Abstract: An orthodontic buccal tube has a first passage for receiving a main arch wire, a second passage for receiving either a lip bumper or a facebow, and a third passage for receiving an auxiliary or segmented arch wire. The second passage includes an enlarged, generally frustoconical mesial entrance, and the third passage includes a mesial opening that is located at least partially in the enlarged entrance. As such, the third passage can be spaced relatively close to the second passage while the enlarged mesial entrance of the second passage facilitates the insertion of the facebow or the lip bumper.

Abstract: A buccal tube used in orthodontic therapy is convertible to a bracket during later stages of treatment. The buccal tube includes two tabs initially extending toward each other from opposite sides of an arch wire slot. A prying tool placed in a slot of the buccal tube moves both of the tabs apart and bends the tabs toward recessed positions in order to open the slot and convert the buccal tube to a bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic buccal tube appliance for use with the molars has a tube with a mesial, open-ended cylindrical passage and a distal rectangular passage aligned with the cylindrical passage. The tube is thus adapted for use with either round or rectangular wire in accordance with the preference of the orthodontist. A funnel-shaped wall connects the cylindrical passage to the rectangular passage in order to guide an end of rectangular wire toward a position within the rectangular passage.

Abstract: A sintered-metal convertible buccal tube for orthodontic use, and having a body with an integrally formed cover plate closing an outer side of an arch-wire slot. Lines of weakness are defined along opposite side edges of the cover plate so the plate can be sheared away from the body to open the slot at a later treatment phase.

Abstract: Debonding of cemented orthodontic brackets from teeth by application of a quick twisting force to fracture the adhesive bond. A torquing tool has slotted ends making a close slip fit over mesial and distal side surfaces of the bracket, and has a flattened center section providing a good tactile sense of applied force. The method and tool are especially useful with brackets made of brittle ceramic material.

Abstract: An orthodontic plier with opposed jaw portions that can be moved toward one another in a substantially straight-line motion to pry a removable cap off a convertible buccal tube without exerting a twisting force on the tooth and without an exposed tip that can slip and damage soft mouth tissue is disclosed. One jaw portion has a pointed tip that can be inserted into one end of the buccal tube and the other jaw portion has a flat surface for bracing the other end of the buccal tube and a notch therein for receiving the pointed tip of the other jaw portion.