Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. The first shell can be designed to interface with a first surface of a plurality of surfaces of an attachment structure to provide a first engagement force specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. The second shell can be designed to interface with a second surface of the plurality of surfaces of the attachment structure attached to the at least one tooth of the first jaw to provide a second engagement force specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a self-ligation type orthodontic bracket which has a simple structure and in which a shutter can be reliably opened and closed, and fixed. The orthodontic bracket is provided with: a bracket body having a slot to which a wire is attached and an introduction port connected to the slot; a shutter provided between the slot and the introduction port to be able to move forward and backward; and a stopper wire which is attached to the bracket body and prevents the shutter from detaching. The stopper wire is elastic. Both end parts of the stopper wire are supported by the bracket body. When the shutter is closed, the central part of the stopper wire is located at a position which blocks the path along which the shutter moves forward and backward.

Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. The first shell can be designed to interface with a first surface of a plurality of surfaces of an attachment structure to provide a first engagement force specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. The second shell can be designed to interface with a second surface of the plurality of surfaces of the attachment structure attached to the at least one tooth of the first jaw to provide a second engagement force specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.

Abstract: Systems and methods of repositioning teeth, using one or more appliances for installing on a patient's teeth are described. The appliance includes an arch shaped member; a plurality of spring members coupled to or provided on the arch shaped member; and a plurality of securing members for securing to a corresponding plurality of the patient's teeth on a one-to-one basis, the securing members being supported by the arch shaped member. The arch shaped member and the plurality of springs, together, comprise a two dimensional structure having a length dimension and a width dimension with varying widths along the length dimension, that is bent into a three dimensional structure.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket that forms a slot for receiving an archwire. The slot extends through the orthodontic bracket along an archwire axis. The slot is delimited in directions radially of the archwire axis by a slot base surface, an opposite slot cover surface and two opposite slot side surfaces. Further, the slot has an open side that is provided by a gap within one of the slot side surfaces in a dimension along the archwire axis.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a bracket pad (2), and a bracket body (1) extending from the bracket pad. The bracket has a slot (4) for receiving an orthodontic archwire. The slot has a proximal slot side face (4a), a distal side face (4b) and a slot ground face (4c). The bracket has at least one archwire support structure (5a, 5b) that forms a support surface (6a, 6b) in a plane of the slot ground face. The support surface is spaced from the slot ground face. The archwire support structure forms a flat and protrudes in a dimention generally parallel to a slot cross axis. The invention help maximizing the tip control in an orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket axis indicator for use with an orthodontic bracket including a long slot intersecting with an archwire slot having a base surface and first and second opposed slot surfaces extending from the base surface includes an insert having first and second elongate cross members having first and second top surfaces, respectively, and arranged generally perpendicular to each other such that, when viewed from above, the insert has a generally cruciform shape. First and second grooves extend along the first and second top surfaces of the first and second cross members, respectively, and are each configured to receive an orthodontic tool. The first cross member is configured to be received by the archwire slot and the second cross member is configured to be received by the long slot in order to provide an interference fit between the insert and the orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance are provided. In one embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one another; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are not coplanar when in an unloaded state.

Abstract: A self-ligating attachment intended to form part of an orthodontic appliance, the external surface of said attachment being provided with a groove for receiving an orthodontic arch. A elastic clip that can be reversibly moved between an open position forming an open passage allowing the insertion of the arch into the groove and a closed position sealing the groove. A base including an external surface that supports the attachment and an occlusal surface which is intended to rest on one of the patient's teeth, so as to hug the surface of the tooth. In addition, the base comprises a support for the attachment and said base assists in the guiding of the clip, cooperating with the attachment, as the clip moves between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance are provided. In one embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one another; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are not coplanar when in an unloaded state.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance are provided. In one embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one another; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are not coplanar when in an unloaded state.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions each having an aperture in which a corresponding one of a plurality of bracket base can be disposed to increase a bracket bonding surface area for greater securement of each of the plurality of brackets to each of a corresponding plurality of teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions adapted for coupling one each to a corresponding plurality of brackets to increase a bracket bonding surface area for greater securement of each of the plurality of brackets to each of a corresponding plurality of teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket has a base configured for attachment to a tooth surface, a bracket element with an arch wire slot attached to one side of the base, and a clip for securing the arch wire in the slot. The bracket element has a wall portion extending upward along one side of the arch wire slot. This wall portion has three indentations in a line parallel to the mesiodistal direction. There is a channel running entirely through the bracket element underneath the arch wire slot. The clip is substantially U-shaped and has three parallel protrusions shaped to fit within the three indentations of the wall portion, and a locking element. The clip is securable to the bracket by placing the clip through the channel and engaging the locking element onto the bracket element, and placing the protrusions into the indentations of the bracket element.

Abstract: Base for an orthodontic appliance includes a base surface adapted to be attached to a tooth and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the base surface and extending along a first direction substantially from a first edge of the base surface to a second edge of the base surface, a second direction being defined as perpendicular to the base surface, wherein the distance between two of the protrusions in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first direction along at least a portion of the protrusions is smaller than the distance between the two protrusions at the base surface, and wherein the distance between two of the protrusions in planes substantially perpendicular to the second direction at the first edge and the second edge is larger than a distance between the two protrusions in a plane between the first and the second edge.

Abstract: A lingual bracket has a bracket body (1) and a movable wing (2). The bracket body (1) includes a bracket seat (11) with non-skid pattern on its lower surface and a stationary wing (12) integrally and protrudingly provided onto an end of the bracket seat. A through hole (13) is arranged along the central axis of the stationary wing (12). A movable wing (2) has an arch wire hook (21) at an end and a fixed portion (22) at the other end. The fixed portion end of the movable wing passes through the through hole in the stationary wing, and a spring (3) is sleeved on the section of the movable wing passing through the through hole. One end of the spring (3) is engaged against the stationary wing (12), and the other end is retained on the fixed portion of the movable wing. The arch wire hook (21) of the movable wing (2) can hook an arch wire (4) by constant orthodontic force provided by the spring (3).

Abstract: A pod for shipping a prepasted orthodontic appliance including a compartment having a cover or lid. The appliance includes uncured adhesive on its base and is removably attached to the underside of the lid and removable from the pod upon lifting of the lid. It is thereafter removable from the cover for placement on a tooth. The appliance is removably mounted on the lid by a compressible element frictionally engagable with an opening or openings of the appliance. When the lid is in closed position the appliance is suspended above the bottom of the pod so that the uncured adhesive does not touch the interior walls of the pod.

Abstract: A pin connector for attaching an orthodontic force module to an orthodontic appliance is configured to preferentially bend in a middle segment along an elongate pin body of the pin connector. The pin connector includes an elongate pin body and an extension rod extending laterally from an end of the pin body for interconnecting the pin body and an orthodontic force module. The elongate pin body includes first, second and third segments, with the second segment having reduced cross-sectional diameter relative to the first and third segments so that pin body preferentially bends in the second segment rather than the first and third segments when attaching the orthodontic force module to the orthodontic appliance. This provides a preselected amount of distance or play between the orthodontic force module and the orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ligating device (1) for arch wires or orthodontic wires, having a bondable base (2), for coupling to a tooth, and a main body (3), where the main body (3) has a slot (4), suitable for receiving a metal arch wire (5). The slot (4) has its entrance on one of its gingival or occlusal sides. The invention relates also to a method for the application of an arch wire or an orthodontic wire (5), by insertion of the arch wire or orthodontic wire (5) in a plurality of ligating devices (1) for arch wires or orthodontic wires, along a gingival-occlusal, or occlusal-gingival direction of insertion.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for use in orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic appliance is selected from the group consisting of an orthodontic bracket, an orthodontic archwire, an orthodontic tool, and a discrete component thereof. The orthodontic appliance is made of a metallic glass. The orthodontic appliance may be an orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth. The orthodontic bracket comprises a bracket body including an archwire slot, the bracket body being made of a metallic glass. The orthodontic bracket further comprises a movable member made of a metallic glass and operatively coupled to the bracket body and movable between an opened position in which the archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the movable member retains the archwire in the archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket further comprises a pin coupling the movable member to the bracket body.

Abstract: A self ligating orthodontic bracket system includes a bracket, a slidable ligating member and at least one wedge locking ramp. The bracket includes an archwire slot defined therein, which is configured to receive an archwire therein. The ligating member slides along a slide path defined on the bracket and which extends transverse relative to the archwire slot. The wedge locking ramp is disposed on the slide path, wherein the wedge locking ramp is configured to deflect the ligating member vertically upward and away from an upper surface of the slide path, and over the wedge locking ramp when the ligating member travels along the slide path from an unlocked position to a locked position. The archwire is securely retained in the archwire slot when the ligating member is in the locked position.

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 self-ligating orthodontic bracket for captivating an archwire with a tooth. The bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and a self-ligating mechanism having an archwire slot and a ligating slide. The ligating slide is movable between an open position in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the archwire is retained in the archwire slot. The bracket body may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, a filled polymer composite, or a ceramic, and the self-ligating mechanism may be formed from a metal. The bracket may include a resilient engagement member with a detent positioned to engage an aperture or throughhole extending through the ligating slide when the ligating slide is in the closed position.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket mountable on a tooth for use in retraction mechanics to facilitate movement of teeth along an arch, which includes an archwire-receiving member rotatably mounted on a base and structured to freely rotate when tipping a tooth during sliding of the bracket along an archwire thereby minimizing friction between the archwire and bracket to significantly decrease the required retraction force, and treatment time, thereby minimizing the possibility of root resorption and maintaining the integrity of the root and surrounding bone. A locking pin for locking the member against rotation is employed when uprighting the tooth from a tipped position.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for captivating an archwire with a tooth. The bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and a self-ligating mechanism having an archwire slot and a ligating slide. The ligating slide is movable between an open position in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the archwire is retained in the archwire slot. The bracket body may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, a filled polymer composite, or a ceramic, and the self-ligating mechanism may be formed from a metal. The bracket may include a resilient engagement member with a detent positioned to engage an aperture or throughhole extending through the ligating slide when the ligating slide is in the closed position.

Abstract: A dental implant system in one embodiment is constructed of a base member that is to be embedded within a patient's jawbone. This base member has a central opening that tapers inward from a top surface to a bottom surface. The system also includes an implant screw haying a head and a threaded end which passes through the central opening of the base member and into the patient's jawbone. The head has a tapered section to seat within the tapered opening of the base member. In this way, the base member is secured to the jawbone while the base member is embedded within the patient's jawbone. A crown is provided to be coupled to the implant screw.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body having an archwire slot for receiving the archwire and a movable member engaged with the bracket body and movable between opened and closed positions. The movable member includes a leading edge having a non-uniform pushing element configured to guide the archwire into the archwire slot as the movable member is closed. An associated method includes providing a movable member for an orthodontic bracket and providing a non-uniform pushing element on a leading edge thereof. The pushing element may include a chamfer formed along the leading edge of the movable member.

Abstract: The self-ligating bracket with base; base support; occlusal and gingival wall with ligature wing from support; slot separating the walls, passage extending through support in gingival-to-occlusal direction; and resilient clip with mutually connected labial and lingual legs; lingual leg received and arranged for displacement in passage in gingival-to-occlusal direction, between closed and open position of clip; in closed position, labial leg extends into cutout in gingival or occlusal wall, with stop for labial leg; in open position, tip of labial leg positioned above the occlusal or gingival wall, labial leg of clip provided with wing extending in distal and/or medial direction; in closed position of clip, one wing is positioned above the slot, lingual extension of labial leg of clip is positioned in cutout, with extension narrower than width of labial leg; extension of labial leg of clip contacts the closed position, with the labial stop even when slot is empty.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic article that includes a fluoropolymer and that exhibits at least 0.001% transmittance at 546 nm when measured according to the Transmittance Test Procedure.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance including a bracket having a substantially flat base (15) for engaging a tooth and a securing member (23) having a terminal aspect, and a pin (1) having an appendage (5) having an active surface (3) wherein the base and the securing member form a channel adapted to receive the pin to secure the pin in a position to form a slot between the terminal aspect of the securing member and the active surface of the appendage of the pin, said pin having longitudinal movement within the channel, wherein said movement enable the dimensions of the slot formed between the terminal aspect of the securing member and the active surface (32) of the appendage of the pin to be variable.

Abstract: An adapter is configured to convert a non-self ligating lingual orthodontic bracket into a self-ligating bracket. The adapter is-removably attachable to the non-self ligating lingual orthodontic bracket and includes a self-ligating mechanism. According to a preferred embodiment, the bracket adapter includes a pin, a tube, and a lockwire. The pin is configured to be removably secured to the non-self ligating bracket. The tube is attached to or formed from an occlusal end of the pin. The lockwire is partially mounted within the tube and is capable of rotation between a ligating and a non-ligating position. In its ligating position, the lockwire securely retains an archwire within an archwire slot of the non-self ligating bracket using shear-resistant properties of the lockwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire and a hook for receiving an elastic member. The hook is movable from a first position when the elastic is not positioned about the hook to a second position when the elastic member is positioned about the hook. In one embodiment, the orthodontic appliance includes a clamp pivotable about the arch wire, a tube connected to the clamp and to the hook, and a second wire connected to the tube and to at least one of the brackets. In another embodiment, magnets are secured to the arch wire. One of the magnets can pivot about the arch wire and includes a hook attached thereto. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire, a clamp secured to the arch wire, a hook and a wire. The wire is secured to the clamp and the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire, a hook and a wire segment.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is capable of smoothly performing an orthodontic operation without the need of any troublesome fastening operation, and securely fixes an orthodontic wire in slots by pressing the wire with a suitable magnitude of elastic force. The bracket includes a bracket body and a pressing spring. The bracket body has mounts provided on a base with a predetermined spacing therebetween in a facing fashion and also provided in the middle with slots. The bases of the mounts are formed with axial holes. Further, the pressing spring includes a pressing portion, which is provided at a central portion of the wire and has a length bridging the slots, and which is bent at both ends thereof in the same direction to bridge the slots. A pair to upright portions is formed at tip ends of the pressing portion to rise upright along outer sides of the slots. A pair of axial support portions is formed at tip ends of the upright portions to extend through the axial holes.

Abstract: An orthodontic device includes a wire member and a fixing member. The wire member consists of on arch wire fixed through concatenation with a tooth and an engaging part fixed at positions corresponding to the points of fixation of the arch wire. The fixing member 2 fixed on the tooth is provided with a mounting groove for mounting the engaging part.

Abstract: A cap is releasably connected to an orthodontic bracket and covers tips of occlusal bracket tiewings in order to prevent contact of the bracket with the enamel of opposing dentition. The cap includes a section that extends at least partially along a channel of the bracket extending in a generally occlusal-gingival direction in order to help retain the cap in its intended position and prevent the cap from rotating relative to the bracket. In preferred embodiments, the cap is made of a stain-resistant aesthetically pleasing material. Optionally, the cap serves as a ligature in order to retain an archwire in an archwire slot of the bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance including: bracket (101) having a substantially flat base (102) for engaging a tooth, and a securing member (103); and facia (110) able to engage with the securing member (103) to form part of the bracket (101); wherein the combination of the facia (110) and the securing member (103) forms a slot within the bracket (101), able to receive a pin (114) and secure the pin in position.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket has a latch that is movable from a slot-open position to a first closed position or a second closed position. In the first closed position of the latch, the latch engages an archwire with sufficient force to provide active orthodontic therapy. In the second closed position, the effective labial-lingual dimension of the archwire slot is somewhat greater than the overall labial-lingual dimension of the archwire such that the bracket provides passive orthodontic therapy.

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: A pre-engaging orthodontic bracket for attaching an archwire to a tooth includes a body having a lingual surface for attachment to the tooth, a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings. The gingival and occlusal tie wings project from a labial surface of the body. The gingival and occlusal tie wings are separated by an interwing region of the body. An archwire slot extends mesiodistally across the body between the gingival and occlusal tie wings to accommodate and archwire. A locking shutter is pivotally mounted about at least one pivot pin on the body between an open position in which placement and removal of an archwire in the archwire slot is facilitated and a closed position in which placement of the archwire in the archwire slot is inhibited. Alternative embodiments of a pre-engaging orthodontic brackets are also disclosed.

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: An orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire and a hook for receiving an elastic member. The hook is movable from a first position when the elastic is not positioned about the hook to a second position when the elastic member is positioned about the hook. In one embodiment, the orthodontic appliance includes a clamp pivotable about the arch wire, a tube connected to the clamp and to the hook, and a second wire connected to the tube and to at least one of the brackets. In another embodiment, magnets are secured to the arch wire. One of the magnets can pivot about the arch wire and includes a hook attached thereto. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire, a clamp secured to the arch wire, a hook and a wire. The wire is secured to the clamp and the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire, a hook and a wire segment.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket in two parts includes firstly a base adapted for adhesion to a front of a tooth and including an elongate aperture therethrough, and secondly an elongate, undulated anchor sized for placement by a force fit within the elongate aperture of the base. On opposite ends of the anchor are respectively placed a head having a wire slot that is open on one side passing transversely therethrough, and a lip oriented in the direction of the open side of the bracket and adapted to extend outwardly from the elongate aperture towards the tooth when the anchor is placed within the aperture. The head may have various torque angles so as to provide varying degrees of torque to a tooth upon which applied.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a pin and a bracket. The pin has first and second portions joined by a bight. The first portion of the pin includes a pair of tie wings. The bracket includes a base with a pair of arms extending therefrom terminating in tie wings. A platform is positioned on the base between the arms. A first slot separates the tie wings. A second slot extends generally perpendicularly to the first slot through both arms and the platform. In use, the base of the bracket is attached to a tooth, an archwire is positioned in the first slot and the second portion of the pin is inserted through the second slot, such that the tie wings are adjacent the first slot. A ligature tie is then positioned about the tie wings to hold the archwire in place. In an alternative embodiment, an extension on the pin is bent about a portion of the bracket to secure the bracket to the archwire. The ligature tie is eliminated.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a configuration which makes it difficult for dental plaque to be deposited thereon and which prevents lateral movement of an arch wire as well as precisely preforming a torque shift without an auxiliary attachment wire. The orthodontic appliance is used in dental treatment includes a bracket having an arch wire passage formed therein to extend substantially horizontally and a lock pin insertion passage for insertion of a lock pin therethrough, the lock pin being substantially vertically oriented between the surface of a tooth and the arch wire passage for pressing the arch wire toward a side further from the tooth surface to thereby position the arch wire. The lock pin insertion passage has a bow-shape jetting toward the tooth surface and the lock pin is bow-shaped such that the following mathematical expression is satisfied:R.sub.P .ltoreq.R.sub.Lwherein R.sub.P is a radius of curvature of the lock pin insertion passage and R.sub.

Abstract: A self ligating orthodontic bracket comprising a U-shaped ligating spring member movable between slot open and closed positions on the bracket body is adapted for reception of an additional external ligating member, such as an elastomeric hoop or loop, by providing the spring member in its occlusal portion at least adjacent its junction with the lingual portion with a mesial distal extending spring slot in which the additional ligature is received and securely retained, the slot opening at least partly lingually and being convex in the labial gingival direction; preferably the slot opens both occlusally and lingually. Preferably also the gingival surface of the bracket body is provided with a mesial distal extending gingivally-opening body slot, convex in the occlusal direction, for reception and retention of an external additional ligating wire or elastomeric hoop engaged in the spring slot.

Abstract: A bracket having a closure slot extending through both sides of the bracket body across an archwire slot for a closure member to secure an archwire. The bracket body has an internal shoulder extending across one side of the closure slot. The closure member is a lengthwise-folded flat spring having a free end positioned and biased to engage the shoulder when closed, and including a ramp forming a cam at the distal end thereof. Pushing the closure member lengthwise in the closure slot with sufficient force depresses the free end to disengage it from the internal shoulder to slide the closure member to an open position. Intermediate retention ears are formed on the core of the closure member to engage opposite lateral sides of the closure slot when open. A bendable tab is formed in the bracket body to block the closure member from removal from one end of the closure slot after insertion therein. The bracket body has twin pairs of tie wings to provide dual modes of closure.

Abstract: Self-ligating orthodontic brackets comprise a spring ligating member of U-shape with converging arms movable on the bracket body between slot open and closed positions; in the latter position the spring retains an arch wire in the slot and urges the bracket and wire to their optimum relative positions. The ligating member is of a superelastic shape recovery metal alloy, preferably of thickness from 0.20 mm (0.008 in) to 0.25 mm (0.010 in), with rounded edges. At least the lingual portion of the member to be stiffer than the remainder; at least a part of the occlusal portion can also be stiffer. Alternatively, or in addition, the bracket body has a large mesial distal extending bore between and spaced from the bracket occlusal, lingual and labial surfaces and the arch wire slot occlusal surface. The large bore accepts attachment members used for attachment of a range of auxiliaries, such as hooks and traction springs.

Abstract: A bracket having a closure slot extending through both sides of the bracket body across art archwire slot for a closure member to secure an archwire. The bracket body has an internal shoulder extending across one side of the closure slot. The closure member is a lengthwise-folded flat spring having a free end positioned and biased to engage the shoulder when closed, and including a ramp forming a cam at the distal end thereof. Pushing the closure member lengthwise in the closure slot with sufficient force depresses the free end to disengage it from the internal shoulder to slide the closure member to an open position. Intermediate retention ears are formed on the core of the closure member to engage opposite lateral sides of the closure slot when open. A bendable tab is formed in the bracket body to block the closure member from removal from one end of the closure slot after insertion therein. The bracket body has twin pairs of tie wings to provide dual modes of closure.

Abstract: A self-locking orthodontic bracket includes a supporting base and transversely spaced tying lugs interrupted by a transverse archwire slot. A closure mounted on the bracket includes a movable cover slidably overlapping an anterior surface across the bracket. The closure is supported by sliding guides that engage opposed side surfaces of the tying lugs. A transverse flat spring is recessed within the fixed wall to selectively engage indented areas on the posterior surface of the cover and serve as a detent. The detent selectively positions the cover in an open or closed position relative to the archwire slot. The brackets are preferably installed in two sets for attachment to the upper and lower teeth with the covers of both sets being movable to their open positions in common inferior directions. This facilitates visualization of the open archwire slot and adjacent bracket surfaces by attending professionals.

Abstract: A self-locking orthodontic bracket includes a base for attachment to a tooth or tooth band. Transversely spaced tying lugs project from the base and include opposed extensions for orthodontic attachment purposes. The tying lugs present an anterior surface interrupted by an archwire slot. A closure mounted on the bracket includes a movable cover slidably engaging the anterior surface of the bracket. The cover spans the full width of the tying lugs and has a perpendicular width greater than the width of the archwire slot across the anterior surface. The closure is supported on the bracket by a pair of guides that slidably engage opposed side surfaces of the tying lugs for opening and closing the cover. The closure can also be designed to complement the archwire slot structure between the lugs, forming a complete tube encircling the archwire across the full width of the bracket when the cover is in its closed position.