Abstract: A dental occlusion correcting system (DOCS) that is designed to simplify and expedite the correction of Class II dental malocclusions. The DOCS (10) includes a set of upper and lower molar attachment structures (13,14), attached respectively to a person's upper molar and lower molar, a set of upper and lower loosely attached linkages (11,12), and a force module (70). Each of the loosely attached linkages (11,12) includes a link pivitor (50) and a link base (30) which are rotatably connected together through a system of gears and stops and rotational sections (43,44,58,59). The upper and lower loosely attached linkages are connected together, on the same side of a patient's dentition, by a force module. The force module produces upward-backward and downward-forward compression force, commensurate with the force required by a specific dental patient.

Abstract: A computer configured appliance (10) that applies amplified leverage for orthodontic correction of malocclusions that incorporates a number of computer configured prong units (20) for attachment to selected teeth. Each prong unit (20) is connected to a detachable placement template (28) for positioning the prong units (20) at a computer selected tooth location. Once positioned, the prong units (20) are bonded with dental bonding cement (40) to a predetermined site of each tooth. A successive series of computer configured segmented compartment arches (42) are connected by interproximal material (48), with each arch having elastic entry compartments (38), are snapped onto each prong unit (20). When each arch (42) has achieved the optimum tooth movement, the arch (42) is unsnapped, removed and replaced by snapping in the next arch in the series, which has a higher sequential increment of movement.

Abstract: A computer configured appliance (10) for orthodontic correction of malocclusions that incorporates a number of computer configured prong units (20) for attachment to selected teeth. Each prong unit (20) is connected to a detachable placement template (28) for positioning the prong units (20) at a computer selected tooth location. Once positioned, the prong units (20) are bonded with dental bonding cement (40) to a predetermined site of each tooth. A successive series of computer configured segmented compartment arches (42) are connected by interproximal material (48), with each arch having elastic entry compartments (38), are snapped onto each prong unit (20). When each arch (42) has achieved the optimum tooth movement, the arch (42) is unsnapped, removed and replaced by snapping in the next arch in the series, which has a higher sequential increment of movement.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket containing a flexible element incorporated between its base and bracket to permit installation on each tooth where needed is described. With the base firmly anchored on a tooth and a semi rigid archwire ligated to the bracket, flexible compliance between each tooth and its correcting force is obtained assuring comfort during the orthodontic procedure.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket containing a flexible element incorporated between its base and bracket to permit installation on each tooth where needed is described. With the base firmly anchored on a tooth and a semi rigid archwire ligated to the bracket, flexible compliance between each tooth and its correcting force is obtained assuring comfort during the orthodontic procedure.

Abstract: A system for applying corrective leverage to teeth in the upper or lower dental arch without the use of brackets or ligation wires. The present invention employs prongs bonded onto the lingual surfaces of teeth and a compartmentalized, U-shaped arch tube into which the prongs are plugged by a snap-in process. Alignment takes place in a progressive sequence of steps produced by computer-prepared arches.

Abstract: A three part appliance for orthodontic and orthopedic cushioned correction of Class II and Class III dental malocclusions employing a simplified U shaped compression force module. The appliance allows a maximum amount of dental movement for the wearer in the horizontal and vertical planes, while exerting forward-backward corrective forces on the upper and lower dental arches and their supporting bone in their closed position.

Abstract: An adjustable band for orthodontic use which is formed of a strip of relatively soft material, such as annealed metal or flexible plastic, is provided. In one embodiment, one end of the band contains tabs which are formed into a shackle and flexible projections. The other end of the band comprises a tang which contains rectangular indentations into which the projections fit. In another embodiment of the invention, the band is formed in a one-piece construction of molded plastic. The band of the second embodiment comprises a strip having a tang portion on one end and a shackle portion on its opposite end, where the shackle incorporates a slot through which the tang can be inserted. In both embodiments, when the tang is placed into the shackle, a cylindrical loop is formed which can be placed over a tooth and drawn into approximately the diameter of the tooth. Further tightening creates forces which shape the band around the tooth to match the contour of the tooth.

Abstract: An improved appliance for correcting Class II malocclusions with automatic adjustment as tooth movement, bone movement, or both occur. Instead of employing screw adjustments as does much of the prior art, the present invention applies correcting forces by means of a spring which expands through a pre-set, compressed distance. A linkage is employed to increase corrective forces while maintaining a reasonable closure effort. The appliance can be made in a variety of sizes for incorporation of longer or stronger springs as is required by a particular case. The relative positions of the components of the appliance can be reversed so that it can also serve to correct some Class III protrusions as well.

Abstract: An improved appliance for producing backward movement of molars or adjacent teeth is disclosed. The appliance can be readily removed, adjusted in length to change applied forces and then easily reinstalled.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for moving molars in a backward direction or achieving controlled slippage in a forward direction is described. The appliance provides improved installation, adjustment and retention features which are based on in-place crimping techniques.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket with self-ligating features is described. A cover plate is rotatably attached to the bracket base. Turning of the cover plate to the open position provides access to an archwire slot. After archwire placement, returning of the cover plate to its closed position achieves various degrees of play and seating depending on archwire size and cover plate configuration. The over plate promotes cleanliness and provides cosmetic advantages.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket with a self-contained seating and locking mechanism which incorporates a slidable, tapered and rotatable plug with an attached lever system. When the plug is rotated, the lever system comes in contact with and seats an archwire contained in the bracket slot. When the plug is then moved laterally, a condition of frictional retention is achieved. The archwire is thus firmly seated and locked in its slot by the lever system. When the plug is next moved in the opposite direction, the archwire is once again freed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two piece, adjustable, orthodontic bracket system to which a flexible archwire is tied. The distortions at various points along the archwire are automatically set by specially-oriented archwire slots cut into the face of interchangeable working brackets. Maintenance or modifying of any desired tooth position during treatment is done through the use of these working brackets which are inserted and removed from their bracket support bases as case needs dictate. The dentist or orthodontist, as a result need not make bends in the wire or change bracket positions on the teeth as in prior art.From the amount and direction of the local distortion at each bracket, tooth moving forces are derived which are of the correct magnitude and direction to achieve in time the proper orientation of the teeth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dental appliance which can be used to produce backward molar movement when desirable in orthodontic treatment, to control forward movement of molars and adjacent teeth and to stabilize molars and adjacent teeth against forward movement when these teeth are being used as anchoring points.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for correcting an abnormal, Class II malocclusion. In the latter the mandible and its teeth are posteriorly displaced resulting in improper biting and impaired physical appearance. An adjustable bar attached in each side of the mouth to upper and lower molars is used to join the upper and lower rows of teeth. The point of attachment to the lower row of teeth is somewhat forward of the corresponding point in the upper row so that the lower jaw is forced forward when the mouth is closed. In adolescents, and to some extent in adults, this produces permanent muscle changes of the lower jaw and its joint, bone remodeling and permanent correction of the occlusion to a normal Class I bite. The appliance uses no telescoping sections, is easily manufactured and is readily adjustable during installation and wearing.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for improving or correcting the overbite and overjet of persons having an abnormal, Class II relationship between the maxillary (upper jaw) and mandibular (lower jaw) bones and their respective teeth, where the mandible and its teeth are posteriorly displaced. Two hinges with telescoping members are used to join an upper molar and lower molar on both sides of the mouth. The point of attachment of each lower hinge is somewhat forward on the lower molar than the corresponding point on the upper molar when the appliance is installed so that closure of the mouth forces the lower jaw forward. In children, and adults to a limited extent, this produces permanent, "muscle-resting length" changes and also induces growth and changes of the lower jaw and its joint. As a result, there is a permanent correction of the occlusions to a normal, Class I bite after the appliance is worn for a period of time.