Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings which define an archwire slot therebetween. Notches are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg of each T-shaped tie wing for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings and comprise sloped portions that extend labially towards the archwire slot. Convex sidewall portions and convex floor portions are provided in the archwire slot adjacent to the notches. The body of the bracket is interconnected to a base that includes a continuous series of characters that serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with a tooth. A discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket has a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings which define an archwire slot therebetween. Notches are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg of each T-shaped tie wing for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings and comprise sloped portions that extend labially towards the archwire slot. Convex sidewall portions and convex floor portions are provided in the archwire slot adjacent to the notches. The body of the bracket is interconnected to a base that may includes a continuous series of characters that serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with a tooth. A discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base.

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings which define an archwire slot therebetween. Notches are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg of each T-shaped tie wing for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings and comprise sloped portions that extend labially towards the archwire slot. Convex sidewall portions and convex floor portions are provided in the archwire slot adjacent to the notches. The body of the bracket is interconnected to a base that includes a continuous series of characters that serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with a tooth. A discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Abstract: A triple wing orthodontic bracket, bracket cover, and method of use is disclosed. The bracket has a slot liner for reducing friction between an archwire and the bracket, wherein the liner is flared at its ends. The bracket cover has: a rod-shaped hinge for rotating in recesses between a bracket base, and bracket wings on one of a gingival and occlusal bracket side, a slot cover, and a cross member for rotating the slot cover between covering a bracket archwire slot, and uncovering the slot, wherein the rotation pivots the hinge in the recesses. The hinge and recesses frictionally engage one another, wherein in a first position, the hinge attaches and detaches from the bracket, and after pivoting the hinge to another position in the recesses, the hinge is secured therein. Interaction between the hinge and the recesses may cause the slot cover to move to cover the slot.

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings which define an archwire slot therebetween. Notches are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg of each T-shaped tie wing for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings and comprise sloped portions that extend labially towards the archwire slot. Convex sidewall portions and convex floor portions are provided in the archwire slot adjacent to the notches. The body of the bracket is interconnected to a base that includes a continuous series of characters that serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with a tooth. A discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a continuous series of alpha-numeric characters (such as letters or numerals) or symbols (such as company logos) that are formed in a manner such that the symbols or characters on the base of the bracket serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with the tooth when the base of the bracket is attached to the tooth using an adhesive. In a separate aspect of the invention, a perimeter rail, and more preferably, a discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings which define an archwire slot therebetween. Notches are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg of each T-shaped tie wing for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings and comprise sloped portions that extend labially towards the archwire slot. Convex sidewall portions and convex floor portions are provided in the archwire slot adjacent to the notches. The body of the bracket is interconnected to a base that includes a continuous series of characters that serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with a tooth. A discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a continuous series of alpha-numeric characters (such as letters or numerals) or symbols (such as company logos) that are formed in a manner such that the symbols or characters on the base of the bracket serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with the tooth when the base of the bracket is attached to the tooth using an adhesive. In a separate aspect of the invention, a perimeter rail, and more preferably, a discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Abstract: A convertible buccal tube which includes a base and a body extending from the base. The body includes an elongated first archwire slot and a cover plate extending across and enclosing a buccal side of the first archwire slot. The cover plate is integrally formed with the body. and includes perforated longitudinal connections which form two lines of weaknesses adjacent to the side walls of the archwire slot. The cover plate can be removed to convert the buccal tube to an edgewise bracket.