Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a replaceable closing spring member detachably connected to the upper structure of a tooth-attachable base member. Particular preferred embodiments relate to the form of detachable connection of the closing spring member with the upper structure, with one particularly preferred embodiment being torsion tabs that are reversibly deformable to maintain pivoting engagement of spring member and upper structure when desired and easy removal of the spring members when desired.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mounting arrangement for mounting an orthodontic bracket on a tooth. The mounting arrangement comprises an orthodontic bracket and a mounting aid, wherein the mounting aid can be detachably connected to the orthodontic bracket with positive engagement by pushing it onto the bracket in such a way that long sides of the side pieces of the mounting aid engage in guide grooves of the bracket.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a closing spring (7) made of spring steel sheet, which has a first end (22), which can be anchored to the first tie wing (4a), and a second end, which is connected to the first end (22) by an arc (21) wrapping around the first tie wing (4a) and which is formed by three tongues, at least one of which is a ligating tongue (8) and at least one a latching tongue (9). The tongues are separated from each other by notches (10) and the closing spring (7) is connected detachably to the upper bracket structure (4). The tongues are essentially parallel to each other; and in the closed position of the closing spring (7), the ligating tongue (8) is pre-tensioned in the direction toward an arch wire receiving slot (5) formed between the tie wings (4a, 4b).

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a replaceable closing spring member detachably connected to the upper structure of a tooth-attachable base member. Particular preferred embodiments relate to the form of detachable connection of the closing spring member with the upper structure, with one particularly preferred embodiment being torsion tabs that are reversibly deformable to maintain pivoting engagement of spring member and upper structure when desired and easy removal of the spring members when desired.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a closing spring (7) made of spring steel sheet, which has a first end (22), which can be anchored to the first tie wing (4a), and a second end, which is connected to the first end (22) by an arc (21) wrapping around the first tie wing (4a) and which is formed by three tongues, at least one of which is a ligating tongue (8) and at least one a latching tongue (9). The tongues are separated from each other by notches (10) and the closing spring (7) is connected detachably to the upper bracket structure (4). The tongues are essentially parallel to each other; and in the closed position of the closing spring (7), the ligating tongue (8) is pre-tensioned in the direction toward an arch wire receiving slot (5) formed between the tie wings (4a, 4b).

Abstract: To determine the required torque angle of a bracket for the orthodontic treatment of teeth malposition the angle between the bracket plane and the axis-orbital plane is determined, for the respective tooth a guiding straight line or guiding plane is determined, the anatomy of the tooth on its front side is measured, and the torque angle of the bracket to be used is calculated in consideration of a predetermined angle of intersection between the guiding straight line or guide plane and the axis-orbital plane.

Abstract: A bracket for orthodontic treatments comprises a closing spring, which is fixedly anchored at the bracket and which covers an arch wire slot formed in the bracket for receiving an arch wire in a closed position. In an end section of the closing spring covering the slot, a tongue is formed in the center and folded at an angle toward a base plate of the bracket. The spring has an end section which is held by projections formed at the bracket structure to secure the spring in its closed position. The spring may be dimensioned and pre-tensioned in a manner that an arch wire inserted into the slot is torqued by the closing spring with forces from the top and from the side.

Abstract: To determine the required torque angle of a bracket for the orthodontic treatment of teeth malposition the angle between the bracket plane and the axis-orbital plane is determined, for the respective tooth a guiding straight line or guiding plane is determined, the anatomy of the tooth on its front side is measured, and the torque angle of the bracket to be used is calculated in consideration of a predetermined angle of intersection between the guiding straight line or guide plane and the axis-orbital plane.

Abstract: A bracket for orthodontic treatments comprises a closing spring, which is fixedly anchored at the bracket and which covers an arch wire slot formed in the bracket for receiving an arch wire in a closing position. In an end section of the closing spring covering the slot, a tongue is formed in the center and folded at a right angle towards a base plate of said bracket. The spring has an end section which is held by projections formed at the bracket structure to secure the spring in its closing position. The spring may be dimensioned and pre-loaded in a manner that an arch wire inserted into the slot is loaded by the closing spring with forces from the top and from the side.

Abstract: A lingual bracket for orthodontic treatments in the anterior and canine tooth area comprises a slot directed in parallel to the base plate of the bracket, said slot being aligned in a manner that the slot opening points towards the chewing plane. The slot preferably has a depth that is lower than its width. As an element for securing an arch wire in the slot, said slot is preferably covered by a closing spring, which I stably held on the bracket frame in the opening and closing position. An arch wire inserted into the slot is pressed by the closing spring against the slot bottom and generates the forces on the bracket that are required for the tooth position correction. The use of safety lugs for the closing spring can be renounced, which reduces the height of the bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprising a base plate having an edge configuration in which the mesial and distal edges are formed to extend in parallel to mesial and distal secants of the tooth crown. Those secants extend close to the mesial and distal edges of the tooth's crown when seen in front view between the mesial and distal junctions of the enamel, respectively, and the cement at the gingival edge of the tooth and the junction of the incisal edge or cusp and the mesial and distal edge, respectively, of the tooth's crown. Thereby, the positioning of the bracket in conformity with the anatomy of the tooth's crown is facilitated.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having an archwire slot includes a arc-shaped leaf spring capable of exerting a lateral force onto an archwire inserted into the archwire slot. The leaf spring is secured to a structure of said bracket at positions spaced along the slot. The bracket may have a slider plate to close the slot to avoid ligatures. In another embodiment the structure comprises an undercut holding the archwire in a position defined by the pressure exerted by the leaf spring. A bent slider may be interposed between said leaf spring and the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having an archwire slot and including a pressure spring capable of exerting a lateral force onto an archwire inserted into the archwire slot, said force pressing the archwire into abutment to a lateral slot wall thereby reducing the clearance of the archwire within the slot.

Abstract: A bracket having a movable closing spring fixedly but releasably attached thereto, wherein the closing spring is movable between two positions. The closing spring is retained in the opened and closed position due to the inherent spring force and can be put on and off the base member of the bracket.

Abstract: A device for tow vehicles intended for maneuvering commercial aircraft, where the type of aircraft to be towed is identified and the turn-out angle between the longitudinal axes of the vehicle and the aircraft is determined and monitored during the towing process. The type of aircraft may be ascertained by measuring the width of the nose gear assembly. The turn-out angle can be calculated by measuring the relative distances between opposing sensors on the tow vehicle and the fuselage utilizing a characteristic hull shape of the particular type of aircraft.