Abstract: A torqued archwire for use in an edgewise orthodontic bracket system. The archwire is substantially rectangular in cross-section, is made of titanium-based alloy and has a plurality of segments, including an anterior segment which is sized to cooperate with brackets attached to a person's central and lateral teeth. Positive torque is built into this anterior segment, with substantially the same positive torque being used across the entire length of the segment. Extending from the respective ends of the anterior segment are a pair of transition segments, in which the torque built into the archwire is approximately zero. Posterior segments of the archwire, which extend distally from the transition segments, each have a negative built-in torque, with substantially the same negative torque being used across the entire lengths of these segments. For ease of reference by an orthodontist, the “active” anterior segment of the archwire is laser etched or colored with non-toxic ink.

Abstract: A torqued archwire for use in an edgewise orthodontic bracket system. The archwire is substantially rectangular in cross-section, is made of titanium-based alloy and has a plurality of segments, including an anterior segment which is sized to cooperate with brackets attached to a person's central and lateral teeth. Torque is built into this anterior segment, being maximized at a value of over 21.degree., and preferably between 21-50.degree. at the centerpoint and adjacent the central teeth brackets and then decreasing continuously along the remaining length of the segment. Extending from the respective ends of the anterior segment is a pair of transition segments, in which the torque built into the archwire diminishes to zero. The lengths of the transition segments are such that these "zero" points occur, in use, between the corresponding adjacent lateral and cuspid brackets. Posterior segments of the archwire, which extend distally from the transition segments, generally include no built-in torque.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic ligature for securing an arch wire to an orthodontic bracket has a stretchable ring member and an outwardly-extending grip extension integrally connected to the ring member. The ligature may be gripped at the grip extension using a pinching or clamping tool, facilitating installation of the ligature. An improved method of installing the ligature is also provided whereby the ring member is stretched to clear over tie wings of the bracket by pulling on the grip extension.

Abstract: A preadjusted orthodontic bracket system for applying torque force to a selected tooth. The system comprises an archwire of substantially rectangular cross-section having first and second side dimensions and a bracket configured to be attached to the selected tooth and including a substantially rectangular slot which edgewise receives the archwire, the slot having a predetermined width and being formed in the bracket at a built-in torque angle. The smaller of the first and second side dimensions of the archwire is less than full-size for the width of the bracket slot and the built-in torque angle of the slot is greater than a full expression of a target torque angle recommended for the tooth by a selected one of the Roth, Andrews, Alexander, Hilgers, Bench, Ricketts, Cetlin and other known preadjusted orthodontic techniques.

Abstract: A torqued archwire for use in an edgewise orthodontic bracket system. The archwire is substantially rectangular in cross-section, is made of titanium-based alloy and has a plurality of segments, including an anterior segment which is sized to cooperate with brackets attached to a person's central and lateral teeth. Torque is built into this anterior segment, being maximized at the centerpoint and adjacent the central teeth brackets and then decreasing continuously along the remaining length of the segment. Extending from the respective ends of the anterior segment are a pair of transition segments, in which the torque built into the archwire diminishes to zero. The lengths of the transition segments are such that these "zero" points occur, in use, between the corresponding adjacent lateral and cuspid brackets. Posterior segments of the archwire, which extend distally from the transition segments, generally include no built-in torque.

Abstract: A device for separating a pair of adjacent teeth comprising a wire spring formed from a single piece of wire. The wire spring comprises two angled leg segments connected by a bridging portion, the leg segments being offset from one another and from a central reference plane such that when the leg segments are drawn towards a common plane, the bridging portion is placed under a torsional load. This torsional load causes the legs to apply a force to the proximal walls of the adjacent teeth. The terminal ends of the leg portions are blunted, preferably through the formation of loops.The wire utilized in formation of the separating spring is of a substantially rectangular cross section wherein the wire has a horizontal surface dimension which is greater than the vertical side dimension.