Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprised of a ligating member containing a coil spring segment for extending the ligating member over an archwire or retainer wire and over one or more tie wings to secure the archwire or retainer wire in the bottom of a slot in the bracket. The ligating member containing the coil spring may have ends that are engaged in opposing mesially-distally extending bores in one side of the bracket body, with the ligating member being engaged with one or more tie wings on an opposite side of the bracket body. Alternatively, the ligating member may form a closed loop with the ligating member engaged under both occlusally-projecting and gingivally-projecting tie wings or engaged under one or more tie wings on one side of the bracket body and passing through a mesially-distally extending bore on the opposite side of the bracket body.

Abstract: The present invention accordingly provides for an orthodontic bracket having a plurality of tiewings and a plurality of posts extending in the mesial/distal direction. The plurality of tiewings may be located on the occlusal side of the orthodontic bracket, and may include a center post between the tiewings, for placement reference and ligation of the orthodontic bracket. A hook may be provided on the gingival side of the orthodontic bracket for anchorage and ligating of the orthodontic bracket, and the tiewings may be provided on the occlusal and gingival side of the orthodontic bracket. The posts may be provided on the gingival side, or on the occlusal and gingival sides of the orthodontic bracket, to assist in bracket placement and to direct a ligature over or under an archwire occupying the archwire slot during treatment, as desired.

Abstract: This appliance comprises metal housings which are fastened by their base being glued to a defined tooth and of which those for the incisors, canines and premolars comprise a horizontal groove for receiving the arch wire, said groove issuing in the direction of the occlusal plane and being formed in an intermediate bridge connecting the base to an anterior wall, and ties, such as elastic rings, for tying the arch wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base (1) and at least one holder (3, 4) which is arranged on the base (1). A covering (2) which covers over the base (1) and the holder (3, 4) is secured to the base (1).

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket assembly includes a bracket and latch coupled to the bracket. The latch is movable between a slot-open position to enable removal or insertion of an archwire in an archwire slot of the bracket, and a slot-closed position to retain the archwire in the archwire slot. The latch includes a first portion that is received in a passage that extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction through a body of the bracket, and a second portion that is received lingually of at least one bracket tiewing when the latch is in the slot-closed position.

Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base (1) and at least one holder (3, 4) which is arranged on the base (1). A covering (2) which covers over the base (1) and the holder (3, 4) is secured to the base (1).

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has a latch for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The latch releases the archwire from the archwire slot whenever the archwire exerts a force on the appliance that exceeds a certain minimum value. The minimum value is less than about one-half of the force required in the same direction to debond the appliance from the tooth, and thus reduces the likelihood that the appliance will unintentionally debond from the tooth during the course of orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for straightening a tooth, has a base member adapted for attachment to the tooth to be straightened, and has a pair of spaced-apart upstanding walls each of which is provided with a slot for receiving a brace arch wire. The upstanding walls have retainer means which are engageable with a retainer band to hold in place the arch wire. In one embodiment, one of the slots in one wall has a ridge or narrowed portion on its bottom surface, which portion is so located with respect to the side faces of the wall that it facilitates any required bending of the arch wire. The elastic arch wire that is associated with the bracket can be easily bent over the ridge or narrowed portion due to the increased height provided by the same, for the purpose of applying a rotating force to the tooth to which the bracket is attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic component (1) with a base body (2) made from plastic (3), having a visible face (5), a base surface (6) spaced at a distance therefrom and side faces (7 to 10) extending between the latter. At least one slot-shaped recess (11) is arranged in the base body (2), which extends, starting from the visible face (5) in a direction towards the base surface (6) and between two oppositely lying side faces (7, 8). Arranged in the recess (11) is an insert element (4), which has a hardness value which is at most as high as the hardness value of the plastic (3) of the base body (2) of the component (1).

Abstract: When an orthodontic appliance is attached to the lingual side (back side) of teeth which is invisible from the outside, a large difference in level of the surface between adjacent teeth requires utilization of a wire bent in a complicated fashion. It has been found, however, that the difference in level between adjacent teeth is very small in a horizontal plane at a boundary between a crown and a root, thereby making it possible to draw a smooth envelope therealong. Based on this finding, with a view to placing a wire along such an envelope, a “lingual straight archwire” having a planar configuration comprising a simple curve and straight lines smoothly connected to ends of the curve and residing in a single horizontal plane and a bracket having a configuration suitable for the placement of the archwire are provided.

Abstract: A self-locking orthodontic bracket comprises a body (1) and a base (2) contoured to fit a tooth surface. The body (1) has an arch wire slot (3) extending horizontally across the labial/buccal surface, a pair of tie wings (4A and 4B) projecting vertically on either side of the arch wire slot (3), a retainer member (6) having a transverse part and two perpendicular horizontal extensions at the end (6A and 6B) attached to the sides of one of the tie wings (4A) and a slidable cover (5) retained and guided in the recess created between the retainer member (6) and the surface of the tie wing (4A). The slidable cover (5) can be moved vertically towards the tip of the tie wing (4A) to open the arch wire slot (3) and it can be moved in the opposite direction to close the arch wire slot (3). Different embodiments of the slidable cover (5) and the retainer member (6) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An orthodontic securing element has a base and at least one holder which is arranged on the base. A cover which covers over the base and the holder is secured to the base.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance of the present invention has a combination of a bracket with a hook and a bracket without a hook.The bracket with a hook includes a metal body formed with a groove therein adapted for being engaged with an arch wire and provided with a hook thereon, the hook is integrally formed with the metal body; and a synthetic resin housing for accommodating the metal body therein such that inner surface of the groove is exposed and at least top portion of the hook projects from the synthetic resin housing. The bracket without a hook includes a metal body formed with a groove therein adapted for being engaged with an arch wire; and a synthetic resin housing for accommodating the metal body therein such that inner surface of the groove is exposed.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic bracket includes a bonding pad for attaching said bracket to a lingual side of a tooth. A base member is connected to the bonding pad, and opposing first and second wings are connected to the base member for engaging opposite end portions of an O-ring. An archwire slot is defined in the base member between the first and second wings and has an entrance in a direction of the second wing, opposing first and second walls, and a base wall positioned opposite the entrance in a direction of the base member. The archwire slot is configured to receive an archwire in a direction substantially directed from the second wing to the base member at an acute angle to a plane of the bonding pad. A pair of O-ring slots are defined in opposite lateral sides of the base member at a location where the base member connects to the second wing in such a manner that the connection between the base member and the second wing forming a T-shaped member in plan view.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance of the present invention has a combination of a bracket with a hook and a bracket without a hook. The bracket with a hook includes a metal body formed with a groove therein adapted for being engaged with an arch wire and provided with a hook thereon, the hook is integrally formed with the metal body; and a synthetic resin housing for accommodating the metal body therein such that inner surface of the groove is exposed and at least top portion of the hook projects from the synthetic resin housing. The bracket without a hook includes a metal body formed with a groove therein adapted for being engaged with an arch wire; and a synthetic resin housing for accommodating the metal body therein such that inner surface of the groove is exposed.

Abstract: A dental tube and post combination is disclosed, wherein the dental tube and post have, respectively, a mating projection and indentation so that when the mating portions are fitted together, it is unlikely that the tube and post will be inadvertently separated from one another. However, the combined tube and post combination of the present invention can be readily separated by a dental technician using conventional dental tools. Moreover, each of the tube and post portions of the present invention can be used with conventional posts and tubes without compatibility concerns.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly includes a bracket including an transverse archwire slot. A first anterior surface of the bracket to one side of the slot terminates at one side slot surface. It is free of any anterior projections that would otherwise obscure viewing of the archwire slot opening by one installing or adjusting the bracket. A second anterior surface terminates at the remaining side slot surface. A ligating slide is guided within a pair of guides having inwardly facing guide slots located to the second side of the archwire slot. The ligating slide is movable between a retracted position and a cantilevered position over the archwire slot. The ligating slide is differentially colored with respect to the bracket. Various detents, both integral to the ligating slide or external to it and recessed within the bracket, are used to hold the ligating slide in its desired position relative to the supporting bracket structure.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets having tubular passages are bonded to at least six teeth in an upper or lower human dental arch, including at least two teeth other than molars, and a superflexible archwire is extended through all of the passages. The orthodontic brackets are non-metallic thin veneer bodies having tubular passages for receiving the archwire. Custom veneer bodies are fabricated using information obtained from a model or a sectioned model of a patient's dental arch, or from digital mapping of the patient's tooth surfaces or the facsimile tooth surfaces in the model. The orientation of each tubular passage in each bracket depends upon the desired final position of each tooth, and upon the degree of torque, tip and angulation required for achieving such position. Contrary to the prior practice of making orthodontic brackets as small as possible, the veneer bodies have a large bonding surface area that covers much of a tooth facial surface and corresponds with the facial surface shape of the tooth.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pre-engaging orthodontic bracket includes a body having a lingual surface for attachment to a tooth, a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings. The gingival and occlusal tie wings project from a labial surface of the body. An archwire slot extends mesiodistally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body to accommodate an archwire. A pivot pin extends between a pair of the tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body. A shutter is moveable relative to the body between an open position in which placement and removal of an archwire into the archwire slot is facilitated and a closed position in which placement and removal of an archwire into the archwire slot is inhibited.

Abstract: A pre-engaging orthodontic bracket for attaching an archwire to a tooth includes a body having a lingual surface for attachment to the tooth, a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings. The gingival and occlusal tie wings project from a labial surface of the body. The gingival and occlusal tie wings are separated by an interwing region of the body. An archwire slot extends mesiodistally across the body between the gingival and occlusal tie wings to accommodate and archwire. A locking shutter is pivotally mounted about at least one pivot pin on the body between an open position in which placement and removal of an archwire in the archwire slot is facilitated and a closed position in which placement of the archwire in the archwire slot is inhibited. Alternative embodiments of a pre-engaging orthodontic brackets are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprises a spring ligating member comprising a thin flat metal strip that embraces the bracket body and is moved thereon between slot closed and open positions. At least the free end part of the spring member labial arm portion that closes the slot is of smaller width in the mesial distal direction than the arch wire slot gingival surface which is provided with a recess of smaller mesial distal width so that it is closed at its mesial and distal ends. The free end part of the labial arm portion extends into the recess to protect the spring member against excessive movement in the labial direction, while the arch wire slot gingival surfaces at the closed mesial and distal ends of the recess are engagable by an arch wire in the slot for application of maximum torque moment from the arch wire to the bracket.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic bracket includes a body (12) having a three-sided archwire slot (14, 414), and a hinged closure member (22, 422) pivotally and pivotable across the archwire slot and into a closed position in the closure member slot. The closure member includes a cam shaped central portion (28, 428A, 428B) extending across the archwire to retain it in the archwire slot under shear. The cam portion is convexly shaped to seat the archwire in the slot during closure. A bumper or rotation member (340, 440) can be used to bias the archwire against the closure member. The closure member (422) is formed with two sides that enclose the sides of the bracket and locking ears (425A, 425B) that engage the bracket body. The bracket includes two oppositely directed wings (418, 426) for receiving a ligature or O-ring.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pre-engaging orthodontic bracket includes a body having a lingual surface for attachment to a tooth, a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings. The gingival and occlusal tie wings project from a labial surface of the body. An archwire slot extends mesiodistally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body to accommodate an archwire. A pivot pin extends between a pair of the tie wings at opposed mesial and distal sides of the body. A shutter is moveable relative to the body between an open position in which placement and removal of an archwire into the archwire slot is facilitated and a closed position in which placement and removal of an archwire into the archwire slot is inhibited.

Abstract: A low profile self-ligating orthodontic bracket having a base plate which may be adhesively attached to the lingual or labial surface of a tooth, and which includes a transverse slot extending across the front surface of the base plate for receiving an arch wire, and which includes a cover plate extending over the slot and resiliently self-biased against the front surface of the base to force the arch wire down into the slot. The cover plate may be turned outwardly by the orthodontist to permit the arch wire to be inserted into the slot or removed from the slot, and when the cover plate is released, it moves with force against the front surface of the base to trap the arch wire in the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided including a plastic bracket main member (1) having a wire slot (2) and tie-wings (3). A reinforcing member (11) having a retention groove (14) is embedded in the bracket main member (1) such that the wire slot (2) is reinforced by the retention groove (14) of reinforcing member (11). An orthodontic arch wire used in orthodontic treatment is retained by the retention groove (14) of the reinforcing member (11). The reinforcing member (11) also includes a groove (16) delineating a vertical slot for receiving auxiliary apparatuses such as uprighting springs and rotation springs such that orthodontic treatment requiring such apparatuses can be suitably performed using plastic brackets.

Abstract: A multiarch assembly comprises first and second parallel archwires, each formed into a segment of an orthodontic archform spanning a plurality of a patient's teeth, a multiarch bracket having a bracket body defining reentrant archwire slots along opposite occluso-gingival sides of the base for receiving and seating the first and second archwires in a base portion therein, the base portions of the slots having a predetermined center-to-center occluso-gingival spacing; and an interarch connector having a connector body formed of a resilient material with first and second archwire openings spaced apart along an occluso-gingival axis of elongation and sized for the first and second archwires to be threaded therethrough, the connector body being resiliently deformable along the axis of elongation to enable the archwires to be spread apart and then to urge the archwires toward one another in a direction of contraction along the axis of elongation; the holes in the interarch connector being spaced center-to-center a

Abstract: A bond card for mounting prepasted orthodontic appliances that includes a substantially rigid planar substrate and a flexible adhesive-releasing film attached to the substrate and having a plurality of unmounted or unattached portions serving as sites for the appliances that are capable of being lifted from the surface of the substrate to facilitate removal of the appliance for mounting on a tooth.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic bracket includes a body having a three-sided archwire slot, a closure member slot, and a hinged closure member pivotally and pivotable across the archwire slot and into a closed position in the closure member slot. The closure member includes a cam shaped portion extending across the archwire to retain it in the archwire slot under shear. The cam portion is convexly shaped to force the archwire to seat in the slot as the closure member is rotated toward the closed position, and has a neutral to over-center or negative camming action upon closure to retain the closure member in the closed position. The closure member includes a protrusion that wedges into the closure member slot in the closed position, The bracket includes two oppositely directed wings formed respectively on the body and the closure member for receiving a ligature or O-ring.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising (A) 98 to 60 parts by weight of a polymerizable monomer mixture containing 2 to 25% by weight of a monomer having acidic group, (B) 2 to 40 parts by weight of a polymer, preferably a polymer which can form a solution or dispersion having the property that the solution or dispersion of 10 parts by weight of the polymer in 90 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate shows a viscosity of 100 cps or less at 25.degree. C., and (C) 0.01 to 35 parts by weight of a polymerization initiator, provided that the total amount of the components (A), (B) and (C) is 100 parts by weight.According to the present invention, there can be provided an adhesive composition which is easy to handle for the restoration treatment of a tooth, so that adhesion dental treatment can be reliably carried out.

Abstract: A miniature orthodontic bracket having a slender aspect ratio and small base area. The bracket may be partially tapered in the occlusal half, with sides joining at a point and forming an acute angle. A deflecting tip may be provided on an occlusal extension of the base, and the archwire slot may be located in the gingival one half.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and ligature are provided in which the bracket, in the preferred embodiment, includes a cylindrical post, spaced from a bracket base to extend horizontally parallel thereto, and having an archwire slot therein. A spring material ligature band, naturally coiled and secured to a plastic installation strip, is pulled around the post of the bracket until a hooked trailing terminal end of the band catches on the bracket, pulling it loose from the strip, and allowing it to snap around the post to hold and confine the archwire in the slot. Different width ligatures seat to different positions on the post to allow the wire to be held to selected tightnesses in the slot by selection of the ligature.

Abstract: A bracket having a closure slot extending through both sides of the bracket body across an archwire slot for a closure member to secure an archwire. The bracket body has an internal shoulder extending across one side of the closure slot. The closure member is a lengthwise-folded flat spring having a free end positioned and biased to engage the shoulder when closed, and including a ramp forming a cam at the distal end thereof. Pushing the closure member lengthwise in the closure slot with sufficient force depresses the free end to disengage it from the internal shoulder to slide the closure member to an open position. Intermediate retention ears are formed on the core of the closure member to engage opposite lateral sides of the closure slot when open. A bendable tab is formed in the bracket body to block the closure member from removal from one end of the closure slot after insertion therein. The bracket body has twin pairs of tie wings to provide dual modes of closure.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided including a plastic bracket body and a metal reinforcement member partly embedded in the bracket body. The bracket body includes a slot extending substantially along a mesial-distal axis of the bracket body for receiving an arch wire. The reinforcement member includes a holding notch having a width that is smaller than that of the slot of the bracket body. The holding notch is positioned inside the slot and spaced-apart from the slot surfaces to form an arch wire holding mechanism for engaging the arch wire and to substantially avoid contact between the arch wire and the surfaces of the slot.

Abstract: A multiarch assembly comprises first and second parallel archwires, each formed into a segment of an orthodontic archform spanning a plurality of a patient's teeth, a multiarch bracket having a bracket body defining reentrant archwire slots along opposite occluso-gingival sides of the base for receiving and seating the first and second archwires in a base portion therein, the base portions of the slots having a predetermined center-to-center occluso-gingival spacing; andan interarch connector having a connector body formed of a resilient material with first and second archwire openings spaced apart along an occluso-gingival axis of elongation and sized for the first and second archwires to be threaded therethrough, the connector body being resiliently deformable along the axis of elongation to enable the archwires to be spread apart and then to urge the archwires toward one another in a direction of contraction along the axis of elongation;the holes in the interarch connector being spaced center-to-center a d

Abstract: An improved lingual orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body having a three-sided archwire slot, a hinged closure member pivotable across the archwire slot and two oppositely directed wings formed respectively on the bracket body and the closure member for receiving a ligature or O-ring to secure the closure member in the closed position, the closure member having a closure portion which extends across the archwire to retain the archwire in the slot under shear. The closure member is a substantially rigid member formed in a generally J-shape and connected by a hinge to the bracket body on the opposite side of the archwire slot from the first tie wing. The closure member has a first end connected pivotally by the hinge to the bracket body, a second distal end forming a tie wing oppositely directed from the bracket tie wing, and a central portion shaped so as to extend across the archwire slot to retain the archwire seated in shear in the archwire slot.

Abstract: A bracket having a closure slot extending through both sides of the bracket body across art archwire slot for a closure member to secure an archwire. The bracket body has an internal shoulder extending across one side of the closure slot. The closure member is a lengthwise-folded flat spring having a free end positioned and biased to engage the shoulder when closed, and including a ramp forming a cam at the distal end thereof. Pushing the closure member lengthwise in the closure slot with sufficient force depresses the free end to disengage it from the internal shoulder to slide the closure member to an open position. Intermediate retention ears are formed on the core of the closure member to engage opposite lateral sides of the closure slot when open. A bendable tab is formed in the bracket body to block the closure member from removal from one end of the closure slot after insertion therein. The bracket body has twin pairs of tie wings to provide dual modes of closure.

Abstract: A device for correcting teeth irregularities includes a bracket to be fixed on a tooth. The bracket has a slit, and a base plate is interposed between the bracket and the surface to be fixed to the tooth. A wire is inserted into the slit and engaged with the bracket. The base plate has a thickness which is in a range of 0.5 to 5 mm, and the base plate is composed of an easily plastically deformable resin on a surface to be fixed to the tooth. The base plate is capable of deforming to allow the bracket to be inclined at an angle relative to the vertical direction.

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket (10) comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings (12, 14) which define an archwire slot (18) therebetween. Notches (20) are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg (28) of each T-shaped tie wing (12, 14) for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches (20) are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings (12, 14) and comprise sloped portions (24) that extend labially towards the archwire slot (18). Convex sidewall portions (42) and convex floor portions (44) are provided in the archwire slot (18) adjacent to the notches (20). An auxiliary slot (70) may be centrally disposed under the center legs (28) of the opposing T-shaped tie wings (12, 14). Alternatively, twin auxiliary slots (80) may be disposed under the convex archwire slot floor portions (44).

Abstract: A self-locking orthodontic bracket includes a supporting base and transversely spaced tying lugs interrupted by a transverse archwire slot. A closure mounted on the bracket includes a movable cover slidably overlapping an anterior surface across the bracket. The closure is supported by sliding guides that engage opposed side surfaces of the tying lugs. A transverse flat spring is recessed within the fixed wall to selectively engage indented areas on the posterior surface of the cover and serve as a detent. The detent selectively positions the cover in an open or closed position relative to the archwire slot. The brackets are preferably installed in two sets for attachment to the upper and lower teeth with the covers of both sets being movable to their open positions in common inferior directions. This facilitates visualization of the open archwire slot and adjacent bracket surfaces by attending professionals.

Abstract: A self-locking orthodontic bracket includes a base for attachment to a tooth or tooth band. Transversely spaced tying lugs project from the base and include opposed extensions for orthodontic attachment purposes. The tying lugs present an anterior surface interrupted by an archwire slot. A closure mounted on the bracket includes a movable cover slidably engaging the anterior surface of the bracket. The cover spans the full width of the tying lugs and has a perpendicular width greater than the width of the archwire slot across the anterior surface. The closure is supported on the bracket by a pair of guides that slidably engage opposed side surfaces of the tying lugs for opening and closing the cover. The closure can also be designed to complement the archwire slot structure between the lugs, forming a complete tube encircling the archwire across the full width of the bracket when the cover is in its closed position.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket, such as a bracket made of ceramic material, is provided with a liner that enhances sliding mechanics between the bracket and an archwire. A portion of the liner projects beyond the bracket body and optionally includes an occlusal, gingival or lingual section that extends over a mesial or distal side of the bracket body. A bottom surface of the liner is located a distance from a bottom wall of a channel receiving the liner, and the distance optionally varies along the length of the archwire slot in order to urge the attached tooth to rotate as needed about its long axis. The liner is bonded to the bracket body in such a manner that the bracket body is thereafter held by the liner in compression.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orthodontic appliance comprising of a plurality of brackets and molar tubes for the correction of malocclusion of teeth. The bracket features a horizontal rectangular slot in the gingival surface for securing round arch wires and rectangular arch wires in ribbon-arch mode. The bracket allows free tipping, controlled tipping or bodily movement of the tooth depending on the mode of securing the arch wire to the slot. The molar tube features at least one rectangular tube which is vertical in cross-section, corresponding to the arch wire slot of the bracket. The tube provides better control over the molar tooth leading to stronger anchorage. The appliance allows different tooth movements with total control for precise positioning of all the teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a bracket having a front face provided with a rectangular recess for receiving an archwire and rear face for attachment to a tooth or backing plate with an intermediate segment defining a peripheral groove having a pair of base surfaces which are curved about a common axis for receiving supplemental or primary archwires; the body is provided with a rear segment including a through channel for receiving a retaining pin which has a head for cooperation with a notch formed in the front face; the recess of the front face is angled in two directions to increase the variability of the forces that can be applied to the subjacent tooth in practice.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a ceramic body having an elongated channel, and a metallic archwire slot liner that is received in the channel. The liner is affixed to the ceramic body by a brazing process using a brazing material such as platinum, silver, an active metal or a mixture of molybdenum and manganese. Alternatively, the liner is formed in situ in the bracket body.

Abstract: In order to provide an orthodontic bracket having no tie wings, capable of removing drawbacks of prior art brackets, in an orthodontic bracket according to the present invention a main body of the bracket is made of shape memory alloy or resin. Further, in lieu of tie wings, there are disposed nail portions for holding an arch wire in a slot of the bracket. Owing to such a construction, the orthodontic force can act thereon with a high efficiency and the size of the bracket can be reduced. In addition, since the tie wings are unnecessary, accidents due to a cut end of a ligature wire are reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel bracket assembly for producing tooth movement in the treatment of dental malocclusions. A dual bracket system includes a primary and secondary bracket. An archwire is received in the secondary bracket. The primary bracket is attached to the tooth and the secondary bracket engages the primary bracket, thereby holding the secondary bracket and the archwire in place. Various configurations of the secondary bracket can be used with the primary bracket for producing desired tooth movements. A novel pin and ligature assembly can be used with the bracket assembly or a conventional bracket.

Abstract: A self-locking orthodontic bracket having a body with an archwire slot, and a locking slide member which is movable to open and close the slot. Archwire retention is provided by the slide member without use of conventional ligatures or tie wires. A resilient member is provided to retain the slide member in either the open or closed position, while preventing excessive sliding movement which could disengage the slide member from the bracket body.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided for use with an arch wire to apply corrective forces to a tooth. The bracket includes a vertical member having a slot formed therein for receiving the arch wire and a wide base horizontal member connected to the vertical member. The vertical member is positioned gingivally with respect to the horizontal member. The horizontal member includes opposing first and second ends that extend away from the vertical member and define a pair of spaced-apart wire engaging points engageable with the arch wire during treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two piece fixed functional orthodontic bracket appliance to which a flexible archwire can be engaged. This two piece orthodontic bracket appliance allows for constant mobility through a full range of orthodontic tooth movement, and provides for greater innerbracket distance. It also allows free sliding of wires through its components in such a way as to reduce binding and friction. It also provides an irregular base which promotes mechanical bonding to teeth.

Abstract: A teeth straightening bracket comprises a base plate, a wire support disposed on the base plate, and a wire passage groove formed in the wire support for causing a correcting wire to pass therethrough under sliding movement. At least one of pair of engaging fingers for a binding wire is disposed on both sides of the wire support excepting for both longitudinal ends thereof. Further engaging fingers are preferably disposed on both longitudinal ends of the wire support in perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.