Abstract: A lip bumper formed solely of wire for applying forces to molars and which is U-shaped in form to include an arcuate segment aligned generally with the anterior teeth and substantially straight segments extending along the posterior teeth wherein the arcuate segment includes a plurality of loops defining an increased surface area engaging the lips so as to distribute the forces uniformly and provide greater patient comfort.

Abstract: A custom-made resilient orthodontic appliance for positively positioning the opposing arches relative to each other and a method for making the appliance, wherein the appliance includes a body of thermoplastic material sized to have impressions of the upper and lower anterior teeth and including means for connecting the appliance to one of the arches when it is worn by a patient. The method of making the appliance is such that it can be made at chairside by taking an arcuately shaped blank of material, heating the material so that it is softened, placing it in the patient's mouth and adjusting the desired relative positions of the arches, having the patient close his jaws on the blank to form an impression of the anterior teeth in the blank, allowing the blank to remain in the mouth until it is in an initially set condition, and then removing the blank from the mouth and subjecting it to additional cooling to permanently set the impression in the blank.

Abstract: This invention is a removable orthodontic therapy appliance adapted to be assembled and modified by an orthodontist without laboratory assistance, into a function regulator adapted to correct malocclusions of the teeth. It is a device of component parts of different sizes comprising: buccal shield base assemblies, buccal shelf extension assemblies, bicuspid - cuspid extension assemblies, a lip-pad, lingual roller assembly unit, a labial bow assembly and connecting means adapted to connect said assemblies into a function regulator. The invention provides an improved means for positioning the function regulator relative to the patient's dental arch, and it may be used in conjunction with band therapy. The invention reduces treatment costs, promotes patient cooperation during treatment, and permits the use of simultaneous fixed appliance therapy. In one embodiment of the invention it can be used primarily to promote positioning and or growth of the mandibular arch.

Abstract: This invention is that of a combination light wire--rectangular wire orthodontic appliance system which provides the practitioner with a means for employing both treatment methods without the necessity of changing brackets during the treatment. A standard bracket is provided which is adapted to receive an archwire in an archwire receiving channel opening onto the gingival surface of the bracket. The archwire is secured to the bracket by means of a lock pin positioned in the lock pin--insert receiving slot of the bracket. This combination provides a light wire appliance.The bracket is also adapted to receive a detachably mountable insert in the lock pin--insert receiving slot. The insert has a rectangular archwire slot open on its buccal or labial surface which is adapted to receive a rectangular archwire. This combination is a rectangular wire appliance.