Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly has a bracket with an archwire slot extending in a mesial-distal direction for receiving an archwire; a vertical slot extending into the bracket to intersect the archwire slot; and a retentive boss in the vertical slot. A retentive pin slides in the vertical slot between an open position and a closed position. The pin has two parallel legs separated by a space, and a lower cross member extending between the legs. The cross member contacts the retentive boss in the open position to retain the pin in the vertical slot. Camming surfaces on the legs slidably engage the vertical slot to hold the pin in the closed position.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic assembly for developing a patient's arch is disclosed, and component parts thereof which may have use in other treatment applications. One of the lingual arch developers disclosed uses magnets to have an effect on the mesial advancement of the lingual arch. The lingual arch of this developer may be interconnected with the patient by a connector which includes at least one and preferably two vertical posts which are insertable into corresponding vertical tubes fixed to a band on a patient's tooth. At least one generally horizontal tube is interconnected with these posts. In one embodiment this tube is gingivally disposed to, for instance, slidably interface with a lingual arch. This connector may be used as an interface between the patient and other orthodontic appliances as well. For instance, the noted tube on the connector may be generally gingivally disposed to, for instance, interface with a palatal expander.

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket (10) comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings (12, 14) which define an archwire slot (18) therebetween. Notches (20) are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg (28) of each T-shaped tie wing (12, 14) for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches (20) are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings (12, 14) and comprise sloped portions (24) that extend labially towards the archwire slot (18). Convex sidewall portions (42) and convex floor portions (44) are provided in the archwire slot (18) adjacent to the notches (20). An auxiliary slot (70) may be centrally disposed under the center legs (28) of the opposing T-shaped tie wings (12, 14). Alternatively, twin auxiliary slots (80) may be disposed under the convex archwire slot floor portions (44).