Abstract: A device for the orthodontic and/or orthopedic correction in a dental arch. The device includes at least one thrust or traction element attached to a first set of teeth at one end a second set of teeth at an opposite end. The thrust or traction element includes a pair of telescopically engaged elongated members, a pair of stops, and a spring. At least one of the stops can be adjusted in an axial direction of the elongated members to regulate the amount of compression in the spring. The thrust or traction forces are exerted at a level of the basal gingiva and attached to the teeth of the first and second sets as close to the cervical zone as possible. The device permits expansion and contraction of the dental arch in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arch, as well as lengthening and shortening of the dental arch in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An orthodontic dental distractor for rapid orthodontic tooth movement into a fresh extraction socket. The device includes a screw bar and a screw nut fixedly engaged with one end of the screw bar, a first joint engageable with one end of the screw bar next to the screw nut and a first hook engageable with a canine band mounted on a canine. A second joint is engageable with another end of the screw bar and has a second hook engageable with a molar band mounted on a molar. By turning the screw nut, the screw bar will move the first joint towards the second joint, thus moving the canine rearward toward the molar.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dento-maxillo-facial orthodontics and orthopedics. The apparatus includes a base structure (1) able to be fixed to lateroposterior teeth (2) of the superior arch transversally to the sagittal plane (s—s) in correspondence of the palatal vault. The base structure (1) exhibits a plurality of arms (10) developed orthogonally to the plane (s—s) and at ends of which corresponding annular bands (11) are provided to allow a stable positioning thereof on said teeth (2). A device is provided for the removable or irremovable fastening of one or more orthodontic or orthopedic modules which are, in turn, provided with a portion able to be engaged with this fastening device of the base structure (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dental base regeneration has a support bar having fixing members on ends thereof for fixing the bar to teeth of the mandible or maxilla. A bone section engagement member, such as a fork or spade, is connected to a shaft and is inserted into a bone section resulting from osteotomy. A mechanism connects the support member with the shaft for vertical translation of the shaft. Thus, the bone section can be gradually vertically distracted to allow tissue to regenerate and gradually augment the bone ridge of the maxilla or the mandible.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is adapted for treating overjet in a patient having an upper jaw, a lower jaw, lower teeth in the lower jaw and upper teeth in the upper jaw which are abnormally forward of the lower teeth. The teeth have lingual sides and labial sides. The appliance includes an upper attachment device which is configured to be secured to at least one of the upper teeth on each side of the upper jaw. A lower attachment device has a pair of lower connectors. Each lower connector is configured to be secured to at least one of the lower teeth of the patient on each side of the lower jaw. A rigid, wire-like lingual bow is extendable between the lower connectors about the lingual sides of the lower teeth. A rigid, wire-like labial bow is extendable between the lower connectors about the labial sides of the lower teeth. The bows are connected to the lower connectors. A bite jumping device interconnects each side of the upper attachment device to a corresponding side of the lower attachment device.

Abstract: The invention consists of an anchoring device to be applied in the palatal arch to anchor the wires suitable for orthodontic treatment. Said anchoring device consists of: the first screw (1) with a threaded shank (11; 12) topped by a substantially cylindrical collar (13), with non cylindrical head (14) of reduced width as compared to the diameter of said collar; said first screw has a threaded hole (15) coaxial to the axis of said first screw; a substantially cylindrical distance sleeve with two central hollows (62; 63), the first hollow (62) non cylindrical and with a profile suitable to mate with said collar (14) of said first screw. The second hollow (63) has a substantially cylindrical profile suitable to the passage of the shank (71) of a second screw (7). The second screw (7) has a head (73) topping said cylindrical shank and a threaded end part (72), where said head has a threaded hole (74) suitable for receiving said locking screw (10) of the cap (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing bone distraction and/or tooth movement, and more particularly to a widening or contracting device which is capable of effecting bone distraction in more than one plane of space simultaneously. In its broadest aspects, the present invention is a device that can be used for bone distraction or osteogenesis, as well as tooth movement, which includes an expandible (or contractible) member for affixation in the oral cavity of a patient. The device is adapted to provide distraction of a selected craniofacial bone, such as the mandible, or movement of teeth, simultaneously in more than one plane of space. The expandible (or contractible) member includes a mechanism for expanding (or contracting) the expandible (or contractible) member to achieve the desired distraction of the selected bone or movement of selected teeth.

Abstract: Teeth within a patient's mouth are moved by an orthodontic method of treatment in which orthodontic appliances are installed at a desired time during the treatment on the teeth to be moved. Cortical bone adjacent the roots of the teeth to be moved is partially decorticated. Bone grafting material is installed between the partially decorticated cortical bone and the mucoperiosteum. The orthondontic appliances are adjusted thereafter as needed to move the teeth toward the positions desired. One orthodontic appliance which can be used for applying orthopedic force between a patient's anterior teeth on one side of an edentulous area and a patient's posterior teeth on the other side includes a front body, a back body and a screw member operatively connected between them. The screw member is adjustable to cause the front body and the back body to move away from one another and to move toward one another while transmitting an orthopedic force between them.

Abstract: A tensioning screw for orthodontic teeth straightening devices employed to adjust the situation and position of teeth along the curve of the jaw. The screw includes a nut and a threaded shaft that extends through it. An essentially resilient component (11) is disposed between the nut (6) and the shaft (2), at least on one side where the shaft enters or leaves the nut, and rests against the shaft's threads to prevent the shaft from undesired turning with respect to the nut.

Abstract: Apparatus having screw means for the mandibular distraction comprising, for each side of the dental arch under treatment, at least two bands (1, 10) capable of being fitted on predetermined dental elements and fixed to corresponding bodies (5, 6) with two parallel guide rods (7) going therethrough and disposed on opposite sides with respect to the expansion screw (2) which drives said bodies (5, 6) away from each other to allow for the corresponding stretching apart of said bands (1, 10), said screw (2) being provided with a driving portion (20) for driving it into rotation under the operator's control to cause the said separation of the orthodontic bands (1, 10) associated to the bodies (5, 6). The driving portion (20) of the screw (2) is arranged, in correspondence of the head of the screw (2), parallel to said rods (7): the driving portion (20) of the screw (2) facing the mouth of the patient to be engagable by a driving tool (8).

Abstract: An improved pivotal mounting boss for attachment to front or rear orthodontic bands on a mandibular arch expander and a maxillary arch expander. The pivotal mounting boss includes a base casing that is soldered or welded to the orthodontic band. A screw is threadedly engaged in the base casing. The base casing has an opening formed therein for the insertion of an arch wire. The opening can be preangulated to assist in root angulation when the arch wire is inserted.

Abstract: A mandibular arch expander for moving the lower teeth of an individual in better alignment with the upper teeth of the individual. The expander includes a first orthodontic band and a second orthodontic band attachable to opposite molars on each side of a patient's lower mouth. A first and second attachment device is provided for bonding to at least one tooth located between the lower molar and the incisor teeth. An expansion mechanism is provided for widening the mandibular arch near the front incisor teeth. The expansion mechanism is located between the first and second attachment device. A first helical spring apparatus is located between the first attachment device and the first orthodontic band and is actuable for applying both rotational and linear forces to the first molar tooth. A second helical spring apparatus is located between the second attachment device and the second orthodontic band and is actuable for applying both rotational and linear forces to the second molar tooth.

Abstract: Expansion screw for orthodontic plates or prothesis of synthetic resin, comprising at least one spindle (1) with at least a threaded portion (10), a block (3; 17) with through hole (31) for housing one part of the threaded portion (10) of spindle (1), guide means (2; 16) for moving each block (3; 17), means (11, 12) for actuating each spindle (1), wherein said hole (31) provided in each of said bodies (3; 17) has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the corresponding threaded portion (10) of spindle (1) to allow for the interposition of a corresponding amount of resin in which a surface is cast of specular shape with respect to that of said threading and which takes up the form of the corresponding nut screw: each block (3) being integral with a corresponding element of the orthodontic plate or prothesis.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthodontic anchor system for controlling or altering the position of teeth, which is comprised of an anchor for selective attachment to a palate, a transpalatal member having a first and second end, where either the first end is attached to the anchor and the second end is attached to a tooth or teeth, or the first and second end are each respectively attached to a tooth or teeth and a center portion of the transpalatal member is attached to the anchor, and a stress breaker that is included either within the transpalatal member or between the anchor and transpalatal member. The anchor can be comprised of one or more dental implants or subperiosteal implants with the transpalatal member either attached directly thereto, or the stress breaker is directly attached thereto and also attached to the transpalatal member. The stress breaker is preferably comprised of a biasing element or a spring.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a mandibular arch expander and a maxillary arch expander which are interconnected by a pair of adjustable connector assemblies. The maxillary and mandibular arch expanders each include front and rear orthodontic bands which have bosses to facilitate connection of the connector assemblies to the arch expanders. The connector assemblies include an expandable tube assembly and a rod which extends through said expandable tube assembly. The expandable tube assembly has a mount at a first end thereof adapted to connect the connector to the rear orthodontic band of the maxillary arch. The rod has a mount adjacent a second end of the expandable tube assembly adapted to be connected to the front orthodontic bands of the mandibular arch expander. The tube assemblies each include a hollow posterior tube and an anterior tube which are telescopically connected. Preferably, the anterior tube has a hollow body which is externally threaded at its back end.

Abstract: An orthodontic palate expander apparatus comprises an expansion screw assembly having first and second side plates with a threaded member connected between the plates so that its rotation in a first rotational direction about its longitudinal axis causes the plates to move away from one another in a palate expanding manner and rotation of it in the opposite direction causes the side plates to move toward one another for adjustment of the apparatus. A first gear is fixed to central regions of the threaded member and a second gear is mounted in driving relationship therewith. Manual rotation of the second gear thus causes rotation of the threaded member to thereby move the plates toward or away from each other according to the direction in which the second gear is rotated. The second gear is oriented so that with the apparatus installed in a patient's palate portions of the second gear are accessible through the patient's open mouth for turning the gear, for example, with an Allen wrench or screwdriver.

Abstract: A hard palate supporting device for pushing apart or anchoring of upper teeth, such as molars and/or premolars, includes a hard palate supporting element and/or carrier therefor, a hinge by means of which the supporting element or carrier is rotatable relative to an axis of rotation extending in the transverse direction of the teeth, and a spring which on rotation of the supporting element or carrier in a direction away from the position resting against the hard palate exerts on the supporting element or carrier a force counter-acting such rotation. The supporting device can also include a stopper which limits rotation in the direction of the position resting against the hard palate, preferably to the contact position.

Abstract: A bone distraction device fixed by screws to a sectioned bone to facilitate multidirectional repositioning of the jaw bone. The expansion device is expandable to cause incremental expansion in the bone for lengthening or widening thereof. Support wires extending from the device can be clipped to desired lengths to accommodate the particular orientation of the device with respect to the bone. Forked or split anchor ends are then attachable to the wire arms and crimped or otherwise secured thereto. The anchor ends engage with respective bone screws so that when the expansion device is activated, the bone is forced apart.

Abstract: An orthodontic dental distractor was invented for rapid orthodontic tooth movement into a fresh extraction socket. It is derived from the concept of distraction osteogenesis. The device includes a distractor head, a movable joint and a screw. The distractor head has one end engageable with a molar band mounted on a molar and another end connecting with a sliding bar on which a screw seat is fixedly mounted. The movable joint is engageable with a canine band mounted on the canine. The screw has a screw head and is engageable with the screw seat and the movable joint. By turning the screw head, the screw can drive the movable joint moving toward the screw seat and consequently moving tooth rapidly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel orthopedic device for opening a patient's nasal airway.

Abstract: An oral osteodistraction device has first and second sets of engagement members adapted to be attached to at least teeth of respective opposite lateral sides of one of the bones of the jaw. A first expander assembly is attached to the first set of engagement members, the first expander assembly having at least one expandable screw device. A second expander assembly is attached to the second set of tooth engagement members, the second expander assembly also comprises at least one expandable screw device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the distal movement of the molars, bicuspids and canines. A palate plate (10) is molded to the palate and attached to the teeth. The appliance also includes molar band attachments (16) that are attached to the palate plate by a spring-loaded wire (12). The spring (13) creates a distal force on the molars. The bicuspids are securely attached to the palate molar, therefore creating a distal movement of only the molars. Once the distal movement of the molars is complete, the bicuspids are detached from the palate plate (10) allowing for bicuspid distal movement.

Abstract: A subperiosteal bone anchor used in two distinct applications; as an orthodontic anchor system, and as an orthopedic anchor system. As an orthodontic anchor system, it is used for treatment of growth disharmony and malalignment of the teeth in which the subperiosteal bone anchor is surgically placed in the subperiosteal tunnel on skeletal bone allowing osseointegration between the subperiosteal bone anchor bone interface and the bone. After osseointegration a palatal bar or palatal wire is attached to the cylinder of orthodontic anchor system, which is attached to the abutment, which is attached to the subperiosteal bone anchor, and the palatal bar or palatal wire is also attached to bands around one or more teeth, holding them immobile. As an orthopedic anchor system the subperiosteal bone anchor is used to stabilize devices which need to be anchored to a bone, or to transmit attractive or distractive forces to a bone for reconstruction or transformation.

Abstract: A palatal arch expander assembly provides low, constant expansion forces to the palatal arch and provides individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. A shape memory or superelastic archwire can be cooled below its transition temperature so that it is easily bendable for insertion into the mouth. After insertion, the archwire warms to a temperature above its transition temperature and provides low, continual expansion forces throughout the treatment period without requiring further adjustment. A pair of adjustment wires are bendable and provide individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. The adjustment wires can be readjusted at any point during the treatment period. The archwire can be formed from a nickel-titanium alloy wire or superelastic material and the adjustment wires can be formed from nicoloy, stainless steel, or similar metal wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic distalizing apparatus, of the type applicable removably to a dental arch, comprises a supporting framework (1) equipped with anatomical means supporting framework equipped with an anatomical support device for supporting the framework on a part of the basal gingiva and underlying bony support of the arch, preferably on the lingual side thereof. The apparatus further comprises a device for anchoring the framework to at least one anchoring tooth and pusher elements that may be spring loaded. The pusher elements are interposed between the framework and a device for fastening to a further tooth of at least one side of the arch. The pusher elements exert a distalizing force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the arch in the region of the tooth being distalized. The pusher elements are arranged on the lingual side of the dental arch, preferably in a position lowered toward the basal gingiva and underlying bony support of the arch.

Abstract: The apparatus for obtaining an at least prevailing or even exclusive expansion in the anterior sector of the maxillary arch two substantially symmetrical components (1, 3) with arms (11, 12; 31, 32) fan-like stretching apart and to be combined with orthodontic bands (40); the two components (1, 3) are articulated to one another by means of a hinge (5); an expansion screw (7) acting between the two components (1, 3) is able to stretch them angularly apart by progressive actions to be exerted on the same screw.

Abstract: A subperiosteal bone anchor used in two distinct applications; as an orthodontic anchor system, and as an orthopedic anchor system. As an orthodontic anchor system, it is used for treatment of growth disharmony and malalignment of the teeth in which the subperiosteal bone anchor is surgically placed in the subperiosteal tunnel on skeletal bone allowing osseointegration between the subperiosteal bone anchor bone interface and the bone. After osseointegration a palatal bar or palatal wire is attached to the orthodontic anchor system and attached to bands around one or more teeth, holding them immobile. As an orthopedic anchor system the subperiosteal bone anchor is used to stabilize devices which need to be anchored to a bone, or to transmit attractive or distractive forces to a bone for reconstruction or transformation.

Abstract: A orthodontic appliance having a midarch expander positioned between two forward orthodontic bands to effect intercanine arch length development and bilateral spring-loaded telescopic rod and tube assemblies for molar distalization and added arch length development in the mandibular or maxillary bicuspid area. In one embodiment of the invention the midarch expander is an jackscrew complex connecting a bilateral palate plate. Each side of the palate plate is attached to a canine and a molar with an orthodontic band. In another embodiment of the appliance, a molded palate plate is divided into four sections, two forward sections and two rear sections. Each forward section is attached to a canine tooth and each rear section is attached to a molar with an orthodontic band. The midarch expander is positioned between the two forward sections and the two rear sections are attached to their respective forward section by a spring-loaded telescopic rod and tube assembly.

Abstract: Attachment are used with a mandibular distraction device for use in distracting the mandible subsequent to corticotomy thereof. First and second sets of crowns of the device are adapted to be attached to the bicuspid and molar teeth of respective opposite lateral sides of the mandible. A first pair of expander assemblies are removably or fixedly attachable to the opposite sides of the first set of crowns, and a second pair of expander assemblies are removably or fixedly attachable to the opposite sides of the second set of crowns. Each pair of expander assemblies includes one expandable device and one sliding tube assembly. The attachments include receptor attachments that are provided to be attached to the bicuspid crowns and the molar crowns, and corresponding connector attachments that are provided to be attached to the screw devices and sliding tube assemblies for connection thereof to the crowns.

Abstract: A orthodontic appliance having a midarch expander positioned between two forward orthodontic bands to effect intercanine archlength development and bilateral spring-loaded rod and tube assemblies for molar distalization and added archlength development in the mandibular or maxillary bicuspid area. In one embodiment of the invention the midarch expander is an expansion screw complex. In another embodiment of the appliance, the midarch expander is a spring-loaded rod and tube assembly. In the maxillary arch expander, a pair of spring-loaded tube assemblies function as the midarch expander.

Abstract: A mandibular distraction device for use in distracting the mandible subsequent to corticotomy thereof includes first and second sets of crowns adapted to be attached to the bicuspid and molar teeth of respective opposite lateral sides of the mandible. A first pair of expander assemblies are removably or fixedly attachable to the opposite sides of the first set of crowns, and a second pair of expander assemblies are removably or fixedly attachable to the opposite sides of the second set of crowns. Each pair of expander assemblies includes one expandable device and one sliding tube assembly. Receptors are provided to be attached to the bicuspid crowns and the molar crowns, and corresponding connectors are provided to be attached to the screw devices and sliding tube assemblies for connection thereof to the crowns.

Abstract: The telescoping mandibular advancing device is an orthodontic appliance used to promote the forward displacement of the lower jaw. The appliance comprises a pair of telescoping devices that attach on one end to the maxillary arch via a modified ball and socket device and on the other end to the mandibular arch via a modified ball and socket device. The modified ball and socket attachments are specifically designed to simplify installation and adjustment of the appliance. The device is also designed to minimize patient discomfort.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic appliance repositions misaligned anterior teeth with a plurality of springs and a labial wire each secured to an acrylic palatal fitting. Each spring has a head portion in the shape of an eyelet which is positioned on the lingual side of an anterior tooth and a foot portion secured to the fitting. The springs provide lingual-to-labial force to the teeth, and the labial wire provides labial-to-lingual force to the teeth. A spring may engage the lingual surface of a tooth to provide active force to urge the tooth labially into a proper position, or may be spaced away from a tooth at a desired position to engage the tooth as it move lingually. The springs may be positioned on a mesial or a distal surface of a tooth to induce rotation. Further, the springs may provide passive resistance to maintain a properly positioned tooth in place. Each spring is made of a single strand of wire which has one end terminating at the head portion and the other end terminating at the foot portion.

Abstract: A palatal expander which is used for expanding the upper jaw and for moving the maxillary teeth including a rotatable adjusting member and inner and outer expansion members. The adjusting member has an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve disposed partially within the outer sleeve. The expansion members are telescopically and threadedly received by the adjustable member whereby selective rotation of the adjusting member causes the outer and inner expansion members to move away from or toward each other.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion arch and sheath and sheath insert are provided for use in applying maxillary and mandibular lingual orthodontic appliances for expansion of the arches. The sheath permits use of appliances employing multiple wires composed of non-weldable metal alloys in a more convenient manner and in a greater variety of appliances.

Abstract: A mouth worn apparatus is disclosed which includes a main body having upper and lower compartments which are generally U-shaped so as to conform generally to a patient's teeth, the upper compartment opening at least upwardly and the lower compartment opening at least downwardly so as to generally receive a patient's upper and lower teeth. A plurality of flexible protrusion members extend from at least part of the interior surface of at least one of the compartments so as to contact at least some of the patient's teeth when the device is worn. The device is used by placing it in the patient's mouth so that the upper and lower teeth are received in the upper and lower compartments respectively and retaining the device in the patient's mouth for a prescribed period of time.

Abstract: An intraoral apparatus for the treatment of labiolingual dysfunctions which includes a removable support plate equipped with dental anchoring hooks and an anterior vestibular arc. The apparatus includes an active device, and attachment members and stimulating elements which are attached to the support plate for stimulating exact positions within the oral cavity that are associated with various orofacial functions.

Abstract: Expansion screw for tooth adjustment having two expansion screw body members each embeddable in a plastic palate plate, these body members being provided with retention grooves for anchoring in the plastic of these palate plates, also having a threaded spindle and two guide pins, wherein the threaded spindle has spindle sections with opposite threads on either side of a central section, these spindle sections engaging in corresponding threaded bores of the expansion screw body members, and wherein the latter have guide openings for the passage of the guide pins extending parallel to the threaded spindle.

Abstract: In an orthodontic appliance, two halves of a jack body are connected by a screw and have parallel rods with tooth-encircling bands. Each half of the jack body includes an extension connected to the body by an adjustment mechanism for moving the extension perpendicularly to the jack screw. The extensions can be located on the same side of the jack body on opposite sides of the jack body, or on both sides of the jack body. The halves of the jack body are separated by rotating an adjuster connected to the jack screw. The extensions are moved by the respective adjustment mechanism. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the jack screw is separated into opposed screws.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion arch and sheath and sheath insert are provided for use in applying maxillary and mandibular lingual orthodontic appliances for expansion of the arches. The sheath permits use of appliances employing multiple wires composed of non-weldable metal alloys in a more convenient manner and in a greater variety of appliances.

Abstract: Auxiliary orthodontic appliance, namely expansion screw for the maxilla or mandible, bracket or buccal tube, which in order to improve its properties consists of titanium or an alloy on the basis of titanium and the surfaces of which are formed by a titanium oxide skin.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for treating skeletally based dental malocclusions. The orthodontic apparatus includes cooperating upper and lower surface apparatus for causing a mandibular displacement in a desired direction during an act of biting. An adjustment apparatus sets a relative position of the cooperating upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: Transpalatal orthodontic appliances are disclosed which utilize a shape-memory or superelastic alloy member as the force-supplying member of the device. Suitable alloys include the nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys, the titanium-molybdenum alloys (TMA), and any other alloy composition which possesses superelastic or shape-memory characteristics. The alloy composition may preferably have a working rang of at least about 30% and a modulus of elasticity not exceeding about 15.times.10.sup.6 psi.

Abstract: An orthodontic rapid palatal expansion (RPE) device is disclosed which includes dual body members and four guide rods for increased stability and an increased range of palatal expansion. A jack screw threadably engages each body member and, upon rotation, generates an expansive force which is applied to the palate via the guide rods. A jack screw actuating head with multiple actuating apertures provides the means for rotating the jack screw, and a locking mechanism is included for the dual purposes of (1) preventing unwanted negative rotation or unwinding of the jack screw and (2) providing sensible indications of the positive rotation of the jack screw. Each guide rod is attached to a tooth by means of an attachment sleeve which allows for removal and replacement of the RPE device without removing molar bands secured to the teeth.

Abstract: A functional dental appliance system and a method of manufacturing the same. At least one surface mounted undercut is attached to the outer surface of the tooth. The dental appliance is constructed of a semi-rigid material which has a shape generally conforming to a portion of the contour of the tooth and the attached undercut. The semi-rigid material permits the dental appliance to deform temporarily prior to engagement with the portion of the tooth and the attached undercut such that the dental appliance returns to an undeformed state when engaged with the tooth and the attached undercut to form a pressure fit engagement relationship. The dental appliance may be manufactured by attaching a surface mounted dental undercut to the outer surface of a tooth and forming the dental appliance to conform to a portion of the outer surface of the tooth and the attached undercut.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic palatal expansion arch having a generally "M"-shaped configuration, the arch having a center segment composed of a near-stoichiometric alloy of nickel and titanium which possesses memory-retaining characteristics to simultaneously expand the bicuspids and expand, rotate, intrude and/or torque the maxillary molars, and end segments composed of an alloy of stainless steel or another biocompatible material configured for securing the archwire to lingual sheaths attached to molar bands.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance having a pair of bases supported by guides so as to be capable of opening and closing. A memory alloy coil spring having superelastic properties is mounted between the pair of bases. The appliance is constructed so that the spring pressure of the superelastic memory alloy coil spring transmits to the tooth or the jaw bone as orthodontic force by means of the opening and closing of the pair of bases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dental treatment of jaw and tooth malformations. The apparatus is made of a soft, resilient material and includes upper and lower compartments which are shaped so as to conform to a patient's teeth. The upper compartment opens upwardly and the lower compartment opens downwardly, so that they can receive the patient's upper and lower teeth, respectively. Each compartment includes a plurality of flexible protrusion members which extend from its side walls so as to contact the teeth when the device is worn. Particular protrusions in the vicinity of selected teeth are enlarged or removed so as to achieve movement of those teeth in order to improve the alignment of the patient's teeth and jaw. The method involves placing the device in a patient's mouth so as to receive the patient's teeth and retaining the device within the patient's mouth for a predetermined period of time, during which the patient is at rest.

Abstract: The hand-held adjustment tool includes an elongated handle having an operative end in which an expander-engaging pin is pivotally or rotably mounted. In order to use the adjustment tool, the tool-receiving portion of the palatal expander mounted in the wearer's mouth is sighted, the handle is grasped by the wearer or an assistant, the straight end portion of the pin is inserted in one of the bores of the tool-receiving portion of the palatal expander, the handle is pushed in a direction which causes the pin to pivot on the handle and rotate the tool-receiving portion and associated shaft, thereby exerting a slight laterally outwardly directed force on the palatine bones of the wearer, via the various components of the palatal expander. This pressure is increased by repeating the foregoing steps under the direction of the orthodontist.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic palatal expansion arch having a generally "M"-shaped configuration, the arch having a center segment composed of a near-stoichiometric alloy of nickel and titanium which possesses memory-retaining characteristics to simultaneously expand the bicuspids and expand, rotate, intrude and/or torque the maxillary molars, and end segments composed of an alloy of stainless steel or another biocompatible material configured for securing the archwire to lingual sheaths attached to molar bands.