Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of the bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic appliance is disclosed having information encoded or formed in the base of the appliance, wherein the encoded information increases the total base surface area by an amount that is effective for increasing the adhesion of the appliance to a patient's tooth. In one embodiment, the total base surface area may increase to 140% of what such surface would be without the encoded information. The encoded information may identify: a manufacturer or supplier of the appliance, a part/model number, a location and/or date of manufacturer, a composition of material, a patent number, a logo, etc.

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 orthodontic appliance is disclosed having information encoded or formed in the base of the appliance, wherein the encoded information increases the total base surface area by an amount that is effective for increasing the adhesion of the appliance to a patient's tooth. In one embodiment, the total base surface area may increase to 140% of what such surface would be without the encoded information. The encoded information may identify: a manufacturer or supplier of the appliance, a part/model number, a location and/or date of manufacturer, a composition of material, a patent number, a logo, etc.