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: 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: 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.