding surface.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to orthodontic appliances. In some embodiments, an orthodontic appliance comprises a main body portion including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposite the second end, the main body portion comprising a first orthodontic device, wherein the first orthodontic device is configured to be bonded to a first tooth of a patient's mouth, and wherein the first orthodontic device is located to proximal the first end, and an eyelet, wherein the eyelet is located proximal to the second end, and a second orthodontic device, wherein the second orthodontic device is configured to be bonded to a second tooth of the patient's mouth, wherein the second orthodontic device includes a protrusion, and wherein the protrusion is located within the eyelet during use in the patient's mouth.

In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein useful to orthodontic systems. In some embodiments, an orthodontic system comprises a carrier structure comprising a base, a plurality of groups of support structures, a plurality of orthodontic appliances associated with one of the plurality of groups of support structures, and at least one rail extending from the base, and an assembly structure comprising a body, a plurality of complementary pieces associated with one of the plurality of orthodontic appliances, at least one channel configured to interface with the at least one rail to allow the assembly structure to be moved from a first position to a second position with respect to the carrier structure, wherein movement of the assembly structure with respect to the carrier structure causes the plurality of complementary pieces to mate with the plurality of orthodontic appliances.

Silver-fluoride compositions, dental articles comprising silver-fluoride compositions, and methods for reducing bacteria on a tooth surface and/or remineralizing a tooth surface are described.

A method that includes the step of using a person's fingers to push a dental composition into engagement with a damaged tooth surface of a damaged tooth thereby adhering the dental composition to the damaged tooth surface and covering at least a portion of the damaged tooth surface. The dental composition includes a base material comprising at least one of the following compounds chosen from the group consisting of: a product consisting of one or more hydrocarbon-based waxes that may also include inorganic fillers and/or organic fillers; an uncured, uncrosslinked silicone high consistency rubber base; and a hydrophobic water insoluble solid material that is malleable at 37° C. or lower and safe for a human oral environment. The base material has at least one dry, powdered hydrophilic polymeric substance engaged with and dispersed on one or more surface of the base material.

A process for providing a sterilized dental article, at least a portion of the surface of which exhibiting a contact angle of less than 45°. The process includes the subsequent steps of a) providing a dental article and b) subjecting the initial dental article to a hydrogen peroxide plasma treatment. It is characterized in that the hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization treatment of step b) is carried out in the presence of a carbon-containing compound, which during treatment is converted to form a carboxylic group attached to the surface of the dental article.

An orthodontic tool includes a trimmer having a lever, a base, and a spring positioned between the lever and the base. A first substantially transversely extending portion extends from the lever and a second substantially transversely extending portion extends from the base. A cutting surface is associated with each transversely extending portion. The orthodontic tool also includes a tool set having at least two arms coupled together at one end by a fastener and the arms including two or more of a sanding tool, a hook, and a pick.

Provided are improved drinking straws comprising an integrated device providing an anti-outflow capability, methods for their use, and processes for their manufacture. Specifically, the drinking straw is formed substantially of a cellulosic material and wherein the drinking straw and the device providing the anti-outflow capability comprising a flexible flap having a fixed end affixed to an interior surface of a sidewall of the drinking straw, and a part of the flexible flap obscuring an inlet orifice passing through the sidewall adjacent to the flexible flap and forming a liquid tight seal when a reduced pressure condition exists within the interior flow passage of the drinking straw.