| abstract |
The invention provides dental devices (including implants (40), abutments (12), bridges, screws (15), and orthodontic appliances (50, 51, 52)) that are fabricated from low modulus, biocompatible, non-toxic Ti-Nb-Zr alloys. The dental implants provide a biomaterial-to-bone interface that results in significant attachment between implant and bone. The implants may be supplied with a porous coating or macro-texture to further promote bone attachment and stabilization of the implant in the jaw bone. Other orthodontic appliances such as brackets (50) and wires (51) have improved elastic toughness and corrosion resistance so that they provide superior performance and corrosion characteristics. |