Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is disclosed and which cooperates with both the upper and lower dental arches of a patient and which includes an archwire coupler which is attached to individual archwires that are releasably attached to individual orthodontic brackets on the anterior facing surface of a patient's teeth requiring orthodontic treatment; and a multiple section elongated telescoping assembly which is rotatably and releasably coupled to the archwires attached to the upper and lower dental arches of a patient undergoing treatment, and wherein the multiple section elongated telescoping assembly effects movement of the upper dental arch in a rearward direction, and the lower dental arch in a forward direction when the multiple section elongated telescoping assembly is in a given position along a predetermined course of travel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for designing an orthognathic surgical occlusal plate based on artificial intelligence, including scanning a gypsum model of the maxillary and mandibular dentition to obtain the corresponding three-dimensional model of the maxillary and mandibular dentition; then obtaining the fitting data and establishing a coordinate system; generating thickness control elements and two-dimensional contour lines; controlling thickness of the three-dimensional model and generating occlusal imprint: and modifying the thickness and occlusal imprint of the three-dimensional model to obtain an artificial intelligence occlusal plate. The invention can greatly save the time required for designing the occlusal plate, improve the work efficiency, and the accuracy of the artificial orthognathic surgery occlusal plate is not significantly different from that of the manual occlusal plate in the application of orthognathic surgery.

Abstract: An oral appliance having an upper dental tray and lower dental tray. The upper dental tray and lower dental tray are connected by an elongated connector having receptacles at its proximal and distal ends for engaging laterally extending supports on the upper dental tray and lower dental tray, respectively. A backstop is positioned adjacent to each of the laterally extending supports to prevent movement of the connector in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Method for automatically assigning numeric labels to teeth in a dental arch map provides a segmented 3D surface image of patient dentition having identified individual teeth and determined tooth position in the dental arch. A tooth contour for the identified teeth is defined. The tooth type is identified as one of incisor, canine, premolar, or molar. A display of the tooth contour is labeled with an assigned tooth number according to the tooth position, tooth contour, and tooth type. The labeled mapping is displayed.

Abstract: A coupling member includes a sliding member and a sleeve. The sliding member has one axial direction end portion coupled to a first attachment portion provided at a first attachment that is mounted to one of a maxilla or a mandible. The sleeve has one axial direction end portion coupled to a second attachment portion provided at a second attachment that is mounted to the other of the maxilla and the mandible. The sliding member is inserted into the sleeve so as to be slidable. A restricting section is formed at the sleeve between two axial direction end portions of the sleeve so as to restrict sliding of the sliding member in both directions along an axial direction of the sliding member.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a positioning member configured to position an orthodontic appliance during installation in the patient's mouth. The positioning member may comprise a first portion configured to be coupled to the patient's teeth and a second portion extending away from the first portion. The second portion may be configured to be detachably coupled to the orthodontic appliance. While the positioning member is coupled to the orthodontic appliance, the positioning member is configured to be positioned in the patient's mouth and coupled to the patient's teeth, thereby positioning the orthodontic appliance at a desired location adjacent a patient's oral anatomy.

Abstract: In various implementations, a dental appliance may be utilized to increase an airway and/or reduce snoring. The dental appliance may include an adjustment member, sheath, and a connector that couples the adjustment member and the sheath. The adjustment member may be coupled to a first bite plate, which is positionable over at least a portion of a user's upper teeth. The sheath may be coupled to a second bite plate, which is positionable over at least a portion of a user's lower teeth. The dental appliance may push a user's mandible forward (e.g., closer to an anterior side of a user when compared to an initial position of the mandible) during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthodontic brackets designed for use with the deciduous teeth and method for its use. The brackets provide one or more debonding tabs which reduces the potential for damage to the deciduous tooth due to the application of excessive force during the debonding process. The small size of the brackets allow the brackets to fit available crown space on the deciduous teeth. Further the brackets are shaped to minimize mechanical forces applied to the deciduous teeth when engaged with an archwire. The bracket bases are shaped to conform to the morphology of the deciduous tooth crown surface thereby providing an optimal adhesive interface with the deciduous tooth. The deciduous brackets provide proper adhesion to avoid unwanted detachment of the brackets which often occurs when the use of permanent brackets is attempted on the deciduous teeth.

Abstract: An intraoral telescoping spring includes a first tubular element, a second tubular element and a rod-shaped element. The first tubular element includes a first connecting element wherein the first tubular element has a first end and an open second end. The second tubular element is displaceably accommodated in the first tubular element and has a spiral spring, surrounds the first tubular element and extends in the direction of the first connecting element, and attached to the fourth end thereof to force the fourth end in a direction away from the second end. The rod-shaped element is displaceably accommodated in the second tubular element and has a second connecting element for connecting to the other of the two dental arches attached to the sixth end thereof. The spiral spring is attached to the fourth end of the second tubular element, so that the first and second tubular elements are detachably connected.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance that by ensuring proper occlusal position of teeth in an oral cavity enables teeth straightening to thereby achieve precise correction ensuring proper occlusion and enables performance of teeth straightening by residing in the oral cavity for a certain time period such as during sleep. A configuration includes an orthodontic unit to be removably fitted in the oral cavity and molar caps erected near the orthodontic device. The orthodontic unit includes a pair of U-shaped devices formed of a maxillary orthodontic unit and a mandibular orthodontic unit united by wires. Teeth are straightened while adjusting positions of upper and lower jaws. The molar caps include large covering lids for anchoring that are slightly higher than surrounding teeth. The orthodontic unit is mounted on outer peripheries of the molar caps by locking to the molar caps through grooves provided in the maxillary orthodontic unit of the orthodontic unit.

Abstract: Orthodontic systems and methods involving segmentary shells are disclosed. Examples of the systems and methods are particularly focused on applying a distalization force to a segment of teeth in a posterior lateral sector.

Abstract: A dental orthotic strut having at least one multi-axis rotable joint connecting the strut to either a maxillary and/or mandibular retainer attached to the teeth. Jaw advancement may be accomplished by periodically replacing the strut with a new strut having a slightly longer minimum length, thereby advancing the resting position of the closed jaw. The rotable joint or joints allow greater freedom of movement and comfort when the jaw is opened in a non-sagittal plane. A plurality of strut pairs having a same length, but with progressively longer sets of strut pairs is generally supplied, so that left and right struts can be progressively replaced with longer struts over time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides intraoral devices for repositioning the relationship between upper and lower dental arches, particular those in a Class III relation. The devices are attached to appliances on molar teeth of each arch and can be reactivated without removal or replacement of substantial components of the device.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is disclosed and which cooperates with both the upper and lower dental arches of a patient and which includes an archwire coupler which is attached to individual archwires that are releasably attached to the anterior facing surface of a patient's teeth requiring orthodontic treatment; and a multiple section elongated telescoping assembly which is rotatably and releasably coupled to the archwires attached to the upper and lower dental arches of a patient undergoing treatment, and wherein the multiple section elongated telescoping assembly effects movement of the upper dental arch in a rearward direction, and the lower dental arch in a forward direction when the multiple section elongated telescoping assembly is in a given position along a predetermined course of travel.

Abstract: Orthodontic system anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to teeth, TADs and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries, orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces.

Abstract: Force modules and assemblies for use in orthodontic corrections include an elongate hollow outer body extending between proximal and distal ends, a plunger, biasing member (e.g. spring), and push rod. The plunger and push rod are slidably received within different ends of the hollow outer body. The biasing member is positioned within the hollow outer body and provides an expansion force, which provides a desired corrective force. The outer body, plunger, biasing member, and push rod can be configured in a telescoping relationship in order for the components to be telescopically compressed and expanded during use. The distal end can include a bendable pin or latch mechanism for attachment to a buccal tube. The push rod can include a hook, hole, or slot for attachment to an archwire. Various connectors for coupling an orthodontic force module to a buccal tube portion of a molar bracket are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic post and pin assembly including a post structure, being slotted at its back end, for accommodating a pin therethrough, the post includes a further slot into which the wire of an orthodontic appliance may locate, so that when the post and pin assembly are connected onto the wire, and a hybrid screw is tighten within the post, the appliance may become affixed to the wire at the position of its tightening and securement. This eliminates the need for removal of the wire, when a different or different size orthodontic appliance needs to be installed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly and system allowing for secure use of an orthodontic auxiliary, particularly a bite corrector, with lingually bonded appliance systems. In one aspect, the disclosure features an orthodontic assembly including a banded tube, a force module, a connector coupling the force module to the tube, and an attachment device secured to the labial surface of an anterior tooth and connected to mesial, outer end of the force module.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of Class II and III malocclusions by applying curved intrusive vector forces to the dental arches. The apparatus is anchored in operational contact by a pair of sheaths that are form fit over some or all of the teeth in the upper and lower dental arches. The apparatus can be removed by the user and can be incorporated into both full and partial Class I malocclusion aligners. Most importantly, the apparatus does not require the use of braces affixed to the teeth and it has an adjustable pressure range of pushing force.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) correction apparatus comprises an upper guard including an upper coupler provided at an end of the upper guard, the upper coupler including a protrusion projecting laterally, a lower guard including a lower coupler provided at an end of the lower guard, and an adjustor detachably coupled with the tower coupler and supported by the protrusion.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for moving the mandibular jaw relative to the maxillary jaw in response to jaws being closed is described. The orthodontic appliance includes a first member and a second member which is disconnected from the first member when jaws are in open position. The first member is adapted to be fixedly attached to one of mandibular or maxillary dental arches, and the second member is adapted to be rotatingly coupled with the other one of mandibular or maxillary dental arches. The first member and second member are in vertical alignment. During the closure of dental arches, the second member contacts the first member, and the rotation of the second member is initiated. Rotation of the second member pushes the mandibular jaw in either anterior or posterior direction.

Abstract: An intra-oral device comprising an upper jaw applicator and a lower jaw applicator, a longitudinal adjustment mechanism for adjusting a relative longitudinal position of the upper jaw applicator to the lower jaw applicator, and a transverse adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance between lateral sides of the upper and lower jaw applicators.

Abstract: Bite trays (10, 11) having lateral cylindrical pivots (30) articulating two connecting rods (20) in propulsion, the front fastening elements (30a) operate according to a transverse elastic click-lock system and the rear connecting-rod fastening elements (30b) operate according to an open-ring radial locking system, in order to increase the operating safety under all circumstances.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides intra-oral devices for repositioning the relationship between upper and lower dental arches. The devices are attached to appliances on molar teeth of each arch and can be reactivated without removal or replacement of substantial components of the device.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a post attached to a first upper tooth, and a button with a recess attached to a second upper tooth. An elongated arm has an eye at one end through which the post is inserted to allow the elongated arm to rotate about the post, and a tip at the other end for removable insertion into the recess of the button. The length of the elongated arm is selectable to maintain a desired spacing between the first and second upper teeth (e.g., by cutting the tip of the elongated arm). An elastic extends from either the post or button to an attachment point on the patient's lower dental arch to exert a force between the patient's maxilla and mandible.

Abstract: Orthodontic force modules and assemblies for use in correcting class II and/or class III malocclusions include an elongate hollow outer body extending between proximal and distal ends, a plunger, spring, and push rod. The plunger and push rod are slidably received within different ends of the hollow outer body. The spring is positioned within the hollow outer body and provides an expansion force which provides a desired corrective force. The outer body, plunger, spring, and push rod can be configured in a telescoping relationship in order for the components to be telescopically compressed and expanded during use. The distal end can include a bendable pin or latch mechanism for attachment to a buccal tube. The push rod can include a hook, hole, or slot for attachment to an archwire. Various connectors for coupling an orthodontic force module to a buccal tube portion of a molar bracket are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a post attached to a first upper tooth, and a button with a recess attached to a second upper tooth. An elongated arm has an eye at one end through which the post is inserted to allow the elongated arm to rotate about the post, and a tip at the other end for removable insertion into the recess of the button. The length of the elongated arm is selectable to maintain a desired spacing between the first and second upper teeth (e.g., by cutting the tip of the elongated arm). An elastic extends from either the post or button to an attachment point on the patient's lower dental arch to exert a force between the patient's maxilla and mandible.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for a temporomandibular joint, includes: an upper teeth supporter and a lower teeth supporter, each of which includes a front arch portion corresponding to front teeth, and a pair of rear legs extended from the front arch portion, facing with each other and corresponding to a molar region; at least one set of upper and lower pivots which are respectively coupled to the upper teeth supporter and the lower teeth supporter and rotatable in at least one direction among forward, backward, leftward and rightward directions; and a connection member which connects the upper pivot and the lower pivot and adjusts a space between the upper pivot and the lower pivot. Thus, it is easy to adjust relative movement in a horizontal direction and height between the upper and lower teeth supporters.

Abstract: A magnetic tooth alignment device includes a first magnetizable element configured to be adhered to a tooth. The magnetizable element may be a magnet, a metal, or another magnetizable material. An aligner tray is configured to partially encase a plurality of teeth and the first magnetizable element. A secondary magnet holder is configured to partially encase the aligner tray. The secondary magnet holder includes a secondary magnet configured to magnetically interact with the first magnetizable element when the secondary magnet holder is partially encasing the aligner tray. An inner wall of the aligner tray includes a cavity and the inner wall is configured to stop movement of the tooth when the first magnetizable element enters the cavity and contacts the inner wall of the aligner tray. The aligner tray in implementations couples with the plurality of teeth using only a friction fit.

Abstract: An orthodontic direct bonding stent facilitates ideal positioning of physical attachments on a patient's teeth. Novel designs of direct bonding stents include uniquely configured windows for guiding placement of the attachments. Windows of reduced depth leave a majority of each attachment exposed beyond the stent for easy grip and manipulation, and use of a reduced height wall opposite the window-equipped wall eases removal of the stent without disruption of the adhered attachments. Use of elastomeric material at the window boundaries provides an improved seal with the tool for less adhesive splay, and inter-arch stents enable maxillary and mandibular placement with a single appliance. Lingual windows enable lingual placement of attachments for reduced visibility, and reduced wall thickness between adjacent windows provides improved mesial access to attachments.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a telescopic assembly with an end tube and a telescopic member. A distal connector secured to the end tube at a generally distal end of the telescopic assembly. An end cap engages the distal end of the end tube. A spring is secured to the end cap and extends coaxially within the cover and the end tube. The spring is configured to impart a biasing force against the distal end of the telescopic member.

Abstract: Non-food plant biomass is subjected hot-water extraction in a pressurized vessel at an elevated temperature up to about 250° C. without addition of reagents, to yield an aqueous extract containing hemicellulosic components and a lignocellulosic residue. The process leaves the lignocellulose substantially intact, but with the hemicellulosic content largely removed. The separated aqueous extract or liquor is concentrated and purified, and long-chain sugars are reduced into monomer saccharides. The lignocellulosic residue may be further processed, to yield a useful fibrous material that is highly resistant to sorption of water. This material may be used for composite materials that resist water degradation, or may be used to produce a higher thermal-yield, water-resistant fuel, or may be used as bioconversion feedstock for producing high-value, lignocellulosic derivatives.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The lower member includes eyeteeth extensions projecting away from the lower member. The upper member includes molar extensions projecting away from the upper member and toward the member molar regions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the upper left and lower left extensions. The upper and lower members have an anterior shape to form a gap sufficient for the user's tongue to extend into the gap, and each molar extension may include a magnet. Methods of using the apparatus and kits to reduce sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage.

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: An orthodontic appliance includes a first connector member, selected from one of a connector element and an element receiver, and a second connector member, selected from the other of the connector element and the element receiver, is coupled to a patient. The connector element and element receiver cooperate to secure and release the orthodontic appliance to and from the patient. The connector receiver includes a housing and a clip, wherein the housing receives the connector element and the clip is movable along an axis between a release and blocked positions, but is biased toward the blocked position. The connector element is capable of being inserted into and removed from the housing when the clip is in the release position, and the connector element is captured within the housing when the clip is in the blocked position. A method for coupling an orthodontic appliance to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has sliding rods for the treatment of a lower jaw that is offset relative to the upper jaw. A sleeve is inserted between opposite ends of the tow rods, each of which being associated with one of the jaws. The second rod is screwed into the sleeve at one end, while the first rod is slidably mounted in the sleeve at the opposite end, with the adjustment of the position of the second rod relative to the sleeve being made by screwing and unscrewing.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The lower member includes molar extensions projecting away from the lower member. The upper member includes upper molar extensions projecting away from the upper member and toward the lower molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the molar upper left and lower left extensions. The upper and lower members have an anterior shape to form a gap sufficient for the user's tongue to extend into the gap, and each molar extension may include a magnet. Methods of using the apparatus and kits to reduce sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a telescopic assembly with an end tube and a telescopic member. A distal connector secured to the end tube at a generally distal end of the telescopic assembly. An end cap engages the distal end of the end tube. A spring is secured to the end cap and extends coaxially within the cover and the end tube. The spring is configured to impart a biasing force against the distal end of the telescopic member.

Abstract: Mandibular attachment structure for use in an orthodontic assembly having a force member connecting the mandibular and maxillar portions of the assembly and method of using the same. The structure includes bands dimensioned to encircle corresponding lower molars on opposite sides of the tongue, and threadless couplers each of which is removably or releasably affixed to a buccal side of a corresponding band. Neither the structure nor the method requires the use of an orthodontic brace to maintain a pressing connection between the structure and the rest of an orthodontic assembly, but the use of orthodontic braces is accommodated. The pressing connection is maintained by cooperating a hook at the end of the force member and a hook at the end of a threadless coupler.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for temporomandibular joint-related corrections of tooth position, taking into account a variant of the registration or construction of the bite predetermined by the user. The invention is characterized in that a base module extending at least on the occlusion-bearing part of one side of the jaw is supported in an intermaxillary manner and has cavities formed by a setup technique to accommodate teeth, by means of which the tension forces necessary for tooth movements can act on the teeth, in that the base module has a three-dimensionally defined jaw support designed in accordance with specifications of the user, and in that the jaw support is formed by bite blocks and/or interceptors which have cavities filled with a filling material of predeterminable elasticity.

Abstract: A medical apparatus including a bar with a first attachment loop, a second attachment and a plurality of hooks, wherein the medical apparatus is an arch bar.

Abstract: A dental occlusion correcting system (DOCS) that is designed to simplify and expedite the correction of Class II dental malocclusions. The DOCS (10) includes a set of upper and lower molar attachment structures (13,14), attached respectively to a person's upper molar and lower molar, a set of upper and lower loosely attached linkages (11,12), and a force module (70). Each of the loosely attached linkages (11,12) includes a link pivitor (50) and a link base (30) which are rotatably connected together through a system of gears and stops and rotational sections (43,44,58,59). The upper and lower loosely attached linkages are connected together, on the same side of a patient's dentition, by a force module. The force module produces upward-backward and downward-forward compression force, commensurate with the force required by a specific dental patient.

Abstract: An occlusion correction improvement instrument includes an upper mold-mounting member provided with a plate-shaped member that is parallel to a Camper's plane of an upper model having a tooth model-shaped surface of a maxillary tooth row and with a plane parallel to the Camper's plane when the upper mold-mounting member has been mounted on the upper model; and a lower mold-mounting member mountable on a lower model having a tooth model-shaped surface of a mandible tooth row and provided with a pin-shaped projection portion that can be fixed, with a position thereof adjusted from side to side and up and down, and with an adjustment member that can adjust a position of the lower mold-mounting member relative to the upper mold-mounting member on the plane parallel to the Camper's plane, with the projection portion abut on the plate-shaped member of the upper mold-mounting member.

Abstract: A bite-correcting orthodontic appliance attaches directly to the elements of braces (i.e., brackets and archwires); flexes in its distal 25-45% to stay away from the food bolus; has a smooth rectangular profile for patient comfort; and introduces gentle force vectors to the patient's upper and lower teeth that sweep in an arch to lift up on the front of the molar and down on the lower front teeth as the appliance tries to return to its preinstalled (passive) state, resulting in rapid, yet gentle changes unseen in the orthodontic industry. A lock-and-key attachment member is disclosed allowing for ease of installment in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental orthotic strut having at least one multi-axis rotable joint connecting the strut to either a maxillary and/or mandibular retainer attached to the teeth. Jaw advancement may be accomplished by periodically replacing the strut with a new strut having a slightly longer minimum length, thereby advancing the resting position of the closed jaw. The rotable joint or joints allow greater freedom of movement and comfort when the jaw is opened in a non-sagittal plane. A plurality of strut pairs having a same length, but with progressively longer sets of strut pairs is generally supplied, so that left and right struts can be progressively replaced with longer struts over time.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a post attached to a first upper tooth, and a button with a recess attached to a second upper tooth. An elongated arm has an eye at one end through which the post is inserted to allow the elongated arm to rotate about the post, and a tip at the other end for removable insertion into the recess of the button. The length of the elongated arm is selectable to maintain a desired spacing between the first and second upper teeth (e.g., by cutting the tip of the elongated arm). An elastic extends from either the post or button to an attachment point on the patient's lower dental arch to exert a force between the patient's maxilla and mandible.

Abstract: A bite-correcting orthodontic appliance attaches directly to the elements of braces (i.e., brackets and archwires); flexes in its distal 25-45% to stay away from the food bolus; has a smooth rectangular profile for patient comfort; and introduces gentle force vectors to the patient's upper and lower teeth that sweep in an arch to lift up on the front of the molar and down on the lower front teeth as the appliance tries to return to its preinstalled (passive) state, resulting in rapid, yet gentle changes unseen in the orthodontic industry. A lock-and-key attachment member is disclosed allowing for ease of installment in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving malpositioned teeth to orthodontically correct positions and simultaneously positioning the lower dental arch of a patient relative to the upper dental arches that includes providing braces for securing to the upper and lower arches and providing a four section spring loaded telescopic rod for fastening a first end directly or indirectly at or near a lower molar and a second end directly or indirectly at or near an upper molar. The telescopic rod may resiliently urge extensively toward its elongated fully extended position to assist in dento-aveolar movement of the teeth for correcting the bite. The method and apparatus may also include providing a spring member for resiliently urging the telescoping rod extensively toward its elongated fully extended position to assist in dento-aveolar movement of the teeth for correcting the bite.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a first connector member, selected from one of a connector element and an element receiver, and a second connector member, selected from the other of the connector element and the element receiver, is coupled to a patient. The connector element and element receiver cooperate to secure and release the orthodontic appliance to and from the patient. The connector receiver includes a housing and a clip, wherein the housing receives the connector element and the clip is movable along an axis between a release and blocked positions, but is biased toward the blocked position. The connector element is capable of being inserted into and removed from the housing when the clip is in the release position, and the connector element is captured within the housing when the clip is in the blocked position. A method for coupling an orthodontic appliance to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a telescopic assembly with an end tube and a telescopic member. A distal connector secured to the end tube at a generally distal end of the telescopic assembly. An end cap engages the distal end of the end tube. A spring is secured to the end cap and extends coaxially within the cover and the end tube. The spring is configured to impart a biasing force against the distal end of the telescopic member.