Abstract: A method and apparatus for the distal movement of the molars, bicuspids and canines. A palate plate (10) is molded to the palate and attached to the teeth. The appliance also includes molar band attachments (16) that are attached to the palate plate by a spring-loaded wire (12). The spring (13) creates a distal force on the molars. The bicuspids are securely attached to the palate molar, therefore creating a distal movement of only the molars. Once the distal movement of the molars is complete, the bicuspids are detached from the palate plate (10) allowing for bicuspid distal movement.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance (10) fits to the teeth (16) of a patient (14) and substantially retains the teeth in a desired arrangement. The appliance includes a plurality of arcuate polymer strips (20). The strips substantially corresponding in shape to different sections of the lingual arch-shapes defined by the lateral surfaces of the teeth. At least one of the polymer strips is a lingual strip (20d), and at least one of the other polymer strips is a labial strip (20a), (20b), or (20c). Additionally, the appliance includes a wire (22) extending through the lengths of the strips, which connects the strips to one another in a spaced-apart relationship. The wire includes transverse adjusting segments (32) for adjusting the fit of the orthodontic appliance. Each transverse adjusting segment extends from between a pair of the strips in a direction generally transverse to the lengths of the strips.