Engraved orthodontic band
AssigneeMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
InventorsBryan L. Horng, Steven A. Martin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An orthodontic band has a laser engraved mark with a white, frosty appearance. The mark is characterized by an absence of dark surface oxides, and is aesthetic and easy to read.
Claims5
An orthodontic band having a laser engraved identification mark that is sufficiently free of dark surface oxides such that said identification mark is substantially white in color, said identification mark having a rougher surface than adjacent surfaces of the band, thereby presenting a frosty appearance.
An orthodontic band having a wall with a laser engraved identification mark, said mark having an average concentration of oxides in an external surface layer that is not substantially greater than the average concentration of oxides in a similar layer of said wall next to said mark, said mark being sufficiently free of dark surface oxides to present a substantially white appearance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.