Abstract: An optically clear custom tooth positioning and retaining appliance made in a flask or mold device having mold members from an elastomeric or resilient thermoplastic material with the capability of having optically clear transparentness. After the appliance has been trimmed and/or buff polished subsequent to molding thereof which causes the appliance to have a frosty or translucent appearance, the exterior surfaces of the appliance has been subjected to a source of concentrated heat to cause surface melting which produces transparentness, cooling the appliance before, during and after heating as needed to preserve its integrity, and optionally utilizing the mold members from the flask or reproductions thereof in the archways of the appliance during heating thereof.

Abstract: A method of making an optically clear custom tooth positioning and retaining appliance in a flask or mold device having mold members from an elastomeric or resilient thermoplastic material with the capability of having optically clear transparentness, after the appliance has been trimmed and/or buff polished subsequent to molding thereof which causes the appliance to have a frosty or translucent appearance, which method includes subjecting the exterior surfaces of the appliance to a source of concentrated heat to cause surface melting which produces transparentness, cooling the appliance before, during and after heating as needed to preserve its integrity, and optionally utilizing the mold members from the flask or reproductions thereof in the archways of the appliance during heating thereof.

Abstract: A positioning jig for an edgewise bracket having a lingually disposed vertical slot or opening to position the bracket on a tooth when bonding the bracket to the tooth. The jig is disposable and mounted on the bracket to be handled as a unit during the bonding procedure and thereafter removable from the bracket once the bonding material has cured. Indicia is provided on the jig and the bracket to identify the tooth on which the bracket is to be mounted and the spacing of the archwire slot from the occlusal or incisal edge of the tooth.

Abstract: A dental bondable lingual retainer including a plurality of bonding pads or bases interconnected by bar members or links and a method of making same, wherein the retainer is made from a sheet of fused metal foil and mesh, and the connecting bar members or links have the mesh filled with a suitable material for enhancing the strength of the bar members or closed by attaching a foil to the mesh side.

Abstract: A combination light wire and edgewise appliance for selectively treating a patient by the light wire technique or the edgewise technique, which includes a light wire bracket having a mesiodistally extending archwire slot and an occlusogingivally extending lock pin opening to which may be secured a round archwire by a lock pin and an edgewise module mountable on and securable to the bracket and having a mesiodistally extending and labiobuccally opening rectangular archwire slot, and ligating wings to which may be mounted a rectangular archwire and secured thereto by suitable ligatures.