Abstract: Selection of orthodontic brackets from predefined and existing orthodontic brackets is provided by a user viewing a patient's teeth and using, for example, a user interface, to define a three-dimensional tooth/arch model from three-dimensional model data. Likewise, a prescription is selected. With such information, the teeth of the defined tooth/arch model can be positioned in prescribed positions. Once modifications to the prescription or for that matter the patient's tooth/arch model, if any, are made, predefined and existing orthodontic brackets can be selected, e.g., such selection can be based on selection criteria used to search a database including parameters defining such predefined and existing orthodontic brackets.

Abstract: A mechanism includes a first member having a channel and a second member with a generally cylindrical portion at least partially received in the channel. The second member includes a stop portion for limiting relative movement of the first member and the second member. The stop portion is made of a formable material and includes at least three lobes that extend outwardly in different respective directions. The stop portion increases the stiffness of the second member, and is useful in both pivoting and rotating mechanisms for limiting relative movement between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has a latch for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The latch releases the archwire from the archwire slot whenever the archwire exerts a force on the appliance that exceeds a certain minimum value. The minimum value is less than about one-half of the force required in the same direction to debond the appliance from the tooth, and thus reduces the likelihood that the appliance will unintentionally debond from the tooth during the course of orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic attachment device connects an intra-oral appliance to other orthodontic components in the oral cavity. The attachment device is particularly useful for telescoping-type interarch appliances that tend to reposition one dental arch relative to the other dental arch. The attachment device includes a first section that is non-rotatably connected to an archwire, and a second section that has an opening. The opening of the second section pivotally receives a coupler of the interarch appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic attachment device connects an intra-oral appliance to other orthodontic components in the oral cavity. The attachment device is particularly useful for telescoping-type interarch appliances that tend to reposition one dental arch relative to the other dental arch. The attachment device includes a first section that is non-rotatably connected to an archwire, and a second section that has an opening. The opening of the second section pivotally receives a coupler of the interarch appliance.

Abstract: A mechanism includes a first member having a channel and a second member with a generally cylindrical portion at least partially received in the channel. The second member includes a stop portion for limiting relative movement of the first member and the second member. The stop portion is made of a formable material and includes at least three lobes that extend outwardly in different respective directions. The stop portion increases the stiffness of the second member, and is useful in both pivoting and rotating mechanisms for limiting relative movement between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube has a latch for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The latch releases the archwire from the archwire slot whenever the archwire exerts a force on the appliance that exceeds a certain minimum value. The minimum value is less than about one-half of the force required in the same direction to debond the appliance from the tooth, and thus reduces the likelihood that the appliance will unintentionally debond from the tooth during the course of orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic pin has a high strength intermediate section that resists bending in use, as well as a softer, more compliant outer end section. The softer outer end section can be readily bent in an arc for attachment to an orthodontic appliance or device. The coupling pin of the invention may be used to couple one orthodontic appliance or device to another, or alternatively may be part of an orthodontic device that is ultimately coupled to another device or appliance.

Abstract: A cap is releasably connected to an orthodontic bracket and covers tips of occlusal bracket tiewings in order to prevent contact of the bracket with the enamel of opposing dentition. The cap includes a section that extends at least partially along a channel of the bracket extending in a generally occlusal-gingival direction in order to help retain the cap in its intended position and prevent the cap from rotating relative to the bracket. In preferred embodiments, the cap is made of a stain-resistant aesthetically pleasing material. Optionally, the cap serves as a ligature in order to retain an archwire in an archwire slot of the bracket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for precisely positioning and bonding orthodontic appliances such as brackets and buccal tubes to a patient's teeth. The method and apparatus includes the use of a transfer tray and arms that are connected to the transfer tray. Orthodontic appliances are releasably connected to the arms and detached from the arms once the adhesive used for bonding the appliances to the tooth surfaces has sufficiently hardened. In certain embodiments, the transfer tray has a shape that helps hold the tray immobile relative to the patient's teeth also facilitates clean-up of any adhesive extruded from the base of the appliances during bonding. In other embodiments, fixture components are connected to the tray and include analogs for each orthodontic appliance. In certain embodiments, the tray is made by placing matrix material over arms for supporting orthodontic appliances or appliance analogs.

Abstract: An attachment device useful during the course of orthodontic treatment couples an interarch appliance to brackets and/or to archwires placed in the oral cavity. The attachment device includes a wire segment that crosses over a labial side of an archwire in order to enable a coupler of the interarch appliance to slide past the archwire as the patient's jaws are opened. The attachment device increases the range of free sliding motion of the interarch appliance and reduces the amount of stress that might be otherwise imposed on the appliance, on the brackets and/or the archwires as the patient's jaws are opened. The attachment device is particularly suitable for use with Class II correction appliances including elongated, resilient force modules that have an inherent bias toward a normally straight orientation.

Abstract: An orthodontic archwire with a certain cross-sectional construction has a stiffness that is less than conventional archwires having identical overall dimensions. The archwire has four corner edge portions that provide control over torquing movements and uprighting movements of the associated teeth as may be needed during the course of orthodontic treatment. The archwire is particularly useful during the early stages of orthodontic treatment when an archwire of reduced stiffness is desired and yet control over torquing and uprighting movements of the associated teeth is sought. Optionally, the archwire includes an aesthetic coating with certain characteristics that enable the majority of the coating to remain intact and provide an improved overall appearance even if certain regions of the coating are damaged and removed.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly includes one or more orthodontic appliances that are releasably received in a carrier. The carrier has arms with outer end sections that are spaced apart from each other to present a channel therebetween. The outer end sections of the arms are received in recesses of each appliance in order to support the appliance in suspended relation. The carrier is particularly useful for holding appliances during a manufacturing operation or during transport of the appliances from manufacturing operation to another. The carrier is also useful for supporting appliances in a package for shipment to the end user, especially when the appliances are precoated with a layer of adhesive.

Abstract: An orthodontic force module for correcting Class II malocclusions includes a resilient body and a coupling connected to the body for connecting the body to a selected orthodontic appliance located on the patient's upper jaw. The coupling includes an opening that extends in a reference plane substantially parallel to and preferably containing the longitudinal axis of the body. The orientation of the opening provides enhanced freedom of movement of the force module when the patient's jaws are opened or closed and significantly reduces the likelihood of fracture of the coupling.

Abstract: A device for repositioning the mandibular jaw relative to the maxilliary jaw during orthodontic treatment has two links connected together by a pivot. Each link is also pivotally connected to one of the patient's jaws at a position remote from the pivot. As the jaws are closed, the links urge the relative positions of the jaws to certain orientations as determined by the practitioner.

Abstract: An intra-oral device for applying a force to the mandibular and maxillary dental arches includes a first member and a second member slidably received in the first member. A spring extends around the second member for urging the second member and the first member in directions away from each other. A third member is slidably received in the second member and preferably is detachable from the second member before installation of the device in the oral cavity in order to cut, bend or make other alterations of its shape.

Abstract: A force module useful in moving individual malpositioned teeth or entire dental arches during orthodontic therapy includes an elongated body with couplings at each end of the body for connection to selected orthodontic appliances. In certain embodiments, the body has an enlarged middle section to reduce likelihood of fracture. In other embodiments, the body has a recurve portion. Optionally, the module includes couplings that have a sleeve portion for receiving end sections of the body and an arm portion connected to each sleeve portion, and the arm portions extend at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: An orthodontic attachment device especially useful for coupling interarch and intra-arch appliances to an archwire includes an elongated wire that extends alongside the archwire. The wire is fixed to a crimpable connector having a passageway that receives the archwire. Wall portions surrounding the passageway are deformable in directions toward the passageway in order to non-rotatably couple the device to the archwire. In certain embodiments, a pin having an offset portion is connected to the appliance at a location remote from the attachment device in order to increase free play of the appliance when the patient's jaws are opened.

Abstract: A force module useful in moving individual malpositioned teeth or entire dental arches during orthodontic therapy includes an elongated body made of art elastomeric material, with couplings at each end of the body for connection to selected orthodontic appliances. The couplings are preferably spaced inwardly from opposite ends of the body to reduce bending stresses, and optionally an enlarged head of the body is provided to retain each coupling in place. In certain embodiments, the body has an enlarged middle section to reduce likelihood of fracture. A resilient core made of a metallic material is optionally received in the body to enhance the stiffness of the force module.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a load bearing framework embedded in a plastic body. The framework includes archwire-engaging end portions that are coplanar with a lingual side of an archwire slot. The end portions faciliate control of movement of the bracket and the associated tooth. A buccolabial surface of the bracket is roughened to enhance aesthetics.