Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for securing an arch wire to the labial area of a tooth comprises a plunger having a lateral notch dimensioned to capture a section of the arch wire. A dual-positioned detent mechanism alternately holds the plunger in a labial, open position exposing the notch and a lingual locked position wherein the section of arch wire captured by the notch is securely held in a diametral slot cut into the bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for securing an arch wire to the labial area of a tooth comprises a plunger having a lateral notch dimensioned to capture a section of the arch wire. A dual-positioned detent mechanism alternately holds the plunger in a labial, open position exposing the notch and a lingual locked position wherein the section of arch wire captured by the notch is securely held in a diametral slot cut into the bracket.

Abstract: An injection molded metallic hand tool having a body portion made of a first metal and an active surface portion made of higher hardness metal more capable of operating on the work subject. For example, in a pair of pliers, the serrated jaws have gripping teeth active surface portion is made from a durable, high strength metal such as tool steel alloy and the remainder or body portion is made from stainless steel alloy. The tool is made through a metal injection molding process wherein an amount of high hardness metal particles is first placed or injected into the corresponding tip portion of the mold, then higher strength metal particles are injected to fill the remainder of the mold. In this way, complex bi-metallic parts may be inexpensively injection molded. This also creates an alloy matrix bond between the two different metal portions.

Abstract: A palatal arch expander assembly provides low, constant expansion forces to the palatal arch and provides individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. A shape memory or superelastic archwire can be cooled below its transition temperature so that it is easily bendable for insertion into the mouth. After insertion, the archwire warms to a temperature above its transition temperature and provides low, continual expansion forces throughout the treatment period without requiring further adjustment. A pair of adjustment wires are bendable and provide individual corrective forces to either the first or second molars. The adjustment wires can be readjusted at any point during the treatment period. The archwire can be formed from a nickel-titanium alloy wire or superelastic material and the adjustment wires can be formed from nicoloy, stainless steel, or similar metal wire.