Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and method for preconditioning lingual tissue for lingual orthodontic treatment, including the application of lingual braces. Protuberances may be affixed to the lingual surfaces of one or more of a patient's teeth prior to the introduction of an orthodontic appliance to allow time for the tongue to adapt to the presence of foreign structures. The protuberances may promote keratinization of the lingual tissue. The protuberances may be removed prior to the application of the orthopedic appliance. The protuberances can be pre-fabricated or fabricated in situ on the surfaces of the teeth. The protuberances may be any suitable material, including metal, polymer, or ceramic.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Other aspects are directed to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket; embodiments that include an orthodontic appliance and method of producing and using the same, and preferably employed in a lingual orthodontic system, that includes friction reducing features between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire placed within the archwire slot.

Abstract: A universal attachment device configured to be secured to a tooth for engagement with a removable dental positioning appliance including a base including a lateral surface including a plurality of faces for effecting a plurality of repositioning forces on a tooth, wherein when the device is engaged with the appliance and when the base is secured to the tooth, one of the repositioning forces is effected upon the tooth and at least one of the other repositioning forces are not effected upon the tooth. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket assembly includes a mounting plate configured to be coupled to a tooth and a bracket member. The bracket member has a first portion generally extending in a first direction, a second portion generally extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a slot defined intermediate the first and second portions. The slot is configured to receive a wire. Additionally, each of the first and second portions includes a curved surface defining an entrance of the slot.

Abstract: A kit for an orthodontic bracket, which includes at least a base plate and a flap that can be pivoted over the base plate, to which a flap directly or indirectly guided wire bow can be fastened. The kit includes a selection of base plates and flaps differing in size and shape. Base plates and flaps are produced from sheet metal by bending and stamping. The two parts can be connected to each other without a shaft by being pivoted in relation to each other.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Other aspects are directed to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket; embodiments that include an orthodontic appliance and method of producing and using the same, and preferably employed in a lingual orthodontic system, that includes friction reducing features between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire placed within the archwire slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Other aspects are directed to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket; embodiments that include an orthodontic appliance and method of producing and using the same, and preferably employed in a lingual orthodontic system, that includes friction reducing features between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire placed within the archwire slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Each of the side channels has an archwire retaining ridge extending gingivally-occlusally along the adjacent side of the bracket base between the two retaining regions of the channel. For each channel, its retaining ridge exerts a force on a portion of an archwire facing away from the archwire portion residing in the recesses of the retaining regions of the channel. The force on the archwire is directed toward the interiors of the recesses of the retaining regions for assisting in seating the archwire in the recesses.

Abstract: Various designs of dental orthodontic brackets are described. Some brackets are self-ligating with no moving parts. Some brackets include multiple pathways for wires so an amount and type of force applied by the bracket can be varied without moving the bracket. Optionally, a same bracket is used for an entire orthodontic process.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Each of the side channels has an archwire retaining ridge extending gingivally-occlusally along the adjacent side of the bracket base between the two retaining regions of the channel. For each channel, its retaining ridge exerts a force on a portion of an archwire facing away from the archwire portion residing in the recesses of the retaining regions of the channel. The force on the archwire is directed toward the interiors of the recesses of the retaining regions for assisting in seating the archwire in the recesses.

Abstract: This invention discloses a bracket for correcting dentognathic deformity including a substrate plate, a bracket body, and two working wings. The bracket body has an arch wire groove, and the working wings are located at two sides of the arch wire groove. The working wings have a ligature wire locating trench, and each wing has a ligature wire locating groove, groove bottom central lines of the ligature wire locating grooves are located on a same straight line. The bracket body has a ligature hole vertical to the arch wire groove and penetrating through the bracket body, and a vertical distance from a bottom surface of the arch wire groove to an upper surface of the substrate plate is larger than a height of the ligature hole. The bracket further has a C-shaped movable lock accessory. The placement and removement of the movable lock is convenient, greatly reducing the operation time.

Abstract: This invention discloses a bracket for correcting dentognathic deformity including a substrate plate, a bracket body, and two working wings. The bracket body has an arch wire groove, and the two working wings are located at two sides of the arch wire groove. Each of the working wings has a ligature wire locating groove, groove bottom central lines of the ligature wire locating grooves are located on a same straight line. The bracket body has a ligature hole vertical to the arch wire groove and penetrating through the bracket body, and a vertical distance from a bottom surface of the arch wire groove to an upper surface of the substrate plate is larger than a height of the ligature hole. The bracket further has a C-shaped movable lock accessory. The placement and removement of the movable lock is convenient, greatly reducing the operation time.

Abstract: Pre-fabricated ligature with variable friction, which comprises a ligature made of nitinol (1) that describes a rectangular outline similar to an “O” format, which is noteworthy in that the free ends (2) can be deflected to meet the need for affixing of the arch wire (3) to the bracket (5), resulting in variable friction force.

Abstract: An independent low friction bracket comprises a bracket basal body (1) located on a mesh base (2). The bracket basal body (1) has two side walls, the two side walls and the bracket basal body (1) form a main arch wire slot (3); upper ends of the two side walls are provided with a ligating wing(4) respectively, and outer surfaces of the two side walls are provided with a slope (5-1) respectively, so that the side walls each have a gradually reduced wall thickness along the bracket basal body (1) towards the ligating wing (4), and a recess (5-2) is disposed at a place where the ligating wing (4) is connected to the side wall. The bracket, without changing the conventional operating manner of clinicians, can reduce the friction, and overcome defects of the self-locking bracket in the prior art that a precise control cannot be performed in a later stage of the treatment, and that the closure cover usually cannot be opened or cannot be closed after being opened, due to food residues or deformation.

Abstract: The orthodontic bracket system includes a bracket having a base for attachment to a tooth surface, a stem above the base, tie wings extending from the stem for securing ligatures, and an archwire slot for receiving an archwire defined by the stem and tie wings. Distal and mesial side surfaces of the bracket base are perpendicular to the archwire slot to allow a rotational device to apply rotational force to a tooth perpendicular to the archwire with direct vector-line guidance. Occlusal and gingival edges of the bracket base between the tie wings are scooped-out or recessed to provide more space to receive a tool under an elastic ligature, and select corners of the tie wings are beveled enlarging space to facilitate entry of instruments for removing wire ligatures, to facilitate instrument access for removal and replacement of ligatures, while streamlining tooth rotation to make arch correction more efficient.

Abstract: The bracket (11) comprises a body (21) having a ligaturing surface (21a) on which ligature by a wire is performed. A slot portion (22) for threading an arch wire (12) serving as a first wire extending over a plurality of teeth is provided on the ligaturing surface (21a) of the body (21). Wing portions (23) extending from the slot portion (22) in the direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the slot portion (22) are provided. A ligature wire (26) serving as a second wire used in ligaturing the arch wire (12) is hitched round the wing portions (23). And guide portions (24) for guiding the ligature wire (26 ) to extend across the slot portion (22) are formed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an orthodontic bracket comprising a body member having a gingival opening mesio-distally extending slot formed therein. The slot is sized and shaped to receive an archwire. The body member also comprising a vertical leg between the slot and a labial or facial surface of the body member. The vertical leg defines a portion of the slot. The body member also comprises a shoulder attached to the vertical leg adjacent the opening and extending into the slot. A method of using a orthodontic bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachable orthodontic hook for use on an orthodontic appliance wherein the hook is formed from a continuous wire which forms a twisted hook when it is attached to an orthodontic appliance. When installed there is only one end. The cut pigtail has been eliminated.

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: A generally elastic orthodontic ligature in the shape of an O-ring is provided with a semi-rigid retaining arm for the general purpose of attaching a rubber band between teeth. The retaining arm is integral with the O-ring although the two may be made of different materials. The O-ring may have projections therein for preventing rotation of the ligature during use, and the projections may include unidirectional barbs. Further, variations in the angle or shape of the arm may be provided as desired.

Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket system for providing a compact and wingless orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic bracket system includes a base, a bracket member attached to the base, a vertical passage within the bracket, and a front slot within the bracket member for receiving an archwire. At least one ligature member extends through the vertical passage and about the archwire for securing the archwire within the front slot. The vertical passage is substantially traverse to the front slot for allowing the ligature member to extend about the archwire substantially traverse to the archwire.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprised of a ligating member containing a coil spring segment for extending the ligating member over an archwire or retainer wire and over one or more tie wings to secure the archwire or retainer wire in the bottom of a slot in the bracket. The ligating member containing the coil spring may have ends that are engaged in opposing mesially-distally extending bores in one side of the bracket body, with the ligating member being engaged with one or more tie wings on an opposite side of the bracket body. Alternatively, the ligating member may form a closed loop with the ligating member engaged under both occlusally-projecting and gingivally-projecting tie wings or engaged under one or more tie wings on one side of the bracket body and passing through a mesially-distally extending bore on the opposite side of the bracket body.

Abstract: A ligature for securing an orthodontic bracket to an orthodontic archwire is formed from nylon and comprises a thin, elongate member having sufficient tensile strength to withstand orthodontic forces. A locking member receives the ligature therethrough and prevents disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation. In one embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at one end and a locking member at the other end for cooperation with the locking teeth to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at both ends which engage one another and a locking tube to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the locking member is initially open and is closable to secure the ligature therein, thereby preventing disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation.

Abstract: An elastomeric orthodontic ligature for engagement with a tooth-mounted orthodontic appliance such as a bracket having conventional tie wings. In one application, the ligature is engaged behind and between upper and lower tie wings of the bracket, and extends over the bracket surface to hold an archwire in a slot of the bracket. The ligature differs from known elastic ligatures of flat torus shape in that it is arched or curved to simplify and speed initial engagement behind one of the bracket tie wings.

Abstract: A ligature for securing an orthodontic bracket to an orthodontic archwire is formed from nylon and comprises a thin, elongate member having sufficient tensile strength to withstand orthodontic forces. A locking member receives the ligature therethrough and prevents disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation. In one embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at one end and a locking member at the other end for cooperation with the locking teeth to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at both ends which engage one another and a locking tube to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the locking member is initially open and is closable to secure the ligature therein, thereby preventing disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation.

Abstract: A ligature for securing an orthodontic bracket to an orthodontic archwire is formed from nylon and comprises a thin, elongate member having sufficient tensile strength to withstand orthodontic forces. A locking member receives the ligature therethrough and prevents disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation. In one embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at one end and a locking member at the other end for cooperation with the locking teeth to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at both ends which engage one another and a locking tube to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the locking member is initially open and is closable to secure the ligature therein, thereby preventing disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation.

Abstract: A ligature for securing an orthodontic bracket to an orthodontic archwire is formed from nylon and comprises a thin, elongate member having sufficient tensile strength to withstand orthodontic forces. A locking member receives the ligature therethrough and prevents disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation. In one embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at one end and a locking member at the other end for cooperation with the locking teeth to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at both ends which engage one another and a locking tube to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the locking member is initially open and is closable to secure the ligature therein, thereby preventing disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation.

Abstract: A ligature for securing an orthodontic bracket to an orthodontic archwire is formed from nylon and comprises a thin, elongate member having sufficient tensile strength to withstand orthodontic forces. A locking member receives the ligature therethrough and prevents disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation. In one embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at one end and a locking member at the other end for cooperation with the locking teeth to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at both ends which engage one another and a locking tube to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the locking member is initially open and is closable to secure the ligature therein, thereby preventing disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprised of a ligating member containing a coil spring segment for extending the ligating member over an archwire or retainer wire and over one or more tie wings to secure the archwire or retainer wire in the bottom of a slot in the bracket. The ligating member containing the coil spring may have ends that are engaged in opposing mesially-distally extending bores in one side of the bracket body, with the ligating member being engaged with one or more tie wings on an opposite side of the bracket body. Alternatively, the ligating member may form a closed loop with the ligating member engaged under both occlusally-projecting and gingivally-projecting tie wings or engaged under one or more tie wings on one side of the bracket body and passing through a mesially-distally extending bore on the opposite side of the bracket body.

Abstract: A ligature for securing an orthodontic bracket to an orthodontic archwire is formed from nylon and comprises a thin, elongate member having sufficient tensile strength to withstand orthodontic forces. A locking member receives the ligature therethrough and prevents disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation. In one embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at one end and a locking member at the other end for cooperation with the locking teeth to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the ligature has locking teeth at both ends which engage one another and a locking tube to prevent disengagement of the ligature. In another embodiment the locking member is initially open and is closable to secure the ligature therein, thereby preventing disengagement of the ligature from an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic archwire following installation.

Abstract: A ligature for an orthodontic appliance comprising a coil spring hoop of helically wound metal strip or wire or a wave spring hoop of wave wound metal strip or wire, preferably of shape memory metal. Such a metal ligature is simpler and more convenient to use than wire ties and has a life considerably longer than the elastomeric ligatures currently in use; because of this extended life they can be permanently attached to a bracket body to provide a self-ligating bracket. A coil wound ligature has the form of a hoop and is attached to the bracket body via a U-shaped core member threaded through part of the hoop and having its ends fastened to the bracket body. The ligature may have the form of a loop having its ends inserted in respective bores in the bracket body.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic ligature for securing an arch wire to an orthodontic bracket has a stretchable ring member and an outwardly-extending grip extension integrally connected to the ring member. The ligature may be gripped at the grip extension using a pinching or clamping tool, facilitating installation of the ligature. An improved method of installing the ligature is also provided whereby the ring member is stretched to clear over tie wings of the bracket by pulling on the grip extension.

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: A cap assembly is provided for use on an oral ligature wire presenting ends that are twisted together. The cap assembly protects the oral tissue surrounding the twisted wire ends from abrasion, and includes a cap 22, 30, 36, 50, 60 sized for receipt over the twisted wire ends. The cap is formed of a material that is soft relative to the wire so that it defines a physical barrier between the twisted wire ends and the surrounding oral tissue. A collar is defined by or secured to the cap and is sized for receipt on the wire for retaining the cap on the wire while the wire ends are twisted and the cap is manipulated into covering relation on the wire ends.

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: This invention relates to a novel bracket assembly for producing tooth movement in the treatment of dental malocclusions. A dual bracket system includes a primary and secondary bracket. An archwire is received in the secondary bracket. The primary bracket is attached to the tooth and the secondary bracket engages the primary bracket, thereby holding the secondary bracket and the archwire in place. Various configurations of the secondary bracket can be used with the primary bracket for producing desired tooth movements. A novel pin and ligature assembly can be used with the bracket assembly or a conventional bracket.

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 orthodontic bracket is provided for use with an arch wire to apply corrective forces on a tooth. The orthodontic bracket includes a pair of spaced apart, generally vertically oriented tie-wings for attachment of a force transmitting member or a fastening member to either or both of the tie-wings. Each of the tie-wings includes a slot therein for receiving the arch wire. The orthodontic bracket also includes a pair of extension members engageable with the arch wire to control rotation of the tooth. One of the extension members projects mesially from the bracket and the other extension member projects distally from the bracket.

Abstract: A device for supplying individual ligature wires inserted as a pack of wires in a casing of the device has an operating arm. A pack of ligature wires is inserted into a recess provided in the casing. Pressure is exerted onto the pack of wires by a push rod. In each case the lowermost ligature wire in the pack is pressed into a recess formed in the bottom of the casing. Then the wire from this readiness position is advanced into a transfer position by a driving pawl mounted in a slide. The movement is carried out by pressing the operating arm, the free end of which projects into a slot of the slide and, on pressing the operating arm, advances the slide and therefore the ligature wire into the transfer position. In the transfer position, the end portions of the ligature wire can be grasped by a tool, e.g. a twister and removed from the casing to be placed into the area of use.

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 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 having a transverse slot for receiving a conventional orthodontic arch wire, and which is constructed so that a resilient tie ligature used to retain the arch wire in place in the slot is supported on the bracket in a doubled-over configuration. This permits the arch wire to be more firmly and positively held in the transverse slot of the bracket, and it permits a reduction in size of the bracket because it eliminates the need for the gingival portion of the peripheral groove around the bracket which is used in the prior art brackets to retain the ligature.

Abstract: An orthodontic device adapted for lightwire or rectangular or square arch wire treatment having a bracket which is bonded to a patient's tooth, a face for hiding the bracket, and a slot defined by the bracket and face for receiving lightwire or rectangular or square arch wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic appliance to treat irregularities of teeth by attaching an arch wire holder to a plurality of teeth and then connecting one or more orthodontic wires to the arch wire holders. The bracket constituting an arch wire holder is provided with an arch wire fixing slot formed with a specified radius of curvature approximately conforming to the diameter of the arch wire. The curvature radius of the arch wire fixing slot is determined by the purpose of application, namely, it depends on whether it attaches onto the outside (buccal side) surface or the inside (lingual side) surface of the teeth, and for which teeth it is employed. This arch wire holder is especially effective when the bracket is attached to the inside of the teeth for orthodontic purposes, for it then allows the application of corrective forces on the teeth without being easily visible in the user's mouth.

Abstract: A wire ring which can be fitted over tie wings of an orthodontic bracket, and then twisted into tight engagement with the bracket. A resulting twisted tail of the ring provides a hook and eyelet for anchoring auxiliary appliances such as springs or elastics to the bracket. If fitted over an arch wire engaged in the bracket, the ring also provides secure ligating of the arch wire to the bracket.

Abstract: Orthodontic converters for converting straight wire archwire tooth receptacles to light wire appliance system treatment and light wire archwire tooth receptacles to straight wire appliance system treatment. The converters have snap clips for selectively and conveniently attaching and detaching the converter to the tooth receptacle. The converter also includes a cut-out to accept an archwire of the chosen system.

Abstract: An aesthetic orthodonic appliance comprised of a shell molded from a tooth colored material. The rear surface of the appliance substantially conforms to the front surface of the tooth and is bonded thereto. The front surface of the shell generally follows the contour of the tooth surface and aesthetically blends to meet the tooth surface. The shell has a horizontal slot for accommodating an archwire and two tubular apertures through the shell to receive a ligation wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic arch wire retaining elastic annular ligature and process is provided, the ligature being composed of thermo-plastic material which is initially heated to a softened condition, stretched, and allowed to cool while it is maintained in its stretched state. Heat is applied to the ligature after it has been attached to an orthodontic appliance on a tooth, which causes the ligature to shrink and firmly hold the arch wire in place.