Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprising a bar that provides a splint for setting broken jaws or other facial bones. Upper and lower bars are attached to the patient's teeth with ligature wires and interconnected with the elastic bands to allow the jaw to set properly. The elastic bands are mounted within a prong that provides a base surface to receive the elastic band and has a movable tab member to thereby provide an enclosed opening to receive and hold each band. After the bands are positioned the associated movable tab is bent over the elastic band to hold it in place and provide a rounded contour that matches the tissue of the gum. The prongs can be easily bent for attachment of ligature wires from any direction to support other facial bones which are to set.

Abstract: A comfortable headgear is worn by persons having broken jaws or other facial bones that must be held in place to set. The headgear can also be used in the treatment of bone spurs without the use of surgery. An adjustable headband circles the wearer's head and provides for attachment of intersecting skull straps that crisscross and snugly fit atop the wearer's head. The wearer's chin and lower jaw are engaged by a depending supporting portion that includes downwardly extending temple straps that are adjustably attached and movable along the headband portion and also adjustable in length to thereby provide a completely customized and comfortable fit. The temple straps intersect in a chin pad that has an X-shape with different length portions that may be located in such a fashion to customize the chin pad to the particular wearer and position the temple straps away from the wearer's cheeks to prevent irritation.