Abstract: A tool in the form of specially constructed plyers for removing orthodontic brackets and tubes which have been adhesively bonded to the labial, buccal or lingual surfaces of the anterior and/or posterior teeth for orthodontic treatment. The tool is equipped with a spring-loaded catch having a tip which fits under the edge of the bracket, and with a head which engages the top of the tooth, so that when the handles of the tool are squeezed together the bonded bracket is removed from the surface of the tooth without any tendency to torque the tooth during the process.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is provided which applies a pulsating force to the tooth to be moved, rather than a continuous force as in the case with the prior art devices. The invention is predicated on the concept that when pulsating forces are applied to the tooth, there is little or no hyalinization and consequently more cellular activity, giving rise to more oesteoclastic activity for bone resorption and more oesteoblastic activity for bone opposition. Moreover, the pulsational effect of the tooth on the adjacent periodontal membrane and bone tends to loosen their fibrous structure, and helps the tooth to find a path of least resistance through the bone.

Abstract: An orthodontic process is provided by which a pulsating force is applied to the tooth to be moved, rather than a continuous force as in the case with the prior art methods. The invention is predicted on the concept that when pulsating forces are applied to the tooth, there is little or no hyalinization and consequently more cellular activity, giving rise to more oesteoclastic activity for bone resorption and more oesteoblastic activity for bone opposition. Moreover, the pulsational effect on the tooth on the adjacent periodontal membrane and bone tends to loosen their fibrous structure, and helps the tooth to find a path of least resistance through the bone.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance in the form of a vibrational pad is provided. The pad is held in place in the mouth of the patient by an external head gear. A vibrational electric motor is mounted on the head gear, and the motor is mechanically coupled to vibrational elements within the mouth pad. The mouth pad is used in conjunction with conventional orthodontic appliances, and it serves to vibrate the teeth being moved by the conventional orthodontic appliances so as to disseminate heavy orthodontic pressures of the conventional appliance to a larger boney mass resulting in lighter more physiological pressure in a larger area. This will increase the speed and efficiency of the orthodontic movement, minimize pain to the patient, and reduce root resorption and horizontal bone loss.

Abstract: A hybrid orthodontic appliance is provided which may take the form of a bracket and/or tube, and which is fabricated of plastic and metal to be used for mandibular and maxillary tooth adjustments. The plastic part of the appliance enables the appliance to be adhesively attached to the tooth by a strong chemical bond. The metal part of the appliance, on the other hand, provides rigidity for torquing and tipping. The metal part of the appliance is coated with a white epoxy coating, and it is then laminated within a plastic housing making the appliance virtually invisible for aesthetic purposes. The lamination of plastic and metal provides an appliance that does not break under orthodontic forces or under the forces of mastication.