Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthodontic bracket assembly having a trapezoidal configuration for ease of positioning and aligning the bracket on the tooth. The bracket assembly comprises a pair of tie wings, each having non-parallel mesial and distal edges and further having an occlusal edge substantially parallel to the occlusal plane and to the sight line of the archwire slot. The edges of the tie wings form sight lines that intersect at a focal point located at the tip of the root tooth to assist in positioning the bracket. The edges of the tie wings also are substantially parallel to the tooth edges to assist in aligning and positioning the bracket on the tooth. Further, a V groove is provided along the longitudinal axis of the bracket and forms a sight line that also intersects the focal point to facilitate alignment of the bracket during mounting.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance adapted to be secured to a tooth by any suitable means, such as a tooth band or by direct bonding. The appliance consists of a bracket and a lock pin which holds an arch wire to the bracket in any of a plurality of attitudes to accommodate successive phases in orthodontic treatment. The offset head of the lock pin engages the gingival edge of the bracket to define the limits of the arch-wire-receiving slot on a gingival-occlusal axis. A notch in the edge inhibits the pin from moving laterally or rotating in the bracket. The bracket is formed by embossing a sheet of material to form a pin-receiving channel. Tabs are bent inwardly from the channel side walls to provide fulcrum edge means approximating a knife edge, on which the arch wire bears as it passes through the bracket.