Abstract: An orthodontic device which may be used for treating Class II malocclusions including one or more rotational joints having a movable axis of rotation and an extension assembly having at least two reciprocating rods. Advantageously, the device may be elasticated or an unelasticated and may, with minimal reconfiguration, be used for further treatment, for example by being reversed.

Abstract: An orthodontic device which may be used for treating Class II malocclusions including one or more rotational joints having a movable axis of rotation and an extension assembly comprising at least two reciprocating rods. Advantageously, the device may be elasticated or an elasticated and may, with minimal reconfiguration, be used for further treatment, for example by being reversed.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket base and an arch wire slot in the bracket base. The bracket base comprises a polymer resin that is reinforced with glass or ceramic fibers and/or a particulate filler (e.g., a glass spherical particle filler). The bracket may include a ligation cover, which may be hingedly connected to the bracket base and rotatable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position and a closed, ligating position. The combination of reinforcing fibers and particulate filler provides substantially increased overall strength and durability while providing increased flexibility and toughness to the bracket.

Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The ligation cover is hingedly attached to the bracket base by a hinge (e.g., a film hinge, an elastomeric material, a mechanical hinge, and the like). The ligation cover comprises a metal for improved strength and durability of the bracket during use. The bracket base advantageously comprises a plastic or ceramic material for ease of formation and for reducing expense.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket base, an arch wire slot configured to receive an arch wire, a ligation cover, an elongate film hinge that interconnects the bracket base and ligation cover, and a cam structure. The ligation cover is selectively rotatable about the film hinge relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position and closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot. The cam structure includes a curved surface proximal to the elongate film hinge that assists in distributing forces throughout the entire length of the film hinge as the cover is rotated relative to the bracket base. The cam structure also includes a camming surface that biases the ligation cover toward the open, non-ligating position. The ligation cover covers at least a portion of the slot when in the closed, ligating position.

Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets include a marking system for identifying which tooth or subset of teeth a specific bracket within a set of non-identical brackets pertains and/or for assisting in aligning a bracket on a tooth. The bracket includes a temporarily visible mark that is visible during placement of the bracket onto a tooth but which does not remain visible during long term use of the orthodontic bracket to straighten teeth. The marking may be removable or it may be hidden during use of the bracket to straighten teeth. The orthodontic brackets are advantageously included within a set or kit intended for placement onto the teeth of a patient. They advantageously include a ligation cover selectively movable between an open, non-ligating position relative to an arch wire slot in a bracket base and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot.

Abstract: A method of treating a deep bite condition comprises attaching one or more adjustable bite ramps to a patient's teeth in order to engage the corresponding teeth of the opposite dental arch when the patient's mouth is closed. The engagement between the bite ramp and the corresponding tooth of the opposite dental arch causes the lower jaw to move forward relative to the upper jaw. The bite ramp includes a tooth-attachment element and ramp element. The tooth-attachment element is sized and configured for bonding to the lingual surface of a person's tooth, while the ramp element is hingedly or bendably adjustable relative to the tooth-attachment element.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets are manufactured from at least one type of crystalline polymer that enhances the physical properties of the brackets. In one aspect, orthodontic brackets according to the invention may comprise at least one type of polyaryletherketone or crystalline polyamide. Fibers, fillers, flow additives and other components may be added as desired. One or more amorphous polymers may be blended with the crystalline polymer. Crystalline polymers are especially well-suited for the manufacture of self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a bracket base and ligation cover so as to provide sufficient strength for the bracket base and ligation cover while also providing sufficient flexibility for the hinge element to bend or flex.

Abstract: Self-ligating molar orthodontic brackets are used to terminate an arch wire during an orthodontic procedure. The molar orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, an arch wire slot in the bracket base oriented toward the occlusal edge of a tooth during use, and ligation cover selectively movable between an open, non-ligating position and a closed, ligating position relative to the arch wire slot. The ligation cover can be hingedly attached to the base by an integral film hinge such that the molar bracket may be injection molded as a single piece of plastic. The self-ligating nature of the molar brackets and the orientation of the arch wire slots make insertion of an arch wire into the arch wire slots of the molar brackets much simpler compared to tube brackets.

Abstract: A two-part orthodontic bracket comprises a base and a holding device produced separately therefrom, with the base and the holding device being connected to one another via a joint having a pivot axis. The holding device can be selectively moved about the pivot axis between open and closed positions relative to the base and slot. When in an open position, the holding device can also be tilted about at least one tilt axis lateral or perpendicular to the pivot axis in order to provide better clearance in the case of tooth crowding. A guide system may also be provided that reduces the ability of the holding device to tilt as it is moved toward the closed position.