Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic component (1) having a base (2) which comprises a visible surface (3), an interspaced basal surface (4) and lateral faces (5 to 8) extending in between, a receiving groove (11) for receiving a bracing wire (12) being arranged in the base (2). The receiving groove (11) further comprises a holding means (17). A first and a second slot-type recess (22, 23) extend from respective lateral walls (19, 20) of the receiving groove (11) on the base (2), the slot-type recesses extending through the base (2) between respective opposite lateral faces (5 to 8). The holding means (17) is formed by a separate web-type base (37) which extends between the two lateral walls (19, 20) of the receiving groove (11) in a hold position for the bracing wire (12) and which engages in the first and second slot-type recess (22, 23) with respective first and second holding elements (40, 41) are arranged at both end sections (38, 39) of the base (37).

Abstract: A clip release tool with a first and second projection, for releasing a clip from a main bracket body of an orthodontic bracket while regulating movement or deformation of the clip, and a related method, and a method of attaching a clip to an orthodontic bracket main body using a clip release tool.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has an archwire slot adapted to receive an archwire therein and comprises a core and an overmolded polymeric cover that covers the core. The polymer of the overmolded polymeric cover is cross-linked. The thickness and the cross-linked density of the cover are sufficient to limit chemicals found in an oral environment from passing through the cover during treatment. In an embodiment, the core comprises a polycarbonate and the cover comprises a polyurethane. A method of making an orthodontic bracket comprises providing a core and overmolding a polymeric cover over at least a portion of the core and cross-linking the polymer of the polymeric cover. In another embodiment, a method of molding an orthodontic bracket comprises injecting a first polymer into a mold cavity to form a polymeric core and injecting a second polymer into the mold cavity to form an overmolded polymeric cover over the core.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a closing spring (7) made of spring steel sheet, which has a first end (22), which can be anchored to the first tie wing (4a), and a second end, which is connected to the first end (22) by an arc (21) wrapping around the first tie wing (4a) and which is formed by three tongues, at least one of which is a ligating tongue (8) and at least one a latching tongue (9). The tongues are separated from each other by notches (10) and the closing spring (7) is connected detachably to the upper bracket structure (4). The tongues are essentially parallel to each other; and in the closed position of the closing spring (7), the ligating tongue (8) is pre-tensioned in the direction toward an arch wire receiving slot (5) formed between the tie wings (4a, 4b).

Abstract: The invention relates to a bracket for fixing to the exterior face of a tooth, the bracket having a base, which lies against the tooth and in which a trapezoid shape slot is configured to receive a wire bow. The base of the slot runs essentially perpendicularly in the oral cavity with elevated surface, thus retaining the wire bow, which exerts forces and torques in an essentially horizontal direction, in an optimum position in the slot. The unique form of the inventive brackets has a dimple concave female surface and a channel for attachments to passes through which would allow the female to receive a convex male surface extension from the attachments and form a locking mechanism between concave female surface and the attachment convex male extension when attachment is used during the Orthodontic treatment. This unique model of locking mechanism has created a new inventive platform in Orthodontics for interchangeable attachments.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided for correcting teeth alignment. The orthodontic bracket allows for not relying on how an operator is skilled in ligation and also for minimizing the friction. The orthodontic bracket includes a slot having an opening into which an orthodontic wire can be inserted, and a shutter that can slide to block or unblock the opening. The orthodontic wire is placed in the slot by causing the shutter to slide and unblock the opening, inserting the wire through the opening, and causing the shutter to slide and block the opening. The orthodontic wire will not disengage from the slot, whereby rotation control, tipping control, and torque control may be reliably performed. Further, it is not necessary to perform ligation that causes the wire to be securely pressed against the bottom of the slot. Since the ligation is not tight, the tooth in question can be smoothly shifted.

Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the bracket base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a ligation cover which is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open non-ligating position relative to the slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the slot. The exterior labial surface of both the base and ligation cover comprise a compound two axis curvature so that substantially all of the exterior labial surface of both the bracket base and the ligation cover present a smooth, continuous exterior surface that is substantially free of sharp discontinuities and crevices.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic appliance is disclosed having information encoded or formed in the base of the appliance, wherein the encoded information increases the total base surface area by an amount that is effective for increasing the adhesion of the appliance to a patient's tooth. In one embodiment, the total base surface area may increase to 140% of what such surface would be without the encoded information. The encoded information may identify: a manufacturer or supplier of the appliance, a part/model number, a location and/or date of manufacturer, a composition of material, a patent number, a logo, etc.

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.

Abstract: A compact orthodontic bracket that employs a simple method of self-ligation, is compatible with both permanent and deciduous teeth and is less expensive to manufacture than existing commercial brackets. The bracket utilizes a rotary plate that covers an arch wire slot when closed and can be pivotably opened to allow arch wire changes. Ligation may also be augmented using conventional ligatures on the paired tie wings. The simplicity of the ligating mechanism allows manufacturing of a smaller bracket. It is also less vulnerable to the clogging effects of salivary deposits than commercial self-ligating brackets currently in use.

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: Multi-piece, reusable orthodontic appliances that include a support assembly to be bonded to a tooth and a corrective assembly adapted to receive an archwire and direct corrective forces exerted by the archwire to the tooth. The support assembly is releasably engaged with the corrective assembly, such as with coupling portions that disengage responsive to a force applied to the corrective assembly exceeding a predetermined value, such as less than a force sufficient to debond the support assembly from the tooth. In response to such a force, the corrective assembly disengages from the support assembly, rather than the appliance debonding from the tooth. Self-release assemblies for use with a corrective orthodontic bracket, including either a support assembly or a corrective assembly, and an engagement assembly configured to disengage as described above, may allow a conventional set of orthodontic hardware to be retrofitted with a self-release feature.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of orthodontic brackets that each include a main body portion having at least a first tunnel extending transversely therethrough. The main body portion is adapted to be bonded to the facial surface of a tooth such that the first tunnel extends approximately parallel to the facial surface. None of the brackets include an open faced slot. The method further includes bonding each of the plurality of brackets to separate teeth in an arch, and threading a first archwire through the first tunnel in each of the plurality of brackets.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and method is disclosed. The orthodontic bracket includes a main body portion that has first and second tunnels extending transversely therethrough. The main body portion is adapted to be bonded to the facial surface of a tooth such that the first and second tunnels extend approximately parallel to the facial surface.

Abstract: An aesthetic, partially removable orthodontic appliance is described, including a polymeric body that conforms to the lingual soft tissue and at least one wire member extending from the polymeric body. Each wire member releasably engages with a respective anchor that is, in turn, connected to the lingual surface of a respective tooth when the polymeric body is moved in a generally gingival direction into abutting relationship with the lingual soft tissue. Other features of the appliance include self-guiding magnetic couplings and couplings based on interlocking mechanical structures that provide releasable engagement between the removable section and the anchors, as well as related methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: The orthodontic bracket according to the present invention is provided with ligating means having a simple configuration, has additional functions for improving therapeutic effect and improving aesthetic appearance and enables maintenance to be carried out easily. A movable slider portion 2 for pinching an upper portion and a lower portion of an archwire to hold the archwire is provided in order to hold the archwire with respect to a bracket body 1 that has a slot 5 for holding the archwire. This slider portion 2 is inserted into the bracket body 1 to thereby hold the archwire 6. An orthodontic bracket composed of the bracket body 1 and the slider portion 2 has aesthetic properties by having a rounded shape with few surface irregularities. The slider portion 2 can be readily moved with an operating tool 14 and can be easily attached and detached.

Abstract: Various designs of dental orthodontic brackets are described. Some brackets are self-ligating with no moving parts. Some brackets include multiple pathways for wires so an amount and type of force applied by the bracket can be varied without moving the bracket. Optionally, a same bracket is used for an entire orthodontic process.

Abstract: An orthodontic device includes a bracket having a body and the body includes external surfaces. An archwire passageway is formed in the body. An aperture extends from one of the external surfaces of the body to the passageway. A pawl is attached to the body and includes stop and cam surfaces which extend into the aperture. An extendable archwire includes an adjustment portion having a locking surface and a loop-spring therein and the adjustment portion is inserted into and through the passageway. The pawl and the locking surface form a ratchet. The cam surface of the pawl interengages the extendable archwire as the extendable archwire is extended through the bracket under the application of force to the extendable archwire. The stop surface of the pawl interengages the locking surface of the adjustment portion of the extendable archwire preventing retraction of the extendable archwire upon discontinuation of the application of force.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided for correcting teeth alignment. The orthodontic bracket allows for not relying on how an operator is skilled in ligation and also for minimizing the friction. The orthodontic bracket includes a slot having an opening into which an orthodontic wire can be inserted, and a shutter that can slide to block or unblock the opening. The orthodontic wire is placed in the slot by causing the shutter to slide and unblock the opening, inserting the wire through the opening, and causing the shutter to slide and block the opening. The orthodontic wire will not disengage from the slot, whereby rotation control, tipping control, and torque control may be reliably performed. Further, it is not necessary to perform ligation that causes the wire to be securely pressed against the bottom of the slot. Since the ligation is not tight, the tooth in question can be smoothly shifted.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket housing having at least two opposing sides, a rear side which is a tooth engaging side and a front side. The front side includes a cavity for receiving at least one wire. A cover plate pivotally attaches to an extension located on the front side of the bracket housing and is designed to be moveable from an open to a closed position to secure and hold the wire within the cavity.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system is provided having a base plate with a rear side and a front side. The rear side is designed to engage a patient's tooth. The front side includes a channel for receiving an archwire, a cover plate for closing the opening of the channel and securing the archwire within the channel, and a locking device designed to engage the cover plate during a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arch wire that is used during orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: A dental brace includes a plurality of pairs of bracket and sliding cover. The bracket includes an attaching base attached to a tooth, a support extending upward obliquely from the attaching base, a top jaw, a transverse groove in the support, two side inclined grooved rails on the support, and a projecting abutment member. On a recessed, inclined surface of the support there are provided a transverse ridge and a shoulder below the ridge. The sliding cover comprises a latch extending downward from an upper end. The groove is open when the latch is stopped by the shoulder so as to permit an arch wire to dispose in the grooves. The groove is concealed by the sliding cover when the latch is urged against an inclined surface of the ridge so as to position the arch wire in the grooves.

Abstract: An orthodontic device includes a bracket having a body and the body includes external surfaces. An archwire passageway is formed in the body. An aperture extends from one of the external surfaces of the body to the passageway. A pawl is attached to the body and includes stop and cam surfaces which extend into the aperture. An extendable archwire includes an adjustment portion having a locking surface and a loop-spring therein and the adjustment portion is inserted into and through the passageway. The pawl and the locking surface form a ratchet. The cam surface of the pawl interengages the extendable archwire as the extendable archwire is extended through the bracket under the application of force to the extendable archwire. The stop surface of the pawl interengages the locking surface of the adjustment portion of the extendable archwire preventing retraction of the extendable archwire upon discontinuation of the application of force.

Abstract: Ligature systems retain an arch wire within a slot of an orthodontic bracket. According to some embodiment, the ligature system retains an arch wire within a slot of an orthodontic bracket by means of a retaining element which is capable of being unidirectionally mechanically locked within the slot of the orthodontic bracket to retain an arch wire therewithin. The retaining element may comprise a pair of opposed outwardly projecting retaining edges. In some embodiments, the retaining element comprises a planar or curved retaining plate. The ligature system may include a central block in which the retaining plate is embedded such that the retaining edges extend outwardly therefrom. The ligature system may also include spike protruding outwardly from such central block so as to engage with the arch wire positioned subjacently thereto.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket system is provided, comprising a bracket to be mounted on the lingual side of the tooth and a self-ligating insert. The insert comprises a retention arm and a lockarm pivotally engaged together. The retention arm includes: a retention spring; a topside arm; and a pivot ring connecting the retention spring to the topside arm. The lockarm includes: an attachment portion having a pivot bar configured to be received in the pivot ring of the retention arm; a strut portion connected to the attachment portion; and a clasp portion having a clasp lock and an unlocking opening. The clasp lock is configured to engage a chokebox stem of the bracket. A retention groove in the bracket retains the retention arm of the insert. The bracket includes slots for occlusal, edgewise and gingival archwires. A method of providing orthodontic treatment and an orthodontic system are also provided.

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, a method of forming an orthodontic appliance includes forming an arch configured to custom fit a plurality of teeth. The method may further include coupling a plurality of wire receptors to at least two of: a first surface of the arch corresponding to the lingual surfaces of the plurality of teeth; a second surface of the arch corresponding to the labial surfaces of the plurality of teeth; and a third surface of the arch corresponding to the occusal surfaces of the plurality of teeth. Selected portions of the composite arch may be separated. A first pair of the plurality of wire receptors may be coupled together using a first orthodontic wire. A second pair of the plurality of wire receptors may be coupled together using a second orthodontic wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket body and a ligating member. The ligating member retains an archwire in an archwire slot and includes archwire control structure including projecting portions spaced apart in a mesial-distal direction with a recessed area therebetween. The recessed area and the projecting portions overlie the archwire slot. The recessed area may include a flat or a curved surface in a mesial-distal direction. The recessed area and projecting portions may define a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of curvature of the archwire seated in the slot. The archwire contacts one or both the projecting portions resulting in a larger moment arm and better rotational control of the bracket with the force applied by the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Each of the side channels has an archwire retaining ridge extending gingivally-occlusally along the adjacent side of the bracket base between the two retaining regions of the channel. For each channel, its retaining ridge exerts a force on a portion of an archwire facing away from the archwire portion residing in the recesses of the retaining regions of the channel. The force on the archwire is directed toward the interiors of the recesses of the retaining regions for assisting in seating the archwire in the recesses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical device for use in orthodontics. The inventive device has a base (2) which is cemented onto a tooth (1) and a cap or closure element (3) which is mounted on the base (2). According to the invention, the device has the following functional characteristics: an orthodontic wire insertion groove which is provided on the cap or closure element instead of at the base of the bracket as is usual; the adjustment of the wire by means of a pull mechanism which is provided on the cap or closure element; a self-closing system for the wire; an aesthetic, functional design with minimum friction on soft tissues (lips); customization of the torque and the tip, such that suitable values can be applied according to the requirements of each case and treatment phase; and minimization of the time required to adjust arcs in the mouth.

Abstract: The self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body with an archwire slot, a pair of spaced apart mounting arms having first and second mounting slots, and a mounting pin permanently mounted in the first and second mounting slots. A closure member is slidably mounted to the body of the bracket and movable between and reversibly latchable in at least one of a closed position in which at least a portion of the archwire slot is covered and an open position in which the archwire slot is uncovered. The closure member may also be slidably and rotatably mounted to the body of the bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position.

Abstract: An orthodontic device and an orthodontic method that can prevent an orthodontic treatment from being eccentrically performed while aligning straightly tooth. The orthodontic device includes teeth-attachment unit attached to an orthodontic tooth object; and hook member provided in the teeth-attachment unit and having a connection part of traction unit for orthodontic treatment that is located in the vicinity of a center of resistance (CR) of a tooth. In addition, the orthodontic device includes teeth-attachment unit; and hook member provided in the teeth-attachment unit and having a connection part of traction unit for orthodontic treatment that is located in the vicinity of at least gingiva. Since the teeth-attachment unit of a bracket or a button is substantially horizontal to a traction line of the traction unit, it is possible to perform the orthodontic treatment effectively without eccentric phenomenon in which the tooth and a dental root are tilted.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth. The orthodontic bracket comprising a ceramic injection molded (CIM) bracket body including an archwire slot that is configured to receive the archwire therein. The CIM bracket body comprising a polycrystalline ceramic. A coating of alumina or silicon dioxide is in continuous and direct contact with at least the surfaces of the archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket is characterized by unexpectedly high torque strength. The ceramic injection molded (CIM) bracket body may comprise a polycrystalline ceramic having a grain size distribution characterized by an average grain size in the range of larger than 3.4 ?m to about 6 ?m such that the orthodontic bracket is also characterized by unexpectedly high fracture toughness. A method of making the orthodontic bracket comprises injection molding a bracket using a ceramic powder, sintering the molded bracket, and coating the ceramic injection molded bracket.

Abstract: A ceramic orthodontic bracket assembly for attaching an arch wire to a tooth of the invention includes a bracket body made of a first transparent or translucent ceramic which consists essentially of a monocrystalline alumina. The bracket body has a mesial-distal channel formed therein, and a generally rectangular liner made of a second transparent or translucent ceramic is disposed in the channel. The liner has occlusal and gingival side walls forming an archwire slot therebetween. Means such as brazing or adhesive are provided for bonding the liner in the channel in which it is configured to closely fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthodontic devices, e.g. dental brackets and the like equipment, intended to be attached to a tooth and in particular to the positioning and handling of equipment intended to be fastened to the tooth. According to the invention, the orthodontic device (1) comprises a component (3) adapted to be attached to a tooth and a placement jig (2) wherein said placement jig (2) is an integral part of said component (3) and attached to said component (3) at a connection (9). The connection (9) is adapted to be easily disconnected when the component (3) is attached to the tooth. In still a further aspect of the invention, it relates to an orthodontic device provided with a holding stick (11) which may serve the purpose of aiding in positioning the orthodontic device (1) or, in case of a self ligating bracket (3), being an aid in opening a lid (5). The invention is in particular useful for orthodontic devices to be placed at the lingual side of a tooth.

Abstract: A ceramic bracket has mesial and distal sections that are initially spaced apart from each other by an elongated channel. The bracket is debonded from a patient's tooth at the conclusion of treatment by pivoting one or both of the mesial and distal sections in an arc about a reference axis extending in a direction generally parallel to the channel. The bracket includes a recess that extends across a base of the bracket in generally parallel relationship to the channel. The base of the bracket has an aspect ratio that is less than about 0.95 and enables the bracket to be debonded with less force than might otherwise be necessary.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus includes an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic member removably coupled thereto. The orthodontic member includes an engaging member configured to engage a tie wing of the bracket in non-contact relation with the archwire such that the member exerts no active forces on the archwire. A bumper extends from the engaging member so as to cover a side of the bracket and thereby prevent or reduce contact between the bracket and opposing teeth. The orthodontic member may include a support pad and/or nubs for limiting movement of the member relative to the bracket. The orthodontic member may also include decorative elements for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: “REVERSIBLE AUTO-LINKED BRACKET OF LOW PROFILE WITH DOUBLE LOCK”, it consists of a bracket of single body with horizontal tube formed by two vertical fins with parallel channel, one in each fin, where is inserted the blade in the substantially “W” shape, whose shape combined with the manufacturing material propitiates memory so that enables the convertibility, and the body of bracket presents a superior lock and a inferior lock that keeps the blade opened for better handling of the traction elements (not represented), what becomes the bracket less augmented that summed with the rounded corners promotes a larger comfort and safety of collage.

Abstract: Orthodontic bracket comprising 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, said tie wings being two-by-two on opposite sides in relation to said slot (10) and partially emerging over a labial side (L) of said body (1), wherein said slot (10) is apt to receive an archwire (2), wherein said 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 means for an element (3) apt to prevent the archwire (2) from coming out of the slot (10). That said 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 said surface (121) of two tie wings (12) resulting on the same side in relation to the slot (10).

Abstract: The accessory mounting clip includes one or more clip members and one or more mounting portion on the one or more clip members that permits attachment of orthodontic appliances to an orthodontic aligner tray, allowing such aligner trays to be used for correction of moderate to severe orthodontic malocclusions.

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: 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 movable member are made from a transparent or translucent ceramic for improved aesthetics. The bracket body may include one or more stop surfaces that limit movement of the moveable member in the gingival direction. The bracket body may include a support surface that is positioned lingually of a labial edge of the archwire slot. The moveable member may include a bracket-engaging portion having a first surface confronting the bracket body and a slot-covering portion having a second surface confronting the archwire slot, the first and second surfaces being offset from one another.

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 is made from a transparent or translucent polycrystalline ceramic for improved aesthetics. The movable member may comprise the polycrystalline ceramic. 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: The presently disclosed and claimed invention is directed to anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions comprising an effective amount of a selenium compound, kits containing same, and methods of producing and using said anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions.

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 invention relates to a bracket which is intended for use in orthodontics and which is made entirely from plastic using an injection moulding process. The inventive bracket comprises the basic elements of any bracket, such as the base which is fixed or cemented to the tooth, the arch groove in the mesial-distal direction and flanges for standard wire ligatures or elastomers. The invention is essentially characterized in that, as with metal brackets, the fixing base provides mechanical retention and, as such, does not have to be coated with any type of chemical additive during the cementing procedure.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets having a bracket base including at least one arch wire slot formed therein and a bendable or flexible member (e.g., a film hinge) having a relatively thin cross-sectional thickness to facilitate flexing or bending of the member with little or no permanent deformation, wherein at least the bendable or flexible member comprises an amorphous metallic alloy.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets and appliances, and methods of making and using orthodontic brackets. The orthodontic bracket may include a molded identification marking including at least one alphanumeric character disposed on a visible surface. A kit of self-ligating orthodontic brackets may be provided that includes individual brackets of different archwire slot widths for attachment to anterior and posterior teeth during a corrective orthodontic treatment. An appliance or auxiliary may be provided that includes a spring-loaded latch operative to secure the appliance to an orthodontic bracket.