Abstract: A dental appliance to correct a malocclusion of a dental patient, have upper and lower pieces that orthodontically fit in the mouth of the patient in engagement with selected upper and lower teeth of the patient. The dental pieces have interlock means that hold them together with the jaws in a position of correction. Occlusal surfaces can be provided to permit chewing of food while the appliance is worn.

Abstract: A functional dental appliance system and a method of manufacturing the same. At least one surface mounted undercut is attached to the outer surface of the tooth. The dental appliance is constructed of a semi-rigid material which has a shape generally conforming to a portion of the contour of the tooth and the attached undercut. The semi-rigid material permits the dental appliance to deform temporarily prior to engagement with the portion of the tooth and the attached undercut such that the dental appliance returns to an undeformed state when engaged with the tooth and the attached undercut to form a pressure fit engagement relationship. The dental appliance may be manufactured by attaching a surface mounted dental undercut to the outer surface of a tooth and forming the dental appliance to conform to a portion of the outer surface of the tooth and the attached undercut.

Abstract: A dental undercut application device for producing an undercut on the surface of a tooth for securing a dental appliance. The application device contains an undercut or applique with a curved front side for engagement with the surface of the tooth and a stem on the back side attached to a locator tab. The locator tab can be grasped when applying the adhesive to the front side of the undercut and for locating the undercut on the surface of the tooth while the adhesive cures. When the undercut is secured to the tooth, the stem is cut and the tab removed. The back side of the undercut may then be smoothed to match the contour of the tooth. Clasps on removable orthodontic appliances or removable partial dentures engage with the undercut to retain the dental appliance or denture in the patient's mouth.