Abstract: An orthodontic appliance having an edgewise slot with a height between 0.0189 and 0.020 inches and having a depth between 0.025 and 0.030 inches, with a preferred embodiment being a height of 0.019 inches and a depth of 0.028 inches. The slot is preferably rectangular in cross-sectional shape thus having equal length short sides and preferably equal length long sides. The orthodontic appliance may be in the form of a bracket or tube, each for receiving an archwire and each shaped for one or more upper or lower permanent teeth. A bi-dimensional orthodontic appliance is also disclosed which uses conventional 0.018 or 0.022 inch slotted brackets in combination with the slotted bracket having a height between 0.0189 and 0.020 inches. Other alternate embodiments are also included.

Abstract: The low profile orthodontic appliance generally has a height between and generally not including 0.0190 and 0.020 inches and having a depth less than 0.026 inches, with a preferred embodiment being a height of 0.0195 inches and a depth of 0.025 inches. The slot is preferably rectangular in cross-sectional shape thus having equal length short sides and preferably equal length long sides, the long sides having straight, uninterrupted walls. The orthodontic appliance may be in the form of a bracket or tube, each for receiving a 0.019×0.025 inch archwire and each shaped for one or more upper or lower permanent teeth. The appliances may be universal, thus being of a same size on all applicable teeth or may be a bi-dimensional setup, which uses conventional 0.018 or 0.022 inch slotted brackets in combination with the slotted bracket having a height between and not including 0.0190 and 0.020 inches.

Abstract: The sterilization pouch includes a sealable inner space for receiving one or more medical instruments, a preferred instrument being hinged pliers. The pouch is generally comprised of first and second layers, the layers being sealed around a peripheral edge except a separation in the seal to form an opening for accessing the inner space and a flap for closing the opening. The pouch has an upper portion and a first and second lower portion extending therefrom, the upper portion being comprised of a vertical length just as long or longer than the lower portions to allow for insertion and removal of the instrument through the opening, wherein the opening is along the peripheral edge of the upper portion. A recessed portion separates the first and second lower portions, such as to permit the inner space to connect the first and second lower portions only through the upper portion.

Abstract: The sterilization pouch includes a sealable inner space for receiving one or more medical instruments, a preferred instrument being a hinged plier. The pouch is generally comprised of first and second layers, the layers being sealed around a peripheral edge except a separation in the seal to form an opening for accessing the inner space and a flap for closing the opening. The pouch has an upper portion and a first and second lower portion extending therefrom, the upper portion being comprised of a vertical length just as long or longer than the lower portions to allow for insertion and removal of the instrument through the opening, wherein the opening is along the peripheral edge of the upper portion. A recessed portion separates the first and second lower portions, such as to permit the inner space to connect the first and second lower portions only through the upper portion.

Abstract: The sterilization pouch includes a sealable inner space for receiving one or more medical instruments, a preferred instrument being hinged pliers. The pouch is generally comprised of first and second layers, the layers being sealed around a peripheral edge except a separation in the seal to form an opening for accessing the inner space and a flap for closing the opening. The pouch has an upper portion and a first and second lower portion extending therefrom, the upper portion being comprised of a vertical length just as long or longer than the lower portions to allow for insertion and removal of the instrument through the opening, wherein the opening is along the peripheral edge of the upper portion. A recessed portion separates the first and second lower portions, such as to permit the inner space to connect the first and second lower portions only through the upper portion.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization pouch for efficiently bagging hinged instruments. The medical instrument sterilization pouch generally includes a pouch including a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and/or the second layer are comprised of a gas permeable material and wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer via an outer seal substantially surrounding an outer perimeter of the first layer and the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are further impermeable to micro-organisms or toxins. The pouch includes a first lower portion and a second lower portion, wherein the first lower portion is separated from the second lower portion and wherein the first lower portion and the second lower portion form a recessed portion between thereof. The pouch preferably receives a medical instrument (i.e. surgical pliers), wherein the medical instrument is sterilized within the pouch and is then positioned upon a respective tool rack (i.e. pliers rack).

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization pouch for efficiently bagging hinged instruments. The medical instrument sterilization pouch generally includes a first layer comprised of a gas permeable material, a second layer comprised of a gas impermeable or permeable material and a sealing edge substantially extending along an outer perimeter of the first layer and the second layer to attach the first layer to the second layer. The sealing edge defines a sealed inner space between the first layer and the second layer for receiving a medical instrument, wherein the sealing edge includes an inner portion extending inwardly from an outer end of the sealing portion to define a barrier between a first lower portion and a second lower portion of the pouch within the inner space.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization pouch for efficiently bagging hinged instruments. The medical instrument sterilization pouch generally includes a pouch including a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and/or the second layer are comprised of a gas permeable material and wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer via an outer seal substantially surrounding an outer perimeter of the first layer and the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are further impermeable to micro-organisms or toxins. The pouch includes a first lower portion and a second lower portion, wherein the first lower portion is separated from the second lower portion and wherein the first lower portion and the second lower portion form a recessed portion between thereof. The pouch preferably receives a medical instrument (i.e. surgical pliers), wherein the medical instrument is sterilized within the pouch and is then positioned upon a respective tool rack (i.e. pliers rack).

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and positioning system for providing a compact and wingless orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic bracket and positioning system includes a base, a bracket member attached to the base, a vertical passage and a horizontal passage within the bracket, and a front slot within the bracket member for receiving an archwire. At least one ligature member extends through the vertical passage and about the archwire for securing the archwire within the front slot. The vertical passage is substantially traverse to the front slot for allowing the ligature member to extend about the archwire substantially traverse to the archwire. A gauge member is utilized to properly orient the orthodontic bracket and positioning system with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket and positioning system for providing a compact and wingless orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic bracket and positioning system includes a base, a bracket member attached to the base, a vertical passage and a horizontal passage within the bracket, and a front slot within the bracket member for receiving an archwire. At least one ligature member extends through the vertical passage and about the archwire for securing the archwire within the front slot. The vertical passage is substantially traverse to the front slot for allowing the ligature member to extend about the archwire substantially traverse to the archwire. A gauge member is utilized to properly orient the orthodontic bracket and positioning system with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system for providing a compact and wingless orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic bracket system includes a base, a bracket member attached to the base, a vertical passage within the bracket, and a front slot within the bracket member for receiving an archwire. At least one ligature member extends through the vertical passage and about the archwire for securing the archwire within the front slot. The vertical passage is substantially traverse to the front slot for allowing the ligature member to extend about the archwire substantially traverse to the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system for providing a compact and wingless orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic bracket system includes a base, a bracket member attached to the base, a vertical passage within the bracket, and a front slot within the bracket member for receiving an archwire. At least one ligature member extends through the vertical passage and about the archwire for securing the archwire within the front slot. The vertical passage is substantially traverse to the front slot for allowing the ligature member to extend about the archwire substantially traverse to the archwire.