A process of producing a surface-modified 3-dimensional article, the process comprising the steps of providing a radiation-curable composition, building-up a 3-dimensional article by radiation-curing the radiation-curable composition layer by layer, preferably by using a stereolithography or digital light processing unit, partially removing radiation-curable composition which sticks to the surface of the 3- dimensional article, treating only a portion of the surface of the 3- dimensional article to which the radiation-curable composition is stuck with particles, applying an additional curing step to the 3-dimensional article, preferably by applying heat and/or radiation. A 3-dimensional article which can be obtained by such a process and a kit of parts comprising such a 3-dimensional article.

Provided is an accessory for being fixed on tooth and enabling a shell-shaped tooth repositioner to apply forces to the tooth, wherein the accessory is a 3D body enclosed by a bottom surface, a guiding surface and N successively-adjoined force-applying surfaces, the accessory can be fixed on the tooth by bonding the bottom surface and a surface of the tooth, the bottom surface and the guiding surface adjoin each of the N successively adjoined force applying surface, transition between the guidance surface and the surface of the tooth is gentler than transition between each of the N force-applying surfaces and the surface of the tooth, N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, among the N successively-adjoined force-applying surfaces, an angle between a first force-applying surface and the N.sup.th force applying surface is greater than or equal to 60° and less than or equal to 120°.

The present disclosure provides high strength, self-ligating appliances with orthodontically desirable dimensions. The appliances of the present disclosure incorporate a door slidably engaged to a channel in the body; one that can be opened or closed depending on the equilibrium position of an integral protrusion on the door. Cooperating grooves and rails on the body and the door can guide the door between the open and closed positions, and mitigate against unintentional detachment.

The present disclosure provides high strength, self-ligating appliances with orthodontically desirable dimensions. The appliances of the present disclosure incorporate a door slidably engaged to a channel in the body; one that can be opened or closed depending on the equilibrium position of an integral protrusion on the door. Cooperating grooves and rails on the body and the door can guide the door between the open and closed positions, and mitigate against unintentional detachment.

The present disclosure describes articles, systems, and techniques including an additive manufactured orthodontic attachment including a body defining a retaining member configured to retain the article in a recess defined by a shell of a transfer tray; a coupling portion configured to engage a tool for insertion of the attachment into the recess of the transfer tray; and a bonding surface configured to bond the attachment to a portion of an outer surface of a tooth of a patient.

The present disclosure describes articles, systems, and techniques including an additive manufactured orthodontic attachment including a body defining a retaining member configured to retain the article in a recess defined by a shell of a transfer tray; a coupling portion configured to engage a tool for insertion of the attachment into the recess of the transfer tray; and a bonding surface configured to bond the attachment to a portion of an outer surface of a tooth of a patient.

Provided herein are exemplary orthodontic elastic attachments that are customized to fit within the cutout windows of dental aligners, thus improving adhesion and minimizing inadvertent detachment from the tooth surface. The unique base pads are designed to have a shape that complements the present shape of the cutout windows like a puzzle piece. To improve adhesion to the tooth surface, the base pad may have its surface area maximized within the cutout windows. Also for improved adhesion, the base pad may be contoured to the dental anatomy of the tooth at the gumline for an intimate fit. Further exemplary embodiments may include the base pad having beveled edges to permit the aligner to slide over the base pad if it is adhered slightly off-center.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to orthodontics. In some embodiments, an orthodontic appliance comprises a body, wherein the body comprises a bonding surface, wherein the bonding surface is configured to be bonded to a surface of a patient’s tooth, a facial surface including an insertion opening, and a compound archwire slot, wherein the compound archwire slot includes an insertion portion and a retention portion, wherein the insertion portion extends into the body from the insertion opening, wherein the retention portion is formed within the body, and wherein the retention portion is angled relative to the insertion opening.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to orthodontics. In some embodiments, an orthodontic appliance comprises a body, wherein the body comprises a bonding surface, wherein the bonding surface is configured to be bonded to a surface of a patient’s tooth, a facial surface including an insertion opening, and a compound archwire slot, wherein the compound archwire slot includes an insertion portion and a retention portion, wherein the insertion portion extends into the body from the insertion opening, wherein the retention portion is formed within the body, and wherein the retention portion is angled relative to the insertion opening.

Compositions and methods for inhibiting and interrupting biofilm formation, and for destabilizing established biofilms are provided, the novel compositions including polymeric resins and monomeric non-polymerizable and polymerizable resins. More particularly, the compositions and methods enable the protection and removal of biofilms from surfaces in the context of medical, consumer, domestic, food service, environmental and industrial applications, where the effects constitute beneficial and desirable biofilm attenuating activity.