Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to orthodontic appliances. In some embodiments, an orthodontic appliance comprises a main body portion including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposite the second end, the main body portion comprising a first orthodontic device, wherein the first orthodontic device is configured to be bonded to a first tooth of a patient's mouth, and wherein the first orthodontic device is located to proximal the first end, and an eyelet, wherein the eyelet is located proximal to the second end, and a second orthodontic device, wherein the second orthodontic device is configured to be bonded to a second tooth of the patient's mouth, wherein the second orthodontic device includes a protrusion, and wherein the protrusion is located within the eyelet during use in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental aligner apparatus is comprised of a bar, a rotatable end member, a slidable end member, and a spring member. The bar includes a first end member and a second end member. The rotatable end member is disposed at a first end of the bar and coupled to the first end member. The slidable end member is disposed at a second end of the bar and coupled to the second end member. The spring member is disposed between the rotatable end member and the slidable end member and coupled to the first and second end members.

Abstract: A dental blank positioning device for positioning a dental blank holder within a manufacturing apparatus, the device capable of securing to a dental blank around its circumferential perimeter and comprising an interior side corresponding to the dental blank and an exterior side generally corresponding to a dental blank holder, an index element extending outwardly of the exterior side, whereby a portion of the index element may rest against an index chamber of a blank holder.

Abstract: An orthodontics cover shields a patient's mouth from orthodontic appliances. The orthodontics cover comprises an arched shaped strip that has a protective outer perimeter to shield the patient's mouth. The strip has an inner perimeter having a longitudinally extending channel. The channel is formed on the inner perimeter of the strip, between opposed longitudinal ends. The channel covers the exterior surface of the patient's orthodontics appliances, such as braces or wires. The opposed longitudinal ends of the strip have lateral side flanges that cover an end portion of the patient's orthodontics appliances, such as the end of an orthodontics wire, to prevent engagement with the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Orthodontic apparatus for placing elastic band over dental brace comprising a monolithic/unibody tool and a housing. The tool comprises an upper guide defining upper guide groove, a lower guide defining lower guide groove, a band interfacing surface, a hook portion defined below the band interfacing surface, a trunk portion and band storage post. The elastic band is operable to be received around the band interfacing surface and the hook portion. The lower guide groove allows for the elastic band to be operably released onto any one among multiple dental brace hooks. The upper guide allows for the elastic band to be operably received in the upper guide groove to enable the elastic band to be manoeuvred and released onto another of the dental brace hooks.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a segmental distalization device that includes an elongate bar having a distal end and a mesial end, a distal base on the distal end of the elongate bar, a mesial base on the mesial end of the elongate bar, and an attachment member attached to at least one of the elongate bar, the distal base, and the mesial base. In some embodiments, the attachment member is operable to connect the segmental distalization device to an anchor via an elastic connector.

Abstract: A problem is to provide an orthodontic implant device that can be easily prepared, and can extend a range of selection of materials forming an extension arm. A solution is the orthodontic implant device having: a pair of anchor members 10 which are fixed to a palate M1; a bridge member 20 arranged so as to link places between the pair of anchor members 10; an arrangement member 30 arranged in the bridge member 20; and an extension arm 40 to move teeth M2. The arrangement member 30 has a fixing portion 31 for fixing the extension arm 40, and a wire-shaped projection portion for arranging the fixing portion 31 in the bridge member 20.

Abstract: An accessory allows for straight archwires to be converted to looped archwires. The accessory has an archwire receiving channel which is defined between a first elongated coupling member and a second elongated coupling member. The archwire receiving channel is used for crimping the accessory to an existing archwire. An elastically deformable bridge, connected between the first elongated coupling member and the second elongated coupling member, imparts retraction or protraction once activated. The elastically deformable bridge is formed from one or more segments. Curved segments and linear segments are possible, which can be combined to form various shapes, for example omega loops and mushroom shapes. The first coupling member and the second coupling member have an angled lower portion and upper portion to facilitate engagement with existing archwires. Anchoring notches can also be used in conjunction with elastic bands for enhanced orthodontic corrections.

Abstract: An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

Abstract: A tooth positioner is combined with a vibrational source, thus speeding orthodontic remodeling. In more detail, the device includes a tooth positioner shaped to closely fit a patient's dentition and apply a straightening force to at least one of said patient's teeth, the tooth positioner contacting labial, lingual and occlusal surfaces of said patient's dentition, the tooth positioner operably connected to a housing enclosing a power source operably connected to a vibratory source, the vibratory source being able to vibrate, thus vibrating the tooth positioner. Methods of using the positioner-vibrator combination are also disclosed.

Abstract: A curable orthodontic FFM resin rope appliance connecting orthodontic anchoring and custom appliances affixed to teeth, TADs and/or tooth positioning appliances, which serve in moving and stabilization if teeth by connecting said appliances and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. The FFM resin rope appliance is moldable and adaptable to the oral cavity and positioned to be secured between any type of fasteners including mechanical fasteners, which accept the FFM resin rope in an uncured first mode where the FFM resin rope is cut to length, positioned around the anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners and/or flex fit wafers FFW(s) at each or one end. Once connected together the FFM resin rope is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to accept orthodontic forces to hold or move teeth.

Abstract: A vibrating dental device vibrates a specific tooth in a dentition attached with a bracket, a wire or a mouthpiece as an orthodontic appliance. The vibrating dental device includes a vibration source, a connector connected to the orthodontic appliance, and a vibration transmitter, which transmits vibration generated by the vibration source to the connector. The connector is detachably attached to the orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: An oral illumination apparatus configured for placement in a mouth. The oral illumination apparatus includes a housing configured to be coupled to a structure in the mouth. The housing including a processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the housing and configured to detect a characteristic from within the mouth, wherein the sensor provides a feedback signal indicative of the characteristic to the processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus includes a light source coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the processing circuit. The oral illumination apparatus further includes a power source coupled to the housing. The processing circuit is configured to control the light source in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: A connector for orthodontic arch-wires which comprises a body that has two axial seats, each for an end of the wires that can be inserted therein, the two seats being divided by a partition that protrudes inside the body, a grip element for an elastically deformable element being able to be associated with the body.

Abstract: An archwire assembly comprises an archwire with a crimpable sleeve adapted to slidably move along the archwire so as to be positioned between two adjacent brackets of orthodontic braces. The archwire assembly further includes a stop applied to the archwire and adapted to limit the movement of the sleeve along the archwire. The stop may include removable stops where the sleeve is movable along the archwire between the stops. The removable stops may be movable along the archwire with the application of a sufficient force. The stop may also include a friction-creating substance applied to either the sleeve or the archwire such that it takes a sufficient force to move the sleeve along the archwire. The stop may also include a partially crimped sleeve applied to the archwire such that it takes a sufficient force to move the sleeve along the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic correction system is disclosed for correcting Class II malocclusions, Class III malocclusions, dental asymmetries and/or dental related skeletal anomalies wherein the patient's dentition is permanent or near permanent. The correction system attaches to a patient's dentition via a novel orthodontic appliance that is affixed to, e.g., pre-installed upper and lower archwires. The correction system includes one or more adjustable length assemblies each of whose ends pivotally attach to a patient's preinstalled maxillary and mandibular archwires.

Abstract: A handle for releasably retaining tubular sleeve-like crimpable stops is disclosed. The handle includes an elongated body with opposed ends and at least one receptacle positioned at one end of the body. The receptacle has an inside surface and defines an entry opening. The receptacle may be configured to mechanically retain the stop, or the stop may be releasably bonded to the receptacle by sticky substances like wax, any suitable adhesive or techniques such as heat bonding. The handle is molded from plastic in a color contrasting with the oral environment, such as orange. The handle aids in handling and positioning crimpable stops during installation of archwire assemblies in the oral environment. A stop retained in the disclosed handle is highly visible and can be handled without tools.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and a method for orthodontic torquing. For the various embodiments, a pliers for crimping coils of an orthodontic torquing spring to an arch wire includes: a pair of plier halves, each of the plier halves including a handle, a jaw, and a pivot section, each of the jaws including a crimping face defined by a distal edge having a length in a range of 200 percent to 400 percent of a diameter of the orthodontic spring, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, the edges defmed by a radius of curvature in a range of 0.1 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters, a textured surface on at least one of the crimping faces to frictionally engage the coil of the orthodontic spring, and a pivot joint connecting the pivot sections of the pair of plier halves such that the handles can be manipulated to cause the crimping faces of the jaws to move together to crimp a coil of the orthodontic torquing spring to the arch wire.

Abstract: Methods and devices utilizing a dental appliance for dental retainer wire attachment are disclosed. One such wire attachment appliance includes a shell having one or more cavities formed therein and shaped to receive one or more teeth, at least two wire attachment members provided on the shell, and at least one attachment material reservoir provided on the shell, wherein the attachment material is provided to attach a wire to a tooth adjacent to a particular reservoir of the at least one attachment material reservoir.

Abstract: A safety attachment for application to orthodontic wire in the mouth of a patient comprises a safe-end portion to be crimped onto the orthodontic wire, which once in place on the wire has no sharp edges. The safety attachment comprises upper and lower portions secured to each other by a hinge. One or both of the inner surfaces of the attachment may be textured to improve grip on the wire. The safety attachment may include means for retention by application pliers. Pliers designed for application of a safety attachment have upper and lower beaks, wherein the upper beak includes means to crimp the safe-end portion onto an orthodontic wire and the lower beak includes means to retain the safety attachment prior to applying the safe-end portion to the wire and after application release the safe-end portion leaving it in place on the wire in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontic gripping device having a body made of a superelastic metal alloy, cold worked titanium beta III, or solution heat treated and aged titanium beta III. The body has first and second, spaced apart arm portions connected to each other. Each arm portion includes a jaw portion having an inner, arch wire-gripping, surface. The inner gripping surfaces are disposed opposite one another in spaced relation with a station defined therebetween for receiving the arch wire. At least a portion of the station is sized smaller than the arch wire. The arm portions are resiliently deflectable outwardly away from each other to admit the arch wire into the station. Once seated in the station, the arch wire is tightly held by inner gripping surfaces so as to resist displacement of the gripping device relative to the arch wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic correction system is disclosed for correcting Class II malocclusions, Class III malocclusions, dental asymmetries and/or dental related skeletal anomalies wherein the patient's dentition is permanent or near permanent. The correction system attaches to a patient's dentition via a novel orthodontic appliance that is affixed to, e.g., pre-installed upper and lower archwires. The correction system includes one or more adjustable length assemblies each of whose ends pivotally attach to a patient's preinstalled maxillary and mandibular archwires.

Abstract: A fixing device (1; 20) for orthodontic devices comprising; a screw (2; 44) complete with an operating head (3; 42) with longitudinal slots (4; 45) for the insertion of orthodontic devices and a threaded shank (5) designed to be screwed inside the patient's oral cavity; means for fixing orthodontic devices contained inside the operating head (3; 42). The fixing means comprise a shaped body (6) engaging inside a recess (7; 47) in the operating head (3; 42) and revolvable inside the recess (7; 47). The shaped body (6) has a through opening (8) for the insertion of the orthodontic device and opposing means that anchor the orthodontic device to the operating head (3; 42) when the shaped body (6) is rotated inside the recess (7; 47) after the orthodontic device has been inserted in the through opening (8) and in the longitudinal slots (4; 45).

Abstract: A safety attachment (A; B; C; D; E; F) is specifically designed for application to orthodontic wire (3) in the mouth of a patient. The safety attachment comprises a safe-end portion (6; 6*; 6?; 6??; 6??; 6) to be crimped onto the orthodontic wire, which once in place on the wire has no sharp edges. The safety attachment comprises upper and lower portions (12, 13) secured to each other by a hinge (10). One or both of the inner surfaces of the attachment (11a, 11b) may be textured to improve grip on the wire. The safety attachment may also include means for retention (9; 26; 38; 40) by application pliers. Pliers specifically designed for application of a safety attachment are also described.

Abstract: A handle for releasably retaining tubular sleeve-like crimpable stops is disclosed. The handle includes an elongated body with opposed ends and at least one receptacle positioned at one end of the body. The receptacle has an inside surface and defines an entry opening. The receptacle may be configured to mechanically retain the stop, or the stop may be releasably bonded to the receptacle by sticky substances like wax, any suitable adhesive or techniques such as heat bonding. The handle is molded from plastic in a color contrasting with the oral environment, such as orange. The handle aids in handling and positioning crimpable stops during installation of archwire assemblies in the oral environment. A stop retained in the disclosed handle is highly visible and can be handled without tools.

Abstract: A system to manufacture orthodontic appliances, program product, and associated methods are provided. An embodiment of a system can include a virtual orthodontic appliance design computer having orthodontic appliance design program product provided to design a virtual dimensional representation of an orthodontic appliance including bracket bodies and bracket pads, and a mold apparatus positioned to form each bracket body and bracket pad. The system also includes a data processing computer including computer-aided manufacturing program product provided to derive electrical discharge device control instructions including a virtual dimensional representation of a bracket slot in the bracket, and an electrical discharge machining apparatus. The electrical discharge machining apparatus can include a controller including control program product to derive a control signal carrying the electrical discharge device control instructions and an electrical discharge device.

Abstract: A crimp stop is made of a U-shaped cross-section member made of a metal material, the member being annealed to soften the metal material. The crimp stop can be made by a process for including forming a metal material into a member having a U-shaped cross-section, annealing the member by heating, and cooling the annealed member to soften the metal material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic screw implant comprising an elongated body, which has a thread for anchoring in a jaw bone and carries a polygon head having on an end face two slots which cross in a recess which has a diameter that is at least twice the width of the slots.

Abstract: A self-adjusting apparatus for moving an impacted tooth, wherein said apparatus is comprised a locking mechanism, an archwire disposed within said locking mechanism, and a ligature movably connected to said locking mechanism.

Abstract: An archwire assembly comprises an archwire with a crimpable sleeve adapted to slidably move along the archwire so as to be positioned between two adjacent brackets of orthodontic braces. The archwire assembly further includes a stop applied to the archwire and adapted to limit the movement of the sleeve along the archwire. The stop may include removable stops where the sleeve is movable along the archwire between the stops. The removable stops may be movable along the archwire with the application of a sufficient force. The stop may also include a friction-creating substance applied to either the sleeve or the archwire such that it takes a sufficient force to move the sleeve along the archwire. The stop may also include a partially crimped sleeve applied to the archwire such that it takes a sufficient force to move the sleeve along the archwire.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthodontic facebow of the type having an inner bow consisting of two inner arms, each including an end portion, and an interconnected outer bow consisting of outer arms, characterized in that the free end portions of each inner arm is split and fitted with a ratchet type enlargement so as to allow it to be easily inserted into a tube connected to a band affixed to a tooth, while preventing disengagement therefrom without the enlargements being squeezed together.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus having a tube shaped attachment. A wire is threaded through the attachment, the wire having a shape whereby it can generate torsional forces on the attachment. The attachment may be secured to either a primary bracket which is secured to a tooth or to a primary wire. Either the primary arch wire can be used in conjunction with the attachment or a secondary wire can be used in addition to a primary wire. By way of this arrangement, forces can be generated along and around all three major axes.

Abstract: A lingual archwire forming appliance for adapting a wire to the lingual surfaces of a patient's teeth during the construction of a bonded lingual archwire retainer. The appliance is composed of a handle attached to an arch-formed wire. The combination of the handle and curved archwire are useful in fitting a bonded lingual archwire directly in a patient's mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic attachment device connects an intra-oral appliance to other orthodontic components in the oral cavity. The attachment device is particularly useful for telescoping-type interarch appliances that tend to reposition one dental arch relative to the other dental arch. The attachment device includes a first section that is non-rotatably connected to an archwire, and a second section that has an opening. The opening of the second section pivotally receives a coupler of the interarch appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic interarch device includes a recurve bend located adjacent a shepherd's hook or loop-type attachment that makes the anterior end of the device rotate downwardly rather than upwardly when force is applied. As the person's jaws move, a cam action against the archwire is produced that does not allow the hook or loop attachment end of the device to move above the horizontal plane of the bite as the connection rotates. The recurve bend should be a minimum of 120 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the interarch device in the backward direction. As the degree of this backward curvature approaches 210 degrees, the recurve bend further positions a hook attachment pivot point below axis of the body of the interarch device in the vertical plane. This further prevents the appliance from rotating into the bite.

Abstract: The protective element includes a flexible, cotton flannel base portion and a wax portion which impregnates the base portion to produce a combination article, wherein the wax portion is formulated so that the combination article is sufficiently flexible to prevent the wax portion from cracking away from the base portion at room temperature, and further such that the flexibility of the article increases sufficiently when the article is warmed by placement in the mouth to permit conforming application of the article to the dental appliance, and further such that the article remains in place against the dental appliance during use.

Abstract: The orthodontic appliance for correction of Class II or III malocclusions attaches to the maxillary arch on an archwire adjacent to the first molar and to the mandibular arch on an archwire in the cuspid or bicuspid area, and applies a low continuous force through the use of two plunger piston type devices, whether the mouth is open or closed. Dual acting piston cylinders are connected together, with first and second piston connecting rods extending in opposing directions from the piston cylinders. A first mounting element is provided at the exterior end of the first piston connecting rod for mounting the first piston connecting rod to at least one of the maxillary teeth, and a second mounting element is provided at the exterior end of the second piston connecting rod for mounting the second piston connecting rod to at least one of the mandibular teeth, for providing a continuous biasing force between the maxillary and mandibular teeth for treatment of malocclusions.

Abstract: An orthodontic dental distractor was invented for rapid orthodontic tooth movement and leveling treatment. The molars at two side of patients teeth are mounted respectively with a barrel band which fastens to a steel wire which in turn engages with the brackets adhered to the front teeth like a conventional orthodontic treatment does. However the dental distractor further includes a front joint member which has a holding member to engages with one end of the steel wire, a rear joint member which has a hook to engage with the barrel band and a screw bar which engage with the front end and rear joint member. Turning the screw bar, the front joint member will be moved toward the rear joint member for pulling or pushing the bracket, consequently moving the front teeth toward or away from the molar for leveling the teeth.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for preventing grinding of the upper and lower teeth of a person wearing braces. The apparatus provides a bite guard adapted to prevent grinding of the teeth of a person wearing braces, the bite guard comprising a U-shaped base having a first surface, a second surface, a U-shaped inner side, and a U-shaped outer side, and a width at least as wide as the person's teeth, and a plurality of flexible hooks attached to the outer side and projecting at a first selected angle relative to a direction normal to the first surface. The method provides a way for preventing dental grinding of occlusal surfaces of a patient wearing braces, the method comprising positioning a bite guard between the occlusal surfaces of the patient's upper and lower teeth, and attaching the insert to the patient's braces on the upper or lower teeth.

Abstract: Orthodontic attachment means according to this invention comprises a ram which is an integral part of a plunger assembly, the ram being movable by means of a spring, a slotted cylinder rotatably attached to the ram, an aperture formed in the slotted cylinder, slot formed in the slotted cylinder and extending from the aperture, a base interconnected to a patient's teeth, a sphere integrally joined to the base by means of a neck, the sphere being dimensionally configured so as to be passable through the aperture, and the neck being slidable within the slot so as to interconnect the base and the slotted cylinder.

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

Abstract: An orthodontic elastomeric appliance with a polymer coating that becomes slippery when wetted, and a method of making the appliance which comprises the steps of forming an appliance of elastomeric material and coating the appliance with a polymer film capable of making the appliance slippery when wetted.

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: An attachment device useful during the course of orthodontic treatment couples an interarch appliance to brackets and/or to archwires placed in the oral cavity. The attachment device includes a wire segment that crosses over a labial side of an archwire in order to enable a coupler of the interarch appliance to slide past the archwire as the patient's jaws are opened. The attachment device increases the range of free sliding motion of the interarch appliance and reduces the amount of stress that might be otherwise imposed on the appliance, on the brackets and/or the archwires as the patient's jaws are opened. The attachment device is particularly suitable for use with Class II correction appliances including elongated, resilient force modules that have an inherent bias toward a normally straight orientation.

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: A guard for teeth having braces having lateral connectors therebetween comprises: an upper shield having an exterior wall adapted to encircle a person's teeth in their upper jaw; and, a lower shield having an exterior wall adapted to encircle a person's teeth in their lower jaw, said said shields extending downwardly generally the length of the teeth, and then across the biting surface of the teeth, and then partially along an inward length of the teeth. The shields have spaced hooks for positioning which are adapted to extend inwardly to the teeth and along an inward side portion of the lateral connectors between the braces. The hooks are adapted to extend from a top portion of the upper shield over and behind the connectors so that the shield will stay positioned on the teeth when a user opens their mouth and from a bottom portion of the lower sheild under and behind the connectors.

Abstract: A mouth shield system configured to protect the lips and tongue of a user from an installed orthodontic appliance, dental work, or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a strip formed from a light material such as, for example, mesh gauze, impregnated and surrounded by a plastic material such as, for example, dental wax or the like, the strip laminated on one outer side with a cover of, for example, cling wrap or the like. The strip is of an adequate width to envelope the raised portion of a dental appliance or other dental work, and of sufficient length preferably to cover the length of the appliance or dental work. In use, the user cuts the strip to the desired length so as to envelop the bracket and/or wire of the appliance, applying pressure to the strip and manipulating same so that it wraps about the exterior of the brackets, so as to allow the malleable properties of the strip to engage the brackets and retain the strip to same.

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.