Abstract: An orthodontic connector assembly 10 including a plurality of substantially identical connecting members, such as members 12, 14 which include a movable but biased portion 20 which is adapted to selectively and removably receive a pocket portion 44 which is deployed on at least one bracket, such as bracket 40. In an alternative embodiment, the members, such as member 12, 14 each include a ridge, such as ridge 212, which is selectively, removably, and frictionally placed within slot 236.

Abstract: A bite-correcting orthodontic appliance attaches directly to the elements of braces (i.e., brackets and archwires); flexes in its distal 25-45% to stay away from the food bolus; has a reduced elliptical profile for patient comfort; and introduces gentle force vectors to the patient's upper and lower teeth that sweep in an arch to lift up on the front of the molar and down on the lower front teeth as the appliance tries to return to its preinstalled (passive) state, resulting in rapid, yet gentle changes unseen in the orthodontic industry.

Abstract: An orthodontic archwire bracket that includes a first body (10) with a base (11) configured to be fixed to a tooth and a second body (20) with a central hollow portion (25) and a slot (21) formed by two slot portions (21a, 21b) on opposite sides of the central hollow portion (25). The slot (21) is configured to receive an archwire. The first and second bodies (10, 20) are connected by a ball joint coupling, and the second body (20) is made of a material with shape memory that maintains an original shape at body temperature and acquires a deformable state at a temperature below body temperature. The second body (20) further includes retaining members (26) extending into each of said slot portions (21a, 21b) next to an inlet thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthodontic bracket. According to one embodiment, the orthodontic bracket includes a mounting base for attachment to a tooth surface and an archwire slot formed upon the base and sized for receiving an orthodontic archwire. The bracket body has a facially curved slot lingual sidewall that causes the archwire to contact the bracket body. The bracket embodiment has a mesial and distal convexity contoured bracket base and slot lingual sidewall such that there is no contact by an archwire when an archwire is placed in an aligned dental arch. Additional features of the improved design are occlusal and gingival convex contouring of the tie wings such that there are no sharp corners on the archwire slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a bracket body configured to be mounted to a tooth includes an archwire slot having a base surface defining a base plane and a slide engagement track defining a translation plane. The translation plane is angled with respect to the base plane. A ligating slide is engaged with the slide engagement track of the bracket body and movable along the slide engagement track and parallel to the translation plae between an opened position, in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot, and a closed position, in which the archwire is retained within the archwire slot. The translation plane is angled with respect to the base plane so as to prevent the ligating slide from contacting the gingiva surrounding the tooth when the ligating slide is moved to the opened position.

Abstract: A self-ligating bracket with flexible ligating slide includes an archwire slot, a first anterior portion at a first side of the slot, and a second anterior portion at a second side of the slot, the second anterior portion including a primary anterior surface. The bracket includes a first guide and a second guide, with each of the guides extending anteriorly from the primary anterior surface. The slide is movably enclosed between the primary anterior surface, the first guide, and the second guide. At least one of the primary anterior surface, first guide, and second guide includes a curvature in an occlusal-gingival direction. The curvature includes a radius and a center, with the center located to one side of a plane that bisects the slot longitudinally. The plane is perpendicular to a slot bottom wall; and the one side of the plane is the side that includes the second anterior portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of the bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.

Abstract: An Orthodontic bracket wherein an opened channel receiving an orthodontic wire, includes covering element to cover the opened channel, the covering element can be opened to allow a fast and easy insertion of the orthodontic wire into the channel and can be closed and blocked to avoid that the wire goes out from the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic system which comprises a main wire having first and second end sections and at least one looped section there between, and a support wire, the main wire further having at least one coupling means for coupling to the support wire, the coupling means being arranged on the at least one looped section, and fastening means for fastening the main wire and the support wire to a patient's teeth.

Abstract: An Orthodontic bracket wherein an opened channel receiving an orthodontic wire, includes covering element to cover the opened channel, the covering element can be opened to allow a fast and easy insertion of the orthodontic wire into the channel and can be closed and blocked to avoid that the wire goes out from the channel.

Abstract: Proposed is a method and apparatus for forming an orthodontic bracket for use with an orthodontic archwire involving shaping a length of material to form at least two enlarged portions and a base member, the base member being intermediate two arm members and the respective enlarged portions having a thickness that is thicker than the thickness of the base member; bending the length of material at the respective enlarged portions; and coining the respective enlarged portions, such that portions of the arm members define a channel to receive a portion of the orthodontic archwire.

Abstract: Customized low force orthodontic arch wires include a core wire (102) formed of a shape memory material and a plurality of bracket engagement blocks (104) disposed in spaced apart relationship along the length of the core wire (102). The particular position of each engagement block (104) along the length of the core wire (102), as well as the length and curvature of the core wire (102), are customized for the particular patient on which the arch wire is to be installed. A physical or electronic custom model of the patient's dental arch is obtained. The customized arch wire is then fabricated according to the specifications determined by reference to the custom model of the patient's teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a body portion with an archwire slot for receiving an archwire. The bracket includes a locking portion slot wherein the archwire slot is situated in the wall of the locking portion slot. A locking portion can be rotated into at least two of the following positions: standby position, in which the setting slot of the locking portion is towards the opening on the surface facing away from the tooth, and transfer position, in which the setting slot is towards the archwire slot or locking position, in which the locking portion closes the archwire slot at least partially. The archwire can be placed in the setting slot when the locking portion is in standby position, and the archwire can be placed in the archwire slot when the locking portion is in transfer position, and in the locking position the locking portion is arranged to hold the archwire in place in the archwire slot.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of the bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic tool for an orthodontic appliance includes a handle and at least one distal end having a finger. The finger has a manipulator, which may include a pin or a plurality of pins, and a probe for engaging a rotary archwire cover. Using the tool, the orthodontist may open and close the archwire cover, which is rotationally mounted to an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic device consisting of a bracket having a slot formed by arm parts facing each other in the vertical direction, and an inner part having a socket for holding a wire. The orthodontic device is characterized in that the opening of the slot is closed by inserting the inner part into the slot so that the inner part can be held by the arm parts. Different torque depending on the socket can be applied to a tooth. A desired torque can be applied by only changing the inner part without changing the bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic bracket specifically designed for use with the deciduous teeth and method for its use. The bracket is unique in providing a debonding tab which reduces the potential for damage to the tooth due to the application of excessive force during the debonding process. The small size of the bracket allows it to fit available crown space on the deciduous teeth. Further the bracket is modified in shape to minimize mechanical forces applied to the deciduous teeth when engaged with an archwire. The bracket base is shaped to conform to the morphology of the deciduous tooth crown surface thereby providing an optimal adhesive interface with the deciduous tooth. The deciduous bracket provides adequate adhesion to avoid unwanted detachment of the bracket which often occurs when the use of permanent brackets is attempted on the deciduous teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes features for reducing friction between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire to be placed within the archwire slot. Other embodiments include a rounded exterior occlusal surface. Embodiments further include one or more receptacles for receiving an installation tool.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body that has an archwire slot adapted to receive the archwire. A movable member is engaged with the bracket body and is movable between an opened position and a closed position. The bracket body and the movable member may be made from a transparent or translucent polycrystalline ceramic for improved aesthetics. The polycrystalline ceramic has a grain size distribution characterized by an average grain size in the range of larger than 3.4 ?m to about 6 ?m. The polycrystalline ceramic may have a fracture toughness of at least 4.0 MPa·m1/2. The grain size distribution may not be characterized as a lognormal distribution and may be a multimodal distribution. The polycrystalline ceramic may comprise aluminum oxide or alumina. The grain size distribution may be characterized by having up to about 50% of the grains being less than about 3 ?m in size.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket including a body (1) having a mesiodistal slot (10), a base (11), and a plurality of tie wings (12, 120) mainly developed along an occlusal-gingival direction. The tie wings are provided two-by-two on opposite sides in relation to the slot (10) and partially emerging over a labial side (L) of the body (1). The slot (10) is apt to receive an archwire (2). The tie wings (12, 120) protrude externally from the body (1) and towards the base (11), feature a curved surface (121) whose concavity is turned towards the same base (1) and constitute a support for an element (3) apt to prevent the archwire (2) from coming out of the slot (10). The element (3) features a planar portion intended to slide above, and parallel to, the labial side (L) of the body (1) and a flexible and elastic arm (33) having a portion (34) which is securable to the surface (121) of two tie wings (12) resulting on the same side in relation to the slot (10).

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a replaceable closing spring member detachably connected to the upper structure of a tooth-attachable base member. Particular preferred embodiments relate to the form of detachable connection of the closing spring member with the upper structure, with one particularly preferred embodiment being torsion tabs that are reversibly deformable to maintain pivoting engagement of spring member and upper structure when desired and easy removal of the spring members when desired.

Abstract: Low profile self-ligating orthodontic brackets and methods of using such orthodontic brackets. The bracket includes a bracket body, a latching member, and a hinge pin pivotally coupling a hinged end of the latching member with the bracket body. The hinge pin, which is made of a resilient material, is configured to flex so that a portion of the latching member can be engaged with a recess defined in the bracket body to couple the non-hinged end of the latching member with the bracket body.

Abstract: Interactive/passive bracket system developed to provide orthodontic treatment in a more comfortable, efficient and faster manner. Its function with the orthodontic wire may be determined by an orthodontist in order to make it interactive or only passive. It is something innovative because no bracket system can provide these two features in the same bracket. The presence of two convertible slots which is also a significant differential feature will simplify the tooth movement in the class I, II and Angle III relations. Besides, the rounded design makes the Revolution systems more comfortable and traps less food, thus facilitating brushing.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a base attachable to a tooth surface, with the base extending outward away from the tooth surface and forming an archwire slot sized to receive an archwire therewithin, and a removable archwire slot cover coined onto the base so as to cover the archwire slot and enable the bracket to function as a buccal tube when the cover is attached. The cover may be removed from the bracket base without removal of the bracket from the tooth surface so as to provide an open archwire slot for continued orthodontic treatment subsequent to removal of the removable archwire slot cover.

Abstract: An apparatus including a device including fluoride is provided. The device may be configured to be held by a dental bracket and to hold a dental arch wire in place. The device may alternatively, or additionally, include calcium phosphate. The device may be a dental ligature or a dental cap. The apparatus may include the dental bracket. The fluoride may be configured to leach out of the device as part of a material which leaches out of the device, and the amount of fluoride in the material may be less than one part of fluoride per million parts of material. A method is also provided including placing a device including fluoride in a person's mouth so the device is held by a dental bracket and holds a dental arch wire in place. The device may be as previously described.

Abstract: Low force orthodontic arch wires (100) include a core wire (102) formed of a material having shape memory that extends along a generally curved arch wire axis between a first end (102a) and a second end (102b). The arch wire (100) further includes a plurality of bracket engagement blocks (104) disposed in spaced apart relationship along the length of the core wire (102). Each engagement block (104) is configured for placement within the slot of a corresponding orthodontic bracket with which it works to move the teeth in a desired direction. The engagement blocks (104) are advantageously enlarged relative to the core wire (102), providing for better engagement and reduced play between any given engagement block (104) and its corresponding bracket slot as compared to if the engagement blocks (104) were not present. The engagement blocks (104) may be disposed relative to the core wire (102).

Abstract: Provided are orthodontic corrector devices, related assemblies and methods which direct forces within the oral cavity. These corrector devices and assemblies include a flexible cantilever which is coupled to both a connector component and a force module. The cantilever acts to isolate adjacent components from mastication forces encountered during treatment. By resiliently deflecting in response to these inadvertent forces, the cantilever reduces the likelihood of device breakage and bond failure. Upon removal of these forces, the cantilever returns to its original orientation thereby maintaining the proper alignment of the corrector. Advantageously, the cantilever also allows the force module to be positioned further in the distal direction thereby enabling a greater range of connection options.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance may include molding a plurality of green bodies in plurality of molds and coupling the green bodies so as to form an intermediate green body. The orthodontic appliance may be an orthodontic bracket body. The plurality of green bodies may be molded so as to be devoid of any undercut formations. Coupling the plurality of green bodies may form the intermediate green body to include at least one undercut formation. An orthodontic bracket may include an undercut formation not capable of being formed in a single shot molding process and not formed through post-formation processes. The undercut formation may include a guiding track and/or a retaining recess configured to receive a portion of the ligating member. The ligating member may include a flexible ligating portion that overlies the archwire slot and a relatively rigid main body portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bracket (1) comprising a base plate (10) on which two retaining wings (11) are formed running parallel to one another and defining an intermediate space (3) in which a wire bow (2) may be held. The intermediate space (3) has a trapezoidal structure such that the wire bow (2) is always pushed upward under the elasticity of the bracket (1) by the inclined retaining wings (22) toward the retaining surfaces (13), such that the wire bow is held in the intermediate space (3) in an aligned fashion without play. The cross sectional shape of the wire bow (2) is selected such that no surface contact occurs in the intermediate space (3).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a locking orthodontic bracket that contains a mechanism that rotationally locks an orthodontic archwire fully or partially within the bracket archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket has a body containing a slot to receive an orthodontic archwire, wings for tying ligature wires, a base that is attachable to an orthodontic band or directly to a tooth surface and a central recess in the front surface of the body that contains the rotating clip device. The rotating clip device is rotated to enclose an orthodontic archwire within the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic connector assembly 10 including a plurality of substantially identical connecting members, such as members 12, 14 which include a movable but biased portion 20 which is adapted to selectively and removably receive a pocket portion 44 which is deployed on at least one bracket, such as bracket 40. In an alternative embodiment, the members, such as member 12, 14 each include a ridge, such as ridge 212, which is selectively, removably, and frictionally placed within slot 236.

Abstract: Bracket (1) with a pad (3) for affixing it to a tooth of a patient, with a bracket body (5) that has a slot (7) for receiving an orthodontic wire (9), and with a channel-like wire guide (11) which has wire guide surfaces (11F) for guiding the wire (9) and which is assigned a lateral insertion area (13) for insertion of the wire (9) into the wire guide (11), wherein the insertion area (13) has, in the longitudinal direction of the wire (9), a curved section (13A) through which the wire (9) can be inserted into the wire guide (11) in an elastically deformed state, such that the wire (9), on forming back to a rectilinear state, locks in the wire guide (11), and that the wire guide surfaces (11F) enclose the wire (9) in a circle shape, such that the wire (9) is held longitudinally displaceably in the wire guide (11) by the wire guide surfaces (11F) and is secured against escaping laterally from the wire guide (11).

Abstract: The low profile orthodontic appliance generally has a height between and generally not including 0.0190 and 0.020 inches and having a depth less than 0.026 inches, with a preferred embodiment being a height of 0.0195 inches and a depth of 0.025 inches. The slot is preferably rectangular in cross-sectional shape thus having equal length short sides and preferably equal length long sides, the long sides having straight, uninterrupted walls. The orthodontic appliance may be in the form of a bracket or tube, each for receiving a 0.019×0.025 inch archwire and each shaped for one or more upper or lower permanent teeth. The appliances may be universal, thus being of a same size on all applicable teeth or may be a bi-dimensional setup, which uses conventional 0.018 or 0.022 inch slotted brackets in combination with the slotted bracket having a height between and not including 0.0190 and 0.020 inches.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance having an edgewise slot with a height between 0.0189 and 0.020 inches and having a depth between 0.025 and 0.030 inches, with a preferred embodiment being a height of 0.019 inches and a depth of 0.028 inches. The slot is preferably rectangular in cross-sectional shape thus having equal length short sides and preferably equal length long sides. The orthodontic appliance may be in the form of a bracket or tube, each for receiving an archwire and each shaped for one or more upper or lower permanent teeth. A bi-dimensional orthodontic appliance is also disclosed which uses conventional 0.018 or 0.022 inch slotted brackets in combination with the slotted bracket having a height between 0.0189 and 0.020 inches. Other alternate embodiments are also included.

Abstract: Convertible orthodontic brackets (100) of the present invention include a bracket base (102) formed of a ceramic and/or polymeric material (104) and a metal insert (105) defining an arch wire hole or tube received within a slot of the bracket base. The metal insert (105) includes a gingival sidewall (105a), an occlusal sidewall (105b), a lingual bottom wall (105 c), and a selectively removable labial web cover (112) extending between gingival and occlusal sidewalls (105a, 105b). The metal insert (105) may be formed as a single, integral piece of metal, preferably by machining. The metal insert (105) may be formed using stronger metals which are unsuitable for use in metal injection molding processes.

Abstract: A monolithic metallic self-ligating bracket with a locking catch device is provided. The bracket includes a base, at least one tie wing and at least one locking catch device placed on one surface of the base. A slot in the middle of the tie wing extends in a generally mesial-distal direction. One end of a trailing arm connects with the base, and the other end of the trailing arm extends transversely toward the axis to form an arm tip, the inner edge of the trailing arm and arm tip towards the axis, together with the slot form an archwire concave. After the arch wire is inserted to the archwire concave, the locking catch device returns to its original shape, and the arm tip extending into the archwire concave of the locking catch device enclasps the arch wire, making the best use of the therapeutic force of the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket mountable on a tooth for use in retraction mechanics to facilitate movement of teeth along an arch, which includes an archwire receiving member rotatably mounted on a base and structured to freely rotate when tipping a tooth during sliding of the bracket along an archwire thereby minimizing friction between the archwire and bracket to significantly decrease the required retraction force, and treatment time, thereby minimizing the possibility of root resorption and maintaining the integrity of the root and surrounding bone. A locking pin for locking the member against rotation is employed when uprighting the tooth from a tipped position.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for captivating an archwire with a tooth. The bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and a self-ligating mechanism having an archwire slot and a ligating slide. The ligating slide is movable between an open position in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the archwire is retained in the archwire slot. The bracket body may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, a filled polymer composite, or a ceramic, and the self-ligating mechanism may be formed from a metal. The bracket may include a resilient engagement member with a detent positioned to engage an aperture or throughhole extending through the ligating slide when the ligating slide is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic connector, along with related assemblies, used in coupling an orthodontic wire to an orthodontic auxiliary such a force module. The connector includes a slot with rigid and opposing walls and one or more flexible clips, which independently engage the wire. The combination of rigid and flexible components allows the connector to easily engage to and disengage from the wire and couple with a wide range of auxiliaries and fixed orthodontic appliances while simultaneously preventing the connector and associated auxiliary from unduly rotating about the longitudinal axis of the wire. Restricting this rotation advantageously prevents these components from either rotating into the occlusion or into the patient's soft tissue.

Abstract: A self ligating orthodontic bracket system includes a bracket, a slidable ligating member and at least one wedge locking ramp. The bracket includes an archwire slot defined therein, which is configured to receive an archwire therein. The ligating member slides along a slide path defined on the bracket and which extends transverse relative to the archwire slot. The wedge locking ramp is disposed on the slide path, wherein the wedge locking ramp is configured to deflect the ligating member vertically upward and away from an upper surface of the slide path, and over the wedge locking ramp when the ligating member travels along the slide path from an unlocked position to a locked position. The archwire is securely retained in the archwire slot when the ligating member is in the locked position.

Abstract: Self-ligating bracket for orthodontics has a base, an occlusal wall extending from the base and occlusal ligature wing, a gingival wall extending from the base and gingival ligature wing, a slot, which separates the occlusal wall and the gingival wall from one another and extends continuously in the direction from mesial to distal, and a slide, which is held in a guide provided in the occlusal wall and/or in the gingival wall, and in the guide can be shifted in the gingival-occlusal direction, between a closed position, in which the slide bridges the slot, and a open position, in which the slot is open in labial direction, that can hold the slide in its closed position as well as in its open position. Elongated recess, longitudinal direction of which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slot and a strand is arranged horizontally.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprises a body portion and a locking portion. In the orthodontic bracket there is a surface against the tooth and a surface facing away from the tooth. In the body portion there is an archwire slot for the archwire. There is a locking portion slot in the body portion, which slot is open towards the surface of the orthodontic bracket facing away from the tooth, whereupon it forms an opening on said surface, and the archwire slot is situated in the wall of the locking portion slot. The locking portion can be attached to the body portion. There is a setting slot in the locking portion. The locking portion can be rotated into at least two of the following positions: standby position, in which the setting slot is towards the opening on the surface facing away from the tooth, transfer position, in which the setting slot is towards the archwire slot or locking position, in which the locking portion closes the archwire slot at least partially.

Abstract: A self-adjustable, self-ligating orthodontic bracket is disclosed. The bracket comprises a base with a tooth face bonded to a surface of a tooth. A linking body comprises a body connection. The linking body is in physical communication with an archwire transmitting a force to the linking body. A connector applies a tension between the linking body and the base motivating the linking body and the base toward a normal position.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a base, a fixed jaw extending from the base, and a movable jaw slidably engaging the base. The region between these jaws is designed to receive an archwire. A camming mechanism drives the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw to capture the archwire in the region between the jaws. Optionally, an elastomeric insert can be employed to hold the archwire between the jaws.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body having an archwire slot adapted to receive the archwire therein and a movable member engaged with the bracket body and movable between an opened position and a closed position. A securing mechanism is configured to secure the movable member in at least the closed position and includes a projecting portion and a receiving portion. The projecting portion may include a generally elongate pin capable of flexing relative to a central axis thereof to secure the movable member in at least the closed position. An orthodontic assembly includes an orthodontic bracket and an alignment device for positioning the bracket on the tooth.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket including a base mountable on a tooth and having upstanding hinge members with aligned slots defining an archwire slot and for pivotally and slidably receiving a pair of openable and closable jaws and a spring member engaging said jaws and actuable upon opening and closing said jaws to selectively lock the jaws into open position for insertion or removal of an archwire and closed position for locking the archwire to the bracket.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a self-ligating orthodontic bracket apparatus has a body with an archwire slot, a lingual surface for mounting to a tooth and a guide track. The body and guide track form facing surfaces. A clip is engaged between the facing surfaces and is slideably movable in the guide track between an open position such that the archwire slot can receive an archwire and a closed position in which the clip can retain the archwire in the slot. The clip is dimensioned to extend the entire length and height of the slot in the bracket when in the closed position.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system used on the anterior lower teeth includes a plurality of alternating high-low brackets which is made up of a subplurality of high brackets and low brackets. The plurality of alternating high-low brackets are fixed to the anterior teeth, namely the subplurality of high brackets is fixed to alternately successive anterior teeth and the low brackets are fixed to other ones of alternately successive anterior teeth. A first orthodontic wire is coupled or attached to the subplurality of high brackets. A second orthodontic wire is coupled or attached to the subplurality of low brackets. The first and second orthodontic wires are selectively bent between selected brackets to which the first and second orthodontic wires are coupled, so that length of the first and second wire between each bracket to which it is coupled is increased, leaving space between brackets for bends formed in the wire.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. The hardenable dental compositions include a thermally labile component including one or more thermally labile groups. Upon heating, the hardened compositions are useful, for example, for reducing the bond strength of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a bracket body configured to be mounted to a tooth includes an archwire slot having a base surface defining a base plane and a slide engagement track defining a translation plane. The translation plane is angled with respect to the base plane. A ligating slide is engaged with the slide engagement track of the bracket body and movable along the slide engagement track and parallel to the translation plae between an opened position, in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot, and a closed position, in which the archwire is retained within the archwire slot. The translation plane is angled with respect to the base plane so as to prevent the ligating slide from contacting the gingiva surrounding the tooth when the ligating slide is moved to the opened position.