Abstract: An orthodontic separator loop is in the form of an elastomeric ring module having at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the ring body. In the preferred practice of the invention two such protrusions are provided. The protrusions preferably extend radially from the center of the ring body 180° apart from each other.

Abstract: Mandibular widening by symphyseal distraction osteogenesis is accomplished with the use of an appliance having first and second elongated support arms and an intervening displacement mechanism which, by rotation upon a horizontal axis, performs in the manner of a turnbuckle to force the arms apart. Lower apertures on the arms are attached to the mandibular bone, and upper apertures on the arms are attached to the teeth. Following a mid-symphyseal osteotomy and a latency period, the displacement mechanism is rotated according to a precise schedule to achieve widening of the lower jaw.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems of repositioning teeth for use in orthodontic treatment, with particular applicability to removable elastic repositioning appliances. Such appliances may be challenged by traditional tooth movements which intrude the crown of the tooth or present tooth positions which reduce available points of purchase. These challenges may be overcome with a series of tooth movements in which a tooth is translated in a “root-first” position. The movements may take advantage of the inherent characteristics of elastic repositioning appliances in translating a tooth from a first position to a desired position along a gingival plane.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket or buccal tube is made of a stainless steel alloy that includes chromium, nickel and precipitates of titanium. The alloy imparts a relatively high strength to the appliance and is resistant to corrosion. Optionally, the appliance has structural sections that are smaller than corresponding sections of comparable appliances when made of conventional stainless steel alloys used in orthodontic appliances. As a consequence, the appliance is more aesthetic when mounted on a tooth of a patient undergoing treatment.

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 maxillomandibular fixation apparatus for locking teeth of the lower jaw and/or teeth of the upper jaw together to allow a fractured maxilla or mandible to heal. The apparatus includes a flexible arcuate arch bar that is positionable on the interior side of the teeth of a fractured jaw. A plurality of flexible receptacle segments are anchored onto the interior arch bar and include arms positioned to project from the arch bar between the teeth of the upper or lower jaws. Each segment arm includes a distal end that extends outward from each side of respective teeth towards the patient's cheeks. A separate exterior receiving bar can be aligned around the exterior surfaces of the teeth, the exterior receiving bar having holes therethrough for insertion of the distal ends of the segment arms. A plurality of lug nuts can be fastenable to the distal ends, clamping the exterior receiving bar against the exterior side of the teeth, and drawing tight the interior arch bar against the inside of the teeth.

Abstract: An improved dental elastic handling system is disclosed. The system is directed to the use of one or more assemblies which each include a plurality of elastics interconnected to a runner. The system may comprise an inventive dispenser having a tubular member with a channel therethrough for receiving an elastics runner assembly. The tubular member may include a slot extending from one end to a mid-portion. A cutting edge may be provided at the distal end of the slot. Upon positioning an elastics/runner assembly within the channel of the dispenser, the elastics will extend through the slot a predetermined distance to facilitate grasping by a placement device. By opposing advancement of the dispenser and/or elastics/runner assembly the elastics may selectively contact the cutting edge of the dispenser so as to facilitate disengagement of the elastics. The arrangement provides for enhanced carrying, cutting and installation of dental elastics.

Abstract: An orthodontic supporting structure of the present invention comprises an implant unit (21) which is implanted in a jaw bone and a connecting unit (22) which includes an arm part (14) having a fastening portion (15). The implant unit (21) has a narrow part (18) in its upper portion (17). The connecting unit (22) further includes an engaging part (26) having an opening (16a) at one end. The engaging part (26) can fit on the narrow part (18) of the implant unit (21). The connecting unit (22) can be attached to the implant unit (21) in a simple way by just sliding the engaging part (26) along the narrow part (18) and then crimping far ends (26b) of the engaging part (26).

Abstract: An orthodontic pin has a high strength intermediate section that resists bending in use, as well as a softer, more compliant outer end section. The softer outer end section can be readily bent in an arc for attachment to an orthodontic appliance or device. The coupling pin of the invention may be used to couple one orthodontic appliance or device to another, or alternatively may be part of an orthodontic device that is ultimately coupled to another device or appliance.

Abstract: A preformed mandible splint and a method of aligning and stabilizing a fractured mandible with such a splint is disclosed. The splint is configured to approximate the curvature of the lower teeth or the gingiva of the lower jaw. The curvature of an eight inch diameter sphere approaches the geometric curvature of the human teeth and gum, therefore, the similarly configured splint of the present invention is usable for almost any child or adult. The splint is approximately U-shaped, follows the human dental arcade, and has rows of holes or slots along its outer and inner perimeter. The splint is placed on the teeth or gingiva and wired through the holes or slots to the mandible thus correctly aligning the mandible. Fractures can then be screwed into place according to the curvature of the splint. This eliminates the need of wiring the patient's jaw shut as is presently done in current interdigitation techniques where even minute errors in mandibular repair results in flagrant morbidities in the patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic dental distractor for rapid orthodontic tooth movement into a fresh extraction socket. The device includes a screw bar and a screw nut fixedly engaged with one end of the screw bar, a first joint engageable with one end of the screw bar next to the screw nut and a first hook engageable with a canine band mounted on a canine. A second joint is engageable with another end of the screw bar and has a second hook engageable with a molar band mounted on a molar. By turning the screw nut, the screw bar will move the first joint towards the second joint, thus moving the canine rearward toward the molar.

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: That portion of any bony anchor which protrudes from the bone can have placed on it a head to which a connector assembly is attached. The free end of this connector assembly attaches to a bar and rigidly holds the bar in place. On the bar, a variety of attachments are placed thereby extending the influence of the bony anchor to other, more ideal locations from which to apply forces to move teeth in all directions.

Abstract: A lock for orthodontic treatment comprises a holding member fixed to a molar band, and a spring wire having an end removably held by the holding member. The holding member is configured such that the end of the spring wire is held on the holding member by being moved axially along the holding member. One of the holding member and the spring wire has elasticity in a direction perpendicular to its axis. The holding member includes a first engagement portion for preventing the movement of the end of the spring wire in a mounting direction, and a second engagement portion for preventing the movement of the end of the spring wire in a removing direction. The spring wire includes a first locking portion for engaging with the first engagement portion of the holding member, and a second locking portion for engaging with the second engagement portion of the holding member.

Abstract: A tensioning screw for orthodontic teeth straightening devices employed to adjust the situation and position of teeth along the curve of the jaw. The screw includes a nut and a threaded shaft that extends through it. An essentially resilient component (11) is disposed between the nut (6) and the shaft (2), at least on one side where the shaft enters or leaves the nut, and rests against the shaft's threads to prevent the shaft from undesired turning with respect to the nut.

Abstract: Fracture reduction and intermaxillary fixation are performed with a dental splint that is directly bonded by cement to the teeth of a patient for temporarily fixing and immobilizing the patient's jaws during and following oral surgery. The splint includes an arch band having a back side surface for receiving a deposit of bonding cement and a facial side surface from which multiple ligature studs project for engaging ligature wires. Each stud includes a tapered shank portion and a symmetrical head portion. The head portion of each stud is conformed for pivotal coupling engagement with a forceps tool. The arch band is intersected by multiple flow passages that permit bonding cement deposited on the back side surface of the arch band to flow or extrude onto the facial side surface as the arch band is pressed against the patient's teeth. Symmetrical construction of the head portions allows universal coupling engagement and manipulation by installation and de-bonding tools.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic oral habit retraining device is disclosed. The device may comprise two identical halves, or roller sections, configured to be matingly bonded together at chair side. Once bonded, the assembled roller may define a cylindrical shape with a hollow axial opening therethrough. In one arrangement, the exterior surface of the roller is hexagonal in cross-section. During the step of bonding the two halves together, the halves are positioned about any of a number of known, standard, wire form-type orthodontic appliances. Upon bonding, the device is free to spin or roll about the wire and to move laterally on the wire structure of the orthodontic appliance. Installation typically results in positioning of the roller forward in the vault of the palate of a patient, directly adjacent the tip of the patient's tongue.

Abstract: An orthodontic device and associated method for altering the position of a tooth in the mouth. The orthodontic device includes a bracket that attaches to the tooth or teeth that are to be moved. A bite plate is produced that is contoured to engage teeth on both the maxillary arch and the mandibular arch, other than the tooth to be moved. The bite plate can be a single piece unit or a two piece unit that can be joined within the mouth. A spring element is disposed between the bite plate and the bracket. The spring element applies a spring bias between the bracket and the bite plate. Since the spring bias acts on the tooth to be moved and the bite plate, the spring bias acts to correct the position of the tooth to be moved without any significant effect on the other teeth in the mouth.

Abstract: Apparatus having screw means for the mandibular distraction comprising, for each side of the dental arch under treatment, at least two bands (1, 10) capable of being fitted on predetermined dental elements and fixed to corresponding bodies (5, 6) with two parallel guide rods (7) going therethrough and disposed on opposite sides with respect to the expansion screw (2) which drives said bodies (5, 6) away from each other to allow for the corresponding stretching apart of said bands (1, 10), said screw (2) being provided with a driving portion (20) for driving it into rotation under the operator's control to cause the said separation of the orthodontic bands (1, 10) associated to the bodies (5, 6). The driving portion (20) of the screw (2) is arranged, in correspondence of the head of the screw (2), parallel to said rods (7): the driving portion (20) of the screw (2) facing the mouth of the patient to be engagable by a driving tool (8).

Abstract: An orthodontic force module for correcting Class II malocclusions includes a resilient body and a coupling connected to the body for connecting the body to a selected orthodontic appliance located on the patient's upper jaw. The coupling includes an opening that extends in a reference plane substantially parallel to and preferably containing the longitudinal axis of the body. The orientation of the opening provides enhanced freedom of movement of the force module when the patient's jaws are opened or closed and significantly reduces the likelihood of fracture of the coupling.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprises a band to be set around one tooth of lateral teeth, an outer cylinder fixed to the band, an inner cylinder formed longer than the outer cylinder and supported slidably within the outer cylinder, a wire fixed to each tooth of anterior teeth via a bracket and extended toward the lateral teeth, and inserted through the inner cylinder, and biasing means attached between the outer cylinder and the bracket and serving for biasing the anterior teeth toward the lateral teeth, in which arrangement the inner cylinder is fixed at an open end portion to the wire.

Abstract: A mandibular arch expander for moving the lower teeth of an individual in better alignment with the upper teeth of the individual. The expander includes a first orthodontic band and a second orthodontic band attachable to opposite molars on each side of a patient's lower mouth. A first and second attachment device is provided for bonding to at least one tooth located between the lower molar and the incisor teeth. An expansion mechanism is provided for widening the mandibular arch near the front incisor teeth. The expansion mechanism is located between the first and second attachment device. A first helical spring apparatus is located between the first attachment device and the first orthodontic band and is actuable for applying both rotational and linear forces to the first molar tooth. A second helical spring apparatus is located between the second attachment device and the second orthodontic band and is actuable for applying both rotational and linear forces to the second molar tooth.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic accessory for transmitting corrective forces from a corrective force generation device to an orthodontic bracket securable on a tooth generally includes a pin interconnected at one end with a channel defining member. The pin is insertable in a pin receiving slot of an orthodontic bracket also having a primary arch wire slot for receiving an arch wire therethrough. The bracket may be an Edgewise orthodontic bracket and the pin receiving slot may extend vertically. The channel defining member defines a channel, which extends laterally in at least one of a mesial and a distal direction and which may be closed, for receiving a corrective force generation device therethrough. Corrective forces applied by the corrective force generation device to the channel defining member are transmittable to the orthodontic bracket by the pin.

Abstract: A charger/dispenser for orthodontic O-ring ligator structure including a body, friction retaining structure formed in the body for retaining, frictionally and releasably such a ligator structure in a condition with each ligator in the ligator structure having a substantially fully exposed annular face, and hemostat-jaw guide structure formed in the body effective to guide the gripping beaks in the jaw of a hemostat into a limit-defined removing position relative to such a ligator wherein a jaw can fully grip the ligator without occluding the open center therein.

Abstract: A dental assist appliance for attachment of an orthodontic wire for achieving an effective correction of irregularities of the teeth or of improper dental arch for a short time. The dental assist appliance includes a base shaft member and an elastic member having one end fixed to said base shaft member and the other end formed as a sliding portion slidable along said base shaft member. Further, an orthodontic appliance using the dental assist appliance includes two dental assist appliances each having a sliding portion; and a dental orthodontic wire interposed between the sliding portions of the two dental assist appliances.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthodontic anchor system for controlling or altering the position of teeth, which is comprised of an anchor for selective attachment to a palate, a transpalatal member having a first and second end, where either the first end is attached to the anchor and the second end is attached to a tooth or teeth, or the first and second end are each respectively attached to a tooth or teeth and a center portion of the transpalatal member is attached to the anchor, and a stress breaker that is included either within the transpalatal member or between the anchor and transpalatal member. The anchor can be comprised of one or more dental implants or subperiosteal implants with the transpalatal member either attached directly thereto, or the stress breaker is directly attached thereto and also attached to the transpalatal member. The stress breaker is preferably comprised of a biasing element or a spring.

Abstract: An intra-oral device for applying a force to the mandibular and maxillary dental arches includes a first member and a second member slidably received in the first member. A spring extends around the second member for urging the second member and the first member in directions away from each other. A third member is slidably received in the second member and preferably is detachable from the second member before installation of the device in the oral cavity in order to cut, bend or make other alterations of its shape.

Abstract: An adjustable orthodontic bracket assembly includes a plurality of brackets. Each bracket is attachable to a front face of a tooth such that the bracket is positionable in series relation to one or more other of the brackets. Each bracket is continuously adjustable in at least three planes and, preferably, in six planes of motion without a need to replace any parts thereof. The adjustment of each bracket in one of the planes of motion can be accomplished without affecting the adjustment of the bracket in any of the other planes of motion. Specifically, each bracket is capable of adjustment in at least three and, preferably, all of vertical, lateral and mesio/distal translational planes of motion and tip, torque and circular rotational planes of motion. Also, the assembly includes an arch wire extending between and retained on the brackets.

Abstract: A rigid buccally positioned bar, placed above the upper teeth and stabilized anteriorly by a connector to a protruding bony anchor carries a variety of force systems to facilitate tooth/teeth movement in all three spatial directions. The bar can be stabilized posteriorly by insertion into tubes on the molar bands. Various attachments connect different teeth to the buccally positioned bar for exerting the desired forces on the teeth.

Abstract: A device for moving a tooth by combining translational motion with angular movement, comprising a holder attached to the tooth and provided with a device for attaching a pivotable element cooperating with a force exerting device. The pivotable element comprises plane sloping sides for engaging the holder and thereby limiting the angular movement of the tooth to a predetermined value. A cuneal member for adjusting the angle of slope may also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supporting body for use in an orthodontic appliance capable of applying a force to the tooth to be treated from the most preferable position. The supporting body includes an implant member having a maximum dimension across the thereof cross section of 2 mm or less for being implanted in a jaw bone (i.e. the maxilla and/or mandibula), and an exposed member forming one end of the supporting body to be exposed to inside of mouth. The exposed portion includes an extended arm and the arm is formed with a hook.

Abstract: A quick-release system is provided for fixing the upper and lower jaws of a patient together. The system includes at least one elongated release bar that is supported by a plurality of first brackets secured to the teeth of one of the jaws. Each first bracket is sized for receipt on a single tooth and includes a base, a pair of opposing tie wings protruding from an outer surface of the base, and a rigid loop of bracket material connected to the base and defining an opening extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base. The opening is sized for receipt of the release bar so that the release bar is supported loosely by the loops and can be removed from the loops by gripping an end of the release bar and pulling on it.

Abstract: A force module useful in moving individual malpositioned teeth or entire dental arches during orthodontic therapy includes an elongated body with couplings at each end of the body for connection to selected orthodontic appliances. In certain embodiments, the body has an enlarged middle section to reduce likelihood of fracture. In other embodiments, the body has a recurve portion. Optionally, the module includes couplings that have a sleeve portion for receiving end sections of the body and an arm portion connected to each sleeve portion, and the arm portions extend at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A hard palate supporting device for pushing apart or anchoring of upper teeth, such as molars and/or premolars, includes a hard palate supporting element and/or carrier therefor, a hinge by means of which the supporting element or carrier is rotatable relative to an axis of rotation extending in the transverse direction of the teeth, and a spring which on rotation of the supporting element or carrier in a direction away from the position resting against the hard palate exerts on the supporting element or carrier a force counter-acting such rotation. The supporting device can also include a stopper which limits rotation in the direction of the position resting against the hard palate, preferably to the contact position.

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 dental distractor was invented for rapid orthodontic tooth movement into a fresh extraction socket. It is derived from the concept of distraction osteogenesis. The device includes a distractor head, a movable joint and a screw. The distractor head has one end engageable with a molar band mounted on a molar and another end connecting with a sliding bar on which a screw seat is fixedly mounted. The movable joint is engageable with a canine band mounted on the canine. The screw has a screw head and is engageable with the screw seat and the movable joint. By turning the screw head, the screw can drive the movable joint moving toward the screw seat and consequently moving tooth rapidly.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic assembly for developing a patient's arch is disclosed, and component parts thereof which may have use in other treatment applications. One of the lingual arch developers disclosed uses magnets to have an effect on the mesial advancement of the lingual arch. The lingual arch of this developer may be interconnected with the patient by a connector which includes at least one and preferably two vertical posts which are insertable into corresponding vertical tubes fixed to a band on a patient's tooth. At least one generally horizontal tube is interconnected with these posts. In one embodiment this tube is gingivally disposed to, for instance, slidably interface with a lingual arch. This connector may be used as an interface between the patient and other orthodontic appliances as well. For instance, the noted tube on the connector may be generally gingivally disposed to, for instance, interface with a palatal expander.

Abstract: A subperiosteal bone anchor has a base that is thin and moldable so the base can be conformed to bone where it is to be placed. The base is formed as a plurality of arms, and leaves with central holes in the leaves so screws can urge the leaves against the bone. The edges of the base are scalloped, and very thin to facilitate bone overgrowth. Central to the arms is a stem extending up, and having a variety of connection mechanisms for attachment of orthodontic appliances.

Abstract: An orthodontic spring is comprised of a wave spring made of shape memory alloy that consists of a wire tightly looped, once or many times back on itself, side-to-side in figure "8"fashion. After winding, the spring is heat treated into this position. In its relaxed state, the bends of the spring form peaks and valleys which lie in parallel planes at an angle to the line of force between attachment loops at opposite end points of the spring. Portions of the wire between successive peaks and valleys overlap other portions between other peaks and valleys when the wire is relaxed. When extended, the elements of the spring lie in a longitudinal plane along its line of force. The spring is particularly suited to attachment between closely spaced points, such as brackets affixed to adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A subperiosteal bone anchor used in two distinct applications; as an orthodontic anchor system, and as an orthopedic anchor system. As an orthodontic anchor system, it is used for treatment of growth disharmony and malalignment of the teeth in which the subperiosteal bone anchor is surgically placed in the subperiosteal tunnel on skeletal bone allowing osseointegration between the subperiosteal bone anchor bone interface and the bone. After osseointegration a palatal bar or palatal wire is attached to the cylinder of orthodontic anchor system, which is attached to the abutment, which is attached to the subperiosteal bone anchor, and the palatal bar or palatal wire is also attached to bands around one or more teeth, holding them immobile. As an orthopedic anchor system the subperiosteal bone anchor is used to stabilize devices which need to be anchored to a bone, or to transmit attractive or distractive forces to a bone for reconstruction or transformation.

Abstract: An orthodontic distalizing apparatus, of the type applicable removably to a dental arch, comprises a supporting framework (1) equipped with anatomical means supporting framework equipped with an anatomical support device for supporting the framework on a part of the basal gingiva and underlying bony support of the arch, preferably on the lingual side thereof. The apparatus further comprises a device for anchoring the framework to at least one anchoring tooth and pusher elements that may be spring loaded. The pusher elements are interposed between the framework and a device for fastening to a further tooth of at least one side of the arch. The pusher elements exert a distalizing force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the arch in the region of the tooth being distalized. The pusher elements are arranged on the lingual side of the dental arch, preferably in a position lowered toward the basal gingiva and underlying bony support of the arch.

Abstract: A subperiosteal bone anchor used in two distinct applications; as an orthodontic anchor system, and as an orthopedic anchor system. As an orthodontic anchor system, it is used for treatment of growth disharmony and malalignment of the teeth in which the subperiosteal bone anchor is surgically placed in the subperiosteal tunnel on skeletal bone allowing osseointegration between the subperiosteal bone anchor bone interface and the bone. After osseointegration a palatal bar or palatal wire is attached to the orthodontic anchor system and attached to bands around one or more teeth, holding them immobile. As an orthopedic anchor system the subperiosteal bone anchor is used to stabilize devices which need to be anchored to a bone, or to transmit attractive or distractive forces to a bone for reconstruction or transformation.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance having improved devices for interconnecting the braces associated with a patient's upper and lower teeth. Each connecting device generally takes the form of a unitary, thin band of material that can be connected between the braces associated with the patient's upper and lower teeth to achieve the forces that are desired for a particular treatment. The connecting device generally includes a body having integral end portions that are preferably rounded for purposes of comfort. Each end portion includes an attachment for connection to the braces associated with the patient's teeth. Preferably, at least one of the attachments of each connecting device is keyed so that upon its connection to the braces, swivelling of the connecting device is effectively precluded without compromising desired movements of the connecting device relative to the orthodontic appliance and the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has two telescoping cylinders having springs therein to urge the cylinders apart. The outer cylinder is then slidably inserted into a third cylinder. The outer ends of the cylinders are attached to a patient's teeth so the springs exert a force on the teeth when the spring-urged cylinders contact the end of the third cylinder. The cylinders may be separable so the springs can be exchanged, or may be permanently fixed together. The attachments allow universal motion so the lower jaw can move to the full extent of the normal jaw without binding or destroying the appliance.

Abstract: Functional regulating device for adjusting a bite of a jaw having an upper row of teeth and a lower row of teeth is provided. The functional regulating device includes a lower jaw splint constructed and arranged to fit onto the lower row of teeth and be detachable therefrom; an anchor constructed and arranged to attach to the upper row of teeth and be detachable therefrom; and first and second opposed adjustable length connector bars. Each connector bar has a first end and a second end and a predetermined fixed length and non-telescoping action when inserted into a jaw. The first ends of the connector bars are permanently connectable to the lower jaw splint, and the second ends of the connector bars are permanently connectable to the anchor. Additionally provided is a method for treating malocclusion in a patient.

Abstract: Luminescent orthodontic appliances, such as brackets, archwires, bands and the like, having a luminescent pigment or mixture of luminescent pigments are described. In a preferred form, the luminescent pigment is a phosphorescent pigment comprising zinc sulfide doped with copper. The pigment gives the appliance a natural appearance in daylight and causes it to emit a greenish-white light in the dark after having been energized by an excitation light source. If desired, the luminescent orthodontic appliance may be made with a fluorescent pigment or a combination of fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments. If a fluorescent pigment is used, the bracket will exhibit a luminescence in daylight; whereas if a mixture of fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments are used, the appliance will luminesce in the dark after having been exposed to a light source, in addition to exhibiting a luminescence in the daylight.

Abstract: A flavored orthodontic elastic band has a substantially solid inner elastic band member for providing good tension characteristics, and a porous coating layer carrying a flavoring substance that is released upon exposure to saliva, for a predetermined time corresponding to the effective life of the elastic band member for exerting operative tension in an orthodontic fitting. The solid inner band is formed either in a general ring configuration, a series of interconnected rings configuration, or an elongated string configuration, or other configurations suitable for orthodontic application. The solid inner band is formed from natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, and blends thereof. The inner band member substantially determines the elasticity of the band, and is not flavored. The porous coating is applied over at least part of the solid core and can also include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, and blends thereof.

Abstract: A force module useful in moving individual malpositioned teeth or entire dental arches during orthodontic therapy includes an elongated body made of art elastomeric material, with couplings at each end of the body for connection to selected orthodontic appliances. The couplings are preferably spaced inwardly from opposite ends of the body to reduce bending stresses, and optionally an enlarged head of the body is provided to retain each coupling in place. In certain embodiments, the body has an enlarged middle section to reduce likelihood of fracture. A resilient core made of a metallic material is optionally received in the body to enhance the stiffness of the force module.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance which may be used to advance the mandible comprising a single element Z-shaped body including a central straight segment, a pair of oppositely curved segments disposed at opposite ends of the central straight segment, and a pair oppositely directed arms each extending from one of the oppositely curved segments. The opposing arms may be affixed to opposing upper and lower teeth on one side of the dental arch.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance which may be used to advance the mandible comprising a central straight segment, a pair of pivotable connectors disposed at opposite ends of the central straight segment, and a pair of arms each extending from one of the oppositely disposed pivotable connectors. The arms may be affixed, oppositely directed, to opposing upper and lower teeth on one side of a patient's dental arch.