Abstract: An orthodontic instrument is provided to permit the application of arch wire retaining elastic annular ligatures to orthodontic brackets on the labial surface of the teeth of a patient. The instrument includes a disposable cartridge which is loaded with a stack of the annular elastic ligatures, and which serves as a dispenser member, a housing for receiving the cartridge, a spring-biased pusher member slidably mounted in the housing and engaging the rear ligature of the stack to push the stack toward the forward end of the cartridge, so that the forward ligature moves along an enlarged end portion of the cartridge, a plurality of push rods extending along the cartridge under the ligatures with the ends of the push rods engaging the forward ligature, and release means for moving the cartridge reciprocally with respect to the housing so that the forward ligature may be forced over the enlarged end of the cartridge by the push rods each time the instrument is operated.

Abstract: An orthodontic hand tool is provided for inserting elastic ligatures into arch wire support brackets and tubes which are positioned on the lingual side of a patient's teeth. The hand tool includes a tubular housing which has a U-shape, so that when the housing is inserted into the mouth of the patient, the end of the housing may be placed against the lingual surface of a patient's tooth.

Abstract: A method for producing a bend comprising a plurality of curvatures of square steel wire for tooth regulation by means of a loop bending pliers, wherein the wire is secured against torsion about its longitudinal axis in a holding device during curving. This is done by a wire holder having a guide bore which is open at both ends and the cross sectional outline of which is adapted exactly to the cross sectional outline of the wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic band and band seating tool therefor includes a seamless tubular band dimensioned to closely encircle a tooth. The band is provided with a plurality of integrally formed protrusions spaced thereabout with the integrally formed protrusions having an engagement surface adapted to cooperate with the band seating tool during the installation of the band about the tooth. The band seating tool provides an elongated handle and a seating element rotatably affixed to one end of the elongated handle, the seating element having a surface for cooperating with the engagement surface of the integrally formed protrusions.