Abstract: An orthodontic attachment device especially useful for coupling interarch and intra-arch appliances to an archwire includes an elongated wire that extends alongside the archwire. The wire is fixed to a crimpable connector having a passageway that receives the archwire. Wall portions surrounding the passageway are deformable in directions toward the passageway in order to non-rotatably couple the device to the archwire. In certain embodiments, a pin having an offset portion is connected to the appliance at a location remote from the attachment device in order to increase free play of the appliance when the patient's jaws are opened.

Abstract: An orthodontic bite jumping device includes a metal cylinder for receiving a telescoping plunger, for attachment to and between the orthodontic braces fixed to a patient's upper and lower teeth to achieve desired movement in otherwise conventional fashion. This appliance is at each end provided with connectors which slidingly interact with the orthodontic braces. A spring is attached between the cylinder and the plunger in a manner which causes the application of relatively consistent pushing forces to the teeth, to achieve desired tooth and jaw movements while buffering the relatively heavy forces that are produced so as not to cause damage to the orthodontic braces or to the appliances which interconnect them. Such forces are applied to and between the orthodontic braces in a substantially horizontal direction, avoiding the application of major forces in a vertical direction as was characteristic of prior bite jumping devices.

Abstract: An orthodontic device is worn in a mouth of a patient and is attached between an upper attachment portion secured to the maxillary teeth and a lower attachment portion secured to the mandibular teeth such that the device is proximal a cheek of the patient. The device is formed from a single flexible resilient spring element having a generally curved body portion where the body portion is defined to lie in a plane relative to a plane defined by the cheek of the patient. The spring element has first and second oppositely disposed end portions where the first end portion is configured to directly attach to the upper attachment portion. The second end portion is configured to directly attach to the lower attachment portion. The spring element produces an applied force between the upper and lower attachment operative to displace the maxillary teeth relative to the mandibular teeth.

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: A two-piece orthodontic appliance used in the treatment of Class III malocclusions. The appliance consists of a maxillary part and a mandibular part each fitted to the patient's teeth and having smooth surfaces that engage each other when in the patient's mouth. The maxillary part covers the palate and has a protruding guide on its inferior surface that extends distally toward the palate. The mandibular part has a groove corresponding to the guide on the upper part so that the two parts are slidably engaged when in place in the patient's mouth. Elastics are combined with the two parts of the appliance to create an antagonistic force between the two parts, which then simultaneously apply an anterior force to the maxilla and a posterior force to the mandible. The appliance thus applies forces that work against Class III development growth vectors to correct or minimize their effect on the patient.

Abstract: An improved appliance for correcting Class II malocclusions with automatic adjustment as tooth movement, bone movement, or both occur. Instead of employing screw adjustments as does much of the prior art, the present invention applies correcting forces by means of a spring which expands through a pre-set, compressed distance. A linkage is employed to increase corrective forces while maintaining a reasonable closure effort. The appliance can be made in a variety of sizes for incorporation of longer or stronger springs as is required by a particular case. The relative positions of the components of the appliance can be reversed so that it can also serve to correct some Class III protrusions as well.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of overbite, said apparatus comprising a first band (12) on the front premolars in the lower jaw and a second band (13) on the front molars in the upper jaw, said bands (12, 13) being connected by a rod (14) consisting of an insertion part (15) which may telescopically slide into a receiving part (16). In order to assemble or disassemble the apparatus the end of the insertion part (15) facing the first band (12) is inserted pivotably into the side face of a first bushing (25) and the receiving part (16) is provided with a tube (19) designed to receive a rod (17) on the insertion part, said tube (19) having an arm (20, 22) which is inserted pivotably into the side face of a second bushing (25, 25a, 25b), and at least one of the two bushings (25, 25a, 25b) is via a pin (34) secured to its band (12, 13) by a laterally of the bushing (25) insertable or removable, respectively, locking ring or a similar device (33).

Abstract: The telescoping mandibular advancing device is an orthodontic appliance used to promote the forward displacement of the lower jaw. The appliance comprises a pair of telescoping devices that attach on one end to the maxillary arch via a modified ball and socket device and on the other end to the mandibular arch via a modified ball and socket device. The modified ball and socket attachments are specifically designed to simplify installation and adjustment of the appliance. The device is also designed to minimize patient discomfort.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a cylinder with a spring urged plunger therein. The spring is compressed when the plunger is moved into the cylinder; and, one end of the cylinder and the extending end of the plunger are attached between the teeth to be moved. The attachments to the teeth allow universal motion so the law is free to move in all directions anatomically possible. To extend between the upper and lower teeth, the cylinder can be slidable within a second cylinder. The second cylinder allows greater extension of the appliance while maintaining the integrity of the appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic coil spring assembly is provided for installment on orthodontic brackets bonded on a patient's teeth for applying interarch tension. The coil spring assembly includes a coil spring and two attachment plates. Each of the attachment plates includes a first end connected with one of the ends of the coil spring, and an opposite second end connectable with an orthodontic bracket. The distance between the first and second ends of each plate is about 6 mm. Each plate also includes a narrowed neck portion between the first and second ends to facilitate deformation of the plate during installation on the brackets. An expandable sheath may be provided for covering the coil spring to inhibit pinching of the patient's cheeks by the coil spring.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic assembly and method is disclosed. The orthodontic assembly includes opposing complementary bite blocks separately mountable utilizing separate mounting assemblies. Preferably, the mounting assembly for at least one of the upper or lower bite blocks of each upper/lower set allows for selective antero-posterior positioning. Each bite block preferably comprises a preformed portion and a formable layer that can be adapted to an occlusal surface for flush mounting thereupon.

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 has a body that is substantially flat and rectangular, with bent end portions that are preferably rounded for purposes of comfort. Each end portion includes an aperture for attachment to the braces associated with the patient's teeth. Preferably, at least one of the apertures of each connecting device is keyed so that upon its attachment 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: The invention relates to an apparatus for the forward displacement of the lower jaw, consisting of a telescoping sliding device with a telescope source (1), which is connected via a ball-and-socket joint (5)with a first anchoring band (10) for anchoring on the teeth of a jaw, and with a telescope sleeve (2), which is connected via a second ball-and-socket joint with a second anchoring band for anchoring on the teeth of the counterjaw.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance to aid in the correction of certain types of malocclusions applies a force within a patient's mouth that urges one jaw of a patient having an overbite or underbit condition relative to the other jaw generally along his or her normal growth axis. The appliance is constructed so that it is stretchable and has a degree of flexibility, and includes end attachment means which enables it to turn or swivel adjacent its anchor points on the upper and lower jaws of the patient. Thus, a patient can wear a pair of appliances with a minimum of discomfort while retaining the ability to talk, chew food and perform normal oral hygiene procedures such as tooth brushing when necessary.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for treating skeletally based dental malocclusions. The orthodontic apparatus includes cooperating upper and lower surface apparatus for causing a mandibular displacement in a desired direction during an act of biting. An adjustment apparatus sets a relative position of the cooperating upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a rod unit pivotally connected with arch wires by hinge members. The rod unit has bearing apertures at both ends. Each hinge member has a cylindrical shaft and a head on one end that is wider than the shaft and integrally former with the shaft. The shaft has an opening extending across its longitudinal axis. The shaft and the head are free of both outer and inner threads. The rod unit is pivotally connected with the arch wire by inserting the shaft of the hinge member into the bearing aperture and inserting the arch wire into the opening in the shaft.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having four tiewings includes a hook which is integrally connected to one of two gingival tiewings. The hook has a mesial notch and a distal notch to provide connection with an elastic member that extends in either direction. The hook also has a flat labial surface for reducing patient discomfort.

Abstract: New orthodontic traction devices that can be pre-assembled or custom assembled in the operatory using connector members consisting of cut lengths of metal spring material or wire rope material uses attachment members each of which has a recess into which the respective end of the spring or rope material is inserted. The attachment member is crimped radially inward to plastically deform the metal into the helical grooves in the connector member external surfaces and thus retain the end; alternatively the end can be secured by brazing or cementing. If spring material is used the attachment member has a central boss which protrudes into the spring. An eyelet attachment member is non-removable from an anchor hook, except by the orthodontist, by making the tongue with the eyelet hole too thick to pass through the hook mouth, while the tongue end-most border portion can pass through, so that the eyelet must be rotated to a required attitude before it can be placed on or removed from the hook.

Abstract: Described is a device to fix or control the mutual position of teeth (6), comprising anchor elements each of which is to be connected by cementing to a tooth (6) and which are connected to one another by means of bars (3), where the anchor elements are designed as rings (2) or ring segments.

Abstract: An orthodontic tensioning device and method of assembly. The device comprises at least one elastic tensioning member and a second tensioning member made of a non-elastic material provided for cooperation with the elastic tensioning member so as to provide a predetermined tensioning member.

Abstract: A telescopic oral orthopedic appliance aligns the upper and lower jaws for treatment of the temporomandibular joint. It includes an extensible-contractable positioning device which extends between and alters the position of the mandible relative to the maxillae. The device is attached to upper and lower sets of teeth by an anchor which is embedded in a pair of opposing channel members which fit over the apex and inwardly and outwardly facing walls of the clinical crowns of a series of adjacent teeth. The length of the device is selectively variable to alter the position of the mandible forward or backward without sudden jumps or the need for removing the appliance from the mouth. The positioning device includes a rod and sleeve assembly with the rod and sleeve being restrained against relative rotation.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a base portion having formed on one side thereof a tooth-abutting surface and a bracket portion defining an archwire slot therein. Two tie-wings project outwardly from the bracket portion and extend along one side of the archwire slot. Two hooked tie-wings extend along the other side of the archwire slot and project outwardly therefrom. Each hooked tie-wing defines on an interior side thereof a hook-shaped surface. The hook-shaped surfaces are provided for mounting auxiliary force transmitting members thereto.

Abstract: An appliance is disclosed for the correction of dental malpositions, and particularly for the distalization of molar teeth. A metal wire arch is fastened to the incisors and canines, and at least one small tube receives a portion of the wire arch which can move freely inside the tube. The tube has a fixed protrusion which is in contact with a coil-spring wound around the tube at one end. The coil-spring engages a sleeve fastened onto a metal band which is fitted to a malpositioned molar tooth. At the other end, the tube is provided with a hook-shaped projection. An inter-maxillary rubber band engages the hook and a similar hook-projection fastened to a molar of the antagonist jaw. The appliance is of the intra-oral and non-movable type, which is used to carry out a functional treatment which is similar to biological and natural rhythms. This device uses the muscular force that the patient exerts in order to tense the inter-maxillary elastic, when talking or chewing.

Abstract: A telescopic oral orthopedic appliance aligns the upper and lower jaws for treatment of the temporomandibular joint. It includes an extensible-contractable positioning device which extends between and alters the position of the mandible relative to the maxillae. The device is attached to upper and lower sets of teeth by an anchor which is embedded in a pair of opposing channel members which fit over the apex and inwardly and outwardly facing walls of the clinical crowns of a series of adjacent teeth. The extensible-contractable device fits closely against the channel member to avoid rubbing the buccal mucosa of the wearer's mouth. The length of the device is selectively variable to alter the position of the mandible forward or backward without sudden jumps or the need for removing the appliance from the mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus using an elastic member having a first and second portion fixed to anchor points which are selectively placed on anchor teeth, both anchor teeth being in the same selected dental arch and both anchor teeth on the same buccal or lingual face of the selected arch, or on the same selected posterior or anterior face of each anchor tooth. The elastic member is operative to engage and exert muscle balance, alter forces selectively either to lingual or buccal faces of the dental arches. The elastic member comprises polymer tube portions joined by bifurcated fixtures.

Abstract: A quick-release maxillo-mandibular splint for patient jaw stabilization which includes a plurality of interfitting maxillary and mandibular connector plates which are adapted to be anchored in immovable relation with selected teeth of the patient. Each of the connector plates defines one or more connector elements which may be of tubular form and which are capable of being disposed in interengaging, aligned relation. A locking element such as a locking archwire is positioned with end portions thereof extending through the aligned tubular connector elements of the connector plates to thus retain the connector plates in immovable assembly to thus retain the jaw of the patient in properly occluded, immovable relation with the maxillary dental arch. In the event of an emergency requiring release of the maxillo-mandibular splint, the locking archwire is simply and efficiently forced from the tubular connector elements of the connector plates to thus permit movement of the patient's jaw.

Abstract: A functional orthopedic magetic appliance (FOMA) for correcting sagittal disproportions of the jaws in the form of skeletal malocclusions occurring when one jaw jets further outward anteriorly than the other jaw; and may also be used when the sagittal imbalance is associated with vertical jaw relationship problems to correct an accompanied open bite or deep bite. The FOMA includes at least one pair of anterior magnetic units in attractive orientation, with an upper magnetic unit secured to the upper jaw and a lower magnetic unit secured to the lower jaw. The anterior magnetic unit can be placed labial or lingual to the dental arch. The magnetic unit associated with the forward extending jaw is positioned anterior or forward of the other magnetic unit when the mouth is open and almost no attractive force is operating.

Abstract: A functional orthodontic appliance which includes permanent magnets embedded in the upper and lower acrylic positioning parts normally positioned behind the incisor teeth of the patient. The magnets are of opposite polarity on the top and bottom parts and positioned so as to influence movement of the patient's mandible into a vertical bite plane. The appliance may also include positioning wires and springs for promoting back tooth eruption corresponding to the change in the bite plane, and lateral expansion screws to promote mouth arch expansion.

Abstract: An orthodontic device for use in applying a constant calibrated force to certain teeth or groups of teeth so as to cause the teeth to change position within the mouth over a period of time. The device includes a spring module having a telescope mechanism with inner plunger portion and outer tube portion, and with a calibrated compression coil spring concentrically positioned on the inner plunger portion within the tube portion. The telescope plunger is of a bent arm configuration to assist in providing clearance relative to other installed orthodontic means. A notch is provided in the forward inner wall of the telescope tube to assist in controlling operation of the spring. A bifurcated yoke on the plunger end and a ball and socket type anchor pin on the tube end are employed to secure the device to brace wires mounted on the teeth of a patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for moving molars in a backward direction or achieving controlled slippage in a forward direction is described. The appliance provides improved installation, adjustment and retention features which are based on in-place crimping techniques.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for correcting an overbite or underbite condition is disclosed. The appliance comprises one or a pair of flexible members which are attached at opposite ends to the upper and lower jaws of a patient. The end attachments allow the members to swivel freely and the members to bend when the patient is chewing, talking or cleaning his or her teeth, but when the patient is relaxed, the appliance members tend to straighten and apply a small but continuous force generally along the normal growth direction for a human jaw to overcome the abnormality being treated.

Abstract: Both fixed and removable functional appliances are disclosed employing magnets to provide the requisite force for accomplishing Class II malocclusion correction. Magnets are employed buccally and/or lingually, either operating in sliding or shearing mode or with the inter-pole gap inclined mesio-distally to develop an effective horizontal force component. Long thin rectangular magnets are incorporated bilaterally and inclined mesio-distally in the tooth capping sections of functional type base structures overlying the occlusal surface. Curved or angled straight magnets are located in anterior flanges of functional type base structures for developing horizontal thrust on the mandible. A number of closed magnetic circuits using either low reluctance keepers or shaped magnets are described for providing either increased force or travel or both.

Abstract: A novel intraoral orthodontic appliance for correcting an abnormal jaw condition, or malocclusion, in a patient. The appliance includes an elongate interjaw-force-transferring member having ends which terminate in generally parallel, coplanar closeable loops, with the loops being generally parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the member. A pair of attachment rings are fixed to teeth in different jaws. The loops extend through the attachment rings and are retained therein in a manner providing pivoting of the loops about an axis generally parallel with the plane of the loops. Such construction permits lateral and pivotable movement between the jaws, thereby allowing the patient to eat and speak without interference from the appliance, while still correcting the abnormal jaw condition. The loops may be easily attached to the rings by hooking them on and closing them around the rings with a tool such as a pair of pliers.

Abstract: An orthodontic device includes an upper jaw thrust plate and a lower jaw thrust plate. These plates are connected to the teeth and are provided in the front teeth region with activating rods and slideways respectively, cooperating to effect a sagittal displacement of the jaws relative to each other. Two treatment stages are to be combined and an optimum result of the treatment within a reduced time is to be ensured. The upper or lower jaw thrust plate includes two sections, which are connected by a jackscrew mechanism, to which the activating rods are secured.

Abstract: A kit is provided containing magnetic modules, attachment wire and a set of gages. The modules are rectangular prismatic formed from a cobalt-samarium alloy, covered with a chlorinated poly-p-xylene coating or stainless steel and jacketed in stainless steel with orthogonally related passages on opposite sides having rectangular cross-sections for receiving with a snug fit the rectangular cross-section attachment wire formed by welding together two lengths of standard edgewise wire. The gages provide means for spacing the modules when the latter are incorporated in an appliance.Appliances are illustrated for accomplishing a variety of orthodontic procedures. The construction of the modules and attachment wire permits construction of appliances where the modules are constrained in the jaw closed in centric condition to translate parallel to their respective pole faces in a "sliding" fashion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dental appliance which can be used to produce backward molar movement when desirable in orthodontic treatment, to control forward movement of molars and adjacent teeth and to stabilize molars and adjacent teeth against forward movement when these teeth are being used as anchoring points.

Abstract: Attachment of a Herbst mechanism to the maxillary arch by use of a headgear tube is disclosed. A shaft of a length greater than that of the tube passes completely through the tube so as to project both mesially and distally from the tube. The connection of the Herbst mechanism is to that portion of the shaft which projects distally from the tube. A stop is disposed on the shaft mesial of the tube to forcefully bear against the tube with a distally directed force when corrective force is being developed by the appliance. The stop in its preferred embodiment comprises an adjustable locking device which is selectively positionable on the shaft to set the amount of distal extension of the point of connection of the Herbst mechanism from the tube and thereby limit the distal movement of the lower arch and/or jaw.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for jaw correction comprises positioning structure operatively disposed between the upper and lower arches for correcting the condition. The invention relates to improvements operatively relating the positioning structure to the respective arches.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for correcting an abnormal, Class II malocclusion. In the latter the mandible and its teeth are posteriorly displaced resulting in improper biting and impaired physical appearance. An adjustable bar attached in each side of the mouth to upper and lower molars is used to join the upper and lower rows of teeth. The point of attachment to the lower row of teeth is somewhat forward of the corresponding point in the upper row so that the lower jaw is forced forward when the mouth is closed. In adolescents, and to some extent in adults, this produces permanent muscle changes of the lower jaw and its joint, bone remodeling and permanent correction of the occlusion to a normal Class I bite. The appliance uses no telescoping sections, is easily manufactured and is readily adjustable during installation and wearing.

Abstract: An orthodontic bite jumping device for attachment to orthodontic brace wires affixed to the teeth of the upper and lower jaw of a patient for treatment of overbite. The device includes, for each side of the jaw, a telescope mechanism which is mounted at either end on a respective trunnion member affixed to a brace wire located on the upper and lower teeth. Each trunnion member has a radial slot adjacent the inner end for receiving one of the brace wires. The connection between at least one of the ends of the telescope mechanism and the respective trunnion is such as to provide looseness or "play" in the interaction thereof, making the device more flexible and resilient and thus more durable within the mouth, while at the same time maximizing the comfort of the patient.

Abstract: In a double screw where the four screws bearing activator parts are connected by a web, versatility of employment and tongue clearance are improved in that the web is of bipartite construction and its parts are interconnected by a joint whose axis of swing is parallel to the axes of the screws, the adjusted swing position of the web parts being fixable.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for jaw correction comprises positioning structure operatively disposed between the upper and lower sets of teeth for correcting the condition. The invention relates to improvements operatively relating the positioning structure to the respective sets of teeth.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orthodontic appliance for exerting a corrective magnetic force on live teeth in a patient's mouth. The appliance includes two separate rigid caps having internal shapes conforming to the crown portions of juxtaposed teeth in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. The caps are adapted to be removably frictionally secured to such teeth. Two permanent magnets carried by the two caps, respectively, have facing poles which are in registry when the mouth is normally closed and further exert a magnetic force in a direction substantially normal to the occlusal plane. The poles are of extended area such that at least portions thereof remain in juxtaposed registry and the magnetic force maintains substantially in the same direction for normal relative jaw movement.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for improving or correcting the overbite and overjet of persons having an abnormal, Class II relationship between the maxillary (upper jaw) and mandibular (lower jaw) bones and their respective teeth, where the mandible and its teeth are posteriorly displaced. Two hinges with telescoping members are used to join an upper molar and lower molar on both sides of the mouth. The point of attachment of each lower hinge is somewhat forward on the lower molar than the corresponding point on the upper molar when the appliance is installed so that closure of the mouth forces the lower jaw forward. In children, and adults to a limited extent, this produces permanent, "muscle-resting length" changes and also induces growth and changes of the lower jaw and its joint. As a result, there is a permanent correction of the occlusions to a normal, Class I bite after the appliance is worn for a period of time.

Abstract: A rigid grommet-like end-connector device for use with an end of one or more elastomeric, orthodontic, tension-applying chains of the kind having a string of plural, endless, stretchable loops. The device is primarily useful in intermaxillary-type orthodontic applications, where long-term uninterrupted usage is desired, and where it is important to provide a solid wear-resistant attaching structure for the ends of the force-applying elastomer unit. The proposed device significantly expands the utility of currently available orthodontic chains of the type generally mentioned, by permitting plural strands of these chains to be connected in parallel, so-to-speak, both to amplify force-transmission capabilities, and to enhance longevity of effective performance life.

Abstract: A patient-usable orthodontic device for carrying, dispensing and installing intraoral tension-applying devices of the type including a pair of spaced endless loops which are intended for catching onto spaced hooks secured to tooth bands or the like in a patient's mouth. The device includes a molded elastomer portion having a body, and a plurality of tension-applying devices severably joined to the body. Formed in the body is a projecting finger, the outer end of which carries a rigid catch designed to aid in the installation of a tension-applying device which has been severed from the body.