Containers for photocurable materials

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to containers for materials that cure upon exposure to light. The invention is particularly useful for packaging, vials and dispensers for photocurable dental materials such as adhesives and sealants.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side cross-sectional view of a packaged article according to one embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is side view in partial cross-section of a packaged article according to another embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 3 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a packaged article according to still another embodiment of the invention;

#An orthodontic article according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and is broadly designated by the numeral 10. The article 10 includes an orthodontic appliance such as a bracket 12. The bracket 12 has a base 14 for directly bonding the bracket 12 to a patient's tooth structure. Preferably, the base 14 has a slightly concave shape with a compound contour to precisely match the convex, compound contour of an external tooth surface, although other shapes are also possible.

#The bracket 12 may be made of any one of a variety of materials, including metals (such as stainless steel), plastic (such as polycarbonate) or ceramic (such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline alumina). If made of plastic or ceramic, the bracket 12 is preferably transparent or translucent such that the color of the patient's tooth is visible through the bracket 12.

#However, other types of appliances may be used with the article 10 in substitution for the bracket 12. For example, the appliance may be an orthodontic buccal tube that is adapted to be secured to one of the patient's molar teeth. As other alternatives, the appliance may be a button, a cleat, a lingual sheath or any other device adapted to be bonded by adhesive directly to the patient's tooth structure.