Abstract: A polyurethane article and method of making same wherein the surface of the article had been subjected to a high energetic treatment wherein the surface characteristics has been modified.

Abstract: A presenting/dispensing system for orthodontic/medical devices is described, which devices are formed homogeneously in an elongate elastomeric chain, with each device taking the form of an elongate carrier body with a central, elongate finger portion to which is integrally joined a small supply tools, such as O-ring ligators or others. The body is formed in a T-shaped configuration with the finger portion being joined at one of its ends to bar-like handle/positioner/indexing structure.

Abstract: A self-locking orthodontic bracket having a body with an archwire slot, and a locking slide member which is movable to open and close the slot. Archwire retention is provided by the slide member without use of conventional ligatures or tie wires. A resilient member is provided to retain the slide member in either the open or closed position, while preventing excessive sliding movement which could disengage the slide member from the bracket body.

Abstract: An orthodontic O-ring holder that can be transformed from a linear shape to a ring shape having a central tree or core with a plurality of orthodontic O-rings attached thereto. The orthodontic O-rings are frangibly attached to the central tree or core for ease of separation, and coupling means are provided for latching the opposed ends of the linear tree together to form a ring shaped dispenser. Therefore, the doctor can use the orthodontic O-ring dispenser in either a linear or ring form, depending upon the doctor's preference or application. The entire assembly is made of an elastic material.

Abstract: The invention provides a ligature that has a defining formed shape and is affixed and integrated with the formed shape of the orthodontic bracket. The ligature can be repeatedly opened, closed, locked, or unlocked, in its integrated relation to the bracket. If necessary, the entire integrated ligature can be removed and replaced. Also, the removed ligature can be replaced by a similar ligature having a variance in the defining formed shape thereof. The integrated ligature has properties of, shape memory, elasticity, flexibility, and resistance to fatigue. The bracket has one or more arch wire receiving channels therein. The bracket also has, in addition to its relation to the integrated ligature, retention concavities in the upper and lower sides of the bracket to provide retention areas for auxiliary devices and/or supplemental ligatures.

Abstract: An elastomeric traction ribbon spring for use in orthodontic procedures consists of a thin and narrow ribbon of substantially constant thickness and width along the length of its operative portion, which is provided with a centrally disposed row of relatively small relatively closely spaced holes extending through its thickness dimension. The tension applied between two anchor points is adjusted by choice of the holes engaged at these points. A specific example is 0.9 mm (0.035in) wide and 0.3 mm (0.012in) thick with holes of 0.2 mm (0.008in) diameter spaced 0.58 mm (0.023in) apart center to center. Each hole may have at the underface a funnel-shaped recess that facilitates mounting of the ribbon on its anchor point; a method of forming such holes is provided using an apertured die and a concentric pointed punch. The spring may be supplied in a long length from which the required amount is cut.

Abstract: A preformed, elastomeric orthodontic ligature includes a molded protrusion or bumper portion integrally connected to an occlusal region of a ring portion of the ligature. When the ligature is connected to a bracket, the bumper portion extends over occlusal surfaces of the bracket including an occlusal tie wing in order to prevent direct contact of the bracket with an opposing tooth. In preferred embodiments, the bumper portion is connected to the ring portion by a thin web which is configured to enable the ring portion to firmly seat under the tie wing and also enables the bumper portion to conform to the occlusal surfaces of the bracket such that the ring portion does not normally stretch and disengage the tie wings during mastication.

Abstract: A device for dispensing elastomeric orthodontic appliances. The device has a mounting section having a rigid support structure and an outer layer. The outer layer has integrally formed therewith a plurality of orthodontic appliances detachably connected thereto. The outer layer and appliances are made of a material having a stiffness substantially less than that of the support structure. The device also has a finger gripping section attached at one end of the mounting section and preferably made integral with the rigid support structure.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprises a body having first and second ends, a first vertical sidewall for attachment to a molar band, and a second sidewall extending arcuate and upwardly away from a lower portion of the first sidewall. A contoured slot extends between the ends and downwardly from an upper portion of the first sidewall for defining an upper and a lower channel, and the lower channel permits the second sidewall to flex outwardly relative to the first sidewall. The upper channel includes a lower arcuate surface upon which an orthodontic wire seats. The second sidewall includes a pawl overlying the upper channel and extending substantially the length thereof for engaging and maintaining an orthodontic wire in the upper channel and against the lower arcuate surface.

Abstract: A unitary dispenser for elastomeric orthodontic devices such as ligatures and teeth separators has a circular carrier band that carries a series of the devices. A central, flat web is connected to the inner periphery of the band and extends across the middle of the dispenser to provide a centrally disposed gripping section. The web is preferably thinner than the carrier band and thus facilitates one-handed manipulation of the dispenser without visual observation. In use, the dispenser is rotated about a central axis when the web is gripped between a thumb and forefinger in order to bring each of the O-rings into a convenient position for detachment from the carrier band.

Abstract: An elastomeric orthodontic tensioning device having improved stain resistance qualities.

Abstract: A plastic shield removably attached to an orthodontic appliance comprising a pliable C-shaped strip having projecting legs which flex outwardly over the appliance when the strip is pressed digitally thereagainst. The legs carry one or more longitudinally extending ridges which cam over the appliance and are thereafter biased against the brackets or the ligatures of the appliance in the manner of a flexural clamp or detent.

Abstract: An elastic orthodontic appliance for use with an edgewise-type bracket having an archwire slot with tipping and uprighting surfaces. The elastic appliance functions as a ligature to provide the usual function of retaining an archwire in the archwire slot of the bracket and additionally functions as a force transmitting device to provide supplementary tipping or uprighting forces between the bracket and the archwire. The appliance includes a ring portion having a transverse web or cross member and in some embodiments enlargements that are forced between the archwire and either the tipping or uprighting surfaces or the lateral sides of the bracket and sized to be compressed so that a force is generated between the archwire and the bracket.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an appliance for orthodonture characterized in that at least most of the appliance may be manually installed and removed by the patient, as required. This appliance includes a plurality of individual clasps for gripping onto individual upper or lower teeth of the patient. The clasps are configured such that they can be manually placed in gripping positions onto and manually disengaged from the teeth by the patient. At the same time, first and second continuous arch wires are connected at predetermined points along their lengths to the various clasps such that when the clasps are in gripping positions on their respective teeth, the wires extend from tooth to tooth along the facial and lingual sides of the teeth, respectively, and exert forces on the teeth to move the latter from malocclusion positions to desired, more ideal positions.

Abstract: An orthodontic device comprising filament and one or more retaining sheaths through which the filament is looped, useful for retaining wires on orthodontic brackets.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having a body, with the body having a face adapted to be secured to a tooth and a slot in the body for receiving an orthodontic arch wire. The bracket has a platen for biasing or forcing the arch wire into the slot and for holding the wire in the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic elastic band having an orally-acceptable elastomeric material which is natural, natural-synthetic or synthetic rubber or theromplastic polymeric material, and a flavoring substance uniforming dispersed therein. Preferred embodiments have 0.1-10 parts by weight, and most preferably 1-5 parts, of the flavoring substance per 100 parts elastomeric material. Preferred flavoring substances are flavoring oils, and the preferred elastomeric materials are the rubbers, most preferably natural rubber. Also disclosed is an orthodontic treatment method including releasing a flavoring substance from an intraoral elastic band by contact thereof with the oral environment to encourage frequent elastic band replacement.

Abstract: Mirror image orthodontic brackets of an overall elongated block configuration are provided for attachment to bands, in turn secured to molars, to receive respective horizontal ends of lingual arch wires terminating in ninety degree bend portions. The overall elongated block configuration has: one medial surface for attachment to a band to be secured to lingual side of a molar; one interrupted occlusal surface presenting a longitudinal slot to receive a horizontal end of a lingual arch wire; one forward, i.e., mesial, interrupted surface presenting the entry of the longitudinal slot; one rear, i.e.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket in which the archwire is locked in place by a resilient locking loop member which snaps into and out of engagement over the bracket. The locking loop member is a nickel-titanium wire of high resilience and shape memory which not only locks in the archwire but imparts force against it as a function of the shape memory of the locking loop member.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket with self-ligating features is described. A cover plate is rotatably attached to the bracket base. Turning of the cover plate to the open position provides access to an archwire slot. After archwire placement, returning of the cover plate to its closed position achieves various degrees of play and seating depending on archwire size and cover plate configuration. The over plate promotes cleanliness and provides cosmetic advantages.

Abstract: The invention provides a new orthodontic bracket consisting of a bracket body having a mesio-distal extending arch wire receiving slot that opens to the labial surface. A latch member of "comma" transverse cross-section is accommodated in a recess in the body, being pivoted thereto by two spaced pivot pins passing through the latch member body portion, while the latch member tail portion moves between a closed position in which it closes the arch wire slot to retain an arch wire therein, and an open position in which the arch wire can be inserted in and removed from the slot. A load spring for applying corrective forces to the arch wire is accommodated within the body to the lingual side of the slot and is a thin bowed sheet spring convex toward the latch so that it urges the arch wire toward the latch lingual surface, the gingival part of which is inclined lingually for cooperation with the arch wire in controlling the movements of the bracket on the arch wire.

Abstract: The wire of an orthodontic appliance is attached at either end to a tooth by means of a lock secured to a band passed around the tooth and having a U-shaped recess into which a retaining spring is set so that when the latch holding the wire is inserted, the ends of the spring catch in notches on the latch thereby affording secure attachment and easy removal and replacement of the wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic spring assembly including an arch wire, a bracket mounted on the arch wire, an orthodontic spring mounted in the bracket and resiliently deformed so as to apply a force to the tooth so as to correct axial inclination thereof.

Abstract: A plurality of brackets are fixedly mounted to various specific ones of a patient's teeth by adhesive or the like. Each bracket is provided with a slot for receiving an elongated arch wire in such a manner that a corrective force will be exerted against the patient's teeth through the brackets. Further, each bracket is provided with grooves for receiving ridges on auxiliary members to exert additional corrective forces to the teeth. A spring-type clamp or bail is used to hold a cap over the slot and to, in combination with the cap, hold the arch wire to within the slot as well as hold the auxiliaries in place on the bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic tensioning thread comprising a plurality of elastomeric strands braided together, the combined effect of the braid providing significantly improved tensile strength, elasticity retention, tieability and knot retention as compared to prior art monofilaments of comparable circumference.

Abstract: A new orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket body with a mesial-distal slot for the reception of an arch wire and a resilient retainer member for retaining the arch wire in the slot, the retainer member being movable on the bracket body in the occlusal-gingival directions between a slot-closed position and a slot-open position. When in the slot-closed position the end of the part of the retainer member which closes the slot extends into a mesial-distal extending retainer slot in the gingival wall of the arch wire slot so that movement of the retainer member end in the labial direction is limited by its engagement with the lingual wall of the retainer slot. The wall that is engaged by the retainer member end preferably in narrower than the bracket body and may comprise a small piece of the spring material used for the retainer member welded to the bracket body. The engaging faces of the retainer member and the retainer slot may be inclined to retain the retainer member in the slot-closed position.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for orthodontic tooth regulation by means of fixed regulating appliances (Edgewise technique). Through such fixed appliances the teeth will be moved under control along a regulating archwire which is ligated to the brackets which are fixed to the teeth. In order to control the forces transmitted to the teeth to be moved and to avoid overload of the periodontal apparatus, it is proposed according to the invention to insert regulating screws along the regulating archwire between fixed parts (such as brackets or tubes) of the regulating appliance, which can be adjusted in their length. The regulating arch is preferably provided partly with a thread, to which regulating nuts can be screwed on. Using such regulating screws as force elements, the force transmitted to the teeth can be measured in a way that the teeth will be moved within a physiological frame.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket assembly with a locking member rotatably mounted on a slotted bar configured to receive an arch wire. The bar is integrally formed with a base of the bracket assembly. The locking member rotates on the bar to capture the arch wire in the bracket assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic appliance for the treatment of dental malocclusion. Brackets of the present invention, used for securing the orthodontic wire, are all bonded to the internal sides of the teeth, that is, the lingual or palatal side. The orthodontic appliance comprises a plate bonded to a tooth, which plate is connected to the main body of the bracket. The covering orthodontic cap for fixing the wire is connected to the main body of the bracket. The cap can be removed from the bracket since it is fixed and connected thereto with a connecting part and elastic connecting device. The bracket or the cap is provided with a shearing groove that prevents the caps from sliding off and provides for locking and removal of the cap by simple operations.

Abstract: A modular orthodontics appliance in the form of either an arch wire or a sectional is provided which makes it possible to provide the whole spectrum of three dimensional appliance functions which are geometrically predictable, have positive directional or vector control, and are specifically designed to control the counter-movements in treatment. These modules are designed to be used as coordinates with light wire, edge wire, straight wire and twin wire appliances. Also, they may be used singly or in combination.

Abstract: An orthodontic spring clip is made of bent wire and comprises a first portion which is preferably formed of at least two spaced elongated members, adapted to engage over at least a part of a portion of a bracket having an arch wire receiving opening therein, and to pass over at least a portion of the arch wire receiving opening of the bracket in order to retain an arch wire in the opening relative to the bracket. The spring clip further comprises a second portion comprised of at least two elongated members coupled to the first portion of the clip and adapted to engage the bracket with the first portion of the clip at least partially covering the arch wire receiving opening of the bracket. Further, means is provided for coupling together the elongated members of at least one of the first and second clip portions. Further disclosed are specific spring clip arrangements and novel bracket constructions having means cooperating with orthodontic spring clips.

Abstract: A new orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket body (20) with a mesial-distal slot (42) for the reception of an arch wire (46 or 80) and a resilient retainer member (48) for retaining the arch wire in the slot, the retainer member being movable on the bracket body in the occlusal-gingival directions between s slot-closed position (e.g. FIG. 5) and a slot-open position (e.g. FIG. 4). The part (50) of the retainer member which closes the slot has its free end extending into the slot, so that movement of the retainer member out of the slot-closed position takes place against its resilience as the opposed embracing retainer parts are moved apart. Moreover, any force urging the arch wire out of the slot and contacting it with the retainer urges the retainer to the slot-closed position. In the slot-open position the retainer member can be "parked" on a mesial-distal extending parking land (70) on the bracket body.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided which comprises a pair of spaced apart arch wire securement members, each having an opening with a flared mouth. The members are secured at opposite ends of a base which base is securable to the anterior surface of a tooth. An auxiliary bracket is secured to the base between the members which bracket includes a slot that extends in a straight line which traverses the openings of the members. The auxiliary bracket includes a vertically extending channel for receipt of an insert bracket which has an enlarged head which is in the shape of said spaced apart members. Said spaced apart members and said enlarged head include an opening with a flared mouth to enable self-locking of an arch wire in the openings of said members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the bracket of an orthodontic appliance for the treatment of dental malocclusion. Brackets of the present invention, which are used for securing the orthodontic wire, are all bonded to the internal sides of teeth, that is, the lingual or palatal side. The wire fixing slot of these brackets is formed either approximately parallel to the tooth axis so that the orthodontic wire may be inserted from the direction of the occlusal plane, or formed almost at a right angle to the tooth axis so that the wire may be inserted from the lingual or palatal side. The bracket has another groove for inserting a lock pin which can lock the fixed wire securely, so that the wire may be locked simply. The bracket is also provided with a shearing groove for cutting the lock pin when the wire is to be exchanged or removed, in order to facilitate the shearing operation with nippers, etc.

Abstract: An orthodontic spring clip is made of bent wire and comprises a first portion which is preferably formed of at least two spaced elongated members, adapted to engage over at least a part of a portion of a bracket having an arch wire receiving opening therein, and to pass over at least a portion of the arch wire receiving opening of the bracket in order to retain an arch wire in the opening relative to the bracket. The spring clip further comprises a second portion comprised of at least two elongated members coupled to the first portion of the clip and adapted to engage the bracket with the first portion of the clip at least partially covering the arch wire receiving opening of the bracket. Further, means is provided for coupling together the elongated members of at least one of the first and second clip portions. Further disclosed are specific spring clip arrangements and novel bracket constructions having means cooperating with orthodontic spring clips.

Abstract: An orthodontic device comprises means defining a passage for an arch wire and means defining a tension spring for bearing against the arch wire. The tension spring has a free end portion for bearing against the arch wire and is fixed at its other end relative to the rest of the device. The tension spring locks against the arch wire to prevent relative movement of the arch wire to the device toward the other end of the spring and yields to the arch wire to permit relative movement of the arch wire to the device toward the free end of the spring. The device may be used in combination with a conventional buccal tube or orthodontic bracket, being located mesially or distally thereof or integrated with the buccal tube or orthodontic bracket. The device may further comprise a member having a channel defined through it. The channel is of larger cross section than the cross section of the arch wire to permit free movement of the arch wire in the channel.