Gac International, Inc.

Mikio Mottate

Kikuo Nishi

Akihisa Inoue

Tsuyoshi Masumoto

Tao Zhang

Masaaki Orikasa

Orthodontic appliances in accordance with the present invention are formed from amorphous alloys having a supercooling liquid region. The appliances have high corrosion resistance, high durability and high strength. The appliances are particularly useful when changes and adjustments in the orthodontic state become necessary in the course of orthodontic treatment. The present invention also provides improvements in the base surfaces of orthodontic appliances adapted to be bonded to tooth surfaces. The appliances can consequently be securely affixed to tooth surfaces.

Orthodontic appliance

Orthodontic appliances formed of a titanium alloy which substantially avoids toxic or allergic reactions in patients containing a .beta.-stabilizing element including at least 12 wt % molybdenum to produce a stable .beta.-monophase at body temperature are disclosed. The yield strength of the titanium alloy is within the range 1150 to 1450 MPa. The tensile strength of the titanium alloy is within the range 1350 to 1950 MPa. The elongation of the titanium alloy is within the range 10 to 14%. The titanium alloy may also contain about 5 wt % zirconium as another .beta.-stabilizing element. It may also contain about 3 wt % aluminum to improve age hardenability by strengthening the .alpha.-phase.

Titanium orthodontic appliances

Orthodontic appliance and method of making

Growing community of inventors

Okuma-machi, Japan

Mikio Mottate