Abstract: Provided are orthodontic devices to orthopedically expand the upper jaw including a pre-formed arch wire adapted to conform to the interior contours of a patient's mouth. The arch includes a rear portion positioned at a level about a patient's rear molars and includes a first end and a second end adapted to slidably engage associated buccal tubes. The arch also includes a front portion positioned at a level above a patient's gingiva and into the patient's vestibule, and a rise portion between the rear portion and front portion that changes the effective level of the arch wire from the rear portion to the front portion. The device also includes a means for attaching the wire to the molar teeth.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method are provided for distracting bone. The device can comprise a bar and at least one connection interface. For example, the bar can comprise a first connection interface configured for releasable connection of the bar to at least one fixture inserted in a bone portion to be distracted. A second connection interface can be configured to connect the bar to a level adjustment device for distracting the bone portion.

Abstract: A clip for a self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly has a lifting element between the labial surface of the bracket and the labial portion of the clip that can be rotated to provide a range of adjustability in lifting the labial portion of the clip with respect to the bracket. The lifting element thereby controls the range of motion of the tongue of the clip in its closed position. This limits the forces applied by the clip to an archwire held in the archwire slot of the bracket, and also allows an archwire to slide freely in the slot. A threaded shaft or camming mechanism can be employed as the lifting element.

Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic bracket which comprises a support body (6) intended to be fixed onto a tooth and provided with a slot (9) for receiving an arch wire (5) capable of imparting a corrective action to the tooth and retaining means (10) able to interfere with the wire (5) so as to lock it inside the slot (9) The retaining means (10) are formed by a pair of lugs (10?) made as one piece with the support body (6) and having a retaining portion (11) which delimits the slot (9) at the top and interferes with the wire (5). The said lugs (10?) are provided with two opposite faces which delimit an opening (21) of a channel (20) for access to the slot (9).

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic article that includes a fluoropolymer and that exhibits at least 0.001% transmittance at 546 nm when measured according to the Transmittance Test Procedure.

Abstract: The arch wire of an orthodontic appliance is received in the channel of a bracket fixed to each of a patient's teeth to be repositioned. Each bracket includes a holder in which is removably located a selected one of a set of channel members, the channels of which are differently inclined to provide a selection of different force vectors to be introduced by the arch wire on the teeth. The holder is separable from the bracket base and is movable relative thereto to permit tipping the arch wire channel and changing its related height between the gingival and occlusal ends of the tooth, and means are provided which releaseably lock the holder in an adjusted position to the bracket base.