The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 04, 2019
Filed:
Aug. 14, 2012
Tsi-zong Tzou, Arcadia, CA (US);
Matthew T. Scholz, Woodbury, MN (US);
Tsi-Zong Tzou, Arcadia, CA (US);
Matthew T. Scholz, Woodbury, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
Orthodontic appliances and related methods are provided, including a fast-dissolving and humidity-resistant coating, containing a colorant and a binder selected from a polyamide, cellulose derivative, or homopolymer/copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide). The coating can facilitate appliance identification and serve as a reference marking to assist the practitioner in appliance placement. Advantageously, the composition of these coatings allows the color marking to be rinsed off quickly, and yet the color of the coating does not bleed during storage even in high humidity environments. The fast-dissolving nature of these coatings also allows the coating to be deposited in concave and recessed areas of the appliance, such as the archwire slot and vertical slot, since these coatings can be removed prior to archwire installation.